I LIVE IN JAPAN / Gaelle Chatenet / Well-Being Coach

October 2025 (VOL.216)

Gaelle Chatenet

Home country/city: France / Champagne / Troyes
Occupation: Well-Being Coach
Duration of living in Japan: 23 years
Why do you live in Japan?: I came for 2 years, 23 years later I am still here… call it Destiny!

Were you hesitant to relocate to Japan?

Not really, because I was young and wanted to travel. Japan was not a popular destination at the time and many people thought it was strange to want to go there. Maybe they worried more than me! I knew absolutely nothing about Japan, and I refused to read any guide books because I wanted to arrive with an unfiltered mind and just discover things for myself.

What is your occupation in Japan? Can you talk about your job?

I am a well-being coach. I offer gentle therapy for French and English-speaking people who encounter anxiety, chronic stress, Insomnia, depression and other mental difficulties. I help people prepare for big life events like exams, sports competitions, job interviews. I also work with them on phobia and unhealthy habits or addictions they want to kick. I opened my practice in 2022. I work at Yoyogi’s Tokyo Paramedi Clinic and also at my home practice in Nishisugamo.

What do you miss about your maternal country living in Japan?

Mostly my friends and family. The first few years I was here, I used to bring back so many things from each trip to France. Mostly food, and cosmetics. But over the years I have gotten used to Japanese things and I can find everything I need here. The only thing that is still challenging is shoes! I am tall (173 cm) and my shoe size in Japan is 25.5. It’s hard to find cute ladies shoes in that size!

What do you appreciate most about Japanese culture?

I love how kind and willing to help Japanese people are. I love how Japanese people can marvel at simple things, like sakuras, Momiji, and various flowers… I feel like Japanese people are much closer to nature, even in a huge city like Tokyo there are so many parks and green spaces and there is always room for nature. Finally, I love the service in Japan, always polite and friendly.

Which places in Japan do you recommend that foreigners see?

I think all the famous places have been listed enough and these days they are all so overcrowded. I miss the days when it was possible to see Kyoto without crowds. I can’t imagine that it would be a pleasant experience to go there now. Japan is such a unique and special place. You don’t need to follow a to-do list… Go out and walk in any neighborhood of Tokyo and you are sure to encounter small hidden temples, tiny coffee shops and ramen restaurants. For me these are the best places.

What parts of Japanese culture do you recommend that foreign people try to experience?

I love Onsen and karaoke! I go a lot to both with my friends and for me these are such great things to experience.

Are there any aspects of the Japanese culture or its people that you find bizarre or unique?

It’s been so long since I got used to it but I remember I was really surprised at people sleeping on the train and waking up at their stop! This always amazed me. If I was to fall asleep, I would end up at the last stop! Also, the amount of safety you need to feel to sleep on a subway in a metropolis the size of Tokyo… That is just Incredible and wonderful!

What are your favorite Japanese foods?

I am a very easy public when it comes to food! I love sushi, tonkatsu, ramen. The only things I stay clear of are unagi and natto!

Would you like to continue to live in Japan for the rest of your life, or you think you will return to your home country? If so why?

It is a question I often ask myself. I have lived longer in Japan than in France already. My children were born here, and Japan will always be their home country. They will probably go abroad for university. If both end up moving to another place, maybe I will follow. It is hard to foresee so far in the future right now. I would not mind staying in Japan, but if it comes to it, I am also ready for another adventure!

Writer: Minobu Kondo
Photojournalist in Tokyo, writing for Japanese and American magazines. Publishing an essay “101 of green stories” with the other Japanese artists such as Kosetsu Minami. Languages: Japanese, English and French.

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