Bui Le Quan
Japan Living Life — Founder & Writer
Hello! I am Bui Le Quan, the founder and writer of Japan Living Life. Originally from Vietnam, I came to Japan in 2009 and have been living here for over 16 years.
After studying Japanese at Osaka University's Center for Japanese Language and Culture, I enrolled in and graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Nagoya University. I then gained 11 years of professional experience — 9 years at JTEKT Corporation (Toyota Group) and 2 years at ASML Japan.
Having navigated visa applications, job hunting, working in Japanese companies, tax filings, and finding housing — all as a foreigner in Japan — I founded this site to share genuinely useful information with others on the same journey.
Career History
2009 - 2014
Arrived in Japan & University
Came to Japan from Vietnam. Studied Japanese at Osaka University's Center for Japanese Language and Culture, then enrolled in and graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Nagoya University.
2014 - 2023
JTEKT Corporation (Toyota Group)
Worked in production management, customer support, and B2B sales for machine tools (covering major clients including Isuzu Motors, Nissan Motor, and Honda Motor). Achieved over 300 million yen in annual orders. Received the President's Award for a business improvement project.
2023 - 2025
ASML Japan
Worked at the world's largest semiconductor lithography equipment manufacturer as a Customer Supply Chain Manager (CSCM). Managed inventory, optimized materials, and coordinated machine installations at customer semiconductor factories. Maintained inventory accuracy above 99.5%.
2025 - Present
Japan Living Life — Founder
Leveraging 11 years of corporate experience and firsthand knowledge of living in Japan as a foreigner, I now run this information site for foreigners in Japan. With 600+ articles, I share practical information about visa, housing, healthcare, taxes, and daily life.
Why I Write About Living in Japan
16+ Years in Japan
Living, studying, and working in Japan since 2009
Trilingual
Fluent in Japanese, English, and Vietnamese
600+ Articles
Practical guides based on real experience
Firsthand Experience as a Foreigner in Japan
The articles on this site are based on my own experiences living and working in Japan. Here are some of the things I have personally navigated:
- ✓Visa & ImmigrationChanged from a student visa to a work visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) and completed multiple visa renewals.
- ✓Job HuntingExperienced the Japanese new-graduate recruitment system and mid-career job changes. Prepared resumes, CVs, and practiced interview techniques firsthand.
- ✓Working in JapanWorked at both a major Toyota Group manufacturer and a global company (ASML). Gained deep understanding of Japanese business etiquette and corporate culture.
- ✓Tax & Social InsurancePersonally handled tax filings, year-end adjustments, and social insurance procedures — gaining practical understanding of Japan's tax and social security systems.
- ✓Housing & Daily LifeNavigated rental contracts, opened bank accounts, and completed municipal procedures as a foreigner — building a life foundation in Japan from scratch.
- ✓Cross-Cultural CommunicationWorked with Japanese and international colleagues and clients using three languages (Japanese, English, Vietnamese) throughout my career.
If you have any questions or feedback about our articles, please feel free to get in touch.