45% of Japanese living abroad feel lonely: gov't study

Nearly 45 percent of Japanese nationals living abroad feel lonely at times …

That’s very similar to the percentage of people inside Japan who feel the same. Some 40% of people inside Japan indicated feeling lonely at least occasionally, according to results of a nationwide government survey of 20,000 people aged 16 or older across Japan in December 2022, as reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun last April.

Looking at the results by age bracket, the share of people feeling lonely at least occasionally was largest among respondents in their 20s at 47.9%, followed by those in their 50s at 46.2%, and those in their 30s at 45.9%.

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https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230412-102910/

According to the survey, a total of 44.9 percent either felt lonely "often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while."

So the issue is with the Japanese people, not with the surrounding, Japanese will be lonely everywhere!

In a 1965 essay, professor Edward Seidensticker described Japan as "a crowded, lonely land." He certainly got that one right.

""The language barrier was cited as the most common reason for feelings of loneliness at 31.6 percent, followed by cultural differences at 27.9 percent.""

Welcome to the club boys and girls, Foreigners in Japan feel the same way too but much worse due to that fact that Japanese are not as talkative or open towards non Japanese and I believe Languages are the major reason.

When you Don't understand the Jokes, Don't understand the slang, Don't read the body language, Don't relate or share the same feelings, you feel that you just don't fit and you start pulling away unless the other side reaches out to you and makes the effort to make you welcome.

Japan is one of the toughest places to migrate to due to Language and Cultural differences too.

A unique, Japanese foreigners situation...

LOL... yeah, and 40% living domestically are lonely, single, no kids and basically it is even worse. If you're living abroad you're going to feel lonely, and that may be mistaken for missing the things you grew up with.

I also found that TRUST to be a major issue, many Japanese on both personal and business levels just don't trust foreigners NOT because they think we are "thieves, or scammers" it's just because they Don't Understand the conversation or the language and so they feel insecure.

You may feel less connected as a Japanese person with others abroad because of cultural differences, however, you will generally find more welcoming and engaging people in other countries than you will in Japan which has created a society that doesn't allow for much communication outside of work and home. I'm sure you will find more non-Japanese in Japan that feel lonely due to how hard it is to get these Japanese people to come out of their shell and in their comfort zone around you. Not to mention most Japanese conceal their actual personality/ identity and basically act "polite/ tate-mae" or "different from home/ a bit exaggerating/ fake" towards others who are outside their comfort zone.

The language barrier was cited as the most common reason for feelings of loneliness at 31.6 percent, followed by cultural differences at 27.9 percent.

> *That’s very similar to the percentage of people inside Japan who feel the same. Some 40% of people inside Japan indicated feeling lonely at least occasionally*

Japanese living in Japan do not face language barriers or cultural differences, but apparently they’re still lonely.

First, agree with Asiaman7. Japanese in Japan feel lonely, too, at about the same rate as those living abroad. I wonder how many non-Japanese living in Japan feel lonely. Or, more broadly, how many expatriates feel lonely. Especially when looking at a frequency such as

"often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while."

I have no statistics to back up this claim but I think most people in most places feel lonely 'once in a while' or 'sometimes.' It's part of being human.

I wonder how this compares to expats in Japan. I’ve had to send a few staff back to their countries because of the disconnect they felt living in Japan. Which incidentally is why I strongly recommend new foreigners to Japan start taking lessons right away. The more you can communicate the more connected you feel.

I always feel a disconnect in Japan but it’s something to overcome and usually I do.

It garnered 55,420 online responses between October and December last year.

So, these were volunteered answers to an online survey. How did that bias the outcome? And how about a breakdown of the respondents? Too many time-rich wives of Japanese men sent overseas by their companies with no support network, worried about how the other wives regard them? We just don't know. I suspect the Foreign Ministry is angling for a bit bigger budget.

What a complete waste of money, did they ask them if they were hungry sometimes?

What was the end goal here? To break up marriages and get those Japanese to return? So stupid Japan!

That’s very similar to the percentage of people inside Japan who feel the same. Some 40% of people inside Japan indicated feeling lonely at least occasionally, according to results of a nationwide government survey of 20,000 people aged 16 or older across Japan in December 2022, as reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun last April.

Thanks for that! I was just going to inquire about that.

I have no statistics to back up this claim but I think most people in most places feel lonely 'once in a while' or 'sometimes.' It's part of being human.

exactly this I think. Sometimes too, I think that putting yourself out there among people can intensify the feelings of loneliness. Being a third wheel among friends, being a novice newcomer to a hobby group etc. It’s normal. Personally I like being alone. I never feel loneliness in any overwhelming way.

It makes sense that Japanese feel lonely in countries where they are not in the majority. All throughout life they are brought up being led to believe that the most important thing in this world is cooperating with others and that individualism is generally selfish. It explains a big part of the reason why so many Japanese people end up frustrated with foreigners in Japan. So when they become the foreigners, they probably have to reconcile with the fact that a lot of their belief systems since childhood don't really mean much in the real world.

I know people like to endlessly regurgitate "When in Rome do as the Romans do" but life isn't that simple. I as an expat in Japan have fully accepted than I will never be able to fully assimilate. No one can. And that's fine. People should value themselves first as individuals, not as a cog in some collective.

Another government propaganda puff piece.

The irony is the other lonely 45% actually resides here Japan.

and 55% don’t feel lonely overseas.

don’t all expats, regardless of where they are, feel a little lonely sometimes?

a total of 44.9 percent either felt lonely "often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while."

what a useless broad question

Do you (“often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while”) go to the doctor/hosptial or feel sick?

Do you (“often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while”) drink or eat something?

Do you (“often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while”) have a problem living in a foreign country?

Do you (“often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while”) breathe?

is anyone going to say NO to these questions?

When I was working in Japan, I felt lonely sometimes too.

This isn't just a Japanese overseas thing. It is a human thing. Heck, might be a dog thing too, IDK.

It happens to everyone who spends time away from family and "home" (assuming they LIKE their family). To me, "home" is specific people, not a specific location.

Welcome to the Lonely Club.

My Japanese wife feels lonely sometimes living overseas.

I don't know what loneliness feels like. It's one of the benefits of being an AuDHD.

How can you feel alone if you always have yourself to keep yourself company?

Spoiler alert, the percentage of Japanese feeling lonely in Japan is probably higher.

How is this news ?

I mean it’s not an exclusively Japanese thing to feel lonely living abroad. It’s quite common and well known. Making connections, like real ones is difficult and many expats struggle with it. Though I’d imagine it’s particularly tough for some Japanese people if they are not on the more outgoing side.

Sadly if they did the same study domestically the results would probably be higher.

I am an introvert. I like to spend time alone and actually look forward to a rainy Sunday in which I don't need to feel like I have to go out and I can just stay at home and read, watch a movie, do some writing, all of the above. During the covid time in which my work was predominately at home, I was not leaving for days on end and loneliness crept in. I didn't handle it very well. The Mask Years as I like to call them made it obvious to me that even though I like my own company, I still needed to make an effort to get out and do something. I was going to the gym in the morning but I needed to get out in the evening and on weekends and mingle with people. The more I was cooped up in my apartment, the more lonely I felt. I can understand the loneliness in this article but I have realized that it is all about mindset, it is all about your attitude, it is all about that get up and go that creates the kind of lifestyle that you can live with and enjoy. If the people in this article are anything like me, they are not getting up and making something happen rather than letting it happen which I did and there is no surprise that they are lonely.

Africa at just 39%. That says something.

As a long time resident of Japan who has repatriated, I understand.

It's not just language, so much, it's cultural.

I've returned to the USA and I don't recognize so many things.

There is an incredible amount of over-reach in behavior that is hard to understand.

In Japan, for me it was sometimes a problem with exact communication, understanding, at times.

In the US, I understand all that's said, but no one tells the truth, or follows up.

It's either outright lying, or withholding

information to cover their asses.

I miss Japan, and loneliness was also there,

but it felt normal, and you could walk outside and get on a train or a bus and visit a park

or botanical garden, or take a bike ride and just be.

If you don't drive in the US, you are screwed, lonely, or not.

This is the result you will get when a society does what it can to stifle creativity and individuality and expect conformity.

I've heard so many times Japanese are shy.

I don't find this to be the case.

Being outspoken is not desirable in this country. Expressing your ideas is not desirable in this country.

That’s very similar to the percentage of people inside Japan who feel the same.

Exactly.

I don't like how this is presented.

According to the survey, a total of 44.9 percent either felt lonely "often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while.

It's very different to feel lonely "often" than "once in a while", the later being quite natural, specially living overseas. But they put them all into the same bracket!

How about a comparison with people in Japan, and an analysis of the reasons, Mr Government?

Unfortunately I cannot find it, but I remember years ago seeing a study that said that Japanese men in California (or somewhere) were healthier than they should be based on lifestyle factors. The study credited it to the men belonging to an expat community, which meant they avoided many mental health issues like loneliness.

fwiw, if the info announced was correct, the Japanese government has a "Minister for Loneliness" who may have earned their pay by helping produce the report in this article.

fwiw2, a widely reported WHO report a while back said "loneliness is as bad for you as smoking X cigarettes a day".

The Japanese of today have it much easier than my parent's generation. When my Japanese mom moved to the US, she was so lonely.

There was no Internet, any books or magazines available in Japanese, no Japanese or Asian markets in the first city we lived in and no other Japanese people we knew of, and an international phone call cost an arm and a leg back then too .

It really was getting 100% cut off from Japan. It was a place on the other side of the planet so far removed. I remember my mom listening over and over to the same five or six Japanese albums she took with her and sometimes with tears in her eyes.

Japanese today have it so much easier. Being able to keep up online with what's happening back in Japan. Having access to almost anything in Japanese. Plus, the Japanese expat community is much bigger and easier to connect with in real-person or online since it's grown so much.

Being apart from home country and family can indeed be very lonely. But I would expect that most expats, no matter where they come from, are lonely to pretty much the same degree.

Life is about creating your own World no matter where you are.

What kind of a human being are you when you don't feel lonely once in a while...

Isn’t that kind of true for most foreigners living by themselves abroad?

I was told to expect a ‘W’ effect living abroad. Sometimes your up and sometimes your down, and so on.

theFuToday  08:56 am JST

When I was working in Japan, I felt lonely sometimes too.

This isn't just a Japanese overseas thing. It is a human thing. Heck, might be a dog thing too, IDK.

It happens to everyone who spends time away from family and "home" (assuming they LIKE their family). To me, "home" is specific people, not a specific location.

Not everybody. I lived away from family and friends in my home country for 20 years and never felt lonely once. I sometimes felt alone for a week because I wasn't seeing many people, but it was never a negative feeling.

I think it also depends on whether you like your own company or need others all the time.

Maybe it depends if you have family in these countries or not. My wife is Japanese and I have a few kids here. I haven't felt lonely (or had time to notice it?) in years.

So basically they just feel like any other "gaijin" living in Japan, sometimes. Imagine that.

Having a double face, honne and tatemae culture thing, doesn't help at all either.

Despite the extreme concern on other feelings as a cultural value, it does not have a positive impact on social interaction with others, on the contrary, there is an effect of constant feeling to be being a nuisance, a not welcome person wherever you are. There is a permanent need to be invisible, not noticiable being, silence is gold, play dead in all places, work, bus, train, underground, public places. I guess that church goers, people who participate of some religious groups as evangelical churches do not feel so lonely as those who not. This is a suggestion, to belong to some type of group, community with live presence, not only online, remote.

Nearly 45 percent of Japanese nationals living abroad feel lonely at times, a recent government survey showed

At times?

They feel lonely at times?

Doesn't everybody feel lonely at times?

According to the survey, a total of 44.9 percent either felt lonely "often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while."

That's a very wide range.

There's a lot of territory between "often or always" and "once in a while."

Those three categories need to be broken down. What percentage feels lonely often or always? And what percentage feels lonely once in a while?

Why are "often and always" and "once in a while" being lumped together?

The reason seems to be this: To jack up the percentage of people who say they're lonely, so as to justify the time and money used (or I dare say, wasted) on this nothing-burger of a "study."

According to the survey, a total of 44.9 percent either felt lonely "often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while."

That would be like saying, after doing a study on people's drinking habits, that "44.9 percent got drunk 'every weekend,' 'sometimes,' or 'maybe once or twice a year.'"

Does it really make sense to lump all three of those groups together, as if they all have a similar problem with alcohol?

This is just further evidence of the notion, held by many including myself, that a lot of "studies" out there are bunk. Their methodology is poor, and thus, their conclusions are faulty -- more often than not, because they're "cooking" their study in such a way as to get the results they want.

Being outspoken is not desirable in this country.

it's almost universal that the most outspoken are rarely the smartest person in a room.

to paraphrase bertrand russell, fools and fanatics are so sure of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.

"Nearly 45 percent of Japanese nationals living abroad feel lonely at times"

100% of people on the planet feel lonely...at times

Having lived in Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong and now Singapore with many Japanese friends and their familes around me (glad i learnt to speak Japanese when livinig in Japan back in the days), all and I mean Japanese don't want to return to Japan, they all love the relaxed lifestyle and easy way to meet other people even if their English isnt great. Unfortunetly for quite a few who are on 'assignment' as they say which usually lasts 2 or 3 years overseas with their company, they all dread going back to Japan and back into the system. The only ones that don't go back are the ones that quit and find a new job to remain overseas but that means job securty is out the window with their curent employer.

I lied. A friend of mine didnt enjoy Shanghai and wanted to move back to Osaka (even though he was well into the osaka-jin kai group), at the time his wife still had almost 2 years left on her assignment and was happy in Shanghai.

I do find Japanese alot more lively and out of their shell when sober, less wrinkles and less gray hair.

My wife is Japanese. We live in Australia. We travelled to Japan last August for a two week holiday and to catch up with family and friends. By the tenth day she’d had enough and wanted to return to Australia. I guess she is not one of the 45%. We visit Japan every year but it’s becoming more of a chore than an adventure. I’m not sure what this has to do with Japanese abroad feeling lonely but I know my Japanese wife is not lonely. She gets a little homesick at times but very quickly recovers.

The figure was 5.6 percentage points higher than seen in a similar survey conducted by the Cabinet Secretariat domestically.

Statistically then, they’re only slightly more lonely there than their almost as lonely brethren here.

"Japanese don't want to return to Japan, they all love the relaxed lifestyle and easy way to meet other people even if their English isnt great. Unfortunetly for quite a few who are on 'assignment' as they say which usually lasts 2 or 3 years overseas with their company, they all dread going back to Japan and back into the system."

I've found the exact opposite to be true. The Japanese I know who have ventured abroad have either all come back saying "thank God I was born in Japan. It's great to be home"...or they are begrudgingly staying in Australia, Canada or the US because their spouse's job is there

Nearly 45 percent of Japanese nationals living abroad feel lonely at times

Probably way more than 45% of the planet feel lonely at times. You'd have to be a deluded narcissistic nutcase not to feel lonely at least once in a while.

Wow. Who’d have thought that the “gaijin” in a “gaijin country” feel like outsiders.(gaijin) But I wonder, did the japanese actually see themselves as a “gaijin” or did they see the Europeans, Americans aussies South Americans as “gaijins”Did they realize the world doesn’t run on English? And it won’t get you far in France or Germany, Italy. I hope someone who does the research will be able to see how many immigrants might feel here in “Japan”. Not only with the language barrier, but also the written barrier and the constant “gaijin” barrier. The panic as they scramble for that “one word in English” to explain something when we are trying to communicate, integrate in Japan. This is common in all immigrant communities and probably one reason we seek out people who look, speak, think and have problems as us, in our new home. As my partner once said” the natives don’t won’t to hear your complaints” they only wanna hear you compliment them. Less they say “if you don’t like it got back home”. So we will make friends we can empathize with.

Most Japanese would not be able to adapt abroad.

Moreover, no one checked if the box "single" was ticked, which explains a lot for those "always or often" feeling lonely Japanese.

So studies shows in fact being abroad accounts just for a few more percentages to the loneliness level.

Nowadays, if it is so easy to see family and find people to interact, I believe it is about getting real friends too.

" I hope someone who does the research will be able to see how many immigrants might feel here in “Japan”. Not only with the language barrier, but also the written barrier and the constant “gaijin” barrier."

Well, the language barrier is certainly an obstacle if you want to advance in the workplace. Imagine not being able to read or write at an elementary school level in English and expecting to advance in the workplace in North America. I'm not sure what the "gaijin" barrier is. I've lived in Japan since 1988...perhaps you could clarify what the "gaijin" barrier is. Thanks

LindsayToday  12:03 pm JST

My wife is Japanese. We live in Australia. We travelled to Japan last August for a two week holiday and to catch up with family and friends. By the tenth day she’d had enough and wanted to return to Australia. I guess she is not one of the 45%. We visit Japan every year but it’s becoming more of a chore than an adventure. I’m not sure what this has to do with Japanese abroad feeling lonely but I know my Japanese wife is not lonely. She gets a little homesick at times but very quickly recovers.

My Japanese wife and all her friends here in NZ have no desire to return to Japan unless they have to (i.e. for family reasons).

Many Japanese women, particularly those seeking to leave or who have already left Japan, find its conformist culture and poor track record in terms of women's inclusion and empowerment unappealing. In most countries, there are around double the number of Japanese women and Japanese men.

While Japanese expatriates often miss the convenience of life in Japan, including the variety of products, foods, and their friends, they typically find little else worth returning for.

Most the many Japanese I knew in London were not lonely and were happy living there. 30 years later, they are still there.

Geeter MckluskieToday  12:17 pm JST

"Japanese don't want to return to Japan, they all love the relaxed lifestyle and easy way to meet other people even if their English isnt great. Unfortunetly for quite a few who are on 'assignment' as they say which usually lasts 2 or 3 years overseas with their company, they all dread going back to Japan and back into the system."

I've found the exact opposite to be true. The Japanese I know who have ventured abroad have either all come back saying "thank God I was born in Japan. It's great to be home"...or they are begrudgingly staying in Australia, Canada or the US because their spouse's job is there

Yes, this is often the case, particularly for women who were forced to leave Japan rather than doing so by choice. They frequently encounter challenges with cultural adaptation and language proficiency and experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. I encounter many women in my line of work who share these experiences.

There are also many Japanese who leave because they want a more open and free lifestyle with a better work-life balance.

Was about to ask but already mentioned in article

According to the survey, a total of 44.9 percent either felt lonely "often or always," "sometimes" or "once in a while." The figure was 5.6 percentage points higher than seen in a similar survey conducted by the Cabinet Secretariat domestically.

Not so far off from locals then.

To have bigger chances of not being lonely go to Africa

Africa was the region with the lowest percentage of lonely Japanese expats at 39.0 percent,

"In a 1965 essay, professor Edward Seidensticker described Japan as "a crowded, lonely land."

In 1971, Jim Morrison referring to Los Angeles in the song LA Woman wrote "Never saw a woman so alone"

"Yes, this is often the case, particularly for women who were forced to leave Japan rather than doing so by choice. They frequently encounter challenges with cultural adaptation and language proficiency and experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. I encounter many women in my line of work who share these experiences."

Most of those I know who have ventured overseas are former students who went abroad to study or were on working holiday visas. I also know a half dozen Japanese ice hockey players who I've coached now playing professionally in Russia, the US and Canada...all of whom quite enjoy playing ice hockey at the highest level, but miss the culture and social mores of Japan. To a person upon return they always say "Nihon umaretta yokatta!"

Loners. Or groups of loners?

"Most the many Japanese I knew in London were not lonely and were happy living there. 30 years later, they are still there."

They sound exactly like me. I moved to Japan more than 30 years ago from Canada and have not felt lonely living in Japan...I'm still here for a reason. I've made good friends, a loving family and a wonderful career. Thank you, Japan xo

Geeter MckluskieToday  03:51 pm JST

"Most the many Japanese I knew in London were not lonely and were happy living there. 30 years later, they are still there."

They sound exactly like me. I moved to Japan more than 30 years ago from Canada and have not felt lonely living in Japan...I'm still here for a reason. I've made good friends, a loving family and a wonderful career. Thank you, Japan xo

I enjoyed being in Japan for many years and believe it is especially well-suited for introverts and neurodiverse individuals like myself. It's the perfect place to be yourself, where little eye contact is made.

Sounds as if the study was looking for people who answer polls, i.e. people who might have a tendency to loneliness anyway.

Of 1.3 million asked, 1.25 million didn't bother to answer.

Of the 55,000 people who did bother, 55% did not feel lonely.

Either this poll is close to meaningless, or the results are the opposite of what is claimed.

"While Japanese expatriates often miss the convenience of life in Japan, including the variety of products, foods, and their friends, they typically find little else worth returning for."

Far more Japanese women find little reason to move abroad.

Aww diddums. Go to a bar and make some friends. Not difficult.

What I'm interested in is the factor/s why Africa has the lowest percentage and conversely why the high scores in other places

WoodyLeeToday  07:15 am JST

Japan is one of the toughest places to migrate to due to Language and Cultural differences too.

And yet....

"As of the end of June 2023, 3,223,858 foreigners resided in Japan, up 148,645 from the end of December 2022, the Immigration Services Agency announced Friday."

Seems quite a lot of people didn't get the message.

it's o.k.

If you did this survey with any nationality you'd probably see a similar figure.

Cultural and family circumstances play a big part. My brothers Japanese wife in Australia hangs out with her son. My wife and I here in Tokyo hang out with each other for the most part with the occasional visit with our closest friends separately.

'People 'aint no good' the less of them you meet, the less problems you have.

Japan is one of the toughest places to migrate to due to Language and Cultural differences too.

I migrated to a number of countries growing up. Some I spoke the language, and some I didn't.

I found Japan one of the easier countries to migrate to. But it takes a certain type of person to thrive in Japan, and that's where I think it becomes difficult for most. It's not to hard to get to Japan and just get by though.

WAIT. Most Japanese expat salarymen leave their wives and children in Japan. WHY? Japanese trading companies and major banks refuse to pay exorbitant tuitions for international/american/British schools for the kids even if the posting is in a non anglophone country. Companies will only pay peanuts for the Japanese government funded full time Japanese schools located in most foreign countries. Japanese schools end at junior high as high school education is not considered compulsory. So high school kids have no where to go but Japan if they want to continue their Japanese high school education.

Expat Japansee moms were excited to have their kids gain admission to elite private schools and universities through the returnee kikokushijo route have realized the schools prefer returnee kids who had studied at the Japanese schools, living in Japanese communities. There’s less incentive for Japanese parents to school their kids at local or international schools. Japanese salarymen work long hours and rarely vacation. They spend evenings at Japanese embassy or Japanese chamber of commerce events. Their weekends playing company golf. English and French employees get 4-5 weeks of annual leave each year while they get a week, maybe two. The Japanese salarymen abroad get fewer public holidays than they would in Japan so they’re worked harder. Housing allowances are lower than your average American/European expat so they still hesitate to invite non Japanese friends to their tiny apartments in the Japanese ghettos. HOME LEAVE is every 2.5 years for major European countries like England and France. Imagine that a major corporation allows you visits home to see your aging parents only once every 2.5 years! You pay and treat your employees like crap of course they’re unhappy.

The ones I know in the US are having a great time with no desire or plans to voluntarily move back to Japan in the near future, unless forced by work or circumstance.

They also tend to belong to communities of J-expats, with very active lives for themselves and J-classes for their kids on the weekends.