Christian reveals what its like for an Aussie living in Japan. Photo: Supplied
An Aussie man has revealed how he left Australia’s rental crisis for a “cleaner, safer, quieter and far more convenient,” lifestyle in Japan.
Japan has become one of the most popular travel destinations for Australians over the past few years.
An estimated 1 million Aussies travelled to Japan in 2024, and up until October this year it was in the top 10 most travelled destinations for Australian travellers.
Many are taking their love for the country a step further and moving there, as Australia’s house prices and cost of living continue to creep up.
Christian, who is in his late 30s, had travelled to Japan twice a year for the last 15 years before making the decision to call Japan his home in April last year.
“From my very first trip, I felt a strong connection to the country, almost as strong as the connection I have to Australia. Since that first visit, I had set the long term goal of eventually moving here,” Christian said.
Christian is an Aussie in his late 30s who has moved to Fukouka, Japan. Photo: Supplied
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Although he didn’t originally want to move for the lower costs, as time went on he said it became a “major factor.”
“Australia has become unaffordable for most people. I am in my late 30s and had never lived on my own, always renting a bedroom with roommates,” he said.
“I earned a decent wage, but unless you are renting with a partner, most people will be renting forever, and buying a place isn’t even on the table anymore.”
Christian was paying around $425 in rent in Wolli Creek, for one room in an apartment with housemates.
“In Japan, I have a three-bedroom inner city apartment in a comparable area of Fukuoka for about $250 AUD per week for myself, my wife and my step son. The value difference is massive.”
Christian even met his now wife in Japan. Photo: Supplied
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“Australia is beautiful with great wages and great weather, but the cost of living and rental stress make it harder to enjoy life in the same way,” he added.
On top of that he said house and living expenses were also more affordable, with internet around $40 (4,000 yen) a month and utility bills also cheaper than what he was paying in Australia.
“Compared to the rental crisis in Australia, it feels incredibly affordable.”
Christian runs a YouTube channel called Hangs With Christian, as well as an account called Inside Japan Home which explores real estate and housing across Kyushu.
He still primarily earns his income in Australian dollars and he saved up before moving and says his money goes much further in Japan.
Life in Japan with Christian. Photo: Supplied
Lifestyle, affordability and career
For Christian he loved the lifestyle. He said daily life felt easier from the safety aspects and reliable public transport, to the affordable food and healthcare.
“The lower cost of living gives me a much better lifestyle and far less daily stress,” he said.
“Starting any business in Fukuoka is also much cheaper, often around a quarter of the cost compared to Australia.”
Groceries and eating out were also affordable, and for a family of three they would usually spend around $150-200 for two weeks of groceries.
Dining out was also low-cost, typically between $5-10 for a meal (500-1,000 yen).
“Even nicer restaurants are often far more affordable than in Australia. I can take my family out for dinner and all three of us can eat well for under $30 AUD,” Christian said.
The biggest challenge in Japan for Christian was the language barrier.
Christian reveals about life in Japan on YouTube and Instagram @hangswithchristian. Photo: Supplied.
“Even simple things like opening a bank account or understanding paperwork can be difficult without Japanese. Culturally, things move slowly and bureaucratic processes can take time.”
But overall, he said the positives far outweighed any challenges.
“Moving to Japan genuinely changed the direction of my life. In my late 30s I left a stable 13-year career, moved countries, got married, became a stepfather and started building a completely different kind of career.
“Not because it was easy, but because I felt it was time to try something new.
“Living here takes effort, patience and a willingness to adapt. But whether it is Japan or somewhere else, any major change will feel risky when your life is stable. Sometimes taking that chance is what shows you that a better, more fulfilling life is possible if you’ve been feeling stuck.”
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