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No need to wait -- a short stay in Tokyo was enough to convince me that daily life can be much better right now if I leave the United States. I was scheduled t

No need to wait -- a short stay in Tokyo was enough to convince me that daily life can be much better right now if I leave the United States. I was scheduled to move permanently to Japan in May, but unfortunately the travel ban delayed my move. As a young person with few attachments, it was an easy decision to leave, especially given all that has happened the last few months. One to three decades is 1/8 to 1/2 of my life, if I'm lucky not to get hit by a car before then. Until the United States can catch up to the rest of the developed world, I'll be voting with my residence.

refurb 6y ago
So you've visited Japan, but not actually lived there, but you're certain "life can be much better right now if I leave the United States"?
- benrbray 6y ago
  I lived+worked in Tokyo for 5 months. Compared to my experiences living in Seattle, Detroit, and Atlanta as well as visiting places like Chicago and San Francisco, * To me, Tokyo feels like it was designed for people, not cars. It's entirely possible to bike / walk from one end to the other without exposing yourself to fast-moving vehicle traffic (and in fact, I have done so). There is an abundance of parks, greenways, and rivers throughout the city. * Neighborhoods are blocked off from non-local traffic, making Tokyo much safer and quieter. Six-year-olds walk themselves to school! * Short commutes by bike or train mean that more of my day is my own. * Mixed-use zoning [1] means I don't need to travel as far for my basic needs. When I do want to travel far, bullet trains can zip me across the country in just a few hours. * Cost of living is lower for my lifestyle. No need to own a car. Grocery costs are comparable to a big American city, but restaurants are cheaper and more abundant, with reasonable portions and healthier options. * Rent is cheaper, since I don't mind living in a small space. There is normally no such option in American cities, especially with the "luxury apartment" fad. When I eventually want to buy a house, it will be affordable since housing is (rightly) NOT viewed as an investment in Japan. * Good national health insurance system with cheaper medical costs than the United States. * Even for non-Japanese speakers, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize and have new life experiences. [1]: http://urbankchoze.blogspot.com/2014/04/japanese-zoning.html http://urbankchoze.blogspot.com/2014/04/japanese-zoning.html So yes, for me, I am certain daily life will be better (for me) in Japan. :)

refurb 6y ago

So you've visited Japan, but not actually lived there, but you're certain "life can be much better right now if I leave the United States"?

benrbray 6y ago
I lived+worked in Tokyo for 5 months. Compared to my experiences living in Seattle, Detroit, and Atlanta as well as visiting places like Chicago and San Francisco, * To me, Tokyo feels like it was designed for people, not cars. It's entirely possible to bike / walk from one end to the other without exposing yourself to fast-moving vehicle traffic (and in fact, I have done so). There is an abundance of parks, greenways, and rivers throughout the city. * Neighborhoods are blocked off from non-local traffic, making Tokyo much safer and quieter. Six-year-olds walk themselves to school! * Short commutes by bike or train mean that more of my day is my own. * Mixed-use zoning [1] means I don't need to travel as far for my basic needs. When I do want to travel far, bullet trains can zip me across the country in just a few hours. * Cost of living is lower for my lifestyle. No need to own a car. Grocery costs are comparable to a big American city, but restaurants are cheaper and more abundant, with reasonable portions and healthier options. * Rent is cheaper, since I don't mind living in a small space. There is normally no such option in American cities, especially with the "luxury apartment" fad. When I eventually want to buy a house, it will be affordable since housing is (rightly) NOT viewed as an investment in Japan. * Good national health insurance system with cheaper medical costs than the United States. * Even for non-Japanese speakers, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize and have new life experiences. [1]: http://urbankchoze.blogspot.com/2014/04/japanese-zoning.html http://urbankchoze.blogspot.com/2014/04/japanese-zoning.html So yes, for me, I am certain daily life will be better (for me) in Japan. :)