We did it. We packed up our whole life and moved across the globe to Japan. What started as a hypothetical discussion between my husband and I years ago, grew into our #1 dream on our life bingo card. Then, with a lot of hard work and literal blood, sweat and tears, we turned that dream into our reality. We don’t have a house lined up, we don’t have jobs lined up, I don’t even have my spouse visa sorted yet so who knows, I might have to go back to Australia in 90 days- ha! There were so many unknowns, things that couldn’t be organised until we reached Japan. But, there came a point where we realised that nothing would be perfect; we had to just take a leap of faith and give it a go. Some might call us crazy, but I prefer to think of us as *wildly optimistic*.
Here’s to New Adventures
Although this will be my third time living in Japan and my husband is Japanese, it has been 15 years since either of us have actually lived in Japan. It will be our first time adulting in Japan and living here as a family with young children, so I’m excited to see the country through their eyes and experience it anew. Plus, we plan on moving to unfamiliar territory- the deep snow country in Nagano. I can’t wait to bring you along on our adventures with us!
Tying Up Loose Ends
It was such a push to get here early in the New Year. At the end of 2024 we added a small extension to our ugly-duckling 1970’s home in Australia (just because we didn’t already have enough on our plate!). Then we had to finish the renovations, dwindle down our earthly possessions to one suitcase per person, totally empty and clean the house to get it ready to rent out, over the Christmas and New Year period where all services shut down, with a very active one year old who lives his every moment like it’s an audition for the Redbull stunt team. Then there is all of the admin that is involved when you are moving countries. Pausing our jobs, cancelling subscriptions, insurances, dealing with real estate agents and banks, selling our cars. Not gonna lie, it just about broke us. I think we would have given up if our dream to live in Japan wasn’t so vivid, so tangible. So for anyone else out there thinking.. DIY house renovations? Sure. Raising small children? Cute. Moving OVERSEAS? Go for it! But.. maybe not all at once.
Why Japan? Why Now?
You’re probably thinking: Japan’s economy isn’t great. Wages are low. It’s an aging society. And there is an 80% chance of a megathrust earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. So, why Japan? Why now?
The short answer: you have to take charge and life your life! Take this as your sign to take the leap and start working towards your big, scary goals.
The long answer: it also has a lot to do with our children, our finances, and our happiness.
Exercising Our Bilingual Brains
I’ll start with the obvious. My children are half Japanese. I think one of the greatest gifts I can give them as a parent is the opportunity to have an intimate knowledge of both languages and cultures. I want them to know their heritage and be able to converse and play with their cousins and grandparents and to have options when they are older. With my oldest being 4 and in peak learning-sponge mode, now is the perfect time for him to go to daycare in Japan and hopefully pick up the language in a less threatening environment than being shunted straight into primary school or any other higher level education.
I’m also excited for my own Japanese to level-up. I got JLPT N2 back in 2008, but it’s about time I try and aim for N1.
Respect as a Baseline
I always wanted my children to go to daycare or preschool in Japan. While the Japanese education system isn’t without it’s flaws, I find preschool and primary school here instill these “common sense” skills and behaviours that set kids up to be good humans in life. Things like basic courtesy and respect for peers, seniors and teachers. Respect for your equipment and surrounds. Cleaning up after oneself. Always doing one’s best. Working together as a team for the common good. Learning about proper hygiene and nutrition through meal times. Reading the room, not being a nuisance and thinking of others.
Have you noticed? The number one thing that people say about Japan (other than how delicious the food is) is how lovely the people are.
A Safe Environment for Children
I know it’s 2025, but if possible, I want a 90’s childhood for my boys. A normal, innocent, safe childhood. One where they are safe to walk or ride to school by themselves. Where they can play outside with friends until dinner time, catching insects and climbing trees and getting lost in their imagination. And I think (hope) Japan can offer that. The neighbourhood unit is strong in countryside Japan, and people look out for each other- especially children. Have you seen the show Old Enough on Netflix? Where children as young as 3 or 4 are empowered to go on missions to the shops by themselves. There’s a reason why it is so surprising to westerners.
Money Matters
Then there’s this cost-of-living crisis. While the wages are comparatively lower in Japan, the rent in the countryside is nowhere near what it is in Australia. I am hoping there will be more room in the budget for discretionary spending, you know, fun stuff- things like eating out, domestic travel or even the occasional haircut (!). Things that are literally luxuries in Australia. Although.. inflation has finally caught up with Japan, so I’ll have to report back to you on this.
Living a Mindful Lifestyle
Lastly, a huge reason why we decided to move to Japan is for us. We’ve been reflecting a lot on what makes us happiest, and for us, it’s things like living a slow lifestyle, being surrounded by nature, hiking and snowboarding, eating good food, spending time with each other, having time and freedom to follow our creative pursuits, and exploring new places. Probably if we are super mindful of this, we could live a happy life anywhere, but we feel that countryside Japan offers us the opportunity to live the most aligned with our values. Who wouldn’t be happy with mountain views, fresh air, relaxing onsen and 110 yen sushi and Horoyoi alcoholic beverages at their fingertips?
First Step Done.. What’s Next?
We are so proud of ourselves to have risen to the challenge. To step outside of our totally comfortable life that we made for ourselves in Australia and swap it for the unknown in search of something more meaningful for us. Will our Japanese life measure up to our expectations? Will we find work? Will our children settle into a new routine at daycare, overcome the language barrier and make new friends? Will we be here for 1 year? 2 years? 10 years? Who knows? But I’m excited to find out.
Crane & Maple 