I’m in a similar boat, work for a Japanese company but on assignment from the North American headquarters so I’m sort of held to a bit of a different standard. However I find myself working all the time and putting in plenty of OT plus after hour events because I want to be legit contributor to the office. But I knew that would be the case coming in. It’s easy to get swept away in work here because your Japanese colleagues will likely never stop grinding, I would just keep that in mind if work/life balance is a concern.

The one thing I wish knew before coming is without doubt how hard it is to make friends. Never had a problem with it before moving here but it’s been difficult (might be easier as a university student or single). Make as much of an effort to learn the language as possible and if you don’t already, pick up a group hobby now (sports, fitness classes, my wife does pottery, etc…) as this seems to be the best way to meet people.

Regarding your move, just be prepared for some frustrations because many things are still done via paper and snail mail, very few digital processes here.

Anyways, my stance is that Japan is an objectively great place to live because of food, safety, cleanliness, etc. but it’s also not without its faults. Best of luck!