Simple English News Daily Immigrating to Japan (with Tom from Thinking in English)
Oct 10, 2026
Tom Wilkinson, a British podcaster and researcher on East Asian politics and language learning, shares his journey from the JET teaching program to building a permanent life in Japan. They explore language learning through immersion, integration versus assimilation, Japan’s changing immigration rules, and the realities of raising a family and settling long-term. Tom also discusses the rewards and challenges of life in Japan.
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Tom Moved To Japan For The Best Job Offer
- Tom Wilkinson moved to Japan without prior interest in Japanese culture because its government teaching job offered the strongest package.
- The job provided better pay, benefits, security, language-learning opportunities, and a route to later research in East Asian politics.
How Tom Reached Intermediate Japanese In A Year
- Tom Wilkinson progressed from knowing almost no Japanese to an intermediate level in roughly a year.
- He attended three weekly classes and studied for 60–90 minutes at a café after work every day.
Immersion Alone Does Not Create Fluency
- Immersion alone does not produce language learning; learners must actively use it and have reasons to improve.
- Tom’s Japanese progress stalled after his work stopped requiring advanced language, despite continued exposure and motivation.