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How should I move to Japan?

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soopadook

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Hello everyone!
I apologize in advance, as I'm sure this question gets asked 4 times each day, but I've been having some trouble on deciding when and how I should/could move to Japan.
I'm 17 years old living in Texas and am about to be a senior in high school. I've been studying Japanese in school for 2 years (and will continue to) and recently came back to America from an exchange program called "Sister Cities" that brought me to Japan to stay with a family for 2 weeks. I've always been intrigued by Japan, but the recent, 2-week-long, life-changing stay is what planted my foot in the ground; I've decided that I want to live in Japan. I feel like a city like Nagaoka (Niigata) is the perfect place for me.
However, of course, me being so young, I understand that there is a lot that I don't know and don't understand about moving to another country. From what I've researched, the only true way to live in Japan from being a foreigner is by obtaining a student or work visa. The problem is, I'm not sure if I want a student visa because I want to go to college in America (while still studying Japanese) for personal reasons, which leaves the only option being the work visa.
My question is, what type of "work" does the work visa cover? Does it work with any job I get? Or am I going to have to major in engineering or finance or something in college? I heard about the JET program, which offers jobs for American English teachers in Japanese schools, but from what I've been told, the pay isn't enough to support a small family, which is what one day I would like to do. I'm confused about how exactly the work visa operates.
Thanks in Advance <3
 
There isn't one work visa, but a number of different categories depending on what you're qualified to do. A college degree in the US is a good start as many visa categories require a degree (or a lot of work experience).

The main question: what sort of job do you want to do? Are you interested in engineering, finance, or teaching?
 
To be honest, I'm not sure what I'm interested in yet . College is approaching very fast. Teaching would be fun, but again, the pay isn't good at all.
I want to go to college in America, but college in Japan would suffice if I somehow worked something out for a year between the end of high school and the start of college. Basically, I'd either go to American college straight out of high school, or go to a Japanese college with a student visa one year after the end of high school. But I don't want to spend that year not going to college/living with my parents or something. I know it sounds complicated, I'm sorry
 
I hate the fact that you posted the exact same question twice in the same day in different locations here. Go back and delete the other one and stick to just one thread.

Second, you don't get a work visa without a job. Job comes first, then application for visa, assuming the employer sponsors the visa. Not all do.

This is pointless if, as you say, you don't have a clue what sort of job you are interested in. Find that out first. Meanwhile, since most non-teaching jobs require fairly high levels of Japanese (speaking, reading, writing), I'd say hit the books starting now. Even as a teacher, you have to survive here, so learning the language is a big asset, plus the employer won't have to hesitate about hiring you and worry about babysitting you for every little daily item that comes up.

I want to go to college in America, but college in Japan would suffice if I somehow worked something out for a year between the end of high school and the start of college.
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Waste of time, IMO. Very few unis here offer classes in English.
 

Just ignore jaded unfriendly *****s. They're nothing special in Japan, and even less special on the Internet.

You're probably better off going to school in the States, and coming after university.

For a job, if you want to be a teacher, get a masters in English/teaching/TESL, whatever is available in your region. Otherwise, a degree in computers or business will do the trick.

Thing is, if you're qualified and competent, you can do whatever you want in pretty much every country on the planet. Most westerners get humanities degrees, which don't qualify you for much of anything, which is why so many teach English.

There are piles of jobs, and if you want one, keep at the Japanese, and learn something concrete. If you go for humanities, you can get by, but a proper qualification will do you better, since it's equal to a humanities-plus.
 

Hey man, hate is a strong word. I didn't really post the exact same question :/.

I understand the whole work visa thing

Actually I'm already studying Japanese. I'm gonna take my 3rd year of Japanese in high school this year and also learning through a course that I downloaded online; it goes from beginner to advanced .

I understand about the English thing, that's why I might do something that works with business or math. That seems to be the best route.
 

Didn't catch the "jaded unfriendly *****s". Care to explain? haha

Yeah that's what I planned to do as far as attending college in America and moving there after...it really comforts me to know that someone else thinks the same way.

Honestly ever since I was little, I never wanted to find myself in an office job regarding business. But I think I'd be comfortable with that if I lived in Japan. I'm really good at math anyways.

Yeah I know (about the whole qualification thing)! I'm studying Japanese right now and have been researching how to move there, cities, etc. I really appreciate you guys' help
 
soopadook said:
Hey man, hate is a strong word. I didn't really post the exact same question :/.
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Close enough. How about changing to "am frustrated/irritated"? Let's not dwell on one word here, though.

Why didn't you post them in the same thread, since they are so closely related? Here's the other one:



I understand the whole work visa thing...
I understand about the English thing, that's why I might do something that works with business or math. That seems to be the best route.
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If you really do understand the visa thing, then you know that to get a job here, you will have to have a fairly high level of Japanese for most positions, teaching excluded. So, we're back to the same starting point...what interests you? If it's teaching, then get experience and an education in that, otherwise you'll just be a lower rung teacher or ALT all your life here. If it's some other sort of job, get the proper degree and training to meet immigration's requirements.

For us to tell you what you should do, that is pretty much beyond us, as we are not you. What are your goals and aspirations in life at this young age?

What do you figure with "business or math", as you alluded to above?

Honestly ever since I was little, I never wanted to find myself in an office job regarding business. But I think I'd be comfortable with that if I lived in Japan. I'm really good at math anyways.
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What do you know about office work in Japan? Just curious. It's not like what you'd find in the States. Plus, just being good at math is hardly any sort of work qualification. Japanese have to take a battery of written tests even for temp jobs here, and that includes a serious math section, even if the job is just being an office lady. You have to provide more extensive qualifications to get in as a foreigner.

As for this:
I'd like to familiarize myself with the ideas and attitudes of traveling/learning a new culture while simultaneously earning money to save up for my future home.
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I'd have to say pay a visit first and look around. A 2-week homestay is hardly going to give you an inkling as to what it's like to live and work here, so you might feel it is a "life-changing" event, but look at it realistically. What gives you the idea that you want to come here to live and work?
 

Ehh you're right, my bad I guess :x

I know that I need to know Japanese bro . I'm studying every day. I'm going to college before I get a work visa, so I'll take Japanese there and might even minor in it. Maybe I'll also invest in private lessons if I can bring in a decent amount of money. My "goal" right now is honestly to get fluent in the Japanese language, familiarize myself with the Japanese culture (that sounds really cliche/space-filling but I'm not sure how else to say it) and one day move to Japan to make a living. I don't want to live in Tokyo, as it's too expensive. Honestly, my goal right now is vague at best. I'll eventually decide what it is I want to do for a living. As for the reason for making this thread, if all the info I need really is that I need to understand the consequences, good and bad, of living in Japan, learn the language, go to college in America, find a job, and get a work visa, then I guess I have all the information I need and this thread can be closed. I just thought that there was more to it, like more documents I need or something.

Also, I've been asked why I want to move to Japan a lot. I want to go there to live and work because I think Japanese language and culture is different from where I live and enjoyable. It's not necessarily better, because I understand that there are a lot of aspects of living in Japan that some might consider uncomfortable, such as the tightness of space, humble mindset (however much this is fading because of new, westernized generations), closeness/density of people...but I like these things. I also like how different everything is; the (mostly) healthy diet, lack (though not complete lack) of LGBT discrimination, strong sense of devotion to work, fashion, politeness, etc. I also enjoy simply reading and learning the language...it sounds dumb but just writing/reading Japanese is exciting for me.
 
soopadook said:
Ehh you're right, my bad I guess :x
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On what? You quoted my entire (long) message, so that doesn't give me a clue! You also didn't answer any of my questions. We're back to the "hate/irritated/frustrated" thing again.

I know that I need to know Japanese bro .
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I'm not your bro. I'm old enough to be your grandfather, almost.

I'm studying every day. I'm going to college before I get a work visa, so I'll take Japanese there and might even minor in it.
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That and 500 yen will get you a cup of coffee and an eikaiwa job in Japan.

My "goal" right now is honestly to get fluent in the Japanese language,
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How fluent? You have 4-5 years, which will be plenty of time to be very book-smart in Japanese, but remember that people don't speak like books.

familiarize myself with the Japanese culture
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How do you plan to do that while attending college there?

Finding the job is more than just those 3 words. Since you can't seem to answer direct questions, "bro", I won't bother to help you anymore along that line.

As for understanding the consequences of living in Japan, you seem overly confident in feeling that you have this knowledge, when clearly you don't. Good luck.

I just thought that there was more to it, like more documents I need or something.
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To work here, the documents you need are a passport and parchment from your university showing you graduated, plus information from the employer who agrees to sponsor your work visa (his tax records, for one).

Also, I've been asked why I want to move to Japan a lot. I want to go there to live and work because I think Japanese language and culture is different from where I live and enjoyable.
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The same could be said for Spain and Spanish, Italy and Italian, Russia and Russian, etc. Again, since you have a fortnight of exposure to Japan and nothing else to tell us, I'm with you on closing this thread.

I find it interesting to see someone with so little experience stating this so strongly.
 


Haha, you're pretty aggressive. Nah I state this stuff strongly because I know it to be true and I'm confident in my knowledge. Yeah I haven't had as much exposure as you but I've had enough to be confident enough to know where I want to live when I'm older. Judging by your pompous, elitist attitude (which i dont really have a problem with) you probably think I'm some typical "weeaboo" who's seen a few episodes of dragonballz and now wants to change his life because he thinks anime is cool. Believe whatever you want but I'm motivated and confident enough to want this. Yeah I have little experience but you gotta start somewhere; that's why I'm asking here. 窶堋?窶堙ｨ窶堋ｪ窶堙??堋ｲ窶堋ｴ窶堋｢窶堙懌?堋ｷﾂ！
 

Having never came to Japan, I decided at age 26 to move here. I got a proper degree, and I came. Ten years on, I am quite happy.

Don't worry about your reasons for coming (or anyone asking). If you want to, you want to. For the record, I can't really say why I chose Japan specifically anymore. It was a feeling. Everyone has their own path (and some people may look down on others' paths, but who cares about them? )
 
soopadook said:
I state this stuff strongly because I know it to be true and I'm confident in my knowledge.
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Uh, ok.

Judging by your pompous, elitist attitude (which i dont really have a problem with)
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Then stop writing as if you do. Better still, answer my questions.

you probably think I'm some typical "weeaboo" who's seen a few episodes of dragonballz and now wants to change his life because he thinks anime is cool. Believe whatever you want
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I'll have to, since you don't give us anything much to go on.


I'm motivated and confident enough to want this. Yeah I have little experience but you gotta start somewhere; that's why I'm asking here. ありがとございます！
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Your motivation and confidence shine through, and they are strengths.

Your lack of experience is an obvious weakness, but moreover, you don't seem to have any plan, and that is a major fault.

Ask away, but do people here the courtesy of answering their questions, too. If not, you run the risk of sticking that arrogant elitist label (or worse) back on yourself. Have seen your eager type many times on this and other forums. Few remain polite and provide the background that others want in order to provide accurate information.

nahadef has also given very little information, and it is almost as if he is pooh-poohing the situation. I would disagree, just for the sake of minimizing problems and heartbreak. " If you want to, you want to." is not a valid argument for coming.
 
Glenski said:
nahadef has also given very little information, and it is almost as if he is pooh-poohing the situation. I would disagree, just for the sake of minimizing problems and heartbreak. " If you want to, you want to." is not a valid argument for coming.
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Yeah right. It's totally valid. If the guy had a Pokemon fetish, and that was why he came, it would be valid. If he loved Japanese history and he came, it would be valid. If he wanted to experience a culture alien to his own, that would be valid. Nobody needs the third degree on why they want what they want. You're 100% wrong on this point. You are not the arbiter of valid life choices by a long-shot.


Of course, your reasons for coming were valid, in your opinion. And you feel totally fine being judgmental of others. You may be helpful with some info, but you're hardly a great ambassador for the expat population in Japan.

Have you seen The Truman Show? Can you just imagine Glenski rolling his eyes with disgust when Truman states he wants to go to Fiji? What are you going to do there? Have you ever been there to know you want to go? What is your long-term plan? Sometimes humans make decisions without planning every intricate detail in advance, and are still decent, happy people. Not Glenski, of course, but that's why he gets to vet people's motives for changing their lives.
 
Glenski said:
Then stop writing as if you do. Better still, answer my questions.
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I didn't answer 3 of your questions. As far as getting a job, I'm not quite sure how my interests would affect that. Some of my recreational interests include music, video games, and cooking; pretty average if you ask me. Of course, I'm also interested in the Japanese language and the Japanese lifestyle. I'm not exactly INTERESTED in math, but I'm particularly good at it; that's why I say I may pursue a job in that field. What KIND of job, I'm not exactly sure yet; I'm not aware of the kinds of jobs available. I don't know a lot about office work other than that in general, people are more devoted and committed to office work. I'm taking Japanese lessons through some downloaded voice recordings, and I learned that traditionally people work long hours in offices and will even work overtime for little/no pay because they see it as the company taking care of them, therefore they should commit themselves.

I'll have to, since you don't give us anything much to go on.
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I mean alright haha

Your motivation and confidence shine through, and they are strengths.
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Thanks!

Your lack of experience is an obvious weakness, but moreover, you don't seem to have any plan, and that is a major fault.
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That's why I'm posting on here, trying to get as much information as possible, planning early. You don't think that a 17-year old having taken 2 years of Japanese and having BEEN to Japan preparing to move to Japan sometime in his early-to-mid-20s (going to get a degree in college) is planning enough? Sorry I can't live there like you haha.


You say that like being eager is a bad thing.

nahadef has also given very little information, and it is almost as if he is pooh-poohing the situation. I would disagree, just for the sake of minimizing problems and heartbreak. " If you want to, you want to." is not a valid argument for coming.
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I mean now you're just being a pessimist for the sake of being a pessimist; you're not being "real" or anything, you're just putting down what he says and his opinions for the sake of putting them down. I'm sorry if we seem low class to you or something man haha
 

"If he wanted to experience a culture alien to his own, that would be valid." This is a large reason for me wanting to come. I understand that there are hundreds of cultures around the globe and some even stranger than Japanese, but I appreciate the difference of Japanese life to American. The Japanese are much closer, tighter, cleaner, and polite; plus, at the risk of sounding immature, Japan has a bunch of awesome stuff. I appreciate your consideration to the whole "alien" thing, as that is a large reason for me wanting to move to Japan.

Of course, your reasons for coming were valid, in your opinion. And you feel totally fine being judgmental of others. You may be helpful with some info, but you're hardly a great ambassador for the expat population in Japan.
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I mean from the rudeness he's shown you and me I think he's just kind of scared that others that aren't the same as him can accomplish similar goals. I don't want me or others to get hostile here though, so I won't continue on that.



Exactly. No one should be put down for having a goal; and they should be encouraged to accomplish that goal, rather than put down for "not knowing what it's like to have already experienced that goal" (i.e. I haven't lived in Japan so I can't live in Japan). You're a really nice person nahadef, I appreciate your input.
 
And sometimes (more often than not) the end up with problems they didn't expect and perhaps serious ones. Just trying to avoid that with the OP.

"I want to go because I want to go."
No, it's not a valid argument. It's kindergarten logic.

I didn't answer 3 of your questions. As far as getting a job, I'm not quite sure how my interests would affect that.
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Then you have no idea what it is like to plan a career. See a counselor. I'm not talking about what fun and entertainment you are interested in, by the way. I'm talking about a career.

What KIND of job, I'm not exactly sure yet; I'm not aware of the kinds of jobs available.
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This is a modern society. The jobs available are pretty much the same as where you live now. You simply have to be qualified, at least as much as a Japanese person, and in some cases, more so, to give an employer a reason to hire you over the locals.

You don't think that a 17-year old having taken 2 years of Japanese and having BEEN to Japan preparing to move to Japan sometime in his early-to-mid-20s (going to get a degree in college) is planning enough?
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You were here how many days? C'mon!

The planning is what we are trying to get at here. You don't seem to have any plan whatsoever.

You say that like being eager is a bad thing.
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When there's nothing else tied to it, yes. Lots of eager beavers have visited forums like this and expressed a blank desire to come and live their lives out. When asked how they will cope, they have no idea except to say things like "it will work out". Sorry, that's a poor attitude, and the discussions usually end up with the person arguing that his enthusiasm will conquer all, leaving the forum with a boast that he will come and succeed anyway, and no one ever comes back to the forum to declare that he actually did.

I mean from the rudeness he's shown you and me I think he's just kind of scared that others that aren't the same as him can accomplish similar goals.
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Apparently, you don't see the altruism. You don't scare me at all. Why should you?

No one should be put down for having a goal
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If it's empty or based on darned little...
 
soopadook said:
You're a really nice person nahadef, I appreciate your input.
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Thanks. Truth is, when I came, I had done basically zero research beforehand. I wanted to explore. There were ups and downs, but now I'm settled in, and things are good. If I had to go through the gauntlet of judgmental essay questions that Glenski and his ilk insist on subjecting everyone to, I may well have been turned off. And that would have been a mistake.

If you want to, you want to.
 
Glenski said:
And sometimes (more often than not) the end up with problems they didn't expect and perhaps serious ones. Just trying to avoid that with the OP.
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I appreciate your concern but your method of approaching me comes off as really hostile and eager to put me down.
"I want to go because I want to go."
No, it's not a valid argument. It's kindergarten logic.
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Wow man stop with this. I do have reasons that I want to go but you're just putting everyone else off. If one doesn't really have the motivation/drive to go and the adrenaline of the idea of going is just temporary, then various obstacles down the road that they won't have the motivation to overcome will prevent them from going; simple as that. But you shouldn't automatically assume no one is actually serious about it, especially just because you have more experience, they're younger, etc. That's incredibly pessimistic and arrogant.
Then you have no idea what it is like to plan a career. See a counselor. I'm not talking about what fun and entertainment you are interested in, by the way. I'm talking about a career.
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I do need to do this soon, but sometimes recreational interests help as far as planning a career.
This is a modern society. The jobs available are pretty much the same as where you live now. You simply have to be qualified, at least as much as a Japanese person, and in some cases, more so, to give an employer a reason to hire you over the locals.
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I figured this was the case. Of course I would try to put myself "above" the rest in the field that I go in to, whatever that may be; I'm studying Japanese as much as I can as well
You were here how many days? C'mon!
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Oh, yeah you're right...I didn't think about that. Let me just leave my house right now at the age of 17 and pay the $1,500 that I have in my pocket for a plane ticket and get an apartment or crash at my host family's house and live there for a couple years before I truly know whether or not I want to live there.
Stop. Yes, I don't have as much of a grasp on what Japanese culture is really like because I don't live there. Sorry, but I don't really have the money to just hop on a plane and live there to test the waters. It's unusual for a 17 year old to have a full grasp on 2 completely different cultures, but it isn't unusual to empathize and partly sympathize with another. Yes, I've only been there 2 weeks, and I haven't reached the rapids, but I've waded in the river for a while; so I have a basic idea of what the current feels like. The water feels nice, and I'm asking you to help me find some lifeboats.
The planning is what we are trying to get at here. You don't seem to have any plan whatsoever.
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Yep, that's why I'm here.
Don't judge everyone who posts the same way; keep an open mind when talking to people, you'll find that not everyone is the exact same. Some will bail, others will follow through. I, for one, don't base my survival in Japan on sheer confidence. I want to learn more; that's why I'm here. But don't scold others for having courage, either.
Apparently, you don't see the altruism. You don't scare me at all. Why should you?
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Again, I do see your selflessness, but the whole "tough love" thing doesn't really work IRL. When you say the things you're saying the way you're saying them, you don't seem nice or helpful...you just seem really hostile and annoying. And I understand that the world is absolutely filled with people like this, and I understand that both America and Japan (especially Japan with its (mostly) hectic society) are filled with this "tough love" mentality, but it isn't really necessary nor appropriate here.
If it's empty or based on darned little...
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If it's empty, maybe it should be filled with something. If it's based on darned little, then you're completely wrong. Part of my goal is to build up/increase my knowledge and understanding. Goals that are based on darned little are essentially the definition of goals. You make goals because you haven't achieved those goals yet, so you base them off of what you already know in order to, in the future, achieve them; that's why they're called goals.
 
Nobody expects you to have the money to come here long term at your age. However, there is the student exchange program. Have you looked into that?

I don't scold people for having courage. However, clearly you don't see what I'm driving at when I say it's not enough.

As for nahadef's experience with no planning, let't not forget that he was older than you and had a degree at the time. Apples and oranges.
 
Glenski said:
Nobody expects you to have the money to come here long term at your age. However, there is the student exchange program. Have you looked into that?
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I'm not experienced enough yet for staying in Japan for a long amount of time. That's why I'm gaining knowledge while planning to move later.

I don't scold people for having courage. However, clearly you don't see what I'm driving at when I say it's not enough.
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Yeah, I understand. I apologize for making that comment, but I do understand what you mean. Nonetheless you shouldn't scold people for that; as I said, if they don't have enough motive, they'll find out themselves that they won't get where theyre going.

As for nahadef's experience with no planning, let't not forget that he was older than you and had a degree at the time. Apples and oranges.
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Again, I'm planning to get a degree and move there when I'm older as well.
 
I think you could get by better in Japan with no plans better as a 23 year old than as a 28 year old. Young people are more flexible, more social, and they'd get that that many more years experience by coming earlier. The only advantage I saw in going later was that I acted mostly professional right from the start, and I wasn't anywhere near professional when I was 23.
 

What degree do you have/where do you work? If you prefer not to answer I understand, but I just want to know what kind of input you have
 
soopadook said:
What degree do you have/where do you work? If you prefer not to answer I understand, but I just want to know what kind of input you have
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I sent a PM
 
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