[The Reality of Regional Relocation] 5 Things I Regret About Moving to Niihama: A 10-Year Honest Account from a Divorced Relocator from Tokyo

Introduction

It has been 10 years since I moved from Tokyo to Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture.
In my previous article, I wrote about 'who is suited for relocation and who is not,' but today I will honestly talk about my regrets without holding anything back.

On social media, you often see that 'regional relocation equals happiness,' but the reality is not that simple.
I don't intend to talk only about the glamorous parts of moving. There are regrets and there are painful moments.
However, taking everything into account, I feel that 'moving was the right choice.'

Today, I will speak honestly from my 10 years of experience about the negative aspects of relocation that no one else talks about.

Regret #1: Not being able to see family and friends

The loneliness brought about by 'distance' is my biggest regret

The thing I regret most about moving is not being able to see my family and friends.
When I was in Tokyo, I could easily invite people out for a drink, or go to karaoke or bowling on a whim.
But since coming to Niihama, I can't do that. That is lonelier than I had imagined.

I have grown distant from my friends in Tokyo. Some people stay connected via LINE or Zoom, but it's just not the same as meeting in person.
As for whether I've made friends in Niihama, it's mostly just people from work. I have many colleagues, but I can't form the same kind of relationships I had with my friends from my student days.

It is especially hard not being able to go to karaoke or bowling with friends when I'm feeling down.
I have time with my family, but I'm working two jobs and my wife works part-time. It's hard for everyone's days off to align.

Regret #2: Not being able to see my children

The reality of not having met for 5 years

I haven't seen my children in Tokyo for about 5 years now.
My eldest son is a freshman in college at 19, and my eldest daughter has become a high school freshman at 16.
I haven't been able to witness the milestones in my children's lives in person for 5 years.

The 'problem of distance' is more difficult than I imagined

I thought, 'I can just go back occasionally,' but in reality, even 'occasionally' is difficult.
Between work and the cost, it wasn't something I could do lightly.
Even just for a once-a-year visit home, the round-trip flight or Shinkansen ticket costs about 60,000 yen.
Every time, I keenly feel the weight of this distance and the reality of the money.

The first three years were truly lonely.
But now, I have come to terms with the 'reality of not being able to meet' to some extent and am able to move forward.

Regret #3: My income has decreased

The heavy reality brought by 30,000 yen a month

I do regret a little that my income has decreased.
A difference of 30,000 yen a month is 360,000 yen a year. That's 3.6 million yen over 10 years.
This difference is, after all, significant.

If I had stayed in Tokyo, I might have had more opportunities for career advancement.
If I were single, I might have taken risks and tried new things.
However, in the nursing care field in Niihama, opportunities for promotion and training are limited.

The cost of returning home alone is 60,000 yen for a round trip.
Every time I think, 'If only I were earning more,' I remember how I worked in Tokyo.

Regret #4: Lack of entertainment

Not forgetting the flavors of Tokyo

The lack of entertainment. This is also the first gap that relocators feel.
When I was in Tokyo, there were movies, live concerts, events, and cafes—everything.
Now, there are moments when I think, 'I could have done this if I were in Tokyo.'

For example, Bamiyan, Sutadonya, Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto, Hachioji ramen, and so on.
The restaurants I often went to in the Tokyo suburbs don't exist in Niihama.

The stress of having few restaurant choices

When eating out, it inevitably centers on 'restaurants with kids' sets' that my son enjoys.
Marugen Ramen, Big Boy, Marugame Udon, Sushiro... of course, they aren't bad, but
sometimes I wish I could go to the places adults want to go to as well.

Tokyo has 'stimulation,' and Niihama has 'tranquility.'
I think which one is happier depends on the person's 'current peace of mind.'

Regret #5: Other inconveniences (especially disaster risk)

I can't help but feel anxious about the Nankai Trough

My anxiety about disasters (typhoons, earthquakes, etc.) is greater than it was during my time in Tokyo.
Above all, I don't know when the Nankai Trough earthquake will occur.
The anxiety of living near the sea is always somewhere in the back of my mind.

No issues with medical care or logistics

I have no trouble with medical care. The prefectural hospital and local clinics are well-equipped.
Online shopping deliveries are also smooth, and I don't feel any difference from Tokyo.

The moment I seriously thought, 'I shouldn't have moved'

It is, after all, not being able to take a break with friends when things are tough.
Even if I have time with my family, everyone is busy and our schedules don't align.
Nights when I'm tired from work and have no one to talk to.
At those times, I thought, 'If I were in Tokyo, I wouldn't have had such lonely nights.'

That was the moment I seriously felt, 'I shouldn't have moved.'

But, the reason I don't regret it

Happiness outweighs the regrets

The reason I can still say "I'm glad I moved" is simple:
It's because I have a "home," a "family," and a "job" in my current environment. That sums it up.

I had many things in Tokyo.
But I couldn't easily find "time with family" or a "relaxed lifestyle."
Now, nature is close by, and I have connections with the local people.
My income has decreased, but my heart has become richer.

To those considering moving

Ask yourself if you can accept it

If you are thinking about moving, try asking yourself this:

• Not being able to meet friends easily

• The distance from loved ones becoming greater

• A decrease in income

• Fewer career options

• Less entertainment

• Higher disaster risk

If you can accept all of these and still feel like you "want to move," then please move.
Conversely, if you cannot accept these, you should stop.
Only regret will remain.

Even so, moving might be the "last chance" to enrich your life.

Summary

10 years after moving to Niihama, here is what I regret:

• Not being able to see family and friends — the problem of distance is bigger than I imagined

• Not being able to see my children — the reality and loneliness of not having met them for 5 years

• My income decreased — the weight of 30,000 yen a month, 360,000 yen a year

• Less entertainment — I miss the flavors of Tokyo

• Disaster Risk — The anxiety of the Nankai Trough is always there

However, taking all of this into account, I do not regret moving.
Because in my current environment, I have a home, a family, a job, and I am blessed.

Moving to the countryside is by no means all glitz and glamour.
There are regrets and there are painful times.
But if you can accept that, a new life awaits you.

[Postscript]

If you read this article and have questions or can relate, such as 'Are there other regrets like this?' or 'I had the same experience,' please let me know in the comments section.
As a veteran of moving, I will answer as best as I can.

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👉 Related Article: [Living Comfortably Even with 30,000 Yen Less Take-Home Pay] Tokyo vs. Ehime: A Thorough Comparison of the Reality of 'Living Costs' by Someone Who Has Lived in Niihama for 10 Years

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