Moving to Japan four months ago, Alessa Hickman discovered that not everything is cheaper — especially fruit. Her cost of living dropped overall, but the price of items like ramen bowls surprised her: the best she's had costs around the equivalent of Canadian dollars, compared to over $20 back home in Ottawa.
Japan's strict trash-sorting rules and rental "key money" system were new hurdles. Despite not being fluent in Japanese, Hickman navigates daily life with ease, aided by intuitive signage and helpful locals. She started in Tokyo before relocating to Osaka, where she'll stay through summer.
Public transit stands out as remarkably efficient and punctual, a sharp contrast to Canada's systems. Hickman plans to explore more of Japan over the next year, relying on long-term Airbnbs and the country's extensive rail network.
While overall costs dropped, the high price of fresh fruit remains a sticking point. This highlights a broader global debate about food affordability versus quality of life in different nations.
Critics might argue that Hickman's experience reflects a privileged expat perspective, overlooking challenges like language barriers or workplace integration that longer-term residents face.