Japanese woman living in Singapore says city is for 'making money', not fun
Ivan Lim
TNP
Oct 29, 2025
A Japanese woman who says Singapore is "less of a country to play in and more of a country to make money in" has drawn mixed reactions from netizens.
TikToker @naofromjapan_, who is married to a Singaporean, posted a video with the subtitle: "Things nobody tells you about living in Singapore."
While many Japanese think it is glamorous to live in the Republic, that image is something "intentionally created" and there is very little natural beauty here.
She points out that while the average salary here is higher than that of Japan, layoffs are common.
Many foreigners come to Singapore because they admire the country but end up leaving after a few years because they find it boring, she adds, before concluding that the city-state is a place to work and make money rather than for play.
She adds in her caption: "But I still love Singapore though."
The post, made on Oct 22, had garnered 100,100 views, 2028 reactions and 288 comments at press time. It was also shared on her Instagram account where it received 2,977 reactions and 331 comments.
Many netizens, including those who identified as Singaporeans, agreed with her.
"A very materialistic society where only success is celebrated," said one.
In a view echoed by others, another TikToker said: "It is a corporation rather than a country."
Others insisted Singapore is still home, no matter what. "Singapore will always be home, for it is where my journey began," said a TikToker.
An Instagram user, replying in Japanese, said: "Living in Singapore for 18 years. It is true that some parts are boring, but it is possible to enjoy it."
'Japan has its own issues too'
Some were more strident in their objections. "What makes you think going back to Japan can enjoy life?? Japan has its own issues too, there are many reasons why people chose to work in SG, many also hoping to live in the long term but I know most of them got rejected to be PRs or even citizens, even when they are from developed countries."
Those not originally from Singapore chimed in too. "I come to SG from HK for over 30 yrs, and have seen it overtake HK in every way. But I still miss the culture and food in HK," said one.
Several netizens commented on the island being safe, while others suggested how those making money in Singapore can have fun.
"Nothing wrong with staying in Singapore. when bored, just jet to somewhere else for a break," said one.
"Singaporean here and of course you make money here and travel somewhere for fun. This is the best combo," another said.
