People often compare the cost of living in Japan with that of their home countries and often criticize the prices and everyday expenses in Japan. Expensive fruits, high taxes, and other recurring costs are mentioned as negative points. In this article, we will reflect on why it is not worth complaining or making simplistic comparisons between the Japanese economy and those of other places.
Table of Contents
Natural Products: Expensive Fruits, But There is Context
One of the main focuses of the comparisons is the price of fruits and vegetables in Japan. It is true that a fruit that would cost R$ 1 in Brazil can cost up to ¥300 (about R$ 10) in Japan. This astonishes many Brazilians, leading to the false perception that the Japanese do not consume fresh food due to the prices. However, it is essential to that the cost of living is relative to the currency and the local purchasing power.
In October 2024, the exchange rate of the yen is around ¥1 = R$0.033. Thus, even if a strawberry or an apple seems expensive when converted directly to reais, the average salary in Japan offsets this difference. A Japanese worker can earn between ¥180,000 to ¥300,000 per month (about R$6,000 to R$10,000), while the Brazilian minimum wage is still around R$1,320.
So, what is worth more: buying expensive fruits while earning in yen or saving on food but having a tight budget earning in reais? Japanese cuisine also values fresh ingredients. Almost all bentos and desserts include fruits and vegetables, showing that, even with the higher cost, these products are an important part of the diet.
Read also:
Trip to Japan 2016 - What did I eat?
Getting to Know the Yen – The Currency of Japan
Taxes and Monthly Expenses: Not Everything is That Different
Another common criticism is about taxes and fixed costs in Japan. Rent, transportation, and monthly bills may seem high, but they need to be analyzed in the right context. Let's go to a comparison:
- In Brazil, if a worker earns R$1,500 per month and pays R$1,000 in rent, taxes, and other expenses, only R$500 is left for food and leisure.
- In Japan, someone who receives ¥300,000 (approximately R$10,000) may have ¥200,000 committed to rent, transportation, and bills. Still, they will have ¥100,000 free (around R$3,300) for other expenses.
Although the cost of living in Japan can be high, it is proportional to the local purchasing power. And, despite the expenses, many Japanese people can save money, something that is not always possible in Brazil, where salaries often do not cover all basic needs.
One Thing Compensates for Another: Salaries, Electronics, and Consumption
If we're going to compare, let's do it fairly. Industrialized products and electronics in Japan tend to be cheaper than in Brazil. The difference is noticeable in items like smartphones, computers, and video games. While a Brazilian might take months or even years to save up for a high-end smartphone, a Japanese person, with effort and planning, can acquire one in just a few installments or monthly savings.
Imagine a Brazilian worker, after paying his expenses, having R$100 left for leisure. He can even fill his house with more affordable fruits and vegetables, but if he needs a new sofa or wants to travel abroad, he will have to save for a long time or resort to loans. On the other hand, in Japan, even with sacrifices, many manage to save money and make larger purchases, such as an iPad or an international trip, without much difficulty.
Adaptation is Key: Stop Comparing and Live in Yen
There is no perfect place or ideal cost of living. Each country has its strengths and weaknesses. Many Brazilians go to Japan in search of financial stability, knowing that it is possible to save and build a reserve there, something difficult in Brazil. Moreover, safety in Japan is another attractive reason, as the risks of being robbed or experiencing violence are much lower than in large Brazilian cities.
Of course not all Japanese people live comfortably. Some live in tiny apartments or face financial difficulties, just like in Brazil. The difference is that in Japan there is a sense of stability: with planning, it is possible to maintain a good quality of life and still save.
Therefore, instead of complaining that Japan is expensive, it is important to understand the differences and adapt. Living in Japan means learning to deal with the local currency and enjoying what the country has to offer, without constantly comparing it to Brazil or other places.
Conclusion: The Economy is Relative
In the end, there is no intrinsically "more expensive" or "cheaper" place. It all depends on how you adapt to the local context and adjust your lifestyle. Many Brazilians living in Japan choose this country not only for the salary but also for the safety and the opportunity to achieve financial goals.
Complaining about the cost of living is a fruitless attitude. The whole world is going through economic changes and challenges, and each country has its own difficulties. Instead of focusing on the negative, it's better to find ways to adapt, plan, and live well, regardless of where you are. After all, every currency has its value — just learn to use it to your advantage.
