This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with two educators living in a suburb of Seattle with their newborn baby who plan to move to Okayama, Japan, in the summer of 2024. The conversation was edited for length and clarity.
The couple shared their reasons for considering the move, citing concerns about affordability and safety in the US. They highlighted the appeal of Japan's slower pace of life, family-centered culture, and strong community support.
Reflecting on their experiences in Japan, one of them emphasized the peaceful and quaint nature of the countryside towns in Okayama and Osaka, contrasting it with the bustling lifestyle in Tokyo. They appreciated the safety and convenience of public services in Japan, such as schools and public transportation.
When it came to real estate, the couple described their journey of purchasing a traditional 100-year-old farmhouse in Japan with ample land for a hobby farm. They compared the real estate process in Japan, which operates on a first-come-first-served basis, to the competitive bidding wars they faced in the Seattle market.
Detailing their new living arrangements, the couple shared their excitement about the spacious indoor and outdoor areas of their new home, emphasizing the desire for a less car-dependent lifestyle and the opportunity to pursue hobbies like beekeeping and outdoor pizza oven cooking.
Overall, the couple's decision to move to Japan was driven by a desire for a more affordable, family-friendly lifestyle with a focus on community, safety, and access to amenities. They saw this move as a way to start their family's dream of a hobby farm sooner than they could have in the US, providing a headstart on their envisioned timeline for a fulfilling family life.
