23-year-old American pays $483/month in rent to live alone in Japan
I imagine people are often anxious about making a drastic life change, like moving to a new country. But I remember sitting at the airport in Los Angeles. Tony Tony Chopper Water bottle in my hand, excitement and enthusiasm to start my new life. After landing in Tokyo, all I could think about was finding a favorite matcha cafe to spend my mornings at.
Growing up in Southern California, I was always interested in Japanese culture and cuisine. During the pandemic, I became obsessed with anime: characters that never give up, friendships, quiet slices of life. I was amazed by the sound of the language and the minimalist aesthetic. The shows made me want to experience things for myself.
In January 2025, a little less than a year after graduating from UC Irvine, I boarded that plane to move to Japan.
Escaping financial pressure
I’ve never been one to follow the “safe path.” Even in college, where I studied business and management, I avoided internships that would lead to a 9-to-5 corporate career. Deep down I knew I wanted more freedom than that.
But freedom is expensive in America. After graduation, I was working four jobs: full-time as a visual marketer for Lululemon, owner of a small sticker business, real estate sign manager, and events manager for a lacrosse club. I felt the weight of the financial pressure of just existing. It seemed impossible to achieve this Cover rent, healthcare, and other basic needs without taking a corporate job.
When I came across an ad for teaching English with an Eikaiwa, or conversation school, in Japan in June 2024, I applied on a whim. I went through an all-day interview process and got the job. I didn’t hesitate.
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Even though they were supportive, everyone around me thought I was crazy for leaving behind a seemingly stable life in California. Why wouldn’t I want to be close to family and have a long-term boyfriend? But Japan had been looking for me for years and this felt like my chance.
After six months of paperwork, packing and saying goodbye, I was on my way.
living in japan
When I came to Japan, something about it immediately felt right. Best of all, I could afford to live alone. For 74,460 yen (or $483 per month), I checked into an apartment in Nakahara-ku, part of Kawasaki City and about 15 minutes from Tokyo by train.
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My apartment has plenty of natural light and even has a tatami room (a traditional room with a wicker floor for tea ceremonies) just like the ones I saw in the anime. I could never afford something like this on my own in the US. With my monthly teaching salary of 277,500 yen (about $1,800) in Japan, this seemed achievable, even comfortable.
The cost of living surprised me in other ways, too. In Tokyo, a hearty meal—like a traditional teishoku (meal set) with a meat rice bowl, miso soup, eggs, and a drink—could cost just 1,000 yen (about $6), compared to the $20 I paid in California. My company covered my commuting expenses and my shopping expenses didn’t break the bank. For the first time, my basic needs were met without constant worry.
Marc Aziz Ressang of CNBC Make It
But teaching has never been my passion. It was an “introduction” that allowed me to move to Japan, and for that I will always be grateful. But after about six months, I realized I wanted something different.
Now I create social media content for a language app for $175 a week and work as a freelance digital marketing assistant for $25 an hour. The latter’s number of hours has varied from about 50 in August, when I traveled to Hawaii and Okinawa that month, to three in September, when we were among our clients, to 22 in October.
Being here has freed up not only money but also mental space. Instead of always stressing about how I’m going to make a living, I can focus on pursuing hobbies like moving abroad, going to the gym, learning Japanese, and connecting with locals.
Coping with negativity
The move was not without its challenges. Sometimes the language barrier feels frustrating and overwhelming; for example, when I need to go to the bank or post office, call my telephone operator, or go to a doctor’s appointment. I often rely on AI to translate or ask a friend for help. This is partly what motivates me to learn the language better.
Marc Aziz Ressang of CNBC Make It
I also miss my friends and family in California. There are days when I feel The pain of loneliness despite being surrounded by millions of people. I’m an extrovert, but overcoming the language barrier and making friends can be tiring, even for me.
But these struggles have made me more independent and patient. And every morning when I slide the door to my tatami room and step out of my apartment, I feel a mixture of belonging and gratitude. This is my chance to live the life I dreamed of when I watched anime when I was young.
I don’t know how long I will stay in Japan. But for now, I appreciate every moment. I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be.
Ashley Peters She is a digital creator and marketing assistant based in Japan and shares stories about living abroad, language learning, and creative development. Follow his journey YouTube, tiktokAnd instagram.
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