Nearing his 30th birthday, California CPA and former English teacher Eric Azevedo found himself at a career crossroads. Having spent years in rural Japan teaching English, he longed for a profession with greater stability and higher earning potential. Rather than pursuing law school as he once planned—or even a career in software—Eric ultimately chose accounting. Little did he know that studying at California community colleges for the CPA Exam would pave the way for a thriving international tax practice serving American expatriates across Japan.
In a recent interview on the Earmark Podcast, Eric opened up about his unique journey from philosophy major to accounting professional, revealing the practical realities of working in a different culture and navigating complex dual-tax systems.
From Santa Monica College to Tokyo: A Career-Changer’s Leap
Eric’s decision to become a CPA began when he returned to California after several years in Japan. Enrolling at Santa Monica College and Irvine Valley College, he completed the accounting courses required to sit for the CPA Exam—often taking advantage of online classes to balance work and study. Within about four years of taking his very first accounting class, Eric earned his license.
Opportunity knocked almost immediately: a single Skype interview led to a job offer at a Tokyo-based firm. Eric moved back to Japan on short notice, eager to gain experience in both U.S. and Japanese tax systems.
Bridging Two Tax Systems—And Two Cultures
Once in Tokyo, Eric encountered very different tax structures.
The United States is one of only two countries in the world—alongside Eritrea—with a citizenship-based tax system. Americans living in Japan must still file U.S. tax returns, including complex forms like 5471 (for owners of foreign companies) and FBAR (for foreign bank accounts over $10,000). Meanwhile, most Japanese rarely file returns at all—employers handle year-end payroll adjustments.
Understanding these differences—and guiding clients through them—is now Eric’s specialty.
Cultivating Cultural Fluency
Eric says that in Japan, communication styles tend to be less direct. Understanding when and how to speak up can determine whether a meeting proceeds smoothly or grinds to a halt.
Audits tend to be less adversarial. Eric says, “If you push too hard, you risk prolonging the process. It’s about staying polite and finding a solution.” This contrasts with the more confrontational style some CPAs experience in U.S. audits.
“I’m basically the only American in the office,” Eric says. “We have staff from Korea, China, the Philippines—all with a focus on serving foreign residents. It’s important to adapt culturally to make clients comfortable.” (Since our interview, Eric’s firm has added another US accountant to the team.)
Regarding the work culture, Eric’s firm’s founder intentionally avoided “salaryman” traditions of endless overtime and obligatory after-work gatherings, making the environment more appealing to foreign hires.
Life in Rural Japan: Remote Work, Bullet Trains, and Big Windows
After eight years in Tokyo, Eric relocated to the countryside. He now works as a contract employee for his old firm while also handling his own U.S. tax clients. Living among forests and mountains, he’s built a home office full of natural light—complete with high-speed internet that makes remote work seamless.
- Commute: Eric travels to Tokyo twice a month, taking a 70-minute ride on the bullet train.
- Daily Routine: A self-described “not super early riser,” Eric starts his workday around 9 or 10 a.m., relying on video calls and remote access to firm software.
- Nature & Wildlife: Bears and wild boars roam nearby—quite a change from Eric’s Tokyo apartment.
- Cultural Hobbies: Weekends are reserved for hobbies and relaxation; onsens (hot springs) are among Eric’s favorite escapes.
Fees, Growth, and Training the Next Generation
Eric’s firm charges fixed fees aligned with client revenue, reflecting typical local practice. For his U.S. expat services, he charges per form but keeps fees moderate—aware that many expats must file only because of America’s unique rules.
Word of mouth has fueled steady growth. He’s now training a colleague—a Chinese national finishing her U.S. CPA credentials—to handle returns for more straightforward clients. This arrangement frees Eric for higher-complexity cases while positioning the practice for further expansion.
“I don’t advertise,” Eric explains. “Clients tend to find me through referrals. My challenge is managing time and figuring out how to scale.”
Advice for Prospective Expat CPAs
For aspiring accountants who are interested in working abroad, Eric’s journey serves as a valuable guide:
- Focus on Fundamentals First: Attaining a U.S. CPA license can be done flexibly through community college coursework and exam prep—even if you’re overseas.
- Leverage Your Language Skills: Fluency in the local language is invaluable. Eric’s Japanese helped him land work in Tokyo more easily.
- Adapt to Local Norms: Understand that professional etiquette, social expectations, and communication styles vary greatly. Listen first, then speak.
- Stay Open to Opportunity: Eric’s entire career launched from one Skype call and a willingness to move back to Japan on short notice.
Making the Most of Japan: Travel Tips
Whether you plan to work in Japan or just visit, Eric recommends:
- Tokyo: An endless array of districts, restaurants, and cultural sites.
- Historic Towns: Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture offers a glimpse into samurai-era architecture.
- Onsen Retreats: For a restorative experience, explore hot spring destinations off the beaten path.
- Autumn Visits: Fall foliage in rural Japan rivals any scenic backdrop, and cooler weather makes the onsen even more inviting.
Conclusion: Merging Cultures, Mastering Tax
Eric Azevedo’s journey proves that building a successful international tax practice requires more than technical knowledge. Cultural competence, flexible communication, and a willingness to adapt to new ways of doing business are critical. In navigating both U.S. expat tax complexities and Japan’s distinct work culture, Eric shows how melding two worlds can create a uniquely rewarding career path.
To hear Eric’s full story listen to his interview on the Earmark Podcast.