Joe Fowler, originally from Newcastle, has embraced a new life in Japan, citing safety as a primary reason for his significant relocation. After a serendipitous encounter with a recruiter at a careers fair two decades ago, Fowler moved to Hokkaido to teach English. This pivotal experience ignited a long-lasting connection with Japan that would ultimately lead him back, this time to Kanazawa, on the nation’s west coast.
Now aged 44, Fowler lives in Kanazawa with his Japanese wife and their two-year-old daughter. He works as an assistant professor in English teaching at the Kanazawa Institute of Technology. Reflecting on his journey, he expresses a profound appreciation for the country’s landscapes, cuisine, and cultural offerings, including the popular pastime of karaoke. Yet, it is the sense of safety that stands out most to him.
“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,” Fowler stated. He noted that his six-foot-five frame might allow him to navigate certain situations back home, yet he has never felt threatened in Japan. With a young child, his concerns about safety have intensified. “I can only speak as a man. I appreciate it could be different for women,” he added.
Fowler’s experiences in Japan contrast sharply with his life in the UK. He cites his ability to walk the streets of Tokyo at any hour without fear of danger, a reality that he finds remarkable. His travels to Tokyo often involve appearances on “Cool Japan,” a television show produced by the national broadcaster NHK, which showcases various aspects of Japanese culture to an international audience.
In particular, he highlights the phenomenon of corporate workers who, after long hours, sometimes miss their last train and end up sleeping on the streets. “Most corporate men can be found slumped on the floor fast asleep in their suits and briefcases after a hard day of work,” he explained. While this might seem unusual, Fowler finds it preferable to the potential for public altercations common in the UK.
Safety statistics further illustrate his point. According to the latest figures from Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA), there were 57,746 recorded violent crimes in Japan last year, translating to approximately 46 incidents per 100,000 people. In comparison, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported over 1,062,000 violent crimes in England and Wales for the same period, resulting in a staggering rate of 1,740 per 100,000 people.
“There isn’t really a drug culture here like there is back home, as there is zero tolerance for drugs of any kind, which I think helps keep crime rates down,” Fowler remarked. He pointed out that even common over-the-counter medications, like paracetamol, can be viewed with suspicion in Japan.
Living in Japan has also exposed Fowler to some lighter cultural quirks. He describes how, on occasion, elderly locals have playfully touched his belly and commented on his weight, a gesture he views as humorous rather than humiliating. “A man in a park once walked past and said, in English, ‘you need to lose weight.’ I had just lost 10 kilos as well,” he laughed.
Despite its reputation for advanced technology, Fowler debunks the myth that Japan is a futuristic wonderland. “Maybe it was like that in the ’80s, but now the Japanese improve things rather than invent stuff. It was a cash-only society up until recently,” he noted, challenging the perception many have of contemporary Japan.
Fowler’s affection for Kanazawa, with its breathtaking mix of sea and mountains, has solidified his commitment to staying in Japan. He recently purchased a home in the city, reinforcing his intention to raise his family there. “It’s opened my eyes to the world too. I love England and I miss the footie and my family, but I wouldn’t go back. Now I’m married with a kid, safety is key,” he concluded.
His transition from Newcastle to Kanazawa illustrates a broader narrative about the search for safety and quality of life in an increasingly complex world.
