Multiple inconveniences that foreigners living in Japan find inconvenient

In this issue, we will introduce some of the inconveniences felt by foreigners living in Japan!

Japan has a beautiful culture and a safe environment, but there are also unexpected inconveniences for foreigners.

For example, language barriers, complicated transportation systems, and complicated procedures at the municipal office can be troublesome when living in Japan for the first time.

Also, differences in food culture and lifestyle may cause unexpected inconveniences.

Through such specific parables, we would like to show you a realistic aspect of life in Japan.

We hope that knowing the inconveniences we are about to introduce will help you to have a better life in Japan.

Language is not understood and there are various characters

Many foreigners often experience language barriers in Japan.

Although the number of Japanese who speak English is increasing, it is still not enough.

In addition, Japanese is difficult to read and write, especially for beginning learners, because it uses three characters: hiragana, katakana, and kanji.

Pronunciation and word order are also unique, and communication is often difficult.

House contracts and government procedures are difficult.

When a foreigner rents a house in Japan, the contract and government procedures are very complicated.

In addition, there are many properties that do not allow foreigners to move in, and income and nationality are strictly checked during the tenant screening process.

In addition, the procedures at the municipal office are conducted in Japanese, which can be difficult and time-consuming to understand.

Even if you have come to love Japan, you may end up disliking the country because of this.

Tattoos are treated badly.

In Japan, tattoos are often associated with anti-social forces such as the mafia and yakuza, and bathing in hot springs and public bathhouses is prohibited.

However, tattoos are common as a fashion item in other countries, and Japan’s response to this is a reason for inconvenience for many foreigners.

Unique Business Customs

In Japanese business culture, direct communication is rare and “reading the air” is important.

For this reason, foreigners sometimes find it difficult to understand how Japanese people feel.

The drinking and entertainment culture is also different, and is often a source of stress for foreigners who value their time outside of work.

Changing trains is a hassle

The Japanese transportation system is convenient, but it is complicated, especially at stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Many foreigners find it difficult to determine which train to take because of the many train lines that intersect.

Signage at stations is mainly in Japanese, and even when there is some English signage, not everything is clear, which can be a source of anxiety for first-time visitors.

There is no wireless LAN around.

Wireless LAN is very important for foreign visitors to Japan.

However, there are many places in Japan where free Wi-Fi environments are not well developed, and tourists may have difficulty accessing the Internet.

In rural areas in particular, wireless LAN may not be available even in cafes and public facilities, and many visitors complain of inconvenience when using map and translation applications.

Providing wireless LAN in tourist facilities throughout Japan is an important issue in light of future inbound demand.

Some foreigners say they have never had any problems.

Surprisingly, 36.6% of foreign visitors to Japan say they have never had any problems.

Recently, multilingual support at tourist facilities has been progressing, creating a foreigner-friendly environment.

Indeed, 63.4% of foreigners have experienced some kind of difficulty, with many feeling a communication barrier in particular.

For tourists who do not speak Japanese, it can be difficult to communicate with staff.

However, one solution to these inconveniences would be the use of translation applications and the like.

Conclusion

These are some of the inconveniences felt by foreigners living in Japan.

There are many inconveniences caused by Japanese culture and customs, such as language barriers, complicated transportation systems, and difficulties with rental contracts and government procedures.

Recently, however, the Japanese government has made progress in creating a foreigner-friendly environment, and there are signs of improvement through the use of translation applications.

We hope that learning about these inconveniences will help you live a better life in Japan.