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General advice re: moving to Japan

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Iron Chef

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26 Feb 2003
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We see alot of the same questions being asked on a regular basis so I thought we might start a thread so that people can post some simple tips/guidelines for people seeking answers. Just some things one should keep in mind if you're entertaining the possibility of coming to Japan for work.

Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert on this topic, and am only speaking from personal experience as well as what I have learned from other members. Feel free to contribute/contrast. etc.

1) Make sure you have marketable skills. Proven experience in your chosen field is a definite selling point (with the exception of Eikawa who like to hire fresh-faced college grads). Don't say you want to be an artist/illustrator for ex. and come to Japan with hopes of landing a nice job minus any sort of professional portfolio or published work. Common sense.

2) Research visa eligibility reqs. Make sure you have the necessary academic credentials to qualify. For more information, check out the following link.

VISA

3) Become proficient in Japanese. While not an absolute must depending on your position/employer, I find being able to communicate is a necessity more than a luxury and I think most people would agree. Not only will this help you secure a job but it will also make your daily existence much more enjoyable. Common sense.

4) Prepare well in advance. Living and working abroad for an extended length of time is a serious commitment. Do not be half-*** about this decision if you're not serious about achieving your goal(s). This is intentionally vague because you and only you can know for certain what your motivations are. Take your work and yourself seriously. Anything less will not cut it.

5) Remember, the most important thing is to ask yourself "What sets me apart enough that a Japanese employer would want to hire me over a Japanese for the same position?" Just because you've decided that one day you've had an epiphany and are going to come to Japan doesn't mean that it's gonna happen. In general, most Japanese study dilligently and work hard. You're going to have to be above the bar if you want to covet that job.

6) Research, ask around, search this and other forums for FAQs, guides to living and working abroad, and like-minded individuals who have already established themselves in your chosen field. Chances are, whatever questions or concerns you may have someone else has probably already voiced them. The internet can be a great asset that will help you gain clarity so as to not make the wrong decisions for yourself.

Well, that's all I can think of atm, I encourage others to add as they see fit.
 
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If I may add a question to this excellent thread starter, why doesn't this web site have a real FAQ section to handle these questions, at least about work-related matters? I'm on a few other forums, and they all seem to have such a thing.

Ok, not to add to the tips/guidelines.

Look at these three web sites if you are considering work here. You will need a proper visa, and there are many types. These sites will help you get started.
VISA
The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan
Immigration Services Agency of Japan

If you have problems with an employer, here are the two unions in Japan that you can turn to. Of course, they will offer only limited help if you aren't a member.
http://nambufwc.org/
www.generalunion.org

Here are the Labour Standards Laws.
Japanese Law Translation - [Law text] - Labor Standards Act

For general information about Japanese health insurance.
http://www.ih-osaka.or.jp/enjoy/en/sick/02.html
http://www.city.saga.saga.jp/en/doc/DDE5C72B24B59F48492568A30026C573.html
http://www.pref.osaka.jp/iryo/medicalinfo/setumei/insurance_e_j.htm
http://www.gaijinpot.com/health.php

Taxes.
U.S. taxes
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/cover.html

Australian taxes
http://www.consular.australia.or.jp/tax.html
http://www.australia.or.jp/english/index.htm
http://www.ato.gov.au

British taxes
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/menus/officesmenu.htm

New Zealand taxes
http://www.ird.govt.nz

Canadian taxes
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

Japanese taxes
http://www.taxationinfonews.com/2009/12/japan-releases-annual-tax-guidelines/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2206.html

Don't know what the descriptions of housing are like? Go here.
http://jafnet.co.jp/manual/e.chintai/migigawa/epoint.htm
http://www.himeji-iec.or.jp/life/b_08/index_en.html
http://www.pref.nara.jp/silk/icd/h_english/2_04_e.html
http://www.geocities.com/indiansinjapan/living-in-japan/life-3.html
http://www.jobmonkey.com/teaching/asia/html/long_stay.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2207.html
http://jafnet.co.jp/manual/chintai/migigawa/apart.htm

Maps
http://map.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese)
http://diddlefinger.com/ (in English)

Discrimination
www.debito.org

A good starter FAQ.
http://thejapanfaq.cjb.net
 
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Rather than a FAQ, perhaps a JREF-Wiki would be the way to go.
 
I think the Wiki idea is great. For now, we should also sticky this thread, possibly make the title more clear "Moving to Japan: General Advice"... As, regardless of if people are actually moving to Japan, the majority of people have decided that Japan is the next place they are going to spend the rest of their lives.
 
One thing I do have to say that I haven't seen mentioned above.

Visit Japan at least once before you do decide to work over there, there's nothing wrong with not visiting, but alot of anime and manga fans I've talked to who want to move to japan assume it's exactly how they portray it in anime and manga when it's not (i'm not assuming that everyone is an anime and manga fan and want to move to japan for that reason, but it was an example of how people think japan is like). Another reason to visit japan before is to see if it's a country you wouldn't mind working in. It'll give you an idea of everyday life over there.
 
What excellent advice. Anybody who's considering working in Japan should read this thread.

Iron Chef said:
(with the exception of Eikaiwa who like to hire fresh-faced college grads)
:D That NOVA I went to had kinda scruffy looking teachers there, but they were nice. Sorry, off topic.
 
Visit Japan at least once before you do decide to work over there, there's nothing wrong with not visiting, but alot of anime and manga fans I've talked to who want to move to japan assume it's exactly how they portray it in anime and manga when it's not[...]
I'd go so far as to say that they should try to perhaps visit there for as long as possible... A week Janut through Japan is not going to let you know what it's like to deal with government agencies, bill collectors, the neighboors, ---the jist of living in Japan...

Maybe this is something that people need to find out for themselves whenever they make the big move, but I see a lot of people no doubt influenced similarly by pop-media who without ever stepping foot in the country announce that they've decided to live there in the future...

On what information are they basing such a big decision?
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Good suggestions from all. I've taken the liberty of stickying this for the time being because I feel Glenski's compendium of links in particular are a great resource for people seeking answers. I like the suggestion for a Wiki too, great idea.
 
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Hi everyone mmmm moving to Japan

well I have been over there 7 or 8 times and have spent 3 to 4 months total over there. One of the most important things to learn before going over is the culture. You can not believe how much it helps to have some understanding of the culture. The Japanese do think diffrently then people in the US. If you don't understand the diffrences and why your in for a lot of trouble. Their customs are very important to them so you had better know some of those as well. A little Japanese history is not a bad thing to learn as well. It will make a lot of things very apparent. and last of all you need to have a mimium of 50 to 75 words in your vocabulary. They need to be the right words as well. Once a person gets these few requirements out of the way I am sure you will have a great time over there. If not your in for some rude supprises. It is very easy to make mistakes in Japan. Thay are forgiving to a large extent but things like going bare foot will get you in trouble and shuned.

Anyone who wants to live over there should visit for at least 1 month. If you live in Toyoko It will coust you abour $1,400.00 a week or more. in the north in let's say Iwata maybe $600.00 or $700.00 a week.

By the way it is very hot and humid in the summer and not fun.
 
I think I may wait until retirement... too many responsibilities state-side.
 
ESL teacher?

Ah, sumimasen.
What about a job as English teacher? I heard a course offered for teaching English in Japan, and I am thinking of taking it. I want to live in Japan, but ofcourse I know it's going to be quite tough. This decision of mine is kind of an alternative plan after I graduate from university. It's quite complicated...I am an international student in Canada now. I really wish to get a PR here, but for that I will need a job related to my field of study. However...I have problem about this 'field of study' of mine...I don't really like it, and don't wish to do it for the rest of my life. If I don't get a job in my field by the end of my visa, I will be deported ofcourse, and sayonara PR.
If I can obtain a job in Japan as an ESL teacher, it will grant me experience, plus, get to go to Japan. However...what's next eh? I mean, what's after the contract ends...ah, gomen, let ME think of that 😌
Ah, all in all, just want to know each of yous' opinions.
Arigatou.
 
Question => I might have to move to Tokyo, actually Yokohama probably for work. Does anyone knows a real estate agent having an English website for apartments in Yokohama? I would like to have an idea of apartments size and price. Thanks
 
What about a job as English teacher? I heard a course offered for teaching English in Japan, and I am thinking of taking it.
This sounds strange, so perhaps you have not worded it correctly. A course[/u] (singular) that will make you an English teacher, is how I read it.

If you want to be an English teacher, you really don't need much to get your foot in the door. Bachelor's degree in any subject will be enough to get by immigration for a work visa, and to be accepted by most entry level employers. You don't even need a degree in certain cases:
1) working holiday visa (only for certain nationalities and in a certain age group)
2) 3 years experience teaching (for a work visa, supercedes the need for a degree)
3) student visa
4) cultural visa
NOTE: #3 and 4 still require special permission to work, but that's easy enough to get. You're only permitted part-time work on those 2 visas, tho.

I am an international student in Canada now. I really wish to get a PR here, but for that I will need a job related to my field of study.
What is your nationality? Non-native speakers of English can find jobs teaching English, of course, but it is a hard road to hoe, especially in Japan. One typical requirement for a visa is to prove 12-13 years of your education has been only in English. I don't see how teaching in Japan will really help you become an English teacher in Canada. Stay there and work things out.

If I can obtain a job in Japan as an ESL teacher, it will grant me experience, plus, get to go to Japan.
"Experience". If that's all you want, you have chosen one of the most difficult countries in which to work, based on visa regulations and the learning culture. Just thought you would like to know.

However...what's next eh? I mean, what's after the contract ends...ah, gomen, let ME think of that
You are worrying about a contract ending, and you haven't even entered the field yet. Don't put the cart before the horse. Learn what EFL entails before leaping into it. After doing a little research, it would be a good idea to ask some specific questions on forums like this one.
 
Question => I might have to move to Tokyo, actually Yokohama probably for work. Does anyone knows a real estate agent having an English website for apartments in Yokohama? I would like to have an idea of apartments size and price. Thanks
Figure on an apartment costing about 50,000-80,000 yen for something small. If you choose to rent on your own, you will usually have to provide a guarantor (your employer) before moving in, plus pay "key money" amounting to 2-5 times a month's rent equivalent. That means moving into a totally empty apartment -- no furniture, appliances of any kind, curtains, bedding, utensils, etc. Many people would rather start off in a gaijin house (like a boarding house) or go with the housing furnished by the employer.

Here are some web sites that may help you learn about apartment terminology and size. Sorry, but I don't know any real estate sites.
http://jafnet.co.jp/manual/e.chintai/migigawa/epoint.htm
http://www.himeji-iec.or.jp/life/b_08/index_en.html
http://www.pref.nara.jp/silk/icd/h_english/2_04_e.html
Yahoo | Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos
http://www.jobmonkey.com/teaching/asia/html/long_stay.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2207.html
http://jafnet.co.jp/manual/chintai/migigawa/apart.htm

If you like, I can email you some pictures and descriptions of 2 apartments I have lived in (old and new). [email protected]

Also, here are some links that show photos of people's apartments. (Some links may not work, as I have not checked them in a while.)
http://vocaro.com/trevor/japan/home/index.html
http://ekhardt.com/tokyo/myapartment/Iapartment.html
http://www.tiger-marmalade.com/gallery/apartment
http://www.collin.org/travel/japan/apartment/apartment.html
http://www.globalcompassion.com/home.htm
http://www.greggman.com/japan/apts/tokyo apts.htm

Here are some links to places that don't require a guarantor and/or key money. Not all are in Yokohama, and I can't vouch for any of them. Just found them, is all.
http://www.leopalace21.com/asia/english/index.html
http://jafnet.co.jp/plaza/monthly/monthly/monthlye.html
http://sendai.bz/g.htm
http://www.souen.jp/english/
http://www.sakura-house.com/
http://www.cdnetguide.ca/international/Japan.htm
http://home.att.ne.jp/sun/U-I_house/
 
got a question for anyone that currently lives in japan near an american naval base I am hoping for a post in japan after my training is finished and I have never been there before i kind of have an idea on what its like over there and sort of have a minor grasp on the culture but I do still have a long way to go on that I was hoping to make a friend before i got posted there to show me around a bit

PS
any replies to this msg that are replied directly to me would be greatly appreciated
ariagato
 
got a question for anyone that currently lives in japan near an american naval base I am hoping for a post in japan after my training is finished
A military posting? Military training? I assume both, so my answer is: talk to your military staff. I have no idea what the odds are of requesting such a thing, let alone what your rank is. And, does "after training" mean after you leave the service, or after you finish basic training, or what?

If you are talking about finding a place to stay here as a civilian, that's different. Can you be a bit clearer as to what it is you want?
and I have never been there before i kind of have an idea on what its like over there and sort of have a minor grasp on the culture but I do still have a long way to go on that I was hoping to make a friend before i got posted there to show me around a bit
This now sounds more like you want to know what living here as a civilian is like. Explain a little more what your status will be (military, civilian, projected type of work, etc.), and more people can give you a better answer. You should really start a separate thread on this because you have just responded to a FAQ, which is not the coolest thing to do. Moderators, can you move this...?
 
This is just an update from my earlier posts. Some of the links are no longer active, and I have found replacements, plus I have found additional threads.

For labour laws in Japan, here is an English copy.
http://www.jil.go.jp/english/laborinfo/library/documents/llj_law1-rev.pdf

Here is the web site for the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training.
http://www.jil.go.jp/english/index.html

Information on self-sponsoring your work visa.
Self-Sponsored Visa | Travel Guide Blog For Japan

Ministry of Justice Immigration Control Act
http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/icrr-01.html

Immigration Procedures.
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html

Stuff on alien registration cards.
http://www.crnjapan.com/japan_law/laws/en/alien_registration.html
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html

New Immigration Procedures (from the MOJ), including videos
http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/IB/ip.html

Don't forget to check the blog by Debito Arudou for updates on discrimination and especially on the fingerprinting policy that started in November, 2007. www.debito.org/index.php
 
I think this post is a good start for all the people thinking in moving to Japan.

This is my first time in this forum but I've read very good experiencies and I have get a lot of very good information.

PD: Where is the admin? I've found a bug in the forum!!! Andorra is not from Spain I'm sure about it. You can change it?
 
quite an old but always interesing and open subject.
I also need some advices... been sufing these links but just do not get it...
I am living in Japan as student now, and, lets say - somebody, would like to join me here. where to start? even it is quite easy to come here, still it is all confusing... nobody can jost come and settle and then start looking for job...
please help I am quite in a mess here:unsure::mad:
 
I am living in Japan as student now, and, lets say - somebody, would like to join me here. where to start?
They need the same permission as anyone. Are they coming as a tourist? If so, most countries have visa waivers, so they just use their passport and can stay 90 days or so (depends on the country). http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html#a

Or are they coming to work or go to school? Help us to help you. You are the one confusing US!


nobody can jost come and settle and then start looking for job..
Sure they can. It's expensive, but practically anyone who is allowed to enter as a tourist can do that. Just find a place to live (guest house), set up your base, and start looking. Actually, start looking before you come, just to get a jump on things.

More details, please.
 
i am sorry, I realized my post is also confusing and not detailed enough. thing is, when he comes, he can come and stay as a tourist for 3 monhts... meanwhile, he will stay with me, so that is one problem less. in that 3 months will look for any kind of job, just for the sake of income. now, my question would be, what is the procedure from being a tourist to get a residence aproval (or, not get deported in other words) and what if he dont find job in those three months, but still want to stay here?☝


wow, I sure hope I made it more clear now :? 😌
 
The process is quite simple:

Step 0. Know whether you can fulfill immigration's requirments for work visas.
VISA
Step 1. Find an employer willing to hire you and to sponsor your visa.
Step 2. Get hired. (Do NOT tell immigration you are entering Japan as a tourist to look for work!)
Step 3. File the visa application paperwork (yours and your employer's). Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Wait an average of 4-8 weeks. Pay 4000 yen when it arrives.

What to do if he doesn't find work in his 90 days will depend on his nationality. He may have no choice except to leave Japan. Some nationalities can stay longer if they ask for an extension. See post #22 for the link on those nationalities.
 
thank you so much, Glenski! that is exactly what I needed to know. I am also researching other possibilities, so... if I have some new questions, Ill be back 😊

🙂
 
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