Not true, you can't base Japanese salaries on US salaries. Countries have different currencies with different buying power. Salaries are based on the local market.
Even in US, we see such broad differences between CA, NY and say OH and TN.
Even in US, we see such broad differences between CA, NY and say OH and TN.
But why not live somewhere where you are compensated 3x as much, and travel to said city, and still have money left over? It's not as if Tokyo's cost of living is 1/3rd of San Francisco.
Personally, I live in San Francisco. This wouldn't be my first pick if I was "retired" / didn't work. But, being a salaryman in SV, even with the higher cost of living, provides me a higher standard of living, insofar that I can travel to other places in the world, eat / live well, and still have money leftover. The reverse wouldn't be possible if I lived in Japan with this purported 1/3rd compensation. For me, traveling as a tourist is sufficient, I don't need years long "immersion".
If you consider white rice and noodles a meal then both will cost you $7 USD in Tokyo. However if you want to compare a meal with vegetables and meat then that will run you around $15 USD per meal.