Reflections on Living and Working in Japan: A Conversation
This article summarizes a conversation about living and working in Japan, covering topics ranging from career opportunities and cultural differences to the cost of living and the future of Japan.
Career and Opportunities
The IT Industry in Japan
The speaker notes that Japan's IT industry is relatively weak compared to China's, with many large companies outsourcing work to Chinese teams. Despite this, there are opportunities for Chinese IT professionals in Japan, especially for those with good English and some Japanese language skills. Decision-making is also very fast. However, securing a job and visa requires a company to demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Japanese national.
Outsourcing vs. Direct Employment
The speaker differentiates between direct employment and outsourcing arrangements. Direct employment allows for a normal work visa and more future possibilities, while outsourcing, though easier to enter, offers fewer long-term prospects. It is possible to start with outsourcing and then search for formal job.
Cloud Computing and Business Focus
The speaker's company focuses on cloud computing, targeting Chinese individual developers. They offer more affordable solutions compared to large corporations, believing that individual developers don't require the same level of high availability (99.999% SLA) and are willing to accept a lower guarantee (99%) for a significantly reduced price. They avoid the Japanese market due to legal complexities and the need to re-register their company.
Cultural Differences and Lifestyle
Kyoto vs. Other Cities
The speaker prefers Kyoto for its quiet atmosphere, contrasting it with the feeling of larger cities like Shanghai. They find Beijing unique, with a lower-tier city feel but with first-tier city purchasing power.
Cleanliness and Construction
The speaker comments on the cleanliness in Japan, attributing it to the island nation's environment and construction practices, such as using cloth to enclose construction sites, which helps to reduce dust.
Japan's Conservative Society
Japan is described as a conservative society. While foreign companies are implementing wage changes, local companies have remained stagnant. This is one of the biggest problem of the Japanese society.
Work-Life Balance
The speaker observes that many Japanese people prioritize work-life balance. They are content with a normal life, a car, a house, and family and don't need to make a lot of money. Most shops close at 8 pm and local companies are not giving benefits like foreign companies are.
Integrating into Japanese Society
While advocating for respecting Japanese customs, the speaker stresses the importance of maintaining one's own identity and habits, provided they don't inconvenience others. The speaker's own lifestyle is very different from that of a Japanese individual.
Cost of Living and Economic Factors
Cost of Living Comparison
The cost of living in Japan is considered comparable to a first-tier city in China. However, labor costs are significantly higher, as demonstrated by the five-person team required for a dishwasher installation, which would only take one person in China.
Earning and Spending
The best way to make money is to make money in Japan and spend it in China. While one can live well in Japan making money and spending it, China's purchasing power makes it good to invest and spend in. Shanghai is difficult because of the competition.
Japan's Economic Future
The speaker predicts that Japan will inevitably decline economically and be surpassed by China. However, this decline is expected to be gradual, taking around 50 years. The speaker prefers to focus on living their best life in the present rather than worrying about the future.
Suggestions for Students Coming to Japan
Students coming to Japan should prioritize humility and focus on doing their best. In Japan, one is not expected to lead a team as a student. The demand for technology is really not that high. They should learn Japanese.