Is Japan a good place to live for a young woman?

Question

i said to someone i would like to live in japan for a few years when i graduate. They warned me against it saying a young girl alone would be in danger. They said the crime rate is high and often americans are unwelcome. How true is this and what tips would you give for someone who is hoping to live there (safety wise, cost wise and culturally)?

Answer 1

Japan is one of the countries that has the lowest crime rate in the world.
They are the most civilized people on this earth, I reckon.

They also seem to have this 'Foreigners (Caucasians) are better than us' attitude.
It would be extremely rare to come across with racists in any parts of the country.

Cost wise.... what can I say, just imagine to live in Manhattan plus double the price on the rest of living costs.
Otherwise, Japan is the greatest place to live (for a couple of years anyway) !

Answer 2

well, i live in Japan, and it's a really great place. its a lot different from the US so it might take some time to get used to the culture. but i'm sure you'll like it, and the food is great (especially sashimi). americans arn't that unwelcome, though they disapprove of US soldiers as they are know to be quite violent. but there are many "gaijin", or foreigners living there. cost wise, the real estate prices are quite high, as it's a small country and there's not much land. the crime rate has been gaining in the past few years, but it's still relatively safe, as far as i know... i hope that helped!

Answer 3

I probably wouldn't advise you to live there because Japan is a very over crowded country so it is more likely that something could happen to you. On the whole however I havn't heard much about dangers in Japan, but to be safe maybe you should find out from a traval agent. Also if you still do decide to go to Japan maybe you could go with a group of people instead of going alone to be on the safe side.

Also it might be an idea to have a self-defence course before you go and that will teach you ways of protecting yourself.

As for cost Japan is a very expensive country.

All that I really know about their culture is that Japanese people are very hard workers.

Here is some info, I hope it helps you in your decision.
Regards
Ella B

Answer 4

Total, utter, and complete fantasy.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the WORLD. Their law enforcement is not constrained by the same sort of procedural restrictions regarding the rights of the accused so it is very easy for them to toss folks in jail and throw away the key. Because of this, crime is almost nonexistant. I have lived here for five years and can honestly say that I have NEVER even remotely been in any situation where I was afraid for my safety. I would literally go ANYWHERE in Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world, totally without fear.I have heard of a few women being sexually harrassed, but for the most part, it has been nothing more serious than you are likely to encounter at any bar in the U.S.

As to Japanese people not likeing Americans... I have heard a number of people say this, but I suspect most of them have never been here. I have certainly never experienced anything that made me feel unwelcomed. No one has ever been anything but really nice to me in fact. I have heard that uniformed military has some problems sometimes, but even this is almost exclusively relegated to the Military Towns (i.e. Yokotsuka, Naha, etc.). In general, my experience has been that Japanese people, particlularly the youth, are very receptive to Americans (or other western looking foriegners). They honestly think the men are cool, the women hot, and I would not be surprised at all if you are approached by more than a few Japanese students wanting to interview you in English for their classes.

The Tokyo area is expensive, particularly the areas frequented by tourists, but it is totally possible to do Japan on the cheap. Eat at convenience stores (not as bad as it sounds, the food is much better than 7 eleven in the U.S.) or discount/family restaurants. Stay at youth hostels or ryoukans (they are usually about half the cost of western style hotels). Go to hundred yen stores for souveniers, and hit all the free, public sights rather than places you have to pay (i.e. the temples, shrines, parks, etc.. Harajuku in Shinjuku is also fun for a youth hangout. I recomend Sunday night). Finally, buy the unlimited use train tickets (these are good for a preset amount of time - a day, a week, three days, etc. - but you can ride the train as often as you want anywhere in the whole city). To be safe, budget at least 10,000 yen a day after hotel expences, but a little more wouldn't hurt either.

My advise: go without fear, alone or accompanied, bring plenty of money, but make sure you are prepared to have a great time.

Answer 5

first of all you need lots of money . as for crime rate depends on where you are . you should live around tokyo area as it is the capital hence the life is there and it's already multicultural . you also might want to consider living near a military base if you want to be a little secure knowing you have american people around you . been here for 4 years now and sadly most of the crimes I've heard where committed by people inside the base . Crimes by japanese I have heard of basically involved civil problems ......

Answer 6

Japan is not that high crime rate and danger.
However, it is not easy to live in Japan, especially in Tokyo.
Everything extremely expensive for foreigners.

My answer is you better stay in the US. (I am not saying "don't come". Please visit and enjoy Japan as a tourist.)

Answer 7

Young girls living alone anywhere can be in danger.. Just take precautions to ensure your safety no matter where you live..

Answer 8

Wear a chastity belt - take lots of money - it's very expensive there and research the term Geisha!

Answer 9

R U JAPANESE NOT MANY PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH OVER THERE