Real Voice in Japan #004
The Guzman family moved from El Salvador to Yokohama, Japan.
The move was inspired by William Guzman (44), who began doctoral research in Structural Engineering at Yokohama National University.
William came to Japan in 2024, and his wife and son joined him in February 2026. The family made the life-changing decision to build a new chapter of their lives in Japan.
What We Gain and What We Leave Behind
William first came to Japan in 2017 with his wife to pursue a master’s degree at the Building Research Institute and the University of Tokyo. After completing his studies, the couple returned to El Salvador one year later.
William graduated at the top of his class and was later recognized by the Salvadoran government for his academic achievements. His wife worked as an economist.
While they were living in Japan, they were blessed with the child they had long hoped for.
Our son was an answer to our prayers and one of the greatest blessings in our lives.
Some time after returning home, William was offered the opportunity to continue his studies in the doctoral program at Yokohama National University.
After many heartfelt discussions, the family decided to move to Japan together once again.
Leaving the job I loved was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But after talking it through as a family, I decided to come to Japan and support my husband.
Leaving your home country and starting over in a place where you barely speak the language is far more difficult than most people imagine.
Japanese people themselves have experienced emigration throughout history, facing many hardships as they built new lives abroad. Leaving one’s homeland always means giving something up. Yet it also brings opportunities to discover something new.
We love Japanese culture and the people here. We’ve made wonderful Japanese friends and are enjoying many irreplaceable moments together.
That is how every member of the family feels today.
A Family That Comes First
Although the Guzman family still speaks very little Japanese, they have made family—and especially their son—their highest priority.
Their first-grade son attends a local public elementary school and is currently studying Katakana with great enthusiasm.
He has always been good at mathematics and is already comfortable with addition and subtraction, putting him ahead of many children his age.
He also enjoys sports, especially swimming and soccer.
He has made Japanese friends at school, and during the FIFA World Cup, the families even gathered together to watch the matches at a public viewing event.
In addition to attending elementary school in Japan, he is also enrolled in the first-grade homeschool program offered by “Abeka”, an American online school, where he studies in English.
William is fully focused on completing his doctoral research as quickly as possible while continuing to put his family first.
His wife attends Japanese language classes three times a week so she can become part of her local community and adapt to life in Japan.
Family—and especially children—are precious treasures.
I believe that is true regardless of nationality or race.
People who show kindness to their own families often extend that kindness to others as well.
After sharing a meal with the Guzman family, we encountered an elderly couple and their family at the entrance as we were leaving.
Without hesitation, William stepped forward, opened the door, and said with a warm smile,
Please, go ahead.
Moments like these quietly remind us how powerful simple acts of kindness can be.
Walking Toward the Future
Just like the major earthquake that struck Venezuela in June 2026, large earthquakes frequently occur across Latin America. That’s why resilient infrastructure and structural engineering are so important. This is why I continue my research.
William hopes that his research for the government of El Salvador will contribute to creating safer communities in his home country.
I also hope that his wife will one day have the opportunity to make use of her experience as an economist once again.
As for their son, I hope he will continue making new friends through sports and grow into a wonderful young man.
Although the Guzman family is still learning Japanese and undoubtedly faces many daily challenges, they never let those difficulties overshadow their positive outlook.
They are a cheerful, warm-hearted family who genuinely care about others.
More than anything, they truly love Japan.
You can feel that not only through their words, but also through their actions.
I believe they will continue moving forward, one step at a time, and gain many valuable experiences during their time in Japan.
William will no doubt continue contributing to his home country as a structural engineer.
There are, unfortunately, people on social media who make unkind remarks about foreign residents in Japan.
But that is not unique to Japan—it happens in many countries.
At the same time, there are countless Japanese people, volunteers, and local communities who warmly support those who choose to make Japan their home, even if only for a chapter of their lives.
If you and your family have chosen a path to follow, and that path leads to Japan, then don’t hesitate to take it.
Even if your Japanese is still limited, people will welcome you if you treat others with kindness and respect.
Thank you, Guzman Family!
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
Next Read:
Japan Living Guide
Status of Residence in Japan
