I thought the same thing but I have no resources, and am trapped by my familial connections. Spain was where I wanted to go but Japan is a close second. I'm 49 and I'm Jella. Which means hella jelly which means I am hell-filled with jealous emotional wavelengths.
I really want to go to Japan but it also seems like it would be one of the most confusing places on earth to visit without help. You already have a guide so I'm sure it will be awesome!
What a cool opportunity! We’ve had the same thoughts but more centered around Canada. Best of luck in your new adventure! Hopefully we can join in a Japan MLTUP some day.
@waldopepper The language barrier is immense, but yes, I'm extremely luck to have my wife to guide me through it all. Fortunately most of the folks here are incredibly kind and forgiving of my clumsy foibles and awkward attempts to communicate.
@Jimbo I totally get it. I'm very lucky, and I know it. I had to give up a lot to get here, but at least I had the opportunity and ability to do so. So far, I have zero regrets.
Nonetheless, I will miss the U.S., and I feel a deep sense of grief associated with it already -- not just from being distant from it geographically, but from watching what is happening to the country...
In the end, several factors tipped the scales in favor of leaving. First, from a purely selfish standpoint, the quality of life in Japan is far greater, while the cost of living is far lower. Second, I feel an ethical obligation not to pay taxes to the U.S. federal govt if I can avoid it. Third, my wife was a green card holder, giving her no real legal protection under the new regime.
We happened to be in Tokyo when the election results hit, and we said fuck it, we're moving here. We almost didn't go back home, but I had a house to sell, and a million loose ends that needed to be tied up naturally.
kyoto is amaaaaazing—love that station, where i had a great donut. i hope that you settle in easily and find your footing. most days lately, being an ex-pat feels like the only option as an american 😢
@tweedlydo Thank you, and so far, so good! It's hot and humid, with a lot of rain, but I've been here twice before in the Fall, so I know what's coming in a few months, and it'll be glorious.
Congratulations! I have wanted half my life to live in Japan, at least for a period, but with kids and everything else keeping me in Norway, and no way to get a work permit, it has never been even remotely realistic. But ganbatte and the best of luck to you!
Bon chance!
Nonetheless, I will miss the U.S., and I feel a deep sense of grief associated with it already -- not just from being distant from it geographically, but from watching what is happening to the country...
In the end, several factors tipped the scales in favor of leaving. First, from a purely selfish standpoint, the quality of life in Japan is far greater, while the cost of living is far lower. Second, I feel an ethical obligation not to pay taxes to the U.S. federal govt if I can avoid it. Third, my wife was a green card holder, giving her no real legal protection under the new regime.
We happened to be in Tokyo when the election results hit, and we said fuck it, we're moving here. We almost didn't go back home, but I had a house to sell, and a million loose ends that needed to be tied up naturally.
Kyoto is lovely.