Recording summary · August 2020
why i wouldn't live in japan again
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Overview
Daniel lived continuously in Japan for two years starting in 2018 following years of short visits, but after nine months away, concluded he likely does not want to live there again and is looking elsewhere for a base of operations.
Drawbacks cited by Daniel include dissatisfaction with Japanese adaptations of Western food, the stress of convenience store employment compounded by self-described social anxiety, and a decade of unsuccessful attempts to build romantic relationships with Japanese women.
Additional reasons Daniel avoids returning include an oversaturation of foreigners reducing Japan's distinct appeal compared to 2010, and modern translation technology rendering Japanese language mastery unnecessary, devaluing past efforts.
Themes
Reasons for choosing not to live in Japan
Dissatisfaction with Japanese adaptations of Western cuisine
Workplace stress and self-described social anxiety while working in Japanese convenience stores
Difficulties and cultural barriers encountered while dating in Japan
Changing experiences of foreigners in Japan and devaluation of Japanese language acquisition
Developments
Daniel acquired a long-term visa in 2018 and lived continuously in Japan for two years.
While working at a convenience store, Daniel could not understand an elderly customer requesting anti-static clothing spray and relied on a Chinese coworker to manage the interaction.
Uncertainties & gaps
Daniel contemplates whether he wants to live in Japan again, leaning toward deciding against it.
Daniel considers whether to give up dating in Japan entirely or lower standards to date someone substantially older.