Are you thinking about moving overseas? Many Kiwis are considering leaving New Zealand for greener pastures. Regardless of whether you are moving for a new job, to study or are simply looking for a change of scenery, Japan offers an abundance of opportunities. With a rich history, a unique culture and an exploding entertainment scene, it’s unsurprising that Japan is becoming a popular expat destination.
When you live overseas, every day is an adventure! Moving abroad offers a world of new opportunities, with new people to meet, new places to explore and a new home to make yours. However, living abroad isn’t without its challenges. A big change like moving internationally can involve some complexity and careful planning. Here is our ultimate guide to moving to Japan from New Zealand.
New Zealand culture vs Japanese culture
Moving overseas often involves some level of culture shock, and Japan is no exception. Unlike moving to Australia or the United Kingdom, Japanese culture is noticeably different to Kiwi culture so it may take a while to completely adjust and for Japan to feel like home.
Work ethic is a key aspect of Japanese culture. You won’t hear many Japanese people discussing ‘work-life balance’, instead there is an emphasis on hard work and perseverance. Expect to work longer hours and a more formal workplace environment when you begin working in Japan.
There is no doubt that Japanese cuisine is iconic across the world, but there’s so much more to enjoy than just sushi. From tempura to ramen to soba, you’ll enjoy a wide range of different flavours when dining out in Japan.
Did you know that it’s rude to blow your nose in public and eat or drink while walking in Japan? In a culture with an array of traditions and customs, social etiquette is highly important in Japan. While it can take a while to adjust and learn all the social rules, it’s important to always be polite and respectful. Also, tattoos tend to be associated with the organised crime group, the Yakuza, so follow the All Blacks lead by covering up any tattoos or risk some uneasy stares.
What to know before you move
Are you dreaming of late night karaoke sessions, exploring the historical and cultural sights, and shopping in Shinjuku? Before you purchase your plane ticket, pack your bags and leave NZ, here’s what you need to know about living in Japan.
Language
There is only one official language of Japan, which of course is Japanese. However you will find that English is spoken widely in the bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka. If you are wanting to connect with the Japanese culture and local people, learning some basic Japanese will make a significant difference. We recommend enrolling in a Japanese course before you relocate or during your first few months after moving.
Climate
There are four distinct seasons in Japan, with the spring and autumn months being the most popular among tourists. The Japanese summer often has heavy rainfall and intense humidity. Winters can range from -5 degrees to a mild 20 degrees in some warmer parts of the country. Much like New Zealand, Japan has some pretty impressive mountains and is well known for its powder filled ski resorts. Japan and New Zealand also have earthquakes in common, with Japan experiencing approximately 5000 earthquakes of varying magnitude a year.
Cost of living
You will often hear how expensive it is to live in Japan, and when compared to many other Asian countries, it is. But, as a Kiwi living in Japan, you’ll find that many of the prices tend to be on par with living costs at home with some actually being cheaper. Some groceries may be more expensive in Japan than in New Zealand, but eating out, transportation, housing, clothing and childcare costs are lower. The average salary in Japan is slightly higher than in New Zealand at NZ$4,645.
Housing
The Japanese housing market is competitive. Some landlords can be reluctant to rent to foreigners, especially those with limited Japanese. It’s best to find a local agent to negotiate on behalf of you and recommend a suitable neighbourhood. If you are considering living in the bigger Japanese cities like Tokyo, you’ll have to get used to paying a bit more for a smaller space. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the city centre in Japan will cost you around NZ$1,729 a month.
Transport
Japan truly lives up to their reputation for efficiency and cutting edge technology when it comes to its public transport system. The modern train network is one of the fastest ways to travel around Japan, with the super express trains connecting all major cities. Buses always make commuting within a city efficient and easy, but keep in mind that in the smaller cities these will operate solely in Japanese. Car ownership isn’t super common in Japan, with many locals favouring public transport or riding bicycles to commute.
Making your move a reality
So, you’ve decided that life in Japan is for you. But, how do you turn that dream into reality and begin living in Japan? As experienced movers, we know how to best prepare for your move.
Documentation & Visas
If you want to work, study or live in Japan for longer than three months, you’ll need a visa. Japan offers a range of different visas for working, studying and being a spouse of a resident. You can find out the variety of visas and the application process here. Visas can be complicated so if you need assistance with finding the right visa and how to apply, get in touch with the Embassy of Japan. To apply for permanent residency, you’ll need to have lived in Japan for at least one year and have proof of financial security, paid tax, and demonstrated good conduct. Having strong Japanese language skills can make a significant difference in the success of your residency application.
Finding work
We tend to recommend securing work before relocating to Japan, especially as it can quicken the visa process. Some Japanese companies recruit in New Zealand, however you can also check out Japanese job websites such as Career Engine, Daijob, Career Jet, and GaijinPot Jobs. Industries such as fishing, information technology, and education tend to hire foreign workers and native English speakers. It’s important to note that the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade cautions women about working in some hospitality roles, especially bar and nightclub work, due to safety concerns and breaking Working Holiday immigration laws.
Healthcare
In Japan, there are two major healthcare programs that both cover up to 70% of the cost of medical expenses. The Employees’ Health Insurance scheme is for salaried workers which means that companies pay for their employee's and family members' medical insurance. The other scheme covers the rest of the population and is called the National Health Insurance. Even with these healthcare programs, many Japanese residents have private health insurance. In general, the healthcare system is recognised to be of high quality and well managed.
Internet & Mobile Network
Japan has a range of different internet and mobile providers to suit every requirement and budget. We recommend using a provider with English speaking support in case you require troubleshooting or additional assistance. Sakura Fibre Internet, NTT Docomo and AU are popular internet providers, and Softbank and AU are recommended for mobile.
Taxes & Banking
The local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY/¥) and the majority of transactions are cash based. Expats are able to open a bank account as long as they have a Zairyu Card (the residence card), and a copy of their passport and visa. New Zealand has a tax treaty with Japan to mitigate double taxation. When in Japan, you’ll need to pay income tax, which is a percentage of your salary, and resident tax, if you’ve been living in Japan for over a year. For more information on tax requirements, contact the Embassy of Japan.
Bringing Pets to Japan
If you are wanting to bring your cat or dog with you to Japan, there are a few things you’ll need to know. All pets brought in must be microchipped and it is recommended that they are vaccinated against rabies and all other relevant diseases or pests. You can use a pet relocation service to ensure that your pet makes it to your new home safely and follows all the necessary rules and regulations.
Book your move today!
Are you ready to begin organising your move to Japan from New Zealand? The Allied team is here to help! We help thousands of Kiwis successfully relocate to Japan every year so we have the necessary experience, expertise and equipment to ensure your move is as hassle-free as possible.
Thanks to our global network of movers, you won’t need to worry about using a Japanese moving company that you aren’t familiar with to finish the move. As expert movers, we can handle all the tricky logistics that a move to Japan requires, such as shipping and custom requirements. From handling the complicated paperwork to unpacking your things, we’ll be there every step of the way!
We offer a wide range of moving services so we can assist with every aspect of your relocation to Japan. From professional packing to secure storage to comprehensive insurance policies, you can trust Allied. Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your move to Japan today!