Japanese (mainland) view on U.S. servicemen?

[Swag]

Hi guys I'm still pretty new to forums so I want to say what up!

As the topic title implies, what do mainland Japanese think of U.S. servicemen?

The reason why I'm asking is I'm currently in the U.S. Army (National Guard) so I'm not full time. Plus my older sister's boyfriend is going to be getting a one year contract as a radiologist in Japan sometime later this year or next year, so I do plan on visiting and staying for at least a couple weeks at a time. I am interested in moving to Japan once my 6 years is up and by then I want to be at least decently fluent in Japanese, also by visiting my sister and her boyfriend often, I'll be able to experience Japan firsthand and make a clear decision if I really want to move there or not in the future.

I just want to know if being in the U.S. military is going affect how Japanese look at me.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

I think that for the most part, mainland Japanese look favorably upon U.S. servicemen.

The only place that I know of trouble with real certainty is Okinawa .

I remember meeting an older gentleman who told me that he was saved by the U.S. navy during WW2 when his ship was sunk. He was very, very happy to see me as an American, and I would imagine that he'd be even happier to see a U.S. serviceman.

 

[Swag]

Thanks for reply Ossan

Yeah I heard about all the negative things going on in Okinawa recently. It's saddening that the guys over there are giving our troops a bad name.

Just a little something about myself even I though I'm in the military I don't consider myself a "meat-head" like a lot of people think we are. I'm a pretty quiet and easy going guy. I usually tend to keep to myself so hopefully at least in that aspect that will help me out in Japan. They won't have to worry about a loud and obnoxious gaijin lol

 

[Mike Cash]

Unless you come over in uniform nobody is necessarily going to know you're in the National Guard.

It is sometimes possible to have Guard/Reserve obligations waived or to be able to fulfill them while overseas, so don't assume that a Guard obligation ties you to Ohio.

If you contemplate moving to Japan then you need to start researching visa eligibility NOW to make sure you will be allowed to once you decide you want to. America is loaded with youths who want to come here but who don't meet Immigration requirements.

Is your sister planning on accompanying her boyfriend for the full year? What sort of visa will she be on? Has she actually looked into this or is she just assuming she'll be able to do this?

 

[Glenski]

I teach the Self-Defense Forces guys in my area for a speech contest, and they have nothing but good things to say about US servicemen. Hard-working, crazy beer drinkers, friendly, etc. Locals around the Fukushima area have praise for the military recently because of the 311 disaster relief efforts they gave (this news from a step-relative who was there in the service).

Like Mike wrote, nobody will even know you served unless you wear a uniform, so I don't see why you would be concerned.

 

[Mike Cash]

When I was in the Navy I visited Nagasaki and went to the main museum/memorial of the atomic bombing and its aftermath....in uniform.

That was awkward, though no one did anything to make me feel that way.

 

[Swag]

Unless you come over in uniform nobody is necessarily going to know you're in the National Guard.

It is sometimes possible to have Guard/Reserve obligations waived or to be able to fulfill them while overseas, so don't assume that a Guard obligation ties you to Ohio.

If you contemplate moving to Japan then you need to start researching visa eligibility NOW to make sure you will be allowed to once you decide you want to. America is loaded with youths who want to come here but who don't meet Immigration requirements.

Is your sister planning on accompanying her boyfriend for the full year? What sort of visa will she be on? Has she actually looked into this or is she just assuming she'll be able to do this?

Is there a specific website you can link me to for visa eligibility requirements?

 

[Mike Cash]

Is there a specific website you can link me to for visa eligibility requirements?

I thought to link you to Japan Immigration's FAQ, but there was too much irrelevant junk there.

If you're thinking to come here under a visa that will allow you to work then, broadly speaking, you are going to need a university degree (major is irrelevant) OR a Japanese spouse. With either one of those taken care of the rest is just a matter of paperwork. Without either one of those, you can pretty much forget about it. There are exceptions, but at your age none of them apply.

Please talk to your sister and make sure she's squared away. She doesn't need any last-minute surprises.

 

[WonkoTheSane]

As former military you may have some advantages in GS and contract positions over here in terms of hiring. It may be worth your while to take a degree path that leads to having a needed skill by the US military here. There are some significant advantages to it.

 

[Swag]

As former military you may have some advantages in GS and contract positions over here in terms of hiring. It may be worth your while to take a degree path that leads to having a needed skill by the US military here. There are some significant advantages to it.

Well my job in the Army has to do with communications, and that particular field transfers well into the civilian market. Plus right now I'm getting my associates in IT and Computer Networking.

 

[Mike Cash]

Well my job in the Army has to do with communications, and that particular field transfers well into the civilian market. Plus right now I'm getting my associates in IT and Computer Networking.

For working visa purposes you'll need a bachelors.

 

[Swag]

For working visa purposes you'll need a bachelors.

Well once I'm done with my associates, I was going to get my bachelors in Networking Security.

 

[WonkoTheSane]

Well once I'm done with my associates, I was going to get my bachelors in Networking Security.

Two pieces of advice if you're looking for gov positions:

1. Go through usajobs.gov and look at various OCONUS positions. Look at the specific quals and certs you'll need for the best ones related to your field and treat that as a checklist.

2. Network hard and early. Who you know often beats what you know.

 

[Glenski]

Two invaluable links.

Immigration Procedures Guidebook
To all foreign nationals residing in Japanﾂ Beginning on Monday, July 9, 2012,ﾂ Start of a new residency management system!