Why is it that it's mostly only foreigners leaving Japan?
Imagine a place where you could live debt-free, credit-free and worry-free. Sound like utopia? To many foreigners this was life in Tokyo before March 11. Japan is probably one of the most difficult countries to immigrate to. It has strict policies over what a foreigner can and can't do. And regardless of how long you live there it's very difficult to become a citizen. The reality of life in Japan for most foreigners is as simple as what you see is what you get. And more specifically, what you make is exactly how much cash you can spend. Applying for credit and loans can be a long shot.
So how does this answer the question? Simple. Picture this: you were born and bred in a particular place with all your family around you. You have a mortgage, a career, a family with 2.5 children and a car. You've really invested in your life there and are really proud of where you live and what you've accomplished. Now imagine in one fail swoop disaster has struck. Maybe not anywhere near you, but near enough that the rumours are unbearable. Do you -
a) leave it all behind knowing by the time you return you may have lost your career and home? Not to mention that some of your family may be left behind?
b) stay and deal with it as best you can
Now picture this: you recently moved to a country with intent on staying for a year or two to see how it goes. you got a job, maybe a girlfriend or boyfriend and enjoy hanging with friends on the weekend. Now imagine in one fail swoop disaster has struck. Maybe not anywhere near you, but near enough that the rumours are unbearable. Do you -
a) Leave. You have a place to return to and this was only going be temporary anyway.
b) stay and deal with it as best you can
See the difference? Many foreigners regard their lives in Japan like a temporary existence. Sort of like a university dorm without the student loans. If you had to leave it tomorrow, most of your things would fit in a suitcase and what doesn't is a bonus for the next occupier. So does that mean that there's something to worry about in Tokyo? Reports say not yet. But if there is, I hear Osaka's nice this time of year.
By the way, a couple of our team are making their way to Tokyo in the coming weeks. Follow their journey by following us on twitter! http://twitter.com/createbycbs or @createbycbs
So how does this answer the question? Simple. Picture this: you were born and bred in a particular place with all your family around you. You have a mortgage, a career, a family with 2.5 children and a car. You've really invested in your life there and are really proud of where you live and what you've accomplished. Now imagine in one fail swoop disaster has struck. Maybe not anywhere near you, but near enough that the rumours are unbearable. Do you -
a) leave it all behind knowing by the time you return you may have lost your career and home? Not to mention that some of your family may be left behind?
b) stay and deal with it as best you can
Now picture this: you recently moved to a country with intent on staying for a year or two to see how it goes. you got a job, maybe a girlfriend or boyfriend and enjoy hanging with friends on the weekend. Now imagine in one fail swoop disaster has struck. Maybe not anywhere near you, but near enough that the rumours are unbearable. Do you -
a) Leave. You have a place to return to and this was only going be temporary anyway.
b) stay and deal with it as best you can
See the difference? Many foreigners regard their lives in Japan like a temporary existence. Sort of like a university dorm without the student loans. If you had to leave it tomorrow, most of your things would fit in a suitcase and what doesn't is a bonus for the next occupier. So does that mean that there's something to worry about in Tokyo? Reports say not yet. But if there is, I hear Osaka's nice this time of year.
By the way, a couple of our team are making their way to Tokyo in the coming weeks. Follow their journey by following us on twitter! http://twitter.com/createbycbs or @createbycbs
