Challenges of Living in Japan: Foreign Resident Experiences in 2025

💸 1. Rising Cost of Living & Inflation Pressure

Japan is currently grappling with persistent inflation: monthly essentials like food and drinks rose by approximately 16% in early 2025 ([turn0reddit34](#cite)). A weak yen is driving energy and import prices upward, leading to higher household expenses ([turn0reddit31](#cite)). For foreign workers, stagnant income often can't keep pace.

🏪 2. Wage Gap and Low-Paying Jobs

A government report found foreign workers earn an average of 28% less than Japanese counterparts—even after adjusting for education and experience ([turn0reddit33](#cite)). Many foreign workers are employed in part-time roles such as convenience stores, facing limited upward mobility and minimal benefits ([turn0reddit30](#cite)).

🕓 3. Work Culture & Long Hours

Overwork remains a serious issue in Japanese work culture—commonly known as “karoshi” (death by overwork) ([turn0search21](#cite)). Additionally, rigid schedules conflict with family life; many foreign parents struggle with daycare closures by 18:00 while their jobs finish at 19:00 or later ([turn0reddit25](#cite)).

🌐 4. Social Isolation and Belonging

Despite speaking the language or working full-time, many residents report difficulty making Japanese friends and feeling a lack of belonging. Some express frustration over not being allowed to vote without giving up their citizenship, reinforcing a second-class status ([turn0reddit25](#cite)).

🛂 5. Visa Delays & Bureaucratic Frustration

Permanent residency (PR) applications often face long delays—the Shinagawa immigration office currently has delays over 16 months, impacting foreign workers’ stability ([turn0reddit25](#cite)).

⚖️ 6. Discrimination and Profiling

Reports indicate a rise in racial profiling by police toward foreigners—including visa holders—based on appearance alone ([turn0news20](#cite)). This undermines both trust and the sense of personal safety.

🏘️ 7. Housing Costs & Community Stigma

Foreign buyers reportedly make up 20–40% of apartment purchasers in central Tokyo, driving up land prices and increasing financial pressure on local residents ([turn0reddit22](#cite), [turn0search3](#cite)). Despite some government policies easing property purchase, long-term visa rights remain limited ([turn0news18](#cite)).

🧾 8. Future Employment Uncertainty

Part-time gig-like work is common among temporary visa holders and students, leading to unstable employment and limited access to health insurance or pension benefits ([turn0search28](#cite)). This complicates building long-term financial security.

📌 What This Means for Foreign Residents

• 🔍 Know your rights: Understand worker protections and housing rules.
• 💬 Seek community help: Local foreigner support centers or expat groups can offer social and legal aid.
• 🧠 Be financially proactive: Track expenses and plan for unexpected inflation.
• 🧳 Build long-term pathways: Explore visa options that offer more stability.

Conclusion

Living in Japan as a foreign resident offers many advantages but comes with real challenges—especially related to cost of living, work culture, and social integration. Acknowledging these issues and proactively seeking support can make the journey more sustainable and fulfilling.

For more on navigating life in Japan, see related articles: Everyday Living Tips, SSW Visa Application Guide, and Cost of Living in Japan.

— K‑ZAK | Supporting Foreign Residents & Workers in Japan