Real Stories: How Expats Are Thriving with Remote Work in Japan

Remote work is changing lives—and Japan is becoming a hotspot for expats looking for more freedom, flexibility, and cultural depth.

This is not just about working from a different location. It’s about building a new lifestyle. For many foreigners, Japan offers a work-life balance that was hard to find back home. Add the cultural experiences, food, safety, and strong digital infrastructure, and it’s clear why remote workers are packing their bags and heading east.

If you’re wondering what it’s really like to do remote work in Japan as a foreigner, here’s a detailed look from the people living it.

Why Japan? What Makes It Appealing for Remote Work?

Japan wasn’t always seen as a remote work-friendly country. Before 2020, long office hours and rigid workplace norms were the standard. But that changed after the pandemic, when companies were forced to adopt more flexible systems. Many saw the benefits and never went back.

Now, Japan is investing in digital transformation. Local governments are creating incentives to attract remote workers, especially to rural areas. Digital nomads, freelancers, and international employees are beginning to see Japan not just as a tourist destination—but as a place to work and live long term.

So, what’s pulling foreigners in?

• Reliable infrastructure: High-speed internet is widely available, even in smaller towns.
• Safety and quality of life: Japan ranks high globally in safety and healthcare.
• Cultural richness: You can enjoy seasonal festivals, visit centuries-old temples, or soak in natural hot springs.
• Location and time zone: Useful overlap with other parts of Asia and Australia. Morning calls with the U.S. or late-night ones with Europe are manageable if you structure your day.
• Public services: Clean streets, excellent transportation, and convenience stores that genuinely make life easier.

Emily from Canada: Tech Pro Finds Balance in Tokyo

Job: IT Project Manager
Location: Tokyo
Visa: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Company: Remote-first startup based in Japan

Emily moved to Japan in 2023 after landing a role with a tech company based in Shinjuku. The company operates with a hybrid policy, but Emily’s role is fully remote.

“I was tired of the 2-hour daily commute in Toronto. I used to sit in traffic, then sit in meetings. It felt like I was always rushing. Japan was always on my list, and when I found a company here open to remote work, I jumped.”

Her daily routine?

• Logs in by 9 a.m. Japan time
• Coordinates development tasks with engineers in Osaka and Korea
• Takes lunch breaks at a nearby soba shop or local bento spot
• Works the afternoon from a co-working space in Daikanyama or a quiet café

Challenges she faced:

• Language barriers: “I had to learn how to read basic train station signs, menus, and official documents.”
• Cultural gaps: “Meetings are more structured, and hierarchy matters more. It took time to adjust.”

How she adapted:

• Took Japanese classes through iTalki and in person at a local language school
• Read up on Japanese work norms and used tools like DeepL for written communication
• Built strong connections by attending the office once a month and grabbing lunch with coworkers

Adam from the USA: Freelance Designer Finds Creative Freedom in Fukuoka

Job: Freelance Graphic Designer
Location: Fukuoka
Visa: Business Manager (self-sponsored through an LLC)
Clients: Mostly U.S. and Japan-based businesses

Adam left New York in 2022, where rent was rising and the freelance market was overcrowded. He had visited Japan before and loved the people and the calm.

“I didn’t want to live in Tokyo. Fukuoka has the chill vibe I need, and it’s growing. There’s tech here, startups, and a lot of small business owners looking for design help.”

Why Fukuoka?

• Lower rent and living costs
• Nature access: Beaches, parks, and mountains within reach
• City with a startup culture but slower pace than Tokyo
• Easier immigration support for business setup

Tools he uses daily:

• Notion for task planning
• Figma for design projects
• LINE and Google Meet for client communication
• SmartHR for managing invoices and business records in Japanese

Advice for freelancers:

• Open a Japanese business bank account early—it takes time
• Learn basic accounting terms in Japanese
• Build your website in both English and Japanese
• Partner with local web developers or translators to expand your service offering

Sofia from Sweden: Remote Marketing Consultant Enjoying Work-Life Balance in Kyoto

Job: Digital Marketing Consultant
Location: Kyoto
Visa: Highly Skilled Foreign Professional
Clients: B2B software firms and travel-related businesses

Sofia launched her remote marketing consultancy in 2021. After working remotely from Sweden, she looked for a place where she could enjoy history, culture, and walkable neighborhoods. Kyoto checked every box.

“There’s something peaceful about starting your day near a river, hearing temple bells. And then jumping into a Zoom call with a tech client in Tokyo.”

Her routine:

• Early morning walks near the Kamogawa
• Mid-morning strategy sessions with clients
• Afternoon content planning and copywriting
• Weekends spent at temples, galleries, or hiking nearby

Biggest lessons:

• Japanese clients appreciate consistent, detailed communication
• Delivering on time is non-negotiable
• Building trust takes longer—but once built, it’s strong

Her tip:
“Set expectations clearly in writing. If you’re unsure, clarify in advance rather than assume.”

Common Challenges for Foreign Remote Workers in Japan

1. Language and Communication

Even if your work is in English, daily life in Japan is conducted in Japanese.

Solutions:

• Use DeepL or Google Translate for emails and texts
• Learn to recognize common kanji like 出口 (exit), 銀行 (bank), or 市役所 (city hall)
• Sign up for local language classes or conversation cafés
• Ask your company to cover language training as a benefit

2. Cultural Etiquette

Hierarchy, silence, and indirect communication are part of the Japanese work style. You may find it hard to read between the lines.

How to adapt:

• Watch how Japanese colleagues handle meetings and mirror their tone
• Use polite forms of speech and avoid being too casual
• Understand that “yes” may not mean agreement—sometimes it means “I hear you”

3. Time Zones and Work Hours

Japan Standard Time doesn’t always line up well with Western clients.

Tips to manage:

• Batch your meetings for mornings or evenings
• Use shared calendars with time zone conversion
• Communicate availability clearly each week
• Take breaks in the afternoon to recharge if you work late hours

How to Legally Work Remotely in Japan as an Expat

Getting the right visa is crucial. Here’s what most remote workers use:

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: For developers, designers, marketers, translators, and consultants
• Business Manager: For freelancers establishing a sole proprietorship or LLC
• Highly Skilled Foreign Professional: Point-based visa for experienced workers with advanced degrees or high salaries
• Intra-company Transfer: If you’re relocating within your current company

What you need:

• A sponsoring company or legal entity (your own if self-employed)
• Proof of income or business plan
• Residence address in Japan
• Some Japanese documentation

Extra tip:

• Work with a gyoseishoshi (certified visa expert) to prepare your paperwork correctly

Building a Social and Professional Network as a Remote Worker

Remote work can feel isolating. Having a social life outside Zoom is essential.

Ways to connect:

• Co-working spaces: Try Impact Hub, Blink, or tech-focused spaces like Digital Garage
• Meetups: Search for events on Peatix or Eventbrite with “Tokyo” or “remote work” tags
• Online communities: Slack groups like TokyoDev, LinkedIn Japan Freelancers
• Japanese-English language exchanges: Great for practicing and meeting locals

Suggestions:

• Say yes to small gatherings—even if it’s just a coffee chat
• Join industry-specific groups, like marketing, IT, or content creation
• Volunteer locally to build friendships outside your work circle

Cost of Living: What to Expect

Living costs depend on your location and lifestyle.

Tokyo:

• Rent: ¥110,000–¥220,000/month (studio or 1LDK)
• Utilities: ¥8,000–¥15,000/month
• Coworking: ¥20,000–¥35,000/month
• Food: ¥40,000–¥60,000/month if cooking at home, more if dining out often

Fukuoka, Sendai, or smaller cities:

• Rent: ¥60,000–¥130,000/month
• Slower pace, cheaper transport, and easier apartment contracts

Tips to save:

• Buy secondhand furniture at Recycle Shops
• Use cashback apps like Rakuten Pay
• Shop groceries at local markets or discount supermarkets like OK Store

What’s Next for Remote Work in Japan?

Remote work in Japan is no longer a fringe concept. Companies are adjusting policies, and the government is considering visas for digital nomads.

Trends to follow:

• Incentives to move to the countryside and telework from regional areas
• More hybrid positions in Japanese companies
• Coworking spaces popping up in tourist towns and suburbs
• Infrastructure upgrades, including more public Wi-Fi and English-language support

Thinking About Remote Work in Japan?

Here’s a checklist to help you get started:

• Confirm with your employer that international remote work is allowed
• Research the correct visa type for your role and situation
• Contact an immigration specialist for your region
• Prepare for Japanese taxes and social insurance requirements
• Learn basic Japanese reading and speaking for everyday use
• Use digital nomad and expat forums to ask location-specific questions
• Find accommodation through trusted platforms like Suumo or GaijinPot
• Build a support network before you land—Slack groups and Meetups help
• Budget for the first three months, including visa costs and moving fees

Final Thoughts: Why This Remote Work in Japan Expat Story Matters

Every expat story is unique. But the themes are the same—freedom, opportunity, challenge, and growth.

Remote work in Japan isn’t just possible. It’s thriving. Foreign professionals are contributing to a new type of work culture in Japan—one that mixes global flexibility with local values.

Whether you’re a freelancer in Sapporo, a startup employee in Tokyo, or a digital consultant in Okinawa, Japan offers a place to live fully while working globally.

So, is Japan your next remote work destination?