My First Year Reflections: Life in Japan
A little over a year ago, I took one of the biggest steps of my life—I left behind my career as a nurse in America and moved to Japan to begin a new chapter with my Japanese husband. It was both exciting and frightening. I was starting over in a new country, in a new marriage, and in a language I could barely speak.
I wondered if I would be able to find a place for myself here. Nursing had been such a big part of my identity, and I didn’t want to give up working in healthcare. But without strong Japanese skills, I knew it would be a challenge.
Then, unexpectedly, an opportunity appeared. I joined a free training program to learn about caregiving in Japan, and instead of just completing the course, they offered me a job. The interview was unconventional—my husband came with me for support, and the staff were incredibly patient and kind. They saw my passion to learn, even if my words were broken.
Working in caregiving has been humbling and eye-opening. While studying Japanese through apps, textbooks, and daily interactions at work, I also attended a three-month training course and earned my 初任者研修 (shoninsha kenshū) certification. Every day at work is both a challenge and a lesson—about language, about care, and about myself.
Life in Japan is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. Gifu, where I live, has given me moments of peace and wonder—quiet rivers, mountains glowing in autumn, festivals alive with tradition, and food that nourishes both body and soul. I’ve also been learning to balance marriage, cultural adjustments, and family life in ways I never imagined back in America.
As I look back on this past year, I feel both humbled and grateful. Moving to Japan wasn’t easy—I left behind a career I worked so hard for, stepped into an unfamiliar culture, and struggled with a language I didn’t yet know. But every challenge has shaped me. I’ve grown through caregiving, learned through mistakes, and discovered a new rhythm of life in Gifu.
If you’re someone who is dreaming of living abroad, or just starting your own Japanese journey, I hope my story reminds you that it’s possible to build a new chapter—slowly, one step at a time.
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