It’s hectic, but worth it What’s the shopping like?
Kevin Holdaway says it’s easy to have a good life in Japan, even if the language is a barrier.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
I met my wife in Christchurch. She was studying English and we decided to move here. I have been in Tokyo for about 16 years now.
What do you do there?
I am a sales manager at a media company at GPlusMedia, part of Fuji Media Holdings and operator of gaijinpot.com.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
Ease of living. It is very easy to live here, have a good job and good salary, even if you have some difficulty with the language.
Disadvantages?
The work-life balance seems out of whack. It is easy to get stuck in the working cycle and, with the typically lengthy transit times (45 minutesplus), you end up leaving for work early and coming home late.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand? How much is a beer?
From what I hear, not so expensive now, as the cost of living in New Zealand is quite high. Beer is about $6.40 a pint.
What do you do in your spare time?
Hang out with mates, both Japanese and other expats – there’s always something happening. If you have a car, it’s easy to get into the countryside and trains are really good.
What’s the local delicacy and would you recommend eating it?
Got to love the sushi, tonkatsu and ramen, but my favourite are soba noodles – great on a summer’s night. With a beer, of course.
Easiest way to get around?
Trains – they’re easily the best in the world.
What are the top three things you recommend all visitors should do?
1. Asakusa: Great traditional views mixed with modern Japan
2. Mt Fuji: If you can visit and climb, it’s the greatest experience
3. Visit an onsen (hot pools). You will will have to get your kit off but man, it’s worth it. The quintessential Japanese experience. Anything and everything is available, even stuff you never though you’d need, like kotatsu (a heated coffee table that you can sit under on the floor and you’re covered with a blanket).
Best after-dark activity?
Roppongi [a nightlife district] if you like clubbing, but it’s always great just to visit the local izakaya (a bar with food) with all-you-can-eat and all-youcan-drink options.
Best time of year to visit?
Spring as you have the cherry blossoms and it’s not too hot or cold.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
The Kiwi culture and work-life balance. It is easy to get caught up in the hectic lifestyle here. Sometimes I feel it would be great to just relax and have a barbecue with some mates.
How easy is it for you to get back to NZ?
I usually get back about once a year, but when I first came it was a little more difficult to get back so often.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Younger people can usually get a job in the English teaching industry as long as they have a degree. Mid-career people should be able to speak Japanese to be able to work in Japan. If you have IT, sales or marketing experience, there are still many opportunities available.