Leaving Hawai’i and Returning to Japan
Returning to Japan to live had been a long time desire - at least for a part of me. Ever since leaving the country when I was 14, I had always missed the day to day routine — or is it that I simply missed Japanese school life? Although I had made many short visits over the years, coming back to settle down was entirely different. I was going from eating poi and laulau to indulging in colorful bento boxes.
Hawaiian plate with poi at Highway Inn.
Image taken by Casey Bales, CC BY-NC-ND
Foreigner’s moving to Japan may find the initial experience overwhelming if not prepared. The systems in place aren’t as accommodating and new comers may run into some red tape or systemic discrimination.
I’m talking about administrative matters like finding a place to live, getting a bank account, or a cellphone plan. It’s not as if you won’t be able to get these done, but there is a process and not all agencies will welcome you.
For me personally, my initial bank application to a certain place was rejected as their policy requires foreigners to live in Japan for a minimum of 6 months. The aggravating part was having gone there, talking to the teller and being told to sign up for an appointment online, waiting 3 weeks for the appointment, filling out a bunch of paperwork on the day, and then hours later being told by the manager that, “Oh wait, you haven’t been here for 6 months yet? Sorry…”
Another example of a challenge was obtaining a cell phone plan. One company said they couldn’t welcome me since my residency period stated on my card was only good for a year. Even though I am married to a Japanese national with a spouse visa, the initial residency period is 1 year with the possibility of renewal. Lastly, many landlords will choose not to rent to non-Japanese in fear of the tenant mistreating the property and/or not paying before leaving.
My point being, there tends to be a certain level of hesitation towards foreigners settling into society in Japan. Granted, not everyone’s experience will be the same. For those who come through company sponsorship or with a Japanese family member like myself, may find the process to be easier.
Aside from all the administrative matters, however, other eventful things were happening. On March 16, Fukushima, Japan had yet another terrible earthquake (7.4) that shook much of Tokyo. My friend living here said, “This is your welcome to Japan earthquake!” Growing up in the mega metropolis city of Tokyo as a child, the feeling of the building shaking was all too familiar.
Special Japanese Bento Box with goodies.
Image taken by Casey Bales, CC BY-NC-ND
