For many Americans, the dream of building stability through homeownership, affordable healthcare, and job security feels increasingly out of reach. Housing prices are soaring, medical bills crush families, and safety nets are thinning. Even with degrees and specialized training, many find it nearly impossible to get ahead. For some, the idea of leaving the U.S. in search of a more secure life is becoming more than a fantasy.

Is It Time to Leave the United States?

Let’s explore whether Japan could be an option for Americans (especially vulnerable groups) seeking stability or asylum abroad.

Not My American Dream

Are things really that bad? Well…

Regardless of your political beliefs, trying to go to school and start a career in the States is harder than ever. It feels like even friends who have college degrees and specialized training are always saying that it’s nearly impossible to own a home, and no, it isn’t because of their iced coffee addiction. The poverty gap continues to grow as resources dwindle. Some people say that you can prioritize saving money OR you can invest in your health. But you can’t do both. Now, with Medicaid facing $1 trillion in cuts over the next 10 years [1], things are looking even more dire for US citizens, and worse for immigrants and refugees. Moving to another country, maybe even for the long term, may be a viable option for those looking to live a more stable and safer life.

Places like Canada and Australia are facing similar problems, especially when it comes to the cost of housing. Many young people are frustrated by the absence of measures in the federal budget aimed at addressing the cost of living. A lot of us have felt it.

It’s not uncommon to hear sentiments like:

“My parent could raise a family and buy a house working a minimum wage job. I hustle so hard and can barely get by…“

“If I get laid off, lose insurance, or have the wrong kind of accident, it would ruin me for life.“

“I don’t have equal rights because I’m [an immigrant / LGBTQ+ / disabled / a woman / etc…]“

“People in marginalized groups like mine are being targeted more and more.“

This has left a lot of people wondering if conditions are already so bad, it warrants fleeing.

Is Japan, as a Safe Haven, a Better Option for the Lower and Middle Classes?

Japan has universal healthcare. It has a low crime/violence rate. Social insurances are reliable and quality of life is more accessible even for low earners. Restaurants are reasonable, entertainment like onsen and festivals are accessible, and foreign residents can (/must) participate in the national pension system.

For so long, it seemed only possible to move from the US to Japan if you had a Bachelor’s degree and were willing to teach English. These days, many sectors have opened up to foreign workers, some even without degree requirements, such as nursing and healthcare, construction and infrastructure, tech, tourism, and regional revitalization. You might think you need to be proficient in Japanese to work in Japan, but some of these industries and foreign companies require only basic skills (N4 level) or none at all.

Japan’s foreign workforce increased 12.4% from 2023 to 2024 [2]. There will continue to be plenty of work opportunities as long as you are willing to skill up and stay flexible.

The Reality Check on Finding Asylum in Japan

Is Japan an asylum destination?

Long story short: no. 

According to Generis Global Legal Services, ”The eligibility criteria for asylum seekers in Japan are grounded in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which defines a refugee as a person who is outside their country of nationality and has a well-founded fear of persecution due to reasons such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. To qualify for asylum in Japan, individuals must demonstrate that they have experienced or have a credible fear of facing such persecution if they return to their home country.” [3] 

But while that definition may seem to leave much to interpretation, the numbers suggest the vast majority of cases are not accepted. The country recognized only 190 refugees in 2024 (down 37% from the prior year) and generally, asylum approval rates are under 2%. [4]

This suggests that Japan’s asylum and refugee determination system remains strongly oriented against granting refugee status.

And since Tokyo and Washington are treaty allies; U.S. applicants are presumed to have appropriate rights and protections, so claims of persecution will likely never pass the refugee test. [5]

@langstandard Japan's immigration policy is WILD 🤯 You won't believe how many refugees they accept! Is over-tourism the real issue? #japan #immigration #traveljapan #overtourism #japantravel #culture ♬ original sound – langstandard – langstandard🧭

In fact, Japan has actually been making immigration and residency more difficult…

… Even for those who are highly skilled with some degree of financial security. We’ve seen “crackdowns” for foreigners with unpaid taxes/healthcare bills, increasing Japanese language requirements for permanent residency, and the forthcoming, dramatically increased capital requirement for the business manager visa. Yes, despite expanding initiatives to attract foreign talent in some industries, Japan seems to be limiting larger access in general, or at a minimum, the country is being more discriminating.

Japan has granted asylum to a woman based on fear of persecution for being gay. However, this was from Uganda, a country where same-sex acts are classified as a crime. [6] Japan does not persecute LGBTQ+ people, but it also does not enforce LGBTQ+ protections or rights such as same-sex marriage nationwide.

Regarding those with disabilities, sorry to say that Japan is not known for providing disability accommodations. Turning down people with disabilities for jobs is common; there is no belief that any international person has a right to be here, and your access to ongoing care will likely be problematic. For those who are financially secure seeking a long-term stay, you will still need to appeal to Japan’s goals; you will need to work, have a Japanese spouse, or attend Japanese school, etc.

If You Still Want to Move Quickly

Moving to Japan as an American is manageable if you have time to prepare, plan, and save. But what if you’re in one of the groups being targeted and you want to leave FAST?

Unfortunately, it’s not always as simple as setting out to Japan as a tourist, staying for work, and changing your Visa type. Visa sponsorships may require you to file for a Certificate of Eligibility at your closest Japanese consulate. Applying for a Visa may take too much time if you feel your life is in imminent danger.

If you have access to funds, one fairly quick way to move to Japan is through the Student Visa. You can attend a language school or university in Japan and land multiple years to plan for what comes next. Check out our other blog post to find a list of language schools. [9]

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Otherwise, you will likely need to secure employment and a way to get a work visa.

If do you have time to prepare, check out Japan Remotely Academy, a course featuring all of the information you need to know about moving to Japan.

Where should I seek refugee status support? (For serious cases)

Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) provides legal counseling on the procedures available in Japan and assists asylum seekers in submitting an application with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau. [7] JAR is a great place to start when looking for the most up-to-date information regarding asylum in Japan. The Immigration Services Agency also provides the latest information in a variety of languages on its website. [8] After arriving, evacuees can get in touch with the Japan Association for Refugees, Refugee Assistance Headquarters, and International Social Service Japan for resources and assistance.

Sources Cited

1. Noguchi, Yamato. “Medicaid Cuts May Affect Refugees and Immigrants in U.S.” NPR, 23 July 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/07/23/1256100356/1a-medicaid-cuts-07-23-2025.
2. “Record High of Foreign Workers in Japan Shows Reliance on Overseas Labor.” The Japan Times, 31 Jan. 2025. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/31/japan/foreign-workers-record-high/.
3. “Understanding Refugee and Asylum Laws in Japan.” Generis Global. https://generisonline.com/understanding-refugee-and-asylum-laws-in-japan/.
4. “Japan: Approval Rates for Refugee Status Remain Under 2%.” Nippon.com, 2024. https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02353/.
5. “The U.S.–Japan Alliance.” Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-japan-alliance.
6. “Ugandan Woman Granted Refugee Status in Japan Offers Hope for Sexual Minorities.” The Mainichi, 16 Mar. 2023. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230316/p2a/00m/0na/009000c.
7. “Helpful Services.” UNHCR Help Japan. https://help.unhcr.org/japan/helpful-services/.
8. “Application for Refugee Status.” Immigration Services Agency of Japan. https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/07_00051.html.
9. “The Complete List of Language Schools in Japan for Student Visas.” Japan Remotely. https://japanremotely.com/the-complete-list-of-language-schools-in-japan-for-student-visas/.