Section 1.1: Gender Inequality in Japan

It’s important to clarify that I do not endorse the claims made by my friend; rather, I am merely reflecting her perspective. Nevertheless, there is some truth to her statement. As noted by Yuko Tamura, Japanese society often places women in a subordinate role, leading to a challenging environment for women. They are frequently expected to be demure and agreeable.

I acknowledge my own male privilege in this context and am thankful not to have faced such challenges. However, there are voices advocating for change, and the situation is gradually improving. As of 2020, women in management positions rose to 15%, up from just over 10% in 2013, even though this still falls short of the global average of about 26%.

Change is slow, especially in Japan, but it is happening.

Section 1.2: Financial Challenges

Another prevalent concern is the inability to save money, a sentiment echoed by both foreigners and locals. Upon my arrival in Japan, I was taken aback by the high tax rates. For over three decades, average salaries have stagnated, prompting Prime Ministers to plead with major companies to raise wages—a practice that seems more ceremonial than effective.

Japan's tax system is complex, with not just income tax but also residence tax and mandatory contributions to the National Health Insurance and National Pension systems. This means that many expatriates find their take-home pay surprisingly low, especially considering that Japan has some of the highest marginal tax rates globally, reaching 50% for top earners.

Yet, for those who need medical care, Japan offers more affordable treatment options compared to other countries.

Section 1.3: The Insularity of Japanese Salarymen

Japanese salarymen often receive criticism for being insular, a claim that might hold some merit. However, I believe Japan's global engagement is often underestimated. Many Japanese individuals actively use global social media platforms, with significant portions of the population on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Despite the language barrier, there isn't a governmental restriction preventing access to the outside world. While some major Japanese companies, such as Toyota and Sony, enjoy global recognition, the vast majority of businesses are small to medium-sized enterprises focused primarily on the domestic market.

Interestingly, despite having one of the world's best passports, only 23% of Japanese citizens owned one as of 2019.

Section 1.4: Cultural Politeness

Describing Japanese politeness as "criminal" is a peculiar expression. Many foreigners often misinterpret Japanese cultural norms. In Japan, the distinction between honne (true feelings) and tatemae (public facade) plays a significant role in social interactions.

Politeness, a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture, is often misconstrued as genuine kindness. For instance, in Kyoto, a host might offer another cup of tea to subtly suggest it’s time for a guest to leave. While this can be perplexing, understanding these nuances is crucial for a smoother experience in Japan.

Section 1.5: Communication Barriers

For expatriates, articulating thoughts in Japan can be particularly challenging, especially without proficiency in Japanese. In most businesses, Japanese is the primary language, and very few companies operate officially in English.

Learning Japanese, though time-consuming, is vital for easing this transition. It’s essential to approach the language with realistic expectations, as mastering Japanese is no small feat. Cultural factors also complicate communication; decisions are frequently made informally, leading to misunderstandings in official settings.