When a foreigner is thinking about moving to Japan for any reason, one of the most frequently asked questions is “can you live in Japan without speaking Japanese?” This question is often asked because of the significant difference between the Japanese writing system and the writing systems of many other languages.
Let’s provide a detailed answer to this essential question – can you live in Japan without speaking Japanese.
Yes, you can live in Japan without speaking JapaneseBased on various experiences, you can live in Japan without speaking Japanese. In fact, the majority of the foreigners living in and enjoying Japan today came into the country with little or no knowledge of the Japanese language. Nonetheless, over the years, many of them have learned the language as they want to assimilate into the country.
Despite coming into Japan without speaking Japanese, they have still managed to live in the country. But if you don’t speak Japanese, there are some limitations that you may encounter during your stay in the country. Of course, such limitations are not peculiar to Japan as you can also encounter them in other countries if you don’t speak their major/official language.
Limitations you may need to deal with
- Communications may be challenging
Here, the particular language a person speaks fluently may be a big factor. For instance, if you speak English fluently, it may be easier for you to live in Japan without speaking Japanese. This is because many Japanese understand the English language; hence, you may be able to communicate with them when necessary. However, if you are only fluent in a relatively unpopular language, you will struggle to communicate with people in Japan.
- You may struggle with some adult responsibilities
If you want to live in Japan, it is paramount to deal with some adult responsibilities. These responsibilities may include paying rents and utilities, opening bank accounts, and registering for certain government services. In numerous places around the country, you need to understand the Japanese language to be able to fulfill these responsibilities.
However, things are changing gradually in Tokyo and other top cities in the country. This is because government agencies and companies are making effort to take care of the needs of foreigners with little or no understanding of Japanese. In some of these places, there are employees that can help you if you don’t speak Japanese.
In addition, you can use some blogs, apps, etc. to access some services even if you don’t speak Japanese.
- Your social circles may be weak
When living in any country, you will probably want to build a strong and reliable social circle. Unfortunately, if you don’t speak Japanese, you may have a hard time building your social circle in Japan. This is because most Japanese may not be interested in maintaining a relationship with you.
Generally, many Japanese will be willing to make friends with non-Japanese especially if you understand English. This is to ensure that they improve their command of the English language. However, over time, they will likely get tired of interpreting almost everything for you. Hence, you may start losing the few people that you have in your social circle. So, your friends may only be non-Japanese-speaking foreigners like you.
- Getting work may be difficult
For several people, this is probably the most challenging thing about living in Japanese without speaking Japanese. Many of the jobs available in Japan are only available for people that can speak Japanese. This is especially true for jobs that require you to communicate with customers as most of them will be only willing to speak to you in Japanese.
However, if you understand the English language well and are willing to be an English language teacher in Japan, you can get a job. Many Japanese are willing to learn English; hence, you will likely get a job that fits into this. Unluckily, working as an English language teacher doesn’t make much in Japan. In fact, it is usually a low-paying job that may make it difficult for you to survive in the country.
Otherwise, you may want to go into software engineering or other IT-based jobs if you are good at it. Many of these jobs don’t have any language challenges as long as you are an expert at what you do. Besides, they are high-paying jobs that can take your career in Japan to another level.
Apart from the options above, getting a job without speaking Japanese is difficult. But you can start your business if you have the ability or financial means to do so.
- Traveling around the country may require some assistance
Would you like to explore Japan during your stay in the country? If yes, you will need some assistance if you don’t speak Japanese. In general, many of the attractions in Japan are in small cities and towns where English and other foreign languages may be hardly spoken by the locals. Hence, you will likely struggle to find your way around these towns and small cities.
Nonetheless, Japan is a technologically advanced country. So, using smartphone apps and other technologies can help you to deal with these challenges. With Google Maps, you can easily navigate your way around the cities and even find accurate train transfer routes and times. Even Japanese people are always willing to help foreigners when necessary. So, wherever you find yourself, you can easily find the assistance you need to find your way around Japan.
In conclusion, you can live comfortably in Japan without speaking Japanese. This is because of various provisions that are available to make life easier for foreigners. However, you may some challenges with a few things, such as finding works, fulfilling some adult responsibilities, and building a strong social circle.
So, if you want to make the most out of your stay in Japan, it is advisable that you learn the Japanese language. There are numerous schools and resources that can help you to learn Japanese in or outside Japan. Therefore, you may learn the language before or after moving into the country.