Which Is better China or Japan?

Question

Which country is better to live in China or Japan?

Answer 1

To LIVE in, definitely Japan. I'm Chinese but I'd like to retire in Japan.

To strike it big, definitely China. Business opportunities are more plentiful, and you also end up spending less than you would if you lived in Japan.

Beware though: some places in China are nicer to live in than others. Shanghai is clean and modern but also more expensive; Beijing is polluted and modern; Changchun is polluted and backwards, but that's where the cheap labour might be.

On the whole, Japanese have better manners and habits than Chinese. However, it's hard to deal with them because they're so draped in formality that you never know what they're REALLY thinking =p.

On the other hand, be careful not to insult a bus conductor in Beijing because they have been known to commit murder when aggravated. Just warning ya!

With all the negative comments about China, I must also add that...

China's current communist government isn't the best; many of its practices aren't to be condoned. HOWEVER, in relative terms, it is the most progressive and least brutal government that China has ever had (excluding Taiwan and Hong Kong, that is).

In the past, you could be executed "by a thousand cuts" if you spoke badly about the emperor... and all your relatives and friends would suffer the same fate. Before 1949, if you were a communist, the Kuomintang would shoot you on the spot. Now, the Communist government would lock you up for 15 years if you speak out against it. Judge for yourself whether that's an improvement or a regression.

Answer 2

China

Answer 3

That depends. If you are rich, you can have a colorful life in both countries. Maybe Japan is a little better. But if you want to make money, then China would be your choice. Foreigners are easy to get a job. And they tend to be well paid. Even you want to run your own business, there is a huge market for you.

Answer 4

Although it is said that China is now a democratic country and have left their communistic ideas in the past.... There is still a lot of corruption and general hostility towards foreigners...

Was a little dissapointed by the way China has modernized some of their historical structures, like temples etc (including this ridiculous escalator at the Lei Feng Pagoda in Hang Zhou...)

Still, both countries have their pros and cons...

This is comparing my own experience in both countries...

Safety, convenience and friendliness.... DEFINATELY Japan!!

I was shocked by the poor customer service in China, Australia's not that far behind.... But...

Japan has GOT TO BE one the best countries for comfort, convenience and customer service!!!

I think it's important to see both countries if you get around to it though!!!

Both historically, culturally, politically, artistically fascinating!!

Answer 5

i think japan is a nice place to live, though i've never lived in china. japan may be a little expensive, but people are nice to foreigners and will try to go to extra lengths to help you if you don't know the language. also japan is very modern, i don't know about china.

Answer 6

I have lived in both countries and I am currently living in Japan. Living in Japan is by far the best when it comes to the people, culture, food and safety. Yes shopping in Japan is more expensive but you are also compensated by a higher salary and benefits.

Answer 7

You were the one who also asked about working in Asia.
So with that in mind, here are your options...
If you live in China, you will always find yourself being the center of attention everywhere you go; and sometimes that attention is not a good thing. You can make a decent living and save a lot of money, but you will also be living in a place where there is no such thing as quality control of any kind. You will have to be very careful of things you use, and especially what you eat. I live in Taiwan, and I have had food poisoning six times already; three times at McDonald's. (Get the point?) Only eat at places that your Asian friends/coworkers say are safe.
If you live in Japan, the cost of living will be high, but so will the wages. If you like to party, you will be broke all the time. Everything in Japan is SMALL! an apartment is going to be about the size of an American bedroom. And appliancess and electronics are going to cost you. Forget about an arm and a leg, we are talking about your heart and liver.
No matter where you are living here, you must be very careful. It can be very bad if you are looking for relationships. These cultures REALLY frown upon their children having serious relationships with foreigners. Some major metropolises have changed, but rural areas are still very strict and old-fashioned; so watch how you act.
There are many sites to check out. Start with some searches about "esl japan" or "esl china". In Taiwan, we have "tealit.com" It will have LOTS of info about Taiwan.
Good luck.

Answer 8

I suggest China, but i am in japan now

Answer 9

Neither China or Japan are easy countries for foreigners to live in. They're both ancient cultures with a complex set of social behaviors and highly insular family units. People tend to be very polite in both countries. However, affirmations of friendship are not as casually thrown about as in the West. For a Chinese or Japanese person to call you a "friend" is considered a big deal.

Generally, foreigners in China are there to take advantage of business opportunities because it is a developing/growing economy. Although urban Chinese are becoming more wealthy...it is important to remember that the vast majority of the population outside of places like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing are still very poor. So, conditions will vary depending on where you end up.

In contrast, Japan's post-industrial economy affords fewer opportunities for new ventures, but it is more stable. Japan also has a much higher standard of living than China (which maybe "bad" or "good" depending on your needs and resources), as well as a more democratic government and freedom of the press.

Answer 10

Politically = Japan

Economically = China possible more prospects for the future but Japan is there now.

Safety = Japan

Food = Both tasty but Japanese food is healthy and Chinese food is not.

People = Mainland Chinese are notoriously unfriendly. Japanese people are famously friendly.

Scenery = China is polluted whereas Japan is relatively clean.

Winner? Japan, hands down.