What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Tokyo. They wrote...
"The language for sure. That was always a point of stress. I hate being misunderstood, and well..that happened a lot! Also just the grind of being part of the "herd", waiting in long lines for packed trains etc," said a member in Tokyo, Japan.
BabbelLearn More
From app lessons to live online classes to games, videos, podcasts and more, with Babbel you’ll do more than learn to speak a language. You’ll start to truly understand every aspect of it. Because language is more than just words - it’s culture, history, people, places. Start learning with Babbel, and who knows where you’ll end up.
BabbelFrom app lessons to live online classes to games, videos, podcasts and more, with Babbel you’ll do more than learn to speak a language. You’ll start to truly understand every aspect of it. Because language is more than just words - it’s culture, history, people, places. Start learning with Babbel, and who knows where you’ll end up.
Learn More
"Expats often find it challenging to adjust to the cultural differences in their new home, find housing and employment in the new location, make friends, develop a new social network, learn the language, and obtain necessary documents from the government. Additionally, some expats may experience feelings of homesickness, loneliness, and anxiety when starting out in a new country," remarked another expat who made the move to Tokyo, Japan.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Tokyo?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Tokyo?
- Will I be able to find a job in Tokyo?
- What is life like in Tokyo?
- What do expats in Tokyo appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Tokyo?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Tokyo accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Tokyo like?
- What are healthcare services like in Tokyo?
- What are medical services in Tokyo like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Tokyo?
- What are emergency services like in Tokyo?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Tokyo?
- How are local medical facilities in Tokyo?
- As a foreigner living in Tokyo, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Tokyo, newcomers to Tokyo would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of InternationalTravel.ai and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


