Favorable Living Environment

Japan is one of the most favorable countries to live in in the world. The island country has excellent public transportation and a safe living environment. It has rich cultural heritage, diverse geography, and seasonal variety. Alongside its history and traditional culture, with which many people are familiar, Japan has fantastic ski resorts, beautiful beaches, and many more diverse activities and attractions.

Fukuoka KYUSHU SHIKOKU Osaka KANSAI Hiroshima CHUGOKU Nagano CHUBU Yokohama Tokyo KANTO Fukushima Aomori TOHOKU Sapporo HOKKAIDO
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Japan consistently ranks highly
for life and work

According to the "Best Countries in the World" report by U.S. News and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Japan ranked second in the world in 2021, behind Canada. Similarly, in 2020 the "Top Work Destinations" global survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group ranked Japan as sixth in the world, behind Canada, the U.S., Australia, Germany, and the U.K.

Best Countries in the World 2021 - Japan Rankings

Top Work Destinations

Best Countries in the World 2021
- Japan Rankings

OVERALL RANK OVERALL SCORE CATEGORY SCORE RANK nd 2 3rd out of 78 in 2020 99.1 ( Out of 100 ) Social Purpose 29.7 #20 Quality of Life 69.2 #13 Power 68.8 #6 Open for Business 57.1 #26 Movers 74.8 #6 Heritage 72.2 #10 Entrepreneurship 100.0 #1 Cultural Influence 77.7 #5 Agility 88.4 #7 Adventure 41.6 #28

Top Work Destinations

Japan Italy Switzerland France Spain United Kingdom Australia Canada Germany 10th 9th 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2018 New Zealand France Singapore Switzerland Japan United Kingdom Germany Australia Canada United States United States 2020

Sources: “Best Countries,” U.S. News with BAV Group & Wharton School, 2021; “Decoding Global Talent, Onsite and Virtual,” BCG x The Network, March 2021

Cost of Living in Japan

Although it is generally assumed that living expenses are an issue in Japan, this is not the case; living expenses, rent, and food prices are not as expensive as they are commonly thought to be.

Cost of Living Comparison (USD)

Eating out meal for 2, mid-range restaurant Rent 1-bedroom, city center Utilities basics, for 915 sqft apartment School for 1, International, primary New car Volkswagen Golf or similar
Cost of Living in Japan: Star plot comparing Cost of Living in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, and London based on rent, utilities, school, new car, and eating out.
  • Japan

  • Hong Kong

  • Singapore

  • New York

  • London

*This chart compares living expenses, rent, food prices, and so on, in major financial cities. As the chart shows, Japan (blue) is not as expensive as it is commonly thought to be.