Foreigners' New Life in Japan Isn't Just in April: GTN Releases Findings on the '3-Month Wall' Based on Living Consultation Data

Global Trust Networks (GTN), a comprehensive lifestyle support service provider for foreign residents (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroyuki Goto), has released an analysis of new life patterns among foreign residents based on approximately 200,000 annual consultation records and government statistics. While relocation demand among Japanese citizens concentrates in March and April, demand for new life among foreign residents occurs year-round. GTN's data also reveals that consultations regarding facility trouble and waste disposal continue well after contract signing and move-in.

Summary of Findings

1. Unlike the Japanese market which peaks during specific seasons, demand for new life among foreign residents occurs year-round. 2. Consultations regarding living concerns, such as facility trouble and waste disposal, persist after move-in. 3. Challenges faced by foreign residents evolve in phases from 'contracts and procedures' to 'living rules and regional life'.

Foreigner New Life Demand: Less Seasonal than the Japanese Market

While Japanese relocation demand concentrates in March and April due to schooling and employment cycles, demand among foreign residents is more distributed. This is due to varied entry timings based on visa status, Japanese language school entrance dates, and employment start dates, indicating a different demand structure from the Japanese market.

Persistent Consultation Needs After Move-In

Data from GTN shows that while contract-related consultations increase in early spring, issues regarding facility usage, waste disposal, and utilities occur throughout the year. The persistence of these consultations indicates that support cannot end at contract signing; it must continue after residency begins.

The '3-Month Wall' in Foreign Settlement

Analysis of GTN's data indicates that the challenges foreign residents face evolve through three phases: 'Pre-arrival/Immediate Preparation', 'Beginning of Life', and 'Settlement into Regional Life'.

### 1. [Pre-arrival to Immediate Post-Arrival] Focus on Getting Started Consultations focus on housing contracts, utilities, and navigating language/procedural barriers.

### 2. [First Month] The Wall of Living Rules Interactions with property managers and owners, equipment usage confirmation, and inquiries about living rules increase.

### 3. [2nd to 3rd Month] Settlement and Rule Adherence Consultations continue regarding waste disposal, noise regulations, cultural differences, and neighborhood communication.

While initial consultations focus on procedures, they shift toward Japanese customs and rules over time, highlighting the necessity of long-term support beyond the initial contract phase.