Dave is a Canadian writer, originally hailing from Vancouver Island. These days he lives in Kyoto, Japan, and is working on a soon-to-be-published novella. You can keep up with Dave's adventures on his YouTube channel and website.
To learn more about moving to Japan, check out our Japan guide.
About Dave
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Canada.
Q: Where are you currently living (city and country)?
A: Kyoto.
Q: When did you move here?
A: Three months ago.
Q: Is this your first expat experience?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you move here alone or with a spouse/family?
A: Alone.
Q: Reason for moving?
A: Work.
Living in Japan
Q: What do you enjoy most about Kyoto and Japan in general?
A: The cross between urban and natural.
Q: What do you miss most about home?
A: My family and friends.
Q: What are the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into expat life here?
A: The language.
Q: What are your favourite things to do on the weekend?
A: Film and to go to an onsen (hot spring).
Q: What’s the cost of living compared to home?
A: Lower than Vancouver.
Q: What’s public transport like in Kyoto and across the country?
A: Amazing.
Q: What do you think about the healthcare available in Japan? What should expats expect of local doctors and hospitals?
A: Very good.
Q: What’s the standard of housing like in your city? What different options are available?
A: It's good, but there is a lot of racism preventing foreigners from being accepted to a house.
Meeting people and making friends
Q: Was meeting people and making friends easy?
A: Not hard at all.
Q: Have you made friends with locals or do you mix mainly with other expats?
A: Mostly expats but many locals as well.
Working in Japan
Q: Was getting a work permit or visa a relatively easy process? Did you tackle the visa process yourself, or did you enlist the services of an immigration consultant?
A: Easy if you have everything you need.
Q: What is the economic climate in the city like?
A: Very exciting, lots of start-ups and many different opportunities.
Q: How does the work culture differ from home?
A: Being at an office just to show face which creates a very inefficient work environment.
Final thoughts
Q: Is there any advice you would like to offer new expat arrivals to Japan?
A: Enjoy every moment.
– Interviewed in July 2021