Japan is a country full of contradictions, a very private culture which has been exported to the masses overseas, a society which is heavily based upon family life, with a cut throat business environment.  However, Japan does have one of the oldest cultural bases dating back thousands of years, and a way of life which is deeply ingrained in society.

Consisting of over 3,000 separate islands, the country is dominated by three main islands, one of  which takes in Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world with a population in the region of 30 million.  The “land of the rising sun” offers a beautiful mixture of intrigue, history and a way of life which is alien to many Westerners.

Many will be surprised to learn that this economic leader of the world is between 70% and 80% forest and mountainous land which is unsuitable for even the simplest of agricultural industries.  It is also surprising to learn that the country encompasses 6 different climatic regions, from the Northern area which has regular snow falls, cold winters and cool summers, to the Southern islands which have a subtropical climate!

Over the last 20 years the country has opened up to both foreign visitors and foreign businesses, and immigration numbers for Expats living in Japan are growing.  Many are attracted by both the prospects for the economy as well as the traditional family values which ensure that the elderly and poor receive excellent financial assistance throughout their lives.

The visa system in Japan is one of the most straight forward in the world, and once a visa (whether temporary of permanent) has been granted there is no need for this to be renewed.  Applications for residency in the country are considered against the person’s financial background, employment prospects and ability to fund themselves.  There are certain timescales for different situations and these should be checked before applying for the paperwork. 

 Contents: Culture in Japan | Employment in Japan | Property in Japan | Japan Key Facts

Culture in Japan

While the Japanese culture is still heavily influenced by original Jomon culture from thousands of years ago, a number of subtle influence are now visible from Asia, Europe and North America, due in the main to the strong relationships Japan has with these areas of the world.  However, there is no doubt that the more traditional areas of Japanese culture are renowned around the world, and offer a great promotional tool for the authorities.

Japanese culture is very strong in the areas of food, dance, crafts, gardens and clothing to name but a few although it is perhaps most well known for the various forms of self defence which have been embraced by other areas of the world.  It has also become the hive of business throughout Asia, with many entrepreneurs emerging from the once secret society of Japan.  

Historically, the Japanese have been a nation who prefer their homeland to overseas, although the resistance to moving abroad has reduced in recent times.  Then again, why move from a country which has low crime rates, a booming economy and the highest life expectancy rate in the world - over 81 years of age!

Employment in Japan

The Japanese economy has emerged as the second largest economy in the world, behind the mighty United States of America, although it does dictate the direction of neighbouring Far Eastern economies.  The country has always had a very strong work culture, with Japanese employees working longer hours than most nations of the world.

The employment picture in Japan is very impressive, and while it can be susceptible to short term peaks and troughs, the country has a great history of adapting to the latest trends and technologies of the day - it is this speed of change which has given the country a lead over many competing nations.  Strong in banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, transportation and telecommunications, the country leads the way in many fields.

The rate of unemployment in Japan has been around the 4% level for some time, which is very encouraging for the large population of the country.  The tax revenues which high employment brings has allowed the authorities to replenish the attractive social benefits paid to poorer groups of society, as well as funding lavish internal investment programs which have given Japan the most modern of transport networks in the world.

While Asian economic growth for 2007 is set to come in at around 7% to 8%, Japan is set to grown at just under 3% after a period of sustained expansion.  There is some concern that the Japanese economy will be effected by what happens in the US, where economic observers are forecasting a distinct slowdown in the economy.

Foreign nationals who relocate to Japan (either short term or longer term) should have no problems obtaining employment, with a vast array of Western companies having offices in the region.  Slowly but surely the country is shaking off the volatile economic performance of historic years, with the authorities playing a lead role - although government investment, rather than interest rate management seems to be the key.

Property in Japan

The performance of the Japanese property market is heavily influenced by foreign investors as well as the direction of the local stockmarket.  Property prices in central Tokyo reached sky high figures in the 1980s ahead of a property boom, from which many of the so called “hot spots” have never recovered.

While many believe that the current boom in Japanese property cannot continue, when you bear in mind that the price of property in some areas is still only 50% of values in the 1980s (ahead of the crash), the situation may not be as bad as many think..  The property market is very much split into two areas, Toyko (and its suburbs) and the rest of Japan.  As one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo has a sub economy and sub property market all of its own, which is highly dependant on immigration and foreign investment.

While the interest of foreign investors in the Japanese property market is not as high as it has been , this may to some extent be due to the regularity of earth quakes and tremors in the region which have a massive impact on society and the economy.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Japan is a fairly unique country compared to the majority of developed nations, although it has a massive impact on the overall region (as the US does on America and Europe).  The nationals are very friendly towards foreign travellers, which has helped to nurture a sizeable tourist industry.

The increasing influence of Western cultures on Japanese society is becoming more evident, and this has led to a large increase in immigrant workers and people applying for permanent residency.  Perhaps attracted by the landscape, the climate, the culture and life expectancy of over 80 years, Japan has a lot going for it.

More facts about Japan :-

Capital : Tokyo

Official Language : Japanese

Government : Constitutional monarchy with an Emperor.

Size : 377,873 km2

Population : 128 million

Currency : Yen

International Dialling Code : +81

Economy : 2nd largest in the world

Religion : Buddhism / Shinto