going to japan as tourist and finding work

[asllearner]

I have a japanese fiancee. I have been looking for work to join her there, but so far no luck.
My mom offered to pay my way to go there, if i wanted to go to japan as a tourist and look for work while i am there.
I realize that I would not be able to work under a tourist visa and would have to leave the country and come back before beginning work.
My fiancee is not in a position to sponsor me.
My questions:
The company that hires me would have to sponsor me, I realize. Is my being there in Japan (even as a tourist) helpful in terms of being hired by them? Will being there open up opportunities?
What is the process, generally? How long does one have to be out of the country for?
Aside from teaching english (which I have some qualifications for), are there any other kind of jobs for non-japanese speaking gaijin?
I have heard that I might have a hard time finding work since I am 43 years old. Is that true?
The situtation is actually more complicated. My fiancee is working in Gihu at a hotel, but we eventually want to settle in Kyoto , where she will be going to school. I can't stay with her in Gifu, so i want to go to kyoto directly and she will join me later...disregarding the cost, finder's fees, etc...I am curious if it is possible to find short term (3-month) accomodation in kyoto?
ANy other considerations I should bear in mind???
thanks for any advice...☝

 

[ArmandV]

Do you have a Bachelor's degree?

 

[yukio_michael]

I have a japanese fiancee. I have been looking for work to join her there, but so far no luck.

Same as myself, my best advice is to mary your fiance BEFORE you attempt to find work--- It's recomended really even by the consulate---

You may be able to get a work visa teaching, if as is said below this post, you have a batchelors degree in anything at all--- Otherwise, don't expect to go to Japan and have it be any easier to find work there, it isn't.

My mom offered to pay my way to go there, if i wanted to go to japan as a tourist and look for work while i am there.

If someone is paying your way, by all means go, many people have some sort of presumption about the way they think Japan is, most hold it in such lofty regard that they think it is always a Shangri La, it's a quite beautiful place, but it can be also quite difficult, sometimes infuriating... Go see if you even like the place you want to live in first.

My fiancee is not in a position to sponsor me.

Unless she was part of a Japanese corporation, or foreign corporation with a Japanese entity who sponsored visas, why would she be?

The company that hires me would have to sponsor me, I realize. Is my being there in Japan (even as a tourist) helpful in terms of being hired by them?

Not really, your possession of a valid work visa is more likely to get you a job than simply your pressence in Japan.

Will being there open up opportunities?

It will show you the difficulty and expense of living (anywhere) in Japan... If you enjoy paying $4.00 usd for a large apple, then it will show you that--- Apparently reading below you wont even be living with your fiance, so I'm a bit puzzled now...

Aside from teaching english (which I have some qualifications for), are there any other kind of jobs for non-japanese speaking gaijin?

The best jobs are ones which deal with English technical support, but these companies generally want you to be both fluent in Japanese, and already posess a visa to work. edit: note, the only requirement for teaching english in Japan is both being a native English speaker, and (most of the time) holding a batchelors degree--- you may find some school that will hire you based on a (proven) record of 10 years or more experience in any certain profession---

The situtation is actually more complicated. My fiancee is working in Gihu at a hotel, but we eventually want to settle in Kyoto, where she will be going to school. I can't stay with her in Gifu, so i want to go to kyoto directly and she will join me later...disregarding the cost, finder's fees, etc...I am curious if it is possible to find short term (3-month) accomodation in kyoto?

My advice to you is to stay home until you have a more solid plan, wait until your fiance lives in Kyoto and can set up residency for you both. You might not follow this advice, indeed you should visit if you have the means, and it is not entirely out of the question to find housing, but without a job, gaijin registration card, valid visa, er Japanese nationality, you'll need more than simply luck.

 

[asllearner]

First: yes. i do have a bachelor's degree...full 4 year degree from a nice school. I also have some teaching experience as an afterschool teacher and as a camp arts director. I wish I could say I had classroom teaching experience, but I have a lot of teaching skills, and i am sure I would be successful at it. The hard part is convincing someone to hire me.

second:
I would like to marry my fiancee, but her parents aren't being supportive, for many reasons not the least of which is i haven't even met them, so it is not a good option.

I appreciate your comments about having presuppositions before goint to japan about hwat it will be like. I like to think I've done a good bit of research, and i know myself and the pitfalls well enough, and the benefits to think that I have a good chance of actually liking it. And i expect having a naitve fiancee will help keep me motivated.

My fiancee is now plannig to go to kyoto, and to find an apartment, so that will be a little easier. But no marriage in the immediate future, only eventually...but the relationship is solid.

YOu said:

>>Not really, your possession of a valid work visa is more likely to get you a job than simply your pressence in Japan.

But of course the catch-22 is that to get the valid work visa you need a job!!!!

I am curious if I read you correctly that you think there is no advantage as far as getting a situation from which i could leave the country and come back to...it just seems to me that it would be easier to find a position from right there. I ahve no intention of trying to get a job on false pretenses, but if I was there in person, could go to schools that don't advertise in the US, and they like me for the position...

I know this is a possibility cause it was actually implied to me by someone at Berlitz when I inquired with them. But i wasn't able to get much in the way of details abotu how this process works, which is what I am curious about.

Also, I found in applying here that it seemed like it might be very competitive. One place i applied to had over a 1,000 applicants. I thought if I went there it might even the playing field...

 

[ArmandV]

First: yes. i do have a bachelor's degree...full 4 year degree from a nice school. I also have some teaching experience as an afterschool teacher and as a camp arts director. I wish I could say I had classroom teaching experience, but I have a lot of teaching skills, and i am sure I would be successful at it. The hard part is convincing someone to hire me.

To me, that's the least of your immediate worries. With so many firms looking for English conversation teachers, one would have to be a "Kent Dorfman" not to get hired by any one of them. Even if you do get hired, there's no guarantee you'd be placed in Kyoto.

second:
I would like to marry my fiancee, but her parents aren't being supportive, for many reasons not the least of which is i haven't even met them, so it is not a good option.
My fiancee is now plannig to go to kyoto, and to find an apartment, so that will be a little easier. But no marriage in the immediate future, only eventually...but the relationship is solid.

This should be foremost of your worries. You may think your relationship is "solid," but the real test is when you meet her parents. Before counting your chickens before they hatch, you'd better go meet the family first and see how it goes before you start making plans. Things may work out just fine, but I have read of horror stories (see Love & Relationship thread elsewhere on this site) of where daddy-o put the whammy on relationships between J-girls and gaijins and the girls meekly follow daddy-o's orders. There must be a reason her parents aren't being supportive.

 

[MajideSaiaku]

Ive been to japan, and god knows i love it and my girlfriends family so much i want to propose right now, but honestly, i think its easier to live in the west.

Marriage means automatic citizenship for my (and your) future wife.

It is arguably much cheaper, and buying basic food-stuffs is in much higher quantity then japan (expensive bags of 6 slices of bread? what??)

then theres the getting work deal, as a native with a degree, getting work in your country is going to be easier then trying to get hired in japan, english teaching for non-japanese speaking folk seems the only real option.

Finally i find from my own personal experience, that quality of life is greater in the west, you can actually live in a fairly open and green place, have a reasonably sized home, i love japan, but as someone said, it can be both the greatest blessing and the most torturing burden.


the best advice is to go there and meet her parents, its best to reccy the place.

also i was always worried about my girlfriends dad, but meh, hes cool, went fishing with him and everything .

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

ArmandV's comments I sincerely echo.

May I ask - how old is your finacee? It is relevant, trust me. And is the parental pressure mainly the father being a windbag or is the mother also very much against the marriage?

--

 

[Mike Cash]

second:
I would like to marry my fiancee, but her parents aren't being supportive, for many reasons not the least of which is i haven't even met them, so it is not a good option.

Then she's not a fiancee. She's just a girl you're keeping on the hook.

 

[Davey]

get married, apply for a spouse visa, and you are able to do ANY job that you want to do.... if you can find it...

 

[yukio_michael]

get married, apply for a spouse visa, and you are able to do ANY job that you want to do.... if you can find it...

Well, I wouldn't say that equal oportunity is the same as equal rights--- but that's true almost everywhere.

A spousal visa just represents your marriage to a Japanese national, and your subsequent legality to hold a job, at the end of the day--- they'd still prefer that you live elsewhere.

 

[Mike Cash]

Well, I wouldn't say that equal oportunity is the same as equal rights--- but that's true almost everywhere.
A spousal visa just represents your marriage to a Japanese national, and your subsequent legality to hold a job, at the end of the day--- they'd still prefer that you live elsewhere.

But not all Japanese wish foreigners didn't live in Japan.

Some would be content with just not having us live in their neighborhood.

 

[asllearner]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I appreciate the warmth and good humor shown. Arigatou gozaimasu...

The focus in my question was really about whether it would be easier to find a job there in person...and about the logistics of that.

I don't expect to be in the ideal perfect situation, merely to know where mines we know of are buried. I know I am carrying a heavy pack full of things it'd be easier without, and hobbling about on tiptoes so as not to dirty my new boots, and my oversized hat has fallen over my eyes, but even if I am encumbered and absurd, my orders are, "cross that field, soldier!"

That's why I didn't go into details about my "fiancee", since, despite predictable complications I am not really worried in that regard, though i can't offer a list of proofs....But in the name of clarity:

You were right. She is not my fiancee.
She is my wife.
We are married legally in the US. We are just not married in Japan.

Agreed, we must eventually deal with the 'rents. It's her mom who is not supportive of the relationship. Dad apparently is indiferent.

Yes there is a significant age difference between us, (she is in her 20's, I am older), which does create problems (but not for us). Every marriage has problems of one kind or another.

"The course of true love never did run smooth..."

So everyone is right, go to japan and meet the folks and be gracious and charming and hopefully the walls will come down. Or they won't, yet stay gracious and keep trying. I am ready for that.

{I understand there have been 'horror' stories, and I am not trying to be arrogant about and dismissive of difficulties others or I face/d. I want to learn what lessons i can. Sure, I have thought about it. My fiancee and I have talked about it at length. Neither of us would do anything to hurt the other. She's an adult.

In my experience "horror" stories are the exceptions, not the rule. At any rate, when you're living them, they're just your story.

But i don't want to put my relationship on trial here. Wrong forum. Let's just take it as a given. I know, naturally, there are powerful elements of Japanese psychology at play here, I feel like I can answer to them when the time comes. I know the situation is not all nicely sewed up and solid. But even if it were, it wouldn't be...cause things happen. I have no reason, ultimately, to doubt things as they are, or that I am in the right place.}

So, how about it? Given what is given and will not be changed, what are my options in terms of finding work on tourist visa while in japan as soon as my "significant other" (bleeech) has her kyoto apartment?

 

[Ewok85]

Well given you have the degree (hopefully) an interview would go like so:
"Great, so do you have a working visa?"
"... ah no, just a tourist visa..."
"But you have a degree right?"
"Yup, top of my class in aquatic bassinet construction"
"Wonderful, we can sponser you and get that changed over"

Best bet is to go for teaching English, its something you are able to do and qualified for, theres plenty of demand, and it would be easy to start with. Come over, grab the classified ads and get calling, shouldn't take you long.

 

[Mike Cash]

If you're married in the U.S., then the marriage in Japan is just a matter of paperwork. Not sure exactly what it would entail, but I would strongly advise skipping the tourist visa and instead entering on a spouse visa. Your in-laws need not know anything about it.

That being said....

You're already married. I take it you don't plan to divorce if your mother-in-law continues in her opposition. Is that correct? If so, then the sooner you let her in on the fact that you're already married the better off you're going to be all around. Deception is not the best foundation to build relations on.

As a side benefit, that spouse visa sweeps away 90% of your employment eligibility woes all by itself.

 

[asllearner]

...but honestly, i think its easier to live in the west...

You're right, it would be a lot easier for us in the west. For now, though, my fiancee is going to architecture school so in Japan is where we must be. I am glad to get an opportunity to live in japan out of it, but she and I both agree we want to leave japan eventually...maybe europe (I have both american and european (portuguese) citizenship. Go figure.)

I am glad you had a good experience with her family. So much for stereotypes...

 

[ArmandV]

Too bad you didn't tell us from the beginning that you're already married, then we could have concentrated on the "nuts and bolts" of getting you working in Japan. Why not just say "my wife" instead of this "my fiancee" stuff after you already revealed it?

I agree with Mike, the sooner you reveal that you're married the better it will be for all concerned. Since your wife is in her 20s, she's a legal adult and can do what she pleases. The spouse visa will be a great aid in your job-hunting efforts.

When you do meet the family, make sure you turn on charm high-beams and don't go empty-handed.

 

[asllearner]

I do apologize if I was misleading about my "wife". I was trying to frame things from the Japanese perspective, in so far as we are not going to submit for "koseki" until we have tried everything to get her parent's blessing, which I was imagining having a job in japan and showing some commitment to being there would help.

I considered that for most intents and purposes I am still at best engaged, so I framed the question that way.

Again, I do apologize if this was misleading.

 

[asllearner]

Well given you have the degree (hopefully) an interview would go like so:
"Great, so do you have a working visa?"
"... ah no, just a tourist visa..."
"But you have a degree right?"
"Yup, top of my class in aquatic bassinet construction"
"Wonderful, we can sponser you and get that changed over"

Best bet is to go for teaching English, its something you are able to do and qualified for, theres plenty of demand, and it would be easy to start with. Come over, grab the classified ads and get calling, shouldn't take you long.

Thanks. This is what I would be hoping to have happen.... I know some employers might not want to sponsor, but others might...and it will be easier to find or persuade them if I am there. Is that right? (assuming my qualifications (which i have: degree, over 5 years afterschool and teaching related experience, willingness to commit to a year or more, etc) are in order, which I believe they are...)

You made it sound like employer faced with a favorable candidate would be not too unwilling to sponsor. Is that correct, or is it more that it's a big hassle for them, or only certain places will?

If I am correct, I would need to leave the country for the changeover to happen. For how long? what part of this process could I do while in Japan, and what part needs to be done outside? Is it a minor formality, or is it a protracted waiting game involving embassies and waits and so on. Has anyone ever done this?

 

[asllearner]

Just to reassure everyone that I am not a thoughtless cad, I agree not informing my in-laws is terrible terrible form and I am none too happy or proud about it.

Even though I think in the end it will come down to breaking a few eggs to make mayonnaise, i.e. telling her even if it will upset her.

That's the given of my situation: No marriage certificate prior to departure.
No possibility of divorce even if the objections are not overcome. The knot is tied.

May we all have the good fortune to meet someday and hash it out in person over a cold, or is it warm, bottle of saki...

 

[ArmandV]

That's the given of my situation: No marriage certificate prior to departure.

You lost me on this one. If you are married, it makes sense to take advantage of your status of "wedded bliss" and use your certificate to get into permanent status (and work) in Japan.

If there's "no chance" of any divorce, then what's to be afraid of?

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

Yeah - what about your US marriage certificate? That's as good as the Japanese one for arranging your spouse visa prior to departure. Japan recognizes US marriages and vice-versa.

Now I know your wife is still firmly in her twenties I can recognize some of her mother's concerns. The woman probably thought her daughter would get the 'gaijin thing' out of her system and then settle down with a nice professional Japanese guy before she was thirty, have two kids and lead a nice, normal (in her eyes) life.

From your posts you sound like a well educated individual. At 43 you're experienced in the ways or the world and especially in interpersonal relationships. I advise 'turning on the charm' when it comes to the mother (get her on your side and the father's objections become moot).

Securing employment will help a great deal. Getting your wife to explain to her mother how YOU are giving up everything in the US to move to Japan will also go some way to appeasing her concerns. The woman is probably more worried about what the neighbors will think than anything else.

Is your wife their only child?

 

[budd]

"My mom offered to pay my way to go there,"

hmm...

 

[asllearner]

Yeah - what about your US marriage certificate? That's as good as the Japanese one for arranging your spouse visa prior to departure. Japan recognizes US marriages and vice-versa.

Are you certain? My understanding that the marriage must be registered in Japan and a new "koseki" made up for my wife (i.e. removed from her parent's and placed in one alone, since I am not japanese), which is the step we are postponing due to parental concerns. I will have to check further on this, thank you. If this is the case I would be overjoyed...

That's the given of my situation: No marriage certificate prior to departure.

You lost me on this one. If you are married, it makes sense to take advantage of your status of "wedded bliss" and use your certificate to get into permanent status (and work) in Japan.

I mean that we will not get a Japanese marriage certificate/koseki(=> spousal visa) until i can have met her parents and at least made an attempt to explain the situation to them in person. So yes, i would like to take advantage of it, but as I state above, I am not certain I can do this.

Now I know your wife is still firmly in her twenties I can recognize some of her mother's concerns. The woman probably thought her daughter would get the 'gaijin thing' out of her system and then settle down with a nice professional Japanese guy before she was thirty, have two kids and lead a nice, normal (in her eyes) life.
From your posts you sound like a well educated individual. At 43 you're experienced in the ways or the world and especially in interpersonal relationships. I advise 'turning on the charm' when it comes to the mother (get her on your side and the father's objections become moot).
Securing employment will help a great deal. Getting your wife to explain to her mother how YOU are giving up everything in the US to move to Japan will also go some way to appeasing her concerns. The woman is probably more worried about what the neighbors will think than anything else.
Is your wife their only child?

Yes, thank you. My understanding is along the same lines as to what what mother-in-law had in mind. Thank you for the encouragement.

I don't know how good my "interpersonal" skills are, thank you, but my heart and soul will be in it.

The first thing my mother in law said to me the one time I talked to her on the phone was "are you really coming to japan" so I think just showing up will make a big difference. She may, reluctantly, realize this is for real, and it will be my job to get her to see what a good thing this really is...

She is not an only child, but the eldest...

 

[ArmandV]

Yes, Japan recognizes marriage certificates from other countries. We're not talking about a Third World nation here!