According to a recent study, nearly 100,000 American expats in Japan are receiving Social Security payments each month.
Each month, 66 million individuals receive Social Security payments, with almost 48 million of them being retirees. This equates to 9 out of every 10 Americans who are 65 or older. However, not all of these recipients reside in the United States, with over 695,000 living abroad, including 97,693 in Japan.
While Japan may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about American expats, it is actually the 10th most popular destination for them. The reasons for this are varied, with many Americans relocating to Japan for its safety, low cost of living, and the excellent healthcare system.
One of the main reasons Americans choose to live in Japan is its high standard of living. Japan is known for having a strong economy and well-paying jobs, which can be a major draw for American retirees who are still working. Additionally, Japan is considered one of the safest nations in the world, with very little violence and virtually no gun ownership.
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Another major factor in Americans’ decision to relocate to Japan is the low cost of living. According to some estimates, the cost of living in Japan is about 50% of what it is in the United States. The strong dollar also makes this advantage even greater.
However, there are also some drawbacks to living in Japan for older Americans. One of the biggest challenges is the language barrier, as very few Americans speak Japanese. Additionally, US expats living in Japan are still required to pay taxes to the US government, which can be a financial burden.
Despite these challenges, Japan’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, and it is generally provided free of charge to expatriates and foreigners. This is a major draw for older Americans who are concerned about healthcare costs.
In conclusion, while Japan may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about American expats, it is actually a popular destination for older Americans. The combination of a strong economy, low cost of living, and excellent healthcare system make it an attractive option for retirees who are looking to relocate. However, the language barrier and tax requirements may be challenging for some.
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