讀後心得

Many people love living in Japan, as the local housing environment and convenience facilities impress foreigners. According to data from 2022, there are over 1.4 million foreigners living in Japan. Surveys show that foreigners generally find the advantages of Japan's safe living environment, convenient transportation, and furnished short-term rental rooms with appliances to be quite evident when renting. Although they may occasionally face rejection due to their foreign status, overall, many foreigners are satisfied with the living environment, with the only common opinion being that the rooms are generally smaller.

Everyone loves having this in their room! Surprising aspects of living in Japan for foreigners. Besides sightseeing locally, what else can one do in Japan? Of course, you can stay! According to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Justice in 2022, there are currently over 1.4 million foreigners living on this land. However, after actually living in Japan, did anyone encounter any difficulties regarding language and culture? What are their thoughts on it? Below, we interviewed foreigners who have lived in Japan for more than a year, asking them about their challenges and impressions while renting in Japan. Let's take a look at everyone's living experiences!

• 1. There are many quiet and safe places that make people feel at ease!

  "I live near a river where I can see turtles swimming, which feels very natural and is super quiet and peaceful." (British/30s/Female)

  "I live in the city center, but it's very quiet on the weekends. I originally thought Tokyo was a noisy place, but now I feel really secure living here." (Malaysian/30s/Female)

  "Although I live a bit far from the station, the living environment is very quiet. There are many places like this in Japan, making it easy to find somewhere to live that you like." (British/20s/Female)

• 2. Transportation by train is super convenient, and there are plenty of convenience stores making life hassle-free

  "There are train routes all over the city center, so moving anywhere from home is very convenient; I don't even need a car! It's also easy to go to supermarkets or convenience stores, making daily life quite smooth." (Malaysian/30s/Female)

  "I live in an area where I can walk to the station or convenience store, and there are parks and hospitals nearby. In Slovakia, I would need to drive everywhere." (Slovak/30s/Female)

• 3. Short-term rentals with no worries! Furnished rooms with appliances are super convenient

  "I can find rooms for short-term rental that come furnished and equipped with appliances; I don’t have to buy anything else, which is really amazing!" (American/30s/Male)

  "I originally thought I would need to buy many appliances in Japan, but I rented a room with air conditioning included and felt very lucky!" (British/30s/Female)

• 4. The real estate agents are so friendly! It took less time than expected to find a room

  "I initially thought that as a foreigner, it would take a lot of time to find a place. But the real estate agent found me a room in just about two weeks!" (British/20s/Female)

  "I found a room through the real estate company that I only consulted with twice, but both times they were very friendly." (Slovak/30s/Female)

• 5. There are many separated bathrooms, which is really great!

  "I love spaces with separated bathrooms, and it's surprisingly easy to find them!" (British/30s/Female)

  "I only wanted to live in a room with a separated bathroom, and the housing company really helped me find one." (Slovak/30s/Female)

• 6. No worries about the wallet! Rent is much cheaper compared to Europe and America

  "What surprised me most about renting in Japan is how cheap the rent is! Even though it's in the city center, it's much cheaper than in the UK, which is fantastic." (British/20s/Female)

  "I stayed in a shared space in London, but the rent was over three times what I pay in Japan." (British/30s/Female)

• 7. There are times when renting was rejected because I'm a foreigner...

  "The place I currently live initially didn't want to rent to me because I'm a foreigner, but after the real estate agent's hard work negotiating, they finally agreed to let me stay. It's my dream home, and I’m very satisfied living here." (Slovak/30s/Female)

• 8. People from various countries say: Japanese houses are really too small!

  "The rent and environment are fantastic, but the size of the apartment is only half that of the ones in America; it’s really too cramped!" (American/30s/Male)

  "Japanese houses are really small, whether apartments or standalone buildings; I was shocked by how small they were." (British/20s/Female)

In summary of the interviewees' opinions, although rooms in Japan are smaller, the surrounding living environment is quiet, convenient, and reassuring. If you have the chance, would you also like to experience living in a house in Japan?