Cultural activities visa - but what exactly are "cultural activities"?

zsoke

Registered

28 Aug 2016

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• 28 Aug 2016

• #1

Hi everyone,

just like many other expats,I would also like to set foot in Japan. Now the easiest way when you don`t have a degree or a sponsor (or both) is to go there on a cultural activities visa. And that`s when my questions come into picture: 1. How do you know if an activity is considered "cultural activity"? I couldn``t find an official list;
2. does anyone know of an ikebana school or tutor who would sponsor for the visa?
3. does anyone know of a cooking school or chef who would sponsor?

I will appreciate any useful answer!

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

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• 28 Aug 2016

• #2

Are you planning on a course of study that would last longer than the period you would be allowed to stay as a tourist?

It looks like some schools may require a certain level of Japanese proficiency. This one requires JLPT N2, for example.

Application guidebook for foreign students｜Nakamura Culinary School

How is your Japanese?

 

Last edited: 28 Aug 2016

zsoke

Registered

28 Aug 2016

6

0

• 28 Aug 2016

• Thread starter
• #3

Mike Cash said:

Are you planning on a course of study that would last longer than the period you would be allowed to stay as a tourist?

It looks like some schools may require a certain level of Japanese proficiency. This one requires JLPT N2, for example.

Application guidebook for foreign students｜Nakamura Culinary School

How is your Japanese?

Click to expand...

Hey,

yeah,that is a weak point...I know some places require japanese and I have just started to learn.And yes, I would like to get a visa for at least 1 year.

 

Last edited: 28 Aug 2016

Glenski

Just me

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20 Aug 2003

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• 29 Aug 2016

• #4

It was my understanding that you couldn't apply for such a visa unless you had already shown some prior experience with that cultural activity (pottery, swordmaking, martial arts, ikebana, calligraphy, etc.).

More here and here.

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

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2,298

• 30 Aug 2016

• #5

I get the impression you really don't care what you study, just so long as you get to spend a year in Japan. Why not attend language school?

 

Glenski

Just me

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20 Aug 2003

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• 30 Aug 2016

• #6

the easiest way when you don`t have a degree or a sponsor (or both) is to go there on a cultural activities visa.

Click to expand...

That depends on one's circumstances. Your flag avatar and profile say you are from the UK, so normally a working holiday visa is the easiest for people like you. (I also see in your profile that you are 31, so that makes you ineligible for the WHV, but I just wanted other readers to be sure they knew the better, easier route.)