Mistakes that many make when trying for a life in Japan

The idea of leaving everything behind and trying a new life in Japan crosses the minds of many Brazilians, especially descendants of Japanese immigrants. Before taking that step, you need to look at it calmly. Ask yourself: Will I work too much? Will I be able to make enough money? Will I be able to adapt to the culture? Here we look at mistakes people make when they try life in Japan.

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Thinking that life in Japan will be beautiful and wonderful

Living in Japan is good and has its advantages. But people forget that all countries have their problems and flaws. Some things run better, others worse. Some people get through the hard parts, others do not.

Don't think that when you get there everything will be perfect! Our minds tend to create illusions and desires, thinking that the neighbor's grass is always greener. What we should do is analyze whether we will be prepared to endure the problems of living abroad, such as:

• Being away from family;
• Working hard and repetitively;
• A different culture;
• Enduring social pressures and prejudice;
• The barrier of learning a new language;

Of course, despite the problems, we should think about the benefits of living in Japan, such as safety, honesty, hospitality, purchasing power, and others. Personally, just for the safety and culture, I am willing to face all the problems, and you?

Thinking that you will get rich in Japan and return to Brazil

Many go to Japan with the idea of getting rich, saving money, and returning to Brazil. In the past, during the dekasegi wave of the 1980s and 1990s, that was more realistic for Nikkei from Brazil: the wage gap was large, overtime was easy to find, and money sent home added up. Today it is harder. Living costs in Japan and in Brazil have gone up, and a yen paycheck that looks high in reais often goes entirely to rent, food, commuting, and taxes. For a sober comparison, read the article on the cost of living in Japan.

A person should move to Japan thinking about having a good life there! Unfortunately, most go with the intention of making money, end up working too much, not enjoying or having fun, and then start to complain and blame Japan. Don't try to work too much or save like a madman, and don't spend all your income on frivolous things that hinder your social life.

Not leaving the comfort zone

Many keep the same routine and become more unhappy. A person should always look for different paths, do different things, look for different sources of income. Some just want to arrive in Japan, work, sleep, and spend. These people end up not learning the language, not looking for another job or extra income, and stay in the same loop as always.

Think about how your life could be better if you tried different things that you like! Many Brazilians have started their own businesses in Japan and succeeded because they pursued their goals and stepped out of their comfort zone. You should not depend 100% on others, on contractors, or on a single job. You must be prepared for any situation. Lack of preparation can end up forcing you to leave your comfort zone under pressure.

Not controlling the fear of things

Many, before moving to Japan, already have fears in their heads. However, these fears are only in their heads; some tend to be afraid of things like working 12 hours a day, facing prejudice in factories or schools, being afraid of getting around, going hungry, communicating, and so on.

A person needs to understand that fear is something normal and that it ends up protecting us. I myself am afraid of many things, but that doesn't stop me from doing them. Fear makes us more alert and helps when making decisions. Fear is linked to negative thoughts, and having these types of thoughts can bring unhappiness and turn us into people who complain about everything.

When the thoughts start looping, the article on how to get out of automatic in Japan is a better next read. It deals with routine, overtime, and the reason you are there in the first place.