How much would you pay for a life in Japan? 

Most people only consider money when moving to Japan, but money is just the simple part. Many foreigners moving to Japan land in poverty -- like I did -- getting paid to play the part of the unknowing gaijin. 

We sell our time to become props for English teaching companies that don't care about our input in lesson plans creation, tech companies that don't incorporate our experience, and HR and marketing firms that only use us for photos to show how "diverse" they are compared to other Japanese companies.

And outside of these visible roles, all other aspects of our existence in Japanese companies is ignored.

It took some years, but it was only after I said no to selling my dignity to Japan, that I finally started getting on my feet, getting respected, and creating my life on my terms here. 

But was it worth it?