Rey Waters
Active memberAmerican expat in Japan
Forum
29 posts
Contacts
7
About me
American
Lives in Yokohama
Speaks some Spanish and German
Registration: 14 March 2013
Activity
First impressions after moving to Japan by Diksha
Hello everyone, You probably have vivid memories of your first weeks as an expat in Japan. Indeed, moving to a new country is a milestone in someone’s life. Today, we invite you to share with the community how you experienced your first ...
I moved here September 1st 2013. While our condo was be updated we spent six weeks staying at various hotels within the Yokohama area. My Japanese wife could not have planned a better entry for me. Even though I could not speak the language I was ... Read More
Best cities to live in Japan by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Japan. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Thank for the detailed education on earthquakes, Typhoons and Tsunamis. Maybe you should continue your research into Tsunamis. Typhoon Haiyan killed more than 6000 people in the Philippines with Tsunami type waves. ... Read More
Best cities to live in Japan by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Japan. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
I have lived in Yokohama for over six years and this last Typhoon was the most destructive in our history and there was no Tsunami. Most of the population is not in the Bay Area which would be hardest hit. Other than that it has been a really nice ... Read More
Finding your bearings in Japan by Priscilla
Hello, While technology has definitely helped us navigate ourselves more easily in most countries, it's not the case everywhere. How do you get to your destinations and navigate yourself in Japan? Do you use gps systems such as google/apple ...
When I first moved here five years ago I relied on Maps from the Information centers. Since I walk daily I did get lost several times and had to rely on stopping a stranger to ask directions. Most of the young people like to practice their English ... Read More
Dealing with loneliness in Japan by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Japan? How ...
Even after five years in Yokohama I have times when I feel very lonely. I am retired, however my young Japanese wife still works. Most every weekday I am on my own. Back in 2014 I joined the Enjoy Walking Yokohama group of which there are now ... Read More
Retiring in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Japan? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are there ...
Hi Ken, if you will e-mail me at *** I will be happy to answer your questions. I am on the National Health Care System, and also have some of my retirement direct deposited into a Japanese bank each month. Regards, Rey Read More
Keeping in touch while living in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the best ways you've found for keeping in touch with friends and family back home while living in Japan? How frequently do you stay in touch with loved ones? Are there local equivalents to common instant messaging and ...
For my Mother we use Face Time and for my children we use Skype and insta Messaginger. I keep friends and family informed via my blog (reywatjapan.blogspot.com) and Facebook. I am hoping that my children will get the opportunity to visit us, ... Read More
Anyone retired to Japan from U.S? by Nut_Ella
Hi, I moved from Tokyo to the East Coast 1987 - became a citizen about 20 years ago. I want to retire overseas - the USA is not a place to live happy after the retirement and I came across this site. I am hoping to exchange information on the ...
Hi, I retired to Yokohama back in 2013 and love it here. I checked out Cost Rica and Ecuador, but both places were a lot of expats living in the same place and mainly sticking together. I wanted to be where I would live with the locals. Where I ... Read More
Retiring in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Japan? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are there ...
I retired in the U.S. just before my move to Japan in the fall of 2013. Upon arrival I opened a bank account with a Japanese bank and had my retirement direct deposited. In all it took about two weeks to accomplish. I am not aware of a ... Read More
How to save money in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you plan your budget before your move to Japan? If so, how did you go about it? How do you save money in your day to day life? Do you find there are any areas where you can't cut costs? Do you have any tips about saving ...
Back in 2013 I set up an Excel spreadsheet budget. Miwa and I both put money away each month towards our travel budget and plan it's use throughout the year. I record all expenses on my spreadsheet and compare with the previous year on a ... Read More
How has your life changed in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Japan? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
HI CURIOUSSAM, You are spot on with the size of cloths and shoes. I have to use the outlet mall in Yokohama to find shoes that fit and whenever I visit the states I stock up on cloths. Other than that I Love this country and would have a big ... Read More
How has your life changed in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Japan? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
Yes, I have experienced some dramatic changes since leaving the U.S. and moving to Japan. First, I will say that I do miss my family back in the states. I have been able to visit twice since 2013, but with FaceTime and Skype I am able to keep in ... Read More
Studying in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Would you recommend studying abroad in Japan? Every year, 4 million young people from all over the world choose to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. Would you encourage them to come and study in Japan? ...
Hi, No not all universities in Japan teach in English. Tama University has a degree program for Hospitality and that is why they teach most subjects in English. Several of my son-in-law's foreign friendsattended a local university in their ... Read More
Studying in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Would you recommend studying abroad in Japan? Every year, 4 million young people from all over the world choose to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. Would you encourage them to come and study in Japan? ...
My stepson is a Junior at Tama University which has alliances with several foreign universities. They have students from the U.S., Canada, East Asia and Europe. They also offer study abroad programs for resident Japanese. My stepson completed his ... Read More
The holiday season in Japan by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Japan? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Japan? How do Japanese celebrate this very special time of ...
This is my fourth Christmas in Japan. Yes, it is commercialized, but I enjoy the decorations, music and the various light shows. Last week I attended the Projection mapping at Skytree and last night the one at Landmark Center in Yokohama. At our ... Read More