Some people think that Japan is an expensive place to live. From my experience it’s not that bad. Sure some things are more expensive than other countries, but other things are more affordable. Only Tokyo and Osaka made the top 50 list for the highest cost of living in 2007. Not bad!
1) MOSCOW, Russia
2) LONDON, United Kingdom
3) SEOUL, South Korea
4) TOKYO, Japan
5) HONG KONG, Hong Kong
6) COPENHAGEN, Denmark
7) GENEVA, Switzerland
8 ) OSAKA, Japan
9) ZURICH, Switzerland
10) OSLO, Norway
(Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting)
If you’re looking for more information on this, you might want to check out Japan’s Statistics Bureau
Tags: Cost of LivingFrom CityMayors.com
Four of the world’s top 10 costliest cities for expatriates are in Asia. Seoul ranks in 3rd place (score 122.4), Tokyo in 4th (122.1) and Hong Kong in 5th (119.4) ““ all have been pushed down one place this year.Chinese cities have moved down the ranking this year. Beijing ranks 20th and scores 95.9, while Shanghai is in 26th place with a score of 92.1. Over the past 12 months, the value of the Chinese Yuan has decreased by around 6% against the Euro. This factor, together with a low inflation rate and stable property rental prices, has kept the major Chinese cities from moving up the ranking. Accommodation costs have not escalated because, while demand is increasing, the availability of high-quality rentals in these cities is also good.
In contrast, elsewhere in Asia, the cost of international-standard accommodation has pushed some cities up the ranking. For example, sharp increases in house prices have contributed to Singapore climbing from 17th to 14th position. Rising property prices have also caused Indian cities to move up the ranking ““ for example, Mumbai has jumped from position 68 to 52 (score 84.9).
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hi I am thinking of visiting Japan with my family in june ,is a good idea.I am getting a certificate of teaching english as second language.I am American citizen but black.How are black treated in Japan.Would to hear from u soon.
Peace and take care.
karl
karl – I like Japan and it’s definitely worth visiting. I’m not an English teacher so I’m not the best source of information about this, but from what I understand… if English is your native language you could get a job if you have a 4-year University degree. If you don’t have a University degree you might be able to get a job at a privately owned English teaching company but they most likely won’t offer you a visa. If English is your 2nd language, I’m not sure because I’ve never looked any of that up.
For your question about racism, I’m not sure. I’ve seen foreigners of different races from many different countries so far and I haven’t heard any racism complaints from those people I’ve spoken to so it doesn’t seem to be that big of an issue to me. Jero is very popular right now and I haven’t heard anything negative about him (but again, I don’t speak Japanese).
You might try searching Google to get some more answers to your questions.
hi steve thanks alot for the information.i visited thailand and malaysia some years back.People tell me japan is nothing like those people.please tell me a little about life in japan, what are the best cities to live or visit.Surely i cant wait to visit.Do Americans have problem with their visas.sorry for my questions?
Wish u all the best.
karl
Hi,
I have a friend who is African American and taught english not in Japan but China. He told me that many of the Japanese admire and respect teachers (not like here in America-how doctors and lawyers are percieved and treated here is how teachers are treated there). However, he found that many had negative perceptions of blacks, these perceptions were gathered through what the media pumps out. Moreover, he said that shades of color are an issue…meaning even within their own race self hatred was learned/taught. Those of ligher shade are considered beautiful and those of darker shade less beautiful. Similiar to how African Americans were brainwashed into believing (fyi-many of my cousins especially in the south have color issues). Although, I am darker than my friend who taught in China he said that once they got to know him many of the stereotypes where thrown out the window and they embraced him. I hope that you have a wonderful experience and don’t worry if you have a good spirit others will see it. Shine, Shine, shine.
Karl,
Again I am speaking about my friend who taught English in China and not Japan, however, I know that you will be successful and I will keep you in prayer.
Amber
Washington, DC
Hi Karl,
I am from India {I m dark…!!!} and right now in Japan for my Doctrate and I have many friends from Africa over here. I think the info Amber has is not correct. The Japanese are very good at their hearts and they are always there to help u out and support irrespective of the country or color. So, I would like to say, come and visit this beautiful country….u will not have any problem except the language….!!!!!
Awasthi Sharda Prasad
Osaka
Japan
karal
hey im thinking bout going to japan to live there for a few years give myself some culture. Got a couple questions if you dont mind 1]how did you find ur gf in japan did you do it online an also how do the males there take to it that ur dating there someone told me they would get mad im not sure
karl – I haven’t seen any issues about visas really. Either people have a spousal visa or a working visa provided by the company they work for. Initially you get 90 days which you can switch over. To me the general society here seems to be nice and respectful.
amber – I hope you friend ended with a good experience when teaching in China.
Awasthi Sharda Prasad – I agree. Everybody seems supportive and curious about everybody. I’ve met people from all parts of the world during my stay so far and I haven’t heard of any racist situations first hand.
Sam – Meeting a girlfriend in Jaapn is probably like meeting a girlfriend in most countries. I haven’t experienced anything negative about my relationship, but people have been curious only because I’m from another country. Also don’t mistake misunderstanding of your language and culture for racism or discrimination.