American Expat Working Construction in Japan
Moving to Japan is one challenge. Building a career in an industry where you don't speak the language fluently is another.
In this episode, I sat down with my longtime friend Scoey to talk about his experience working in Japanese construction and what he learned after more than a decade of living in Japan. Along the way, we also discussed life in Japan more broadly, from streaming services and visas to the events that shaped both of our experiences here.
Watch the Full Episode
Working Construction in Japan
Construction is one of the more demanding industries to enter as a foreigner, especially if your Japanese isn't yet at a professional level.
Scoey shared what it was like learning on the job, dealing with language barriers, and gradually earning the trust of the people around him. His experience shows that building a career in Japan often requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning long after you've arrived.
Building a Life in Japan
Like many foreigners who stay in Japan long term, Scoey's story wasn't simply about finding work. It was about building a life.
We talked about what brought him to Japan, some of the challenges he faced along the way, and how those experiences changed over the years. We also discussed Japan's startup visa, along with a few practical topics that many foreigners eventually encounter while living here.
Looking Back on the 2011 Earthquake
The conversation also turned to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, one of the most significant events both of us have experienced while living in Japan.
We shared our memories of that day, the uncertainty that followed, and the resilience we saw from the people around us. For many long-term residents, it's one of those moments that becomes part of their personal history in Japan.
Lessons From Long-Term Life in Japan
One of the recurring themes throughout the conversation was growth through experience.
Whether it was adapting to a physically demanding job, learning a new language, or adjusting to a different culture, none of it happened overnight. Like most aspects of long-term life in Japan, progress came from consistently showing up, making mistakes, and gradually becoming more comfortable with everyday life.
If you've worked in Japan—especially in an industry where language and cultural differences played a major role—I'd love to hear about your experience. Feel free to share your story in the comments.