Author Topic: Japan Mustachians Group (Read 11696 times)

betterlifepillars · « **on:** March 27, 2014, 01:21:44 AM »

Hey, how many others out there are living in Japan? Is there a group?

I'm in Yokohama and my proudest frugal living point is my lunch: 160 yen at that rice ball chain. Brown rice and salmon with a thermos of coffee from home.

Ian · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2014, 01:34:59 AM »

I'm not sure there are very many people here from Japan, but maybe this thread will bring them out of the woodwork. I'm only in the same part of the world.

YK-Phil · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2014, 09:41:31 AM »

I am not, but my wife is, well, sort of. She is a proud Okinawan, and even more mustachian than I am. I love Japan and the Japanese, despite how the whole country can be infuriating and frustrating for the non-Japanese who often feel completely excluded from the very complex codes of beliefs and behaviours.

buntintimo · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2014, 05:56:49 AM »

I live up north in Yamagata, would be good to get an idea of how many other people live in Japan. Also, what sort of investing do you all do?

betterlifepillars · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2014, 07:23:13 AM »

About investing from Japan, here is a good article for expats:

http://andrewhallam.com/2013/05/an-expat-canadian-in-japan-finds-a-way-to-invest/

And I met with a guy from Objecgtive Trading, a company specializing in expats living in Japan, and was impressed with their service. I didn't choose to invest with them because everyone takes a cut - the advisor, the company, the other company they deal with, and so on. All pretty standard, but I'd like to keep my money to myself. Here's their link - I filled out the info and they called back within a week or so.

http://www.objectivetrading.com/

And of course you can go with some of the Japanese investment companies if you speak well enough to bluff your way through the application process.

JamesAt15 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2014, 07:30:19 PM »

I'm a US citizen living in Tokyo, so might be able to help if people have questions. I am not nearly badass enough to consider myself mustachian, but I do appreciate the outlook.

For investing, I had a Charles Schwab account that I kept open when I moved here, and I continue to use it. Schwab has a local account at Citibank Japan, so it is quite easy to transfer funds from my Citi account to Schwab's account and have it automatically deposited in my Schwab investment account. It's also a lot faster (usually overnight) and cheaper (300y versus 3000-4000yen for an international wire transfer). The only downside is that I have to visit a Citibank branch to put in the form.

I don't do any investing via Japanese banks or brokerages, though I have looked at it a couple of times. In the end, I've always decided it's a lot simpler just to stick with Schwab. If you are going to look at opening an account with a Japanese brokerage and you're a US citizen, be sure to ask if they have restrictions on the types of investment products you can buy. Many will not let US citizens buy mutual funds based on US companies and products. If you're hoping to do low-fee index fund investing a la the Bogleheads, this can make things very difficult.

saveandinvest · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2014, 11:38:07 PM »

I am an American who relocated to Tokyo and discovered the MMM community a year and I would love to join the conversation about badass investing and saving strategies!
As for the investment, transferring local currency to U.S. dollar is the foremost challenge for most of us living abroad. I have used GoRemit service several times to transfer my savings to my U.S. bank account since this is the cheapest way I found.
So it would be great to learn more about other affordable ways to transfer money back to the US!

Topics concerning tax issues and options for those working abroad who do have the right to purchase Roth IRA and other tax-advantaged accounts would also be of a great interest.

If there are enough of us, I would be up for a meetup for Mustachian group here in Japan!

TokyoLotus · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2014, 07:58:19 AM »

I'm definitely up for an MMM Tokyo meetup!

I guess MMM style would be something like Yoyogi park, BYOBento

Cynistar · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2014, 07:29:28 AM »

I currently live in Japan, but I'm not in the growing phase yet. I'm still working my way out of debt. It's very cool though that some Mustachians happen to live in Japan as well!

saveandinvest · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2014, 10:39:41 PM »

It's great to know that there are Mustachians in Japan!
Let's make the Mustachian meetup in Tokyo happen!
With the rain season and summer heat coming up, perhaps meeting at a cafe might be a better idea?

biketokyo · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2014, 07:01:52 PM »

Hi everyone,

I've been here in Tokyo about 6 years (and Japan a bit longer), though I just discovered MMM in January. Before that I was saving, but in a more traditional way (still blowing too much money on things that weren't that important to me). I think that Tokyo life (as well as life in other parts of Japan) presents its own set of challenges to frugal living and it would be great to meet up with people to chat and hang out.

If we can work out a meetup in/around Tokyo on a weekend I'm up for that! I like the idea of a picnic once the rainy season is over. If we find a bit of shade the parks are still pretty nice in July.

saveandinvest · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2014, 02:49:15 PM »

I agree; there are a lot of temptations here in Tokyo. And the omnipresence of convenience stores definitely does not help!
May I suggest a meeting date in July? How does Sunday July 13 sound for everyone?

YK-Phil · « **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2014, 03:54:03 PM »

Quote from: saveandinvest on June 08, 2014, 02:49:15 PM

I agree; there are a lot of temptations here in Tokyo. And the omnipresence of convenience stores definitely does not help!
May I suggest a meeting date in July? How does Sunday July 13 sound for everyone?

We are not in Japan but we might very well be at that time so if we are in Tokyo, we'd love to meet up while there. Big (and good) changes in our lives are coming July 1 so we might head to Nagoya and Okinawa to visit my wife's family for a few weeks, with a short stopover in Tokyo. I will stay posted if someone takes place during our stay.

deragun · « **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2014, 03:05:26 PM »

I am a recent convert (Mustachianism got started 2-3 months ago, and just recently finished reading through all posts to date), and while my wife and I are not from or live in Japan, we will be in Japan from July 18-Aug 2. If something ends up getting scheduled then, we may try to stop by!

saveandinvest · « **Reply #14 on:** June 09, 2014, 03:57:29 PM »

Wow, looks like there will be mustashians joining from abroad!
So how does July 13 work for everyone?

biketokyo · « **Reply #15 on:** June 17, 2014, 04:01:28 PM »

I'll be at a seminar all day on 7/13 but the 12th would work well for me. How about others here?

JamesAt15 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 17, 2014, 11:30:27 PM »

I don't think I will be attending, but thought I would pass on an amusing web site about cheap outings, events, and products in Tokyo: http://tokyocheapo.com/

saveandinvest · « **Reply #17 on:** June 18, 2014, 09:55:53 AM »

July 12 would work for me, too!

TokyoLotus · « **Reply #18 on:** June 25, 2014, 08:41:01 AM »

I'd love to meet up! Unfortunately I work both the 12th and 13th, but if you guys are together into the evening I can meet up after 9 on the 12th or after 8 on the 13th. Hope to join! If meeting at night is an option, maybe a hangout place like the Pink Cow in Roppongi would be suitable...

sendaiben · « **Reply #19 on:** June 25, 2014, 11:51:55 PM »

Really happy to find this group here :)

I'm a big fan of MMM but had no idea that there would be others in Japan here.

I have started a website at retirejapan.info to try and get some discussion and share experiences of saving and investing in Japan. We have a blog and a (very small) forum. I'd love to hear your stories there and will be hanging around here as well from now on.

Can't get to Tokyo for a meetup but would love to have a Tohoku one if people can make it over here :D

biketokyo · « **Reply #20 on:** June 26, 2014, 04:29:05 PM »

Ben, Thank you for linking to your site! I'd really like to take a 18-kippu or bicycle trip towards Tohoku one of these days. If it happens to be this summer it would be great to meet up.

Tokyo people, what do you say we keep this thread going and try to find a date where at least a few people can meet up? Right now it looks like saveandinvest & I are the only ones who could meet up on 7/12 (with TokyoLotus maybe coming by later).

sendaiben · « **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2014, 06:47:03 PM »

Quote from: biketokyo on June 26, 2014, 04:29:05 PM

Ben, Thank you for linking to your site! I'd really like to take a 18-kippu or bicycle trip towards Tohoku one of these days. If it happens to be this summer it would be great to meet up.

Bicycle trip to Tohoku would be quite hardcore :)

Definitely let me know if you are in the area, it'd be good to have a chat in person.

biketokyo · « **Reply #22 on:** June 26, 2014, 10:19:11 PM »

I did one bike trip with a group from Hokkaido to Okinawa once but that was years ago. If I can swing it I'd like to take a train up that way and then bike back down towards Tokyo.

I'll let you know if I make it up that way.

nikki · « **Reply #23 on:** June 26, 2014, 10:23:58 PM »

I'm in Korea, but would be happy to have a mustachian tour guide in Japan when my fiance and I visit :-)

Network, network, network!

TokyoLotus · « **Reply #24 on:** June 27, 2014, 08:34:53 AM »

Let's make this happen! I work weekends so in any case I'll meet up later :) Tell me when and where and I'm there!

meep · « **Reply #25 on:** June 28, 2014, 02:36:55 PM »

A trip to Tokyo isn't in the cards at the moment but if anyone is ever in western Japan I'd be up for a get together.

TokyoLotus · « **Reply #26 on:** July 02, 2014, 07:45:34 AM »

saveandinvest, biketokyo, and whomever else----7/12 at night?

saveandinvest · « **Reply #27 on:** July 03, 2014, 06:45:46 AM »

7/12 at sounds perfect!!
How about after-dinner drink at 7pm?
Which part of the are would be convenient and does anyone want to suggest a cafe for Mustachian meetup?

TokyoLotus · « **Reply #28 on:** July 07, 2014, 06:34:30 PM »

Apologies for the delay!

I work until 9pm on the 12th, if you don't mind meeting around 9:40 at the Pink Cow in Roppongi I can see you there!

If you want to meet at 7, I can do it on the 19th :)

sendaiben · « **Reply #29 on:** July 08, 2014, 03:37:07 AM »

I know it's not really a question about meeting up, but I'm very curious about what Mustachians in Japan are like :)

-how long have you been here?
-what do you do?
-any plans to leave?

For me, the answers are 14 years, English teacher, and nope.

saveandinvest · « **Reply #30 on:** July 08, 2014, 06:33:33 AM »

I have to get up early in the morning the next day (July 13) so either meeting at 7pm or in the afternoon would be more feasible.

TokyoLotus · « **Reply #31 on:** July 09, 2014, 06:01:08 PM »

Okay, how about July 19th at 7pm?

saveandinvest · « **Reply #32 on:** July 10, 2014, 05:15:53 AM »

Unfortunately I will be out of town that day but 20 or 21 works for me :)

biketokyo · « **Reply #33 on:** July 23, 2014, 05:34:32 PM »

Good question Ben. As for me, I'm also an English teacher (formerly jr&sr high, now part-time at a few universities). I've been here about 10 years, and though I love the idea of the occasional summer or year abroad Japan is definitely home for me.

As for meeting up in Tokyo, my summer weekends are pretty full, but could get together for a bit on a weeknight sometime. How about others?

saveandinvest · « **Reply #34 on:** July 24, 2014, 04:44:12 PM »

July 19 at 7pm works for me!

Chibalass · « **Reply #35 on:** August 23, 2014, 06:54:49 AM »

Hi Japan Mustachians,

It's nice to find this thread. I must thank Ben's Retire Japan blog for getting me here. I'm not really able to say yes to meet ups in Tokyo just yet, it's good to know that there are others out there with MMM principles already working.

Cheers and yoroshiku,

Chibalass

biketokyo · « **Reply #36 on:** August 27, 2014, 09:11:06 PM »

Hi Chibalass,

Welcome! It's good to see a few more Mustacians in Japan! Without getting too specific, what general part of Chiba are you in? From what I've seen, there's quite a difference between the different parts of the prefecture. Recently I've been a bit torn between staying in Tokyo and moving somewhere with a little more green space in the near future.

mustache brony · « **Reply #37 on:** November 12, 2014, 03:16:34 AM »

I've relocated to Japan for a year. I'm a little sad I wasn't in Tokyo for the meetup, but I'm eager to either meet up with mustachians, or to swap tips about navigating Japanese culture in a mustachian way (such as gift giving or food).

josstache · « **Reply #38 on:** November 22, 2014, 12:53:59 AM »

I also wasn't here at the time of the meetup, but would be glad to join in one in the future. Just found out about MMM, but have been living the lifestyle for some time (with some unfortunate mistakes here and there).

dungoofed · « **Reply #39 on:** December 18, 2014, 08:08:23 PM »

subscribing

sendaiben · « **Reply #40 on:** March 12, 2016, 07:33:28 PM »

I started a new thread called Japan Meetup 2016. Posting here to let people know just in case. Come and let us know you exist!

kesto · « **Reply #41 on:** March 13, 2016, 07:47:52 PM »

Hey everyone. Posting here and anywhere else in the hopes of finding some people interested in a MMM meetup in the Tokyo area in the near future!

FI-42 · « **Reply #42 on:** March 28, 2016, 12:59:08 PM »

Quote from: kesto on March 13, 2016, 07:47:52 PM

Hey everyone. Posting here and anywhere else in the hopes of finding some people interested in a MMM meetup in the Tokyo area in the near future!

Hi, Not in Japan but planning to retire there. My wife is from Kyuushuu and as soon as we have enough cash (for FI) we'll be moving back. I'll be in Japan in July/August so if the meet-up is around then I will come along.

SendaiBen - your website is fantastic. It has been a very useful resource.

Kwill · « **Reply #43 on:** May 07, 2016, 03:48:44 PM »

I'm not currently in Japan, but I'm interested in following this. I've spent a good amount of time in Japan in the past.

tarheeldan · « **Reply #44 on:** May 07, 2016, 08:50:08 PM »

Hi guys! Anyone in the Kansai area? I visit my mother's side of the family every year - late October through early November, in Nara.

TWoK · « **Reply #45 on:** March 29, 2017, 05:43:47 AM »

I've been living in Okinawa for 14 of the last 16 years. I travel around Japan a lot and have a second place (別荘) in Hokkaido.

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Author Topic: Japan Mustachians Group (Read 11696 times)