Yokkaichi sits in Mie, where 73,551 foreign residents make up 4.3% of the population. A one-room rents for ¥40,000–¥56,000, a single person spends about ¥120,000–¥175,000 a month, and the prefectural minimum wage is ¥1087 an hour.
Key facts
- Prefecture
- Mie
- Foreign residents
- 73,551 (4.3% of population)
- Rent, one room
- ¥40,000–¥56,000
- Monthly cost, single
- ¥120,000–¥175,000
- Minimum wage
- ¥1087/hour
- Typical pay
- ¥195,000–¥310,000/month
Who already lives here
Vietnamese 21.4%, Brazilian 18.9%, Filipino 12.3%. Nationally that is the #4 Brazilian community and the #5 Peruvian community.
What the work actually is
Yokkaichi runs on two industries: the petrochemical complex along Ise Bay, and semiconductors — Kioxia’s Yokkaichi plant is one of the largest NAND flash memory sites in the world. Honda’s Suzuka plant is next door, and Nagoya is thirty minutes by train. The Latin American families here are concentrated in this industrial belt rather than spread across the prefecture — the work is where the people are.
What it costs
A single person spends roughly ¥120,000–¥175,000 a month including rent. Compare that with the calculator, which adjusts for household size and spending style. Rent is ¥40,000–¥56,000 of that, leaving roughly ¥80,000–¥119,000 for food, utilities, phone, transport and everyday spending. Move-in cash is separate — typically four to six months of rent up front.
Before you commit
Yokkaichi’s industrial past includes serious pollution (the “Yokkaichi asthma” lawsuits). Air quality is regulated now, but the industrial character of the waterfront is not a secret worth hiding from you.
Common mistakes & warnings
- Yokkaichi’s industrial past includes serious pollution (the “Yokkaichi asthma” lawsuits). Air quality is regulated now, but the industrial character of the waterfront is not a secret worth hiding from you.
Frequently asked questions
How many foreigners live in Mie?
73,551 people, or 4.3% of the prefecture. The largest communities are listed above — concentration matters more than raw size when you are deciding where your own language is spoken.
Is Yokkaichi cheaper than Tokyo?
Yes, mainly on rent: ¥40,000–¥56,000 for a one-room here against ¥80,000–¥120,000 in Tokyo. Wages are lower too, so compare the monthly surplus, not the rent alone.
What work is there?
Typical full-time pay runs ¥195,000–¥310,000 a month. See the salary pages for what specific occupations earn, and the SSW route if you are coming through a skills test.
Official sources
- ISA — 在留外国人統計 (2025-12) (2026-07-28)
- MHLW — 地域別最低賃金 (FY2025) (2026-07-28)
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.