I’ve read this sub and have seen so many similar comparisons but thought my background may be slightly different than others.

I am a Japanese native and have been in Tokyo for the last 10 years, but also lived in other parts of Asia and the US throughout my childhood.

I find Tokyo depressing, stagnant, lacking diversity and nature, questionable work life balance and isolated from the world.

I get paid well as I work in fintech and not for a Japanese company, so I know I am better off than others here but would like to move out soon.

My options are New York or London through my current job. I would definitely need to negotiate my salary but what would be a better option given the following;

I’m planning to move with my partner who is in IT and a small black Shiba dog. We do not plan to have children. I don’t see this as a permanent move though things may change.

Things that I would prioritise -vacation days -parks, any green areas -ease of travelling -dog friendlyness -ease of getting a masters -ease of job hunting if necessary -diversity in food, including groceries

Things I’m concerned about -safety -rent -weather -making friends -cleanliness -work culture

I’m well aware of what is said about the two cities but I want to know how bad is it “actually”.

  • planetroger@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Btw, on the food point, I happen to agree a lot with this author Why British food is terrible:

    1. Cooking is a creative endeavor, and this society is too repressed to express emotions through their food.
    2. People here drink to socialize (because they need alcohol to open up). Food is always an afterthought.
    • moi24@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      This raises some excellent points, though I’m surprised Japan hasn’t gone down the same route considering our society too is repressed and people need drinks to socialise. I definitely appreciate coming from a community that values food to the point I might even say it’s a love language for us.

      • planetroger@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Yeah, I don’t know. You guys got lucky. But the food here is honestly disgusting. If you’re like me, and if you like the taste of fresh ingredients, with minimal seasoning, with the emphasis of tasting the natural fresh taste of the food (I am imaging a fat piece of toro and and a fat round hotate sashimi right now), you will be hugely disappointed. This is an island too but they only ways they seem to know how to eat seafood here is to dip in a some batter, fry it or grill it in some think butter, and oftentimes they drench all the food in some thick ultra processed sauces 😩 mayonnaise, ketchup, “brown sauce”…