So you’ve been thinking of dating a Japanese girl and have read a lot of positive testimonials and reviews online on how an average looking western guy lands a very cute and sexy girl from Japan. Well and true, there are a lot of Japanese girls out there looking to settle down with foreign guys. But before you take that all too familiar jump, here are a few key points to think about, and basically prepare for, if you are to date these ladies.

Learn the word Gaijin

Japan, as a nation had a period in history where they isolated themselves from the world. This is key to understanding that this society is not as foreigner friendly as most Asian nations. Although in the recent years, Japan has started to open itself up more to the world and this is evident with the number of Japanese people learning to speak, read and write the English language. Now, the word “gaijin” is the Japanese word for foreigner and the reason why this should be a familiar term to you, is no matter how embedded you become in the society (i.e. you marry a Japanese girl), you will always be a gaijin. In a country with an ingrained culture such as this, you just have to be ready to be viewed as an outsider no matter how long you stay.

Physical Intimacy and Libido in Japan are Relatively Low

This is a loose generalization, but is mostly true, especially after marriage and kids. Sex is not an open topic in Japanese culture and is even sometimes taboo to talk about in public. Let’s face it, sex drive is not as high in Japan as it is in the west and this is just something that you should live with if you do end up marrying a Japanese girl. Again, this is a loose generalization and there will always be the 1% of the girls who are the exceptions to the rule. Either way, most of the women who will willingly go out on dates with foreign guys are usually aware of the difference between a Japanese man and a western man’s needs, so no need to fret.

Language can be quite a Barrier

This, is given. There is practically no resemblance between English and Japanese. And there will be a lot lost in translation somewhere along the way. With this, you will need to eventually learn the language (if you want a measure of independence from your future wife, but this matters are easily resolved if you intend to bring her back to your home country).

The Man takes home the Bacon, the Wife takes care of the Home

Japanese society and culture dictates that the man brings home the money, and the wife manages the money entrusted to her to ensure that all needs are taken care of. In Japan, once married, the wife stays home, especially when the kids come. You might need to earn a living by yourself.  Although in recent years, women in Japan have started becoming more independent and there is a big chance you will meet one who is more open to sharing the burden of earning. Just be ready for the possibility that you might need to earn for the whole family by yourself.