Hi - Moving to Japan, on the card

[Matthew Queree]

Hi,

Short introduction as its my first post. My name is Matthew, I am married to Japanese National living in Jersey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom.

We have decided to move to Japan so my wife can continue her career in the fashion industry...however my job in Jersey in rather specific to that low tax jurisdictions and offshore jurisdictions of the work (I am Trust Fund Administrator) and i am aware the possibility of finding a job similar or generally in the finance world is hard near impossible without a BA hon degree ETC.

So i am interested in what kind of jobs are available to a foreigner with basic conversational Japanese reading and writing (hiragana only) and who is willing to work hard and study harder.

Be interested to know as i have heard alot of different views from my wifes side of the family and Japanese friends.

BTW, a really good read by Iron Chef on the sticky,

Matt

 

[Glenski]

English teacher.
Bartender.

With a spouse visa, you are able to work at any employer who thinks you have the skills and language ability he wants. Most non-teaching jobs don't require much language ability at all. Others usually require JLPT2 or higher.

Study hard.

 

[Matthew Queree]

Thanks for the reply Glenski, I was curious to other people who have moved to Japan without a sponsorship from a business Etc, I appreciate to hear your experiences and whether you consider the move was worthwhile.

I guess I am in two minds whether to move or not, but feel this would be a challenge but also an enjoyable change.

Thanks

Matt

 

[Glenski]

I cannot reply by saying I came without sponsorship, but I think I have plenty of info for you.

I came on a work visa, changed to spouse visa after I got married, and now have permanent resident status. Been here since 1998, so I obviously like it.

I think you really need to understand and focus on your job prospects and how to land something, especially if you plan to be here a long while. Just having a spouse visa is not a "gold card" that so many think it is. Having a hard time finding a job in your wife's homeland would not be an appealing way to spend life. Aside from the obvious, your wife will soon take it hard, especially if she isn't working and if you have kids.

 

[Matthew Queree]

Above points are valid and are always in the back of my mind when considering to move...we both seem keen on the idea more and more for various reasons.

However, i cannot help but read the stories of 'no degree, no job, no future' in Japan. Friends assure me this isn't the case but i can't seem to shake the re-occurring theme. Even for basic bar tending, shop or labour work?

I would be happy to work in most lines of work as long as it pays a wage, but could happily support myself for a year without,do you think a year actively studying and looking for work would provide a result in Tokyo? What is your current opinion for general work of a basic nature (something suitable for myself)

'I appreciate your help on the matter Glenski'.

Matt

 

[Nerima]

Take a year off and study Japanese like a demon. Or lie about a degree (no-one will check anyway) and get a teaching job.

 

[Nerima]

Oops. Just to add, you don't need a degree if you have a spousal visa anyway. Mostly the degree is a requirement if you need to have your visa sponsored by your employer.

 

[Matthew Queree]

Thanks Nerima, I hear that a BA Degree is preferred by the larger Companies (GABA Etc) but friends in Japan tell smaller Copmanies are quite open for native speakers with tidy appearance.

Is this true?

Thanks

Matt

 

[Nerima]

Yeah, that's about the size of it mate. I wouldn't recommend somewhere like GABA as a long term proposition but it might be a useful place to start and get your feet under the table.