A 23-year-old American pays $483 a month in rent to live alone in Japan.

I think people usually feel anxious about moving to a new country and making a big change in their lives. But I remember sitting in the Los Angeles airport, Tony Tony Chopper water bottle in hand, excited and eager to start a new life. Once I arrived in Tokyo, all I wanted to do was find my favorite matcha cafe and spend the morning there.

Growing up in Southern California, I was always interested in Japanese culture and cuisine. During the pandemic, I fell in love with anime. It’s about characters who never give up, friendships, and quiet moments in life. I was fascinated by the sound of the language and the minimalist aesthetic. After seeing the show, I wanted to experience everything for myself.

In January 2025, a little less than a year after graduating from the University of California, Irvine, I boarded that plane to fly to Japan.

I’ve never been one to take the “safe path”. Even in college, where I studied business administration and management, I avoided internships that would lead to a 9-to-5 corporate career. Deep down, I wanted more freedom than that.

But freedom is expensive in America. After graduating, I held four jobs as a full-time visual merchandiser for Lululemon, owner of a small sticker business, real estate sign manager, and organization manager for a lacrosse club. I felt burdened by the financial pressure of just existing. I felt it would be impossible to cover my rent, medical bills, and other necessities unless I got a job at a company.

So, when I saw an advertisement to teach English at an English conversation school in Japan in June 2024, I applied on a whim. I went through a day-long interview process and got the job. I didn’t hesitate.

They were supportive, but everyone around me thought I was crazy for leaving behind a seemingly stable life in California. Why wouldn’t I want to be close to my family and long-time boyfriend? But Japan has been calling me for years and I felt this was an opportunity.

After six months of paperwork, packing, and goodbyes, I was on my way.

When I arrived in Japan, I immediately felt something was right. Above all, I was able to afford to live alone. For 74,460 yen ($483 per month), I ended up living in an apartment in Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City. Nakahara Ward is approximately 15 minutes by train from Tokyo.

My apartment had plenty of natural light and a tatami room (traditional straw-covered room for tea ceremonies) like in the anime. In America, you can’t afford to buy something like this yourself. In Japan, that felt achievable, even comfortable, with a teacher salary of 277,500 yen (about $1,800) per month.

The cost of living surprised me in another way. In Tokyo, you can get a hearty meal like a traditional set meal with gyudon, miso soup, egg, and drink for just 1,000 yen (about $6), compared to $20 in California. My company covered my commuting expenses, so I didn’t have to spend much on food. For the first time, my basic needs were met without constant worry.

But teaching was never my passion. It was the “connection” that made it possible for me to immigrate to Japan, and for that I will always be grateful. But after about six months, I realized I wanted something different.

Currently, I create social media content for a language app for $175 a week and work as a freelance digital marketing assistant for $25 an hour. The latter’s hours have so far ranged from about 50 hours in August, to 3 hours in September between clients, to 22 hours in October as he traveled to Hawaii and Okinawa that month.

Being here has given me not only money but also mental space. Instead of constantly worrying about making ends meet, you can focus on pursuing hobbies like creating content about moving abroad, going to the gym, learning Japanese, connecting with locals, and more.

Moving isn’t without its challenges. Whether you need to go to the bank or post office, call your mobile phone company, or complete a doctor’s appointment, the language barrier can be frustrating and overwhelming. I often have AI translate things for me, or I ask my friends to help me out. This is partially what motivates me to learn the language better.

And I miss my friends and family in California. Even though I’m surrounded by millions of people, there are days when I feel alone. I’m an extrovert, but even I can get tired of having to overcome the language barrier to make friends.

But these struggles have made me more independent and patient. And every morning, as I slide the door of my tatami room shut and leave my apartment, I feel a mixture of belonging and gratitude. This is your chance to live the life you dreamed of while watching anime as a teenager.

I don’t know how long I will stay in Japan. But right now, I cherish every moment. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Ashley Peters is a digital creator and marketing assistant based in Japan who shares her stories of living abroad, learning languages, and creative growth. Follow her journey on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

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