User Guide
"Born in Japan" is a free life simulator that lets you experience one person's whole life, one year at a time, based on Japan's official statistics. No sign-up required. Before you start, please review the points below.
This is a beta
We're currently in beta testing. We keep adjusting the numbers and adding features, and the content may change without notice. If something seems off or you have an idea, let us know via "Send Feedback." Changes are listed in the changelog.
About the numbers
- Life events and amounts are estimates that combine official statistics with assumptions that have no source. Which parts are real data and which are assumptions is marked in the notes on the results screen and on the explainer pages.
- Amounts are shown in today's money, with inflation removed.
- This is not a prediction of anyone's future. Please don't base decisions about school, jobs, marriage, housing, or money (including investments) on this service's results alone.
Difficult events happen, too
In line with the statistics, events such as poverty, illness, accidents, becoming a victim of crime, divorce, and the death of family members or yourself can happen. If it starts to feel painful, don't push yourself; just close the screen. For emotional struggles, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare lists support services on "Mamorou yo Kokoro" (in Japanese).
Saving your records and switching devices
Your play records and your answers to "Look back on my life" are saved only in your browser. If you clear your browser data or switch to a different device or browser, they won't carry over. When you change devices, export them with "Transfer Your Records" and import them on the new device.
Add to your home screen
Once it's on your home screen, you can open it with a single tap, like an app.
- iPhone and iPad (Safari): Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen (a square with an upward arrow) and choose "Add to Home Screen."
- Android (Chrome): From the menu in the top right (︙), choose "Add to Home screen" or "Install app." If the button below is showing, you can also add it from there.
- Computer (Chrome, Edge): Click the install icon on the right side of the address bar.
About sharing
Anyone who opens a shared result link can start a life from the same birth as you. A share link contains only your birth conditions and a summary of the result (age, net worth, title), never your name or anything you wrote. Card images and photos may include your name or the words you wrote, so please check them before sharing.
Prohibited conduct
- Placing excessive load on this service or its delivery systems, or accessing it without authorization
- Distributing or selling the content of this service in a way that misleads people into thinking you made it as the operator
- Sending content through the feedback form that hurts others, or that is promotional or spam
Disclaimer
To the extent permitted by law, the operator is not responsible for the accuracy of this service's content or for any results arising from its use. This service may be changed or discontinued without notice.
Operator and contact
Operator: Born in Japan team
Please send comments and suggestions via "Send Feedback," and other inquiries to [email protected]. For how we handle information, see our privacy policy.
This service is free, and we don't sell any paid products or services.