Englishman Finds Safety and Community in Japan After Leaving UK

Joe Fowler’s journey from Newcastle, England, to Japan has transformed his perspective on safety and family life. Two decades ago, Fowler, then a recent university graduate, stumbled upon an opportunity to teach English in Japan. After meeting a recruiter at a careers fair, he soon found himself in Hokkaido, where his adventure began.

“It was a life-changing year for me,” Fowler reflects on his initial experience in Japan. After returning to Newcastle when his visa expired, he always felt drawn back to the island nation. Now, at age 44, Fowler resides in Kanazawa, a picturesque city on Japan’s west coast, with his Japanese wife and their two-year-old daughter. He works as an assistant professor at the Kanazawa Institute of Technology, where he continues to appreciate Japan’s stunning landscapes, diverse cuisine, and vibrant culture.

Safety as a Priority

Fowler emphasizes that safety was a significant factor in his decision to settle in Japan. “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 states. He acknowledges that safety concerns have heightened since becoming a father. “I can only speak as a man. I appreciate it could be different for women.”

In Japan, he enjoys the freedom to walk around cities at all hours without the fear of being threatened. His travels to Tokyo occasionally involve appearances on “Cool Japan,” a program produced by national broadcaster NHK, which explores various facets of Japanese culture.

Fowler notes the noticeable difference between Japanese and British nightlife. He describes the sight of corporate workers often sleeping on the streets after a night of drinking as a cultural quirk, a phenomenon he finds preferable to the violence often associated with intoxication in the UK. “It was a bit of a shock to the system when I first saw them, but it’s better than people starting fights for fun,” he remarks.

Comparative Crime Rates

Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) reports significantly lower violent crime rates than those in the UK. In 2022, the NPA recorded a total of 57,746 violent crimes, including assault and extortion, resulting in 46 incidents per 100,000 people in a population of approximately 124 million. In stark contrast, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported over 1,062,000 violent crimes in England and Wales last year, translating to 1,740 incidents per 100,000 people in a population of around 61 million.

Fowler attributes Japan’s low crime rates to its cultural attitudes towards drugs, noting that there is virtually no drug culture. “There isn’t really a drug culture here like there is back home, as there is zero tolerance for drugs of any kind,” he explains. This societal stance contributes to a safer environment for all residents.

Fowler’s life in Japan is not without its cultural peculiarities. He humorously shares experiences of locals, particularly the elderly, who freely comment on his appearance, such as playfully referring to him as “fat.” “They think it’s a bit of fun rather than crushingly humiliating,” he laughs, recalling a time when someone remarked that he needed to lose weight just after he had shed 10 kilos.

While Japan may not fit the futuristic image often portrayed abroad, Fowler finds charm in its blend of tradition and modernity. “The technology thing is a myth,” he says, pointing out that Japan has transitioned from being a cash-only society to adopting more digital solutions only recently.

Ultimately, Kanazawa’s distinctive combination of sea and mountains, alongside its cleanliness and safety, has convinced Fowler to make it his permanent home. He recently purchased a house there, solidifying his commitment to a life in Japan. “I love England and I miss the footie and my family, but I wouldn’t go back,” he concludes. “Now I’m married with a kid, safety is key.”