The Hidden Challenges of Studying and Living in Japan:
A Foreigner’s Perspective
Nusrat Omar Updated in July 2025

It’s been almost four years since I came to Japan and began my studies. Four years may sound like a long time, but in many ways, it feels like it passed in a blink. The experience has been a roller coaster ride. The first two years during my master’s program flew by the fastest. My perspective on Japanese culture and postgraduate studies has evolved significantly and continues to do so.

Coming from a developing country, Japan has undoubtedly improved my standard of living. There are countless things I’m grateful for—safety, cleanliness, and the hospitality of people. But it hasn’t all been sunshine and smooth sailing. In this article, I want to highlight some of the challenges I’ve faced personally, and those I’ve observed from friends, seniors, and juniors. The goal is not to criticize, but to shed light on these realities so that future international students know what to expect and perhaps encourage some reflection among the Japanese community as well.

Let’s start with the most obvious and pressing issue—the language barrier. After receiving the MEXT scholarship and securing a place in a prestigious English-language program, you may feel confident that language won’t be a major problem. At first, it seems manageable—someone will help you open a bank account, get a SIM card, and register at the city hall. These bureaucratic hurdles can be tackled with some outside help. But the real struggle begins with academics.

Although the program is supposed to be in English, only a few professors speak the language fluently. Many lectures are delivered in a mix of English and Japanese. Often, handouts and reference materials are entirely in Japanese. While translation tools help, it becomes mentally exhausting to translate every single piece of research you read. Higher education should involve discussion, debate, and brainstorming. Sadly, that dynamic is absent for foreign students in Japanese labs, where all communication happens in Japanese. Foreign students often remain silent or half-engaged, unable to fully participate. You're left to rely on online resources and self-study. Presentations, assignments, and exams can be done in English, thankfully—but Japanese conferences and seminars remain off-limits unless you can follow the language.

Then comes job hunting. Let’s say you complete your master’s and want to find a job in Japan. Unless you have JLPT N3 or higher, the chances are slim—especially in fields like structural engineering or architecture. Even with a doctoral degree or significant work experience, companies hesitate to hire non-Japanese speakers. IT-related fields may offer some leeway, but these are exceptions. The harsh reality is that most graduate students have little time or energy to learn Japanese alongside their studies. Japan, with its aging population and shrinking workforce, should ideally invest in foreign talent. One solution could be to offer structured language training during the degree or upon hiring. After all, if Japan educates these students with public funding, but fails to retain them due to language barriers, isn't that a loss for the country?

Healthcare is another area where language is a major challenge. Japan’s healthcare system is excellent in terms of cost and access, but communication with doctors is nearly impossible unless you speak Japanese. Before visiting a clinic, you must research which doctors (if any) speak English. In most cases, you’ll need a Japanese friend to accompany you. Large hospitals may offer interpreter services, but they come with a fee that might discourage many. More troubling, however, is the subtle discrimination that some foreign patients face. As a brown-skinned individual, I often felt rushed or ignored during consultations, as if the goal was to get rid of me quickly rather than understand the problem. Sadly, many of my foreign friends share similar stories.

On the topic of discrimination, racial bias is present in academic and workplace environments. While Japan is known for honesty and integrity, this reputation doesn't always extend to interactions with foreigners. In my own experience, and that of others, professors have intentionally delayed doctoral defenses for personal or systemic gains, failed to acknowledge contributions, and made false promises. Some professors accept international students only to meet quotas or improve the lab’s global profile, while showing clear preference for Japanese or white students. Although I never faced discrimination based on religion, racial bias was, unfortunately, a recurring theme.

Another issue that often goes unspoken is the behavior of certain Japanese neighbors, especially older individuals, toward foreigners. While many Japanese people are kind and respectful, there are exceptions that can make life extremely difficult. Two of my close friends experienced distressing situations with their neighbors that went far beyond simple misunderstandings. In one case, the neighbor would slam on the front door out of nowhere without any reason. In another, repeated complaints about noise were made—even when no one was home. Worse still, one friend found their bicycle deliberately pushed over and left falling sideways on the ground multiple times in the shared parking area. These actions, driven by prejudice or unfounded hostility, create an environment of constant anxiety and unease. Ultimately, both friends had to move out and relocate just to restore peace in their daily lives. But for a student, bearing the cost of moving house—“hikkoshi”—even once is financially tough, let alone doing it twice because of someone else's intolerance.

Despite these struggles, I still believe that Japan is a land full of opportunities, innovation, and cultural richness. The challenges I’ve described are not meant to discourage anyone from coming here, but rather to help others be better prepared than I was. If you are planning to study or work in Japan, start learning Japanese as early as possible. It will open doors not only academically and professionally but also culturally and socially.

Language is more than just communication—it’s a bridge to trust, respect, and deeper understanding. With mutual efforts from both international students and Japanese institutions, we can hope for a more inclusive and truly global environment in Japan. And that, I believe, is a future worth working toward.