British Expat Finds Safety and Community in Japan

Joe Fowler, a British expatriate, has made a significant life change by relocating from Newcastle, England, to Kanazawa, Japan, where he finds a greater sense of safety for his family. Originally not intending to move abroad, Fowler’s journey began two decades ago when he encountered a recruiter for an English school at a careers fair. This chance meeting led him to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where he spent a transformative year teaching English.

“It was a life-changing year for me,” says the 44-year-old Fowler, who returned to Newcastle after his initial one-year visa expired. However, the allure of Japanese culture and lifestyle drew him back. Now, he lives with his Japanese wife and their two-year-old daughter in Kanazawa, a city known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

Safety and Community in Japan

Fowler works as an assistant professor in English teaching at the Kanazawa Institute of Technology. He appreciates Japan’s unique combination of scenic views, delicious cuisine, and the local passion for karaoke. Yet, above all, he values the safety that life in Japan provides. Reflecting on his experiences, he states, “Don’t get me wrong, Newcastle is by far the best city in the UK, but there’s always a slight menacing feel in the air.”

He emphasizes that despite his height of six foot five, he has never felt threatened in Japan. With a child to protect, Fowler notes that safety is now a primary concern. “I can only speak as a man. I appreciate it could be different for women,” he adds.

Fowler often finds himself traveling to Tokyo for his appearances on “Cool Japan,” a show produced by the national broadcaster NHK. This program invites international residents to discuss various aspects of Japanese culture, including food and anime. He describes the stark contrast in safety, noting that he can walk the streets of Tokyo at 03:00 without any fear, even among the drunken businessmen often found sleeping on the pavements after long workdays.

Crime Rates and Cultural Observations

The contrast in crime rates between Japan and the UK is significant. According to the National Police Agency (NPA), Japan recorded 57,746 violent crimes last year, which translates to 46 incidents per 100,000 people in a population of approximately 124 million. In contrast, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported 1,062,000 violent crimes in England and Wales, equating to 1,740 incidents per 100,000 people among a population of around 61 million.

“There isn’t really a drug culture here like there is back home,” Fowler explains. He attributes Japan’s low crime rates to the country’s strict drug laws and cultural attitudes. “Even paracetamol is viewed as being dodgy,” he remarks.

Fowler also shares lighter moments of his cultural experiences. He mentions how some elderly locals have playfully commented on his weight, reflecting a cultural difference in social interactions. “They think it’s a bit of fun rather than crushingly humiliating,” he laughs.

Despite its reputation as a technologically advanced nation, Fowler points out that Japan is not as futuristic as many might expect. “The technology thing is a myth,” he asserts. “It was a cash-only society up until recently. It’s far from the hi-tech place people imagine.”

Ultimately, Fowler’s decision to settle in Kanazawa stems from its unique combination of natural beauty, cleanliness, and safety. He recently purchased a home, solidifying his commitment to life in Japan. “I love England and I miss the footie and my family, but I wouldn’t go back. Now I’m married with a kid, safety is key,” he concludes.

His story highlights the experiences of expatriates seeking a better quality of life for their families and underscores the importance of safety in making such life-altering decisions.