Comment by xigency

The flight is long and expensive, the exchange rate fluctuates, and people like to be near their families. Also the language thing is kind of tough without consistent practice and it can be harder to remember over time.

I say this as someone who loved being there but can't quite afford to go back and see my friends who are still inviting me to visit again.

In terms of permanent residency, I think that Japanese culture Does Not Care about employees' work/life balance. The USA is working hard to catch up here so that's only a temporary gap.