I don't believe I ever would have moved here on my own. But my husband has been fascinated with Japan and its culture for most of his life. We visited a few times on vacations, and then he got an opportunity that would pay us enough to support two people (and maybe a kid or two someday).

Though it was exciting for him, it was intensely stressful for me, because I had only experienced tourist Japan, not daily life Japan. But everyday life here is very safe and convenient, and becoming ever more so as I learn the language. It's actually helped me to reduce some of my social anxiety - I worry less about what people think of me because there's no chance whatsoever that I'll ever fit in. I wouldn't say I have adjusted though. I still only socialize at classes and occasional international meetups. I rely heavily on the illusion of connectedness that I get from at r/japanlife and Tokyo Facebook groups. I get way too stressed out when people "racist cough" at me.

But I'm very slow to adjust - absorb all the information first, and act on it later - so I expect I'll be more outgoing once I can understand and respond to people who talk to me on the street. People in my neighborhood are quite friendly, especially when I have a dog with me.

I don't think Japan is necessarily right for me, but I'm working as hard as I can to make me right for Japan, because the job is "permanent".