I’m Singaporean and my wife’s Japanese. Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that I would find it difficult to eke out a living as an EFL teacher in Japan, I would choose Japan, hands down.

Life is just more colourful and vibrant there.
I think the greatest minus point is that the Japanese economy is experiencing the pits, so forging a career as an expat is fraught with difficulties. But let’s say you speak fluent Japanese and boast a skill set that is in demand, Japan will wow you because:

• it’s largely an agricultural country and farmers and fishermen take great pains to make their produce
• it has four seasons, and its sublime scenery juxtaposed against historic landmarks will satiate your wanderlust
• people are generally honest and sincere, which makes them easy to live and work with. And let me tell you, let the Japanese have a couple of drinks and soon, you will be karaoking with them at the top of your lungs
• its cultural festivals are boisterous and fun
• its thorough attention to detail, which will brighten up even the most mundane experience
• its penchant for punctuality, which helps you know what to expect.
• people are hardworking to a fault but are generally less money-minded than us Singaporeans. Their intrinsic motivation and adherence to ikigai are rather nice to witness.

Ya I love Japan ❤️