Living in Rural Japan: A Singaporean Perspective
This article explores the experiences of a Singaporean mother living in Tsuruoka city, Yamagata, Japan, with her Japanese husband and child. It delves into the pros and cons of rural Japanese life, cultural differences, and future plans.
Introduction
The article begins by introducing Seline, a Singaporean who moved to Yamagata prefecture in Japan. It examines her reasons for leaving Singapore's fast-paced environment for the quieter, snowy countryside of Japan, and what it is like living there.
Why Yamagata?
Seline initially moved to Japan in 2018 through the JET Program, teaching English in Akita. She met her husband, Daisaku, who is from Yamagata, and subsequently moved there for him. She continues to teach, but no longer under the JET Program.
The JET Program
The JET Program is a popular platform for foreigners, including many Singaporeans, to experience Japanese culture outside major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. It allows individuals to teach English and immerse themselves in the more authentic, rural parts of Japan.
Pros and Cons of Rural Japanese Life
Pros
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Beautiful Nature: Seline loves the abundance of nature in Akita and Yamagata, contrasting sharply with Singapore's urban landscape.
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Peace and Quiet: She appreciates the tranquility of the countryside, finding it a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. She initially found it hard to adjust, but grew to love it and found it difficult to adjust back to the city.
Cons
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Inconvenience: Rural life requires a car for transportation.
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Taking Leave: It can be difficult to take annual leave in Japanese companies, with pressure to conform and the need to justify time off. While some employers are understanding to foreigners, there is still often judgement in the workplace.
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Job Opportunities: Limited job options for foreigners, often restricted to English teaching or convenience store work, with low salaries.
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Lower Salaries and High Taxes: Salaries are significantly lower than in Singapore for comparable work, while income tax can reach up to 49%. Compulsory health insurance and residence tax further reduce income.
Culture Shocks
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Unlocked Doors: Seline was surprised that people in the countryside often don't lock their doors, unlike in security-conscious Singapore.
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Outdated Technology: She also experienced culture shock in the workplace and schools. For instance, some schools still use blackboards.
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Family Homes: Seline lives in her husband's family's traditional Japanese home.
Daily Life and Quality of Life
Seline's daily life in Yamagata involves enjoying nature and spending time with her family. She notes a higher quality of life due to the mental peace and slower pace.
Akiya: Free Houses in Rural Japan
Many houses (akiya) in rural Japan are vacant due to people moving to more populated areas. While these houses are often offered for free, there are significant catches:
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Expensive Taxes and Maintenance: Owners need to pay property taxes and maintain the property.
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Renovation Costs: They often require extensive and costly renovations.
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Low Property Value: The value of the house is very low and there is a reason they are given away for free.
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Demolition Costs: Demolishing the house if it can't be sold is also expensive.
The Importance of Meaningful Connections
Seline emphasized the meaningful connections she made with the people of Akita, who became like her family. These connections were a primary reason for her extended stay in Japan.
Future Plans
Seline and Daisaku plan to move back to Singapore next year to raise their child in an environment that exposes her to both English and Chinese languages. They are also hoping to secure housing in Singapore.