One thing he doesn't mention is that living in Japan without visa "sponsorship" is a chore. There's this weird requirement that you need someone to sponsor you, either a Japanese national or your company (you can be self-employed but it's much harder). You wouldn't think it walking about Roppongi or China Town but it is.
This comes into play when renting too. The real estate agent usually requires someone Japanese to sponsor you. I know lots of guys that got their girlfriend to do this. Only applies to the initial contract.
The city version:
Living quarters suck. The closer to Tokyo, the less space, the more rent.
Anything involving services will seem overpriced. I think it has to do with high median salaries overall, inefficient distribution (lots of middlemen), and low labor productivity.
However, one thing people underestimate is the number of ways you can save by shopping smart, especially things like groceries and electronics. Or for example gyms, lots of local governments run fitness centers open to anyone on a walk in basis as long as they live or work in the area for $3 while a brand name gym will cost you $120 for full membership.
This comes into play when renting too. The real estate agent usually requires someone Japanese to sponsor you. I know lots of guys that got their girlfriend to do this. Only applies to the initial contract.
The city version:
Living quarters suck. The closer to Tokyo, the less space, the more rent.
Anything involving services will seem overpriced. I think it has to do with high median salaries overall, inefficient distribution (lots of middlemen), and low labor productivity.
However, one thing people underestimate is the number of ways you can save by shopping smart, especially things like groceries and electronics. Or for example gyms, lots of local governments run fitness centers open to anyone on a walk in basis as long as they live or work in the area for $3 while a brand name gym will cost you $120 for full membership.