‘Not uncommon for couples to date for 7-8 years,’ Japanese TikToker Shares What Surprised Her About Life in Singapore

“Many Chinese Singaporeans Are Surprisingly Modest”

Japanese TikToker @/naofromjapan_ recently posted a video titled “3 things I didn’t expect as a Japanese living in Singapore (The last one is surprising the most)”, where she shared how life here defied her expectations.

She began by talking about communication styles. Having lived in Shanghai before, she said,

“I assumed most Chinese people tend to be very direct when they speak.”

But after spending time in Singapore, she noticed something different:

“Many Chinese Singaporeans are surprisingly reserved/modest.”

She added that in this way, “Singaporeans are actually more similar to Japanese people.”

To this, many viewers took to the comments section to share their views.

Everyday Essentials Are “Quite Affordable”

Her second surprise was the cost of living. Despite Singapore’s reputation for being expensive, she pointed out that daily essentials were more affordable than expected.

“Even though Singapore is known for its high cost of living, everyday essentials are quite affordable,” she said.

She mentioned that things like mobile plans and transport “are much cheaper compared to Japan,” which came as a pleasant discovery after moving here.

“Couples Date For a Long Time Before Getting Married”

The final point — and the one she found most surprising — was how long Singaporean couples date before marriage.

In Japan, she explained, relationships tend to progress more quickly.

“The fastest I know is within 2 months. And within 3 months is also not that rare,” she said.

But in Singapore, she noticed that couples often take their time.

“It’s not uncommon for couples to date for 7, 8 years before getting married,” she shared, admitting that it was “quite surprising.”

Her observation reflects a broader cultural difference between the two societies — while many Japanese people tend to settle down earlier, Singaporeans often prioritise emotional readiness and financial stability before marriage.

The Numbers Behind Love and Marriage

While love may once have been the driving force behind marriage, today’s reality in Japan tells a more pragmatic story.

According to Nippon, the concept of konkatsu — or “spouse hunting” — has taken root as people approach marriage with the same focus they bring to job hunting. It isn’t just about finding love anymore; it’s about finding stability.

In Japan, many now prioritise readiness and compatibility over romance. The search for a partner has become a kind of self-marketing — people “polish themselves,” as the article notes, to meet higher expectations in an increasingly competitive dating scene.

In Singapore, however, things move at a slower pace. A YouGov survey found that most Singapore residents think marriage should come after at least a year of dating, and a significant number believe that moving in together or buying a home should only happen post-marriage.

Perhaps it reflects a shared caution — an understanding that commitment, in both societies, has become something to prepare for carefully. Whether it’s konkatsu in Tokyo or long-term planning in Singapore, both reveal a quiet patience behind modern love.

Watch the video here:

@naofromjapan_

What do you think about the last one ? 🤓 Did it surprised you ? 特に最後の一つは驚いた🫨 そんなに交際期間が長いともう結婚前に家族感になってしまうのでは🤣 . . . #singaporelife #singaporelife🇸🇬 #sglife #sglife🇸🇬 #シンガポール生活

♬ High Energy Sprint – Ausku Studio