On China's social media platform Xiaohongshu (RED), a post stating 'After obtaining permanent residency (permanent permit), I suddenly lost the desire to work' garnered significant reactions.

The poster reflected, 'I have worked hard for many years for this card (permanent residency). When I first came to Japan, I just wanted to be able to stay here. Later, I hoped to find a good job and began to think it would be good to apply for permanent residency sooner. I have been constantly on the go until now. Studying, working, raising children, visa renewals... I always thought that if I just worked a little harder, things would get easier.'

They then revealed their complex feelings, saying, 'The other day, my entire family finally managed to obtain permanent residency. I had thought I would be incredibly happy (if I could obtain it), but suddenly I started to feel confused. When I wake up in the morning and try to go to work, I think to myself, 'What exactly am I striving so hard for right now?' It's not that I don't want to earn money, nor do I want to simply idle my time away.'

Furthermore, they added, 'I felt like I wanted to slow down my pace a little. I want to spend more time with my children, do things I enjoy, and see what else life has to offer beyond work.' They then asked, 'After striving desperately for years towards a certain goal, when it is finally achieved, I paradoxically begin to ponder what kind of life I truly desire. Are there others who feel the same way as me?'

In response to this post, Chinese internet users commented, 'I understand. That's why I returned home after obtaining (permanent residency). Although, I'm not married and don't have children. I just wanted to live freely,' 'I feel the same way. I want to go back to school,' 'I was the same in Canada. I spent about 10 years getting permanent residency, then returned home,' and 'It's been a year since I got it, and there hasn't been a day I haven't thought about quitting work and taking it easy. But I'm not thinking about returning home,' among other voices.

On the other hand, comments such as 'How do you plan to live without working?' 'If you have enough money, then maybe that's fine?' 'My main reason for not quitting work is lack of money,' 'Even if you don't work, you still have to pay insurance premiums. If you fall behind, it will be revoked,' and 'What's the point of getting permanent residency if you don't work and don't pay taxes? Permanent residency is a certificate to work like an ox or horse!' were also seen.

Furthermore, there were also quite a few opinions stating that there was no particular change after obtaining it, such as 'It's been over 20 years since I got permanent residency, and I feel no change. My life is still as uneventful as ever,' 'Isn't obtaining permanent residency for the purpose of having stable work?' 'I think most people who get permanent residency don't know what to do with it,' and 'I thought I would quit work immediately after getting it, but it's been several years since I obtained it, and I'm still working like a corporate drone (shachiku).'

In addition, other comments included: 'What are you talking about? I don't want to work even if I don't have permanent residency,' 'Go back to China and relax in a place with a low cost of living,' 'Once you get it, save money, buy a house, and become a freelancer. Spend half your time in China and half in Japan,' and 'My perspective is a bit different. I believe that once you have permanent residency, you should integrate into the core of society and build the kind of society you desire.' (Translation/Editing by Kitada)