Living in Nagoya as a Foreigner — A Practical Guide (2025)
Nagoya doesn’t get the international attention that Tokyo or Osaka receive, but for expats living and working in Japan, it’s one of the country’s most practical and comfortable cities. Home to Toyota’s global headquarters and a dense manufacturing ecosystem, Nagoya attracts large numbers of foreign workers — especially from Brazil, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Here’s what you need to know before making Nagoya your home. Why Nagoya? Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city and serves as the economic center of the Chubu region. It sits almost exactly between Tokyo and Osaka, meaning day trips or long weekends to both cities are easy. ...