What Are the Pros and Cons of Studying in Japan? 「A Personal Story」

2025/06/26

Studying in Japan is a dream for many. The image of ancient temples next to modern skyscrapers, anime, polite people, ultra-punctual trains, and cherry blossoms gives this country a magnetic charm. But once the dream becomes reality, you face an experience far more complex — and enriching — than what postcards or Instagram reels usually show.

In this article, I want to share my real-life experience as an international student in Japan: what surprised me, what challenged me, what I’m grateful for, and what I’m still learning every day. Because studying in Japan has many advantages… but also several challenges that are often left unspoken.

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🌸 The Bright Side of Studying in Japan

1. Total Language Immersion

One of the biggest advantages is being surrounded by Japanese all the time. From train announcements to conversations in the convenience store, every moment is a learning opportunity. While it can feel overwhelming at first, this constant exposure forces you to adapt and greatly accelerates your progress — especially if you already have some foundation.

In my case, I noticed that after a couple of months, I could already understand simple instructions or order food without switching to English. And when I started working part-time, Japanese stopped being a “subject” and became a real communication tool.

2. Safety and Order

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. You can walk alone at night without too much worry, forget your phone at a café and get it back later, or carry your laptop on the train without fear. This creates a very calm environment where you can focus on studying without so many external concerns.

3. A Fascinating and Diverse Culture

Living in Japan isn’t just about studying the language — it’s also about diving into a rich culture full of history, rituals, values, and contrasts. From taking part in local festivals to trying food you never imagined, each day brings something new.

Personally, I was touched by how kind many Japanese people were, especially when they noticed I was making an effort to speak their language. That willingness to help, even across a language barrier, made me feel welcomed more times than I can count.

4. Job Opportunities

Studying in Japan opens the door to part-time jobs, especially if your Japanese is good. From working in cafés to teaching your native language, there are many options that also help improve your social and cultural skills.

And if you’re thinking long-term, having studied in Japan gives you an edge when applying to Japanese companies, both inside and outside of the country.

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🌪️ The Challenges of Studying in Japan

1. Culture Shock

No matter how much you prepare, culture shock is real. Some things may seem small, but they feel big when you’re far from home: not being able to express your emotions the way you’re used to, feeling unsure about social rules, or simply not knowing if you’re greeting someone correctly.

I personally struggled with how indirect communication is the norm. What I considered “normal” or polite in my country could be seen as too direct or rude in Japan.

2. Visa Limitations

As an international student, your time in Japan is strictly regulated by your visa conditions. You can only work a limited number of hours, need permission for many things, and renewing your visa involves quite a bit of paperwork.

And if you want to stay after graduation, the path isn’t always easy. Getting a work visa depends on several factors: your Japanese level, your field of study, and whether you find a company willing to hire you and sponsor your visa.

3. Loneliness and Mental Health

Studying abroad can feel very lonely, especially if you don’t have a support system. Even though Japan is a kind country, forming deep friendships takes time, and the language barrier can sometimes make you feel isolated — even in a crowd.

There were weeks when I felt emotionally drained because I couldn’t express myself freely, or because I didn’t know how to behave in certain social situations. That’s why having a space to share your experiences — whether it’s with classmates, teachers, or even online — is absolutely essential.

4. Cost of Living and Intense Pace

Japan can be expensive, especially in cities like Tokyo. While there are ways to save — shopping second-hand or cooking at home — your budget is usually tight.

On top of that, the Japanese pace of life can be demanding. Language schools often have intense schedules and expect full commitment. Add a part-time job and daily responsibilities to that, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed or neglect your health.

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💬 Friendship and Love in Japan

One of the most enriching aspects of studying in Japan is the people you meet. You’ll make friends not only from Japan, but also from all around the world — Korea, Vietnam, Brazil, France, Thailand, the U.S., and so many others you never expected to meet. Japanese language schools are like international microcosms, and each person teaches you something new — about their culture, their language, and even about yourself.

At first, it may feel difficult to connect. Study schedules, cultural differences, or just plain shyness can get in the way. But over time, you’ll discover that the desire to share, laugh, and support each other doesn’t depend on the language. You’ll build deep friendships with people you could barely greet at the start.

And of course, there’s the topic of romance. Sometimes, without even looking for it, you’ll find yourself in an international relationship. In my home country, all my romantic relationships were with local girls. I thought being abroad would make things totally different. But what I found was that — while the way people date, show affection, or communicate may vary across cultures — deep down, human beings are more alike than we think.

Learning to communicate beyond language, to respect cultural differences, and to find common ground is a lesson that goes far beyond love. I realized that even thousands of kilometers from where I was born, there are things that deeply connect us. And that made me feel truly at home — because in the end, this whole planet is my home.

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🎌 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Studying in Japan has been one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions of my life. It’s not easy — and it’s not for everyone. But if you love the language, are willing to leave your comfort zone, and want to experience a culture completely different from your own, the journey can be life-changing.

I’ve grown not just as a student, but as a person. I’ve learned to adapt, to be patient, to ask for help when I need it, and to appreciate my roots even more.

And if you’re reading this with the idea of coming to Japan, I encourage you to do it — but with open eyes. Come with excitement, yes, but also with preparation. Because Japan isn’t just the land of sakura and sushi — it’s also a place where you can truly discover who you are.

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Want to prepare better before coming to Japan?
At Nihongo Online School, we help you learn real Japanese with practical lessons, native teachers, and a focus on real-life situations — so when you finally land in Japan, you’ll already have the tools to make the most of it.