Living in a group home and want to immigrate to Japan

J Caternolo · 1 May 2014

I am 34 years old and currently unemployed, and living on public assistance (SSI). I am planning on eventually getting off of it, and I plan on trying to secure a job before I move, but both getting a Visa and getting a job are almost impossible, if not flat out impossible for someone in my situation, based on some of the stuff I've been reading. I'm really not too picky where I live, as long as it's an area that's relatively safe and I can be near people and stores, although I would like to be near some nature as well. I'm willing to do any type of work as well. I have a 2 year certificate for Introduction to Foodservice class, although I'm guessing it's not the same thing as a degree, and I most likely lost my only copy as well. I do have about 9 months of retail (cart associate) experience under my belt, although I had to quit due to being unable to handle extreme weather conditions during the winter (and also due to the fact that I kinda wore out one ankle, so walking around long distances became a chore for a while).

Also, is it true that there is a lot of racism towards foreigners? Or will I get along fine with most people as long as I don't act like a Gaijin? And would learning a good amount of the language help much? I'm trying to learn everything I can because I made it my life dream to live in Japan, and I won't give up no matter how hard it is as long as there's still a shred of possibility.

Dotanbatan · 1 May 2014

Your current circumstances mean that it would indeed be impossible for you to gain a work visa in the near future, but if you are willing to work hard at achieving your goal of living in Japan, there is nothing stopping you.

You will need to study and gain a degree level qualification as a minimum. I have no idea what opportunities you have in New York in regard to Educational assistance and opportunities if you have little money. Perhaps the provider of your public assistance could give you more information.

Studying Japanese is something that you should also do .... and this can be done for free if you have internet access.

I would continue searching for a job and get as much experience as you can. If, down the line you can manage to save some money up, go over to Japan for a visit and it will give you a hint at what it is like living there. *Warning* The experience as a tourist will almost certainly be rosier than living in the country ..... but it will at least give you a better idea of things before committing too much.

You do have other options e.g. a cultural activities visa, but it looks like these are not so easily obtained now. Look through some of the threads for more information and discussions re visas.

I hope you get a job soon and start to improve your situation.

There's nothing wrong with dreaming by the way.

You've written of your determination ... it's up to you to prove if those words are true or not.

Best of luck.

J Caternolo · 1 May 2014

Dotanbatan said:
Your current circumstances mean that it would indeed be impossible for you to gain a work visa in the near future, but if you are willing to work hard at achieving your goal of living in Japan, there is nothing stopping you.

You will need to study and gain a degree level qualification as a minimum. I have no idea what opportunities you have in New York in regard to Educational assistance and opportunities if you have little money. Perhaps the provider of your public assistance could give you more information.

Studying Japanese is something that you should also do .... and this can be done for free if you have internet access.

I would continue searching for a job and get as much experience as you can. If, down the line you can manage to save some money up, go over to Japan for a visit and it will give you a hint at what it is like living there. *Warning* The experience as a tourist will almost certainly be rosier than living in the country ..... but it will at least give you a better idea of things before committing too much.

You do have other options e.g. a cultural activities visa, but it looks like these are not so easily obtained now. Look through some of the threads for more information and discussions re visas.

I hope you get a job soon and start to improve your situation.

There's nothing wrong with dreaming by the way.

You've written of your determination ... it's up to you to prove if those words are true or not.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the reply. So, a degree is pretty much my only real option at this moment. What about if I manage to rack up 10-20 years experience with the same job? Surely, Japanese employers would like that, although I'm guessing only professional/medical jobs have any overseas recruitment programs. My job coach has been trying to get me a job, although it's looking like my job is going to be a part time simple job if I get one, which will likely be unrelated to any degree I can earn.

Lastly, what is the minimum cost of getting a degree? And is it much cheaper to get a degree online? And can I get a degree in Japanese culture/language? I could kill two birds with one stone that way.

Dotanbatan · 1 May 2014

J Caternolo said:
Thanks for the reply. So, a degree is pretty much my only real option at this moment. What about if I manage to rack up 10-20 years experience with the same job? Surely, Japanese employers would like that, although I'm guessing only professional/medical jobs have any overseas recruitment programs. My job coach has been trying to get me a job, although it's looking like my job is going to be a part time simple job if I get one, which will likely be unrelated to any degree I can earn.

Lastly, what is the minimum cost of getting a degree? And is it much cheaper to get a degree online? And can I get a degree in Japanese culture/language? I could kill two birds with one stone that way.

It is possible to get a work visa without a degree, based on very good experience in a specific field ..... but it is more difficult. Your best way is to try to gain a degree .... there are scholarships available but I don't really know much about them I'm afraid .... others here will have more information for you.

Contact the Japan Foundation in New York: Japan Foundation New York Website

They will probably be able to give you guidance on opportunities for you locally.

Mike Cash · 1 May 2014

What is the nature of the group home you are in? What is the reason you are there? If you are unable to live on your own in your own country, then you have to consider that it may be even harder (or impossible) to live on your own in Japan. You won't be eligible for any group home or type of government assistance here.

Your only real option is to get a degree. If that is impossible, then you might wish to research emigration to other places that you find appealing and which would be more amenable to someone in your circumstances.

J Caternolo · 1 May 2014

Mike Cash said:
What is the nature of the group home you are in? What is the reason you are there? If you are unable to live on your own in your own country, then you have to consider that it may be even harder (or impossible) to live on your own in Japan. You won't be eligible for any group home or type of government assistance here.

Your only real option is to get a degree. If that is impossible, then you might wish to research emigration to other places that you find appealing and which would be more amenable to someone in your circumstances.

I moved into a group home by choice, because I really wanted my own place and was unable to handle having my own place at the time. Although now, I'm at the stage where I can look for an apartment I would like to move into, and if the rent isn't too high, I'll get assistance with paying the rent, while I pay for everything else. I am pretty much deemed capable of living mostly independantly, although I'm still encouraged to have someone come like once or twice a week or something to check up on me.

Also, I have been looking, and have been also considering either Singapore, Norway, or Ireland, although Ireland has even stricter immigration laws I think, and it's much harder to get a job there. Although it can be a beautiful place to live, judging from what I've read and seen.

Mike Cash · 1 May 2014

Whether your issues are of a psychological or a physical nature, you need to be very honest with yourself and others regarding the limitations they present, the nature and amount of assistance required, and availability of such assistance overseas.

Most countries are very reluctant to allow immigrants who will prove to be (excuse the phrase) a "public burden". If the taxpayers of a country are going to be expected to subsidize an immigrant's cost of living, they generally prefer that the prospective immigrant stay at home.

Glenski · 1 May 2014

I will be bold enough to ask, why couldn't you "handle a place of your own"? It may be important here.

Get the degree or at least 8 years of experience to go with your cert. the degree will be preferred, and even that is no guarantee. Language barrier may prevail.

Bigger question: why immigrate here, and have you ever even visited? If not, then you have no idea what you are getting into. We have dreamers like that visit this site with such unrealistic aspirations. Just checking.

biscuit00 · 1 May 2014

Lastly, what is the minimum cost of getting a degree? In the US? very very expensive.. you should try applying for scholarships or something, also.. If you don't go to a famous university, it'll be very hard to land a job in Japan.
You can try applying to Japanese universities too, Japanese universities can be very cheap and many provides scholarships if you are privately funded.

And is it much cheaper to get a degree online?
Online degree will most likely be worthless for Japan.

And can I get a degree in Japanese culture/language?
Sure, but you need another degree. Companies in Japan don't need people who just speaks Japanese.
So either do a STEM or business degree (for business degrees especially, you need to be in top uni. There's more leeway for STEM majors. )

J Caternolo · 2 May 2014

Glenski said:
I will be bold enough to ask, why couldn't you "handle a place of your own"? It may be important here.

Get the degree or at least 8 years of experience to go with your cert. the degree will be preferred, and even that is no guarantee. Language barrier may prevail.

Bigger question: why immigrate here, and have you ever even visited? If not, then you have no idea what you are getting into. We have dreamers like that visit this site with such unrealistic aspirations. Just checking.

When I was a young adult, I was still living with my mom and stepfather due to being unable to get a job. I decided it would be for the best if I moved into a group home so I could get help with getting a job, and my family had a hard time affording to take care of me.

Also, considering how hard it is to move to Japan, and the fact that I have zero desire to get into big business, I guess I should change my dream to something more realistic. And I love most of what Japanese culture has to offer, but the fact that most of the people probably won't be too happy about me being there, and that people will be less open about how they truly feel about me, I've come to realize that although Japan is a wonderful place to visit, I don't think I would want to live there.

Anyone know of a country that is similar to Japan, but with people who are more accepting of foreigners, and are more open? I have mild asperger's, so I don't think I would be able to overcome the culture shock all that well if I immigrated to Japan. Or any country that would be nice to move to in general that has liberal immigration laws? I heard that Brazil doesn't have an official immigration policy and is very nice, and they have a low crime rate as well. Thailand has kinda strict immigration laws, although living is very cheap there, and they still have a strong asian culture there. Singapore is also a nice asian country, although it's pretty small so not sure if I'll be able to get a job or an apartment, and there's still the problem of it costing a lot to fly there.

nahadef · 2 May 2014

J Caternolo said:
Anyone know of a country that is similar to Japan, but with people who are more accepting of foreigners, and are more open? I have mild asperger's...

Honestly, America is the country with the most acceptance and understanding of this sort of thing. Maybe Canada.

One of the hard truths of being an adult is that wherever you go, your problems will be right there with you. A foreign country won't solve problems. At best they'll postpone them as you get acclimated to life there.

J Caternolo · 2 May 2014

nahadef said:
Honestly, America is the country with the most acceptance and understanding of this sort of thing. Maybe Canada.

One of the hard truths of being an adult is that wherever you go, your problems will be right there with you. A foreign country won't solve problems. At best they'll postpone them as you get acclimated to life there.

Well, the reason I want to move isn't because of my asperger's, but because my home country is starting to crack down more and more on our civil liberties, so I think the time might be right for a change of scenery. If not now, then soon.

Mike Cash · 2 May 2014

J Caternolo said:
Well, the reason I want to move isn't because of my asperger's, but because my home country is starting to crack down more and more on our civil liberties, so I think the time might be right for a change of scenery. If not now, then soon.

So you thought to move to a country where:

1. Police don't read you your rights

2. You don't have the right to an attorney while being questioned

3. There is no habeas corpus

4. Illegally obtained evidence is admissible in court

5. You can be held incognito for up to 23 days without arraignment

6. Pretrial bail is generally only given upon condition of a written confession of guilt

7. Prosecutors can appeal a not guilty verdict (no protection against double jeopardy)

8. Police do not wear name tags

9. Trial by jury is a brand new development

10. There is a long tradition of falsifying evidence, falsifying confessions, and using duress or other means to obtain false confessions

Tell me....exactly what civil liberties have you lost in America? And if this is your reason for leaving, exactly what research have you done regarding civil liberties elsewhere? It is obvious you did none before deciding you want to move to Japan.

J Caternolo · 2 May 2014

Mike Cash said:
So you thought to move to a country where:

1. Police don't read you your rights

2. You don't have the right to an attorney while being questioned

3. There is no habeas corpus

4. Illegally obtained evidence is admissible in court

5. You can be held incognito for up to 23 days without arraignment

6. Pretrial bail is generally only given upon condition of a written confession of guilt

7. Prosecutors can appeal a not guilty verdict (no protection against double jeopardy)

8. Police do not wear name tags

9. Trial by jury is a brand new development

10. There is a long tradition of falsifying evidence, falsifying confessions, and using duress or other means to obtain false confessions

Tell me....exactly what civil liberties have you lost in America? And if this is your reason for leaving, exactly what research have you done regarding civil liberties elsewhere? It is obvious you did none before deciding you want to move to Japan.

I realize that the Japanese court system has been a subject of much embarassment to many Japanese, but anyways, I can deal with an imperfect court system, considering that my chances of getting arrested there are pretty much near zero, since I plan on keeping my nose clean and minding my own business, and the US police are becoming corrupt anyways. I could go more into detail, but I don't want this to turn into an anti US debate thread, so I will end that line of discussion. I was merely stating that it wasn't because of my autism that I wanted to move, but because of things that my country's government has been doing. I know that Japan's government isn't much better, and it's not all a bed of roses. The fact that I love Japanese culture, food, games, etc is a nice bonus reason for me wanting to move there. Also, I found out that discrimination there isn't so bad after all. Many people have said that they might get dirty looks from the older generations, but most of the youth (around early 20's) are actually very welcoming and friendly towards foreigners, and have even offered seats to foreigners. About the only things that are keeping me from wanting to move right now are the difficulties of getting a degree and a job, and the initial expenses, and the threat of that one unstable nuclear reactor. I'm waiting for things to stabilize a bit, and hopefully by then, I'll have studied enough.

nahadef · 2 May 2014

J Caternolo said:
Well, the reason I want to move isn't because of my asperger's, but because my home country is starting to crack down more and more on our civil liberties, so I think the time might be right for a change of scenery. If not now, then soon.

I was saying that as much about accepting of foreigners. Most of the world is not so into it. America is the melting pot, and Canada is a mosaic.

That said, those countries are also accepting of differences, like aspergers, and supportive, legally, of the little guy.

Glenski · 2 May 2014

biscuit00 said:
also.. If you don't go to a famous university, it'll be very hard to land a job in Japan.

This is totally untrue. A degree is needed, yes, but the fame of the university where you get it is totally irrelevant. Prove the degree is valid, and that's enough.

And can I get a degree in Japanese culture/language?
Sure, but you need another degree. Companies in Japan don't need people who just speaks Japanese.

For a computer job, this is true, but if you want to be a teacher of English, any major will do.

So either do a STEM or business degree (for business degrees especially, you need to be in top uni.

Again, top uni, middle uni, doesn't matter as long as the uni is accredited.

J Caternolo wrote:

When I was a young adult, I was still living with my mom and stepfather due to being unable to get a job.

But that doesn't answer the question about why you couldn't handle a place of your own. What other factors are at play here?

my family had a hard time affording to take care of me.

Aside from food and shelter, what other costs are you referring to?

And I love most of what Japanese culture has to offer, but the fact that most of the people probably won't be too happy about me being there, and that people will be less open about how they truly feel about me, I've come to realize that although Japan is a wonderful place to visit, I don't think I would want to live there.

This long statement has so many points, let me deal with them individually.

1) What is it about "Japanese culture" that attracts you, or that seems to be offered to you?

2) Why do you think most J people wouldn't be happy about you here?

3) Less open about you? How open do you want, and how open are people now where you live?

4) Why are you so interested in leaving the U.S.?

J Caternolo · 2 May 2014

Glenski said:
This is totally untrue. A degree is needed, yes, but the fame of the university where you get it is totally irrelevant. Prove the degree is valid, and that's enough.

For a computer job, this is true, but if you want to be a teacher of English, any major will do.

Again, top uni, middle uni, doesn't matter as long as the uni is accredited.

J Caternolo wrote:
But that doesn't answer the question about why you couldn't handle a place of your own. What other factors are at play here?

Aside from food and shelter, what other costs are you referring to?

This long statement has so many points, let me deal with them individually.

1) What is it about "Japanese culture" that attracts you, or that seems to be offered to you?

2) Why do you think most J people wouldn't be happy about you here?

3) Less open about you? How open do you want, and how open are people now where you live?

4) Why are you so interested in leaving the U.S.?

Sorry for not being more clear. Since I lacked a job, I had no choice but to enter a group home, because my family's financial situation was getting bad, and it was causing everyone stress. I could've stayed if I wanted, but I didn't want to burden my family with the costs. Other than that, I was perfectly capable of living on my own. I just didn't have the money to support myself.

As for what I love about Japanese culture, there are so many different things. Their cheering squads, anime, manga, the breathtaking nature that is abundant throughout most areas, how polite people are, their video games, their open mindedness (Japanese scientists study certain things that no other scientist will ever study), their food, their spiritual beliefs, their music, their traditions, sumo wrestling (although I don't think I would become a sumo myself, seems to require a ton of discipline and endurance, and they probably don't take on foreigners), the quirkyness of their game shows, and like, a billion other things

Also, I have a feeling that in a past life, I was Japanese, because I hate loud noises and people who act rudely, and I just connect with so much of Japan's culture. And I prefer sleeping very close to the ground (although I still sleep the US way because the dust could aggrivate my sleep apnea, and I don't vacuum my bedroom often). And I have a strong connection with nature as well, although I don't go out much because my back starts wearing out with a lot of walking.

Glenski · 2 May 2014

Sorry for not being more clear. Since I lacked a job, I had no choice but to enter a group home, because my family's financial situation was getting bad, and it was causing everyone stress. I could've stayed if I wanted, but I didn't want to burden my family with the costs. Other than that, I was perfectly capable of living on my own. I just didn't have the money to support myself.

Thanks for that explanation.

As for what I love about Japanese culture, there are so many different things. Their cheering squads, anime, manga, the breathtaking nature that is abundant throughout most areas, how polite people are, their video games, their open mindedness (Japanese scientists study certain things that no other scientist will ever study), their food, their spiritual beliefs, their music, their traditions, sumo wrestling (although I don't think I would become a sumo myself, seems to require a ton of discipline and endurance, and they probably don't take on foreigners), the quirkyness of their game shows,

And, yet, your profile doesn't say how long you have actually spent time here, so I'm going to assume not at all.

games, anime, manga
Well, to each his own. Not a good reason to move to any other country, though.

cheering squads
Huh?

polite people
You do realize that a lot of that is superficial, don't you?

spiritual beliefs
Most people will admit to having none. Perhaps you are thinking of Zen priests...?

their traditions
such as...?

breathtaking nature
like the filthy beaches, the widespread dumping of garbage and unwanted appliances (to avoid paying recycling taxes)...?

sumo
yes, they take on foreigners. So you haven't really seen much sumo...?

openmindedness!
You have GOT to be kidding me on this one, whether it involves science or the regular person!

Also, I have a feeling that in a past life, I was Japanese,

Pardon my rudeness here, but puh-LEASE!

because I hate loud noises and people who act rudely,

Japan is extremely loud, with shops blaring incessant music and announcements, election campaign trucks broadcasting at 8am, garbage trucks playing loud music in early morning hours, etc. Life in Japan is not a stereotyped idyllic image of peaceful gardens. As for people acting rudely, how would you feel if people avoided sitting next to you on a crowded train, just as one example?

I strongly urge you to scrape up enough money to spend a few weeks here and see what it's really like. Even so, being a tourist won't give you a clear perspective on what it's like to live and work here, but it's a start. You would have to keep your eyes open, learn some Japanese first to know what people are saying, and get more opinions from other foreigners who have actually been here more than a few months. Back away from the TV and magazines and X-box. See what it's really like firsthand.

Mike Cash · 2 May 2014

Ah....so you're in love with Japan as it exists on the internet. That ain't reality, J.

There have been several very successful foreign sumo wrestlers, by the way.

J Caternolo · 2 May 2014

Hmm, maybe Japan isn't quite like I thought. And btw, when I said cheering squads, I should've used their proper name, Ōendan. And I heard Japanese scientists are pretty open minded, due to studying things that other scientists haven't studied yet. And I could endure the noise, although I prefer some quiet. In the end, I guess I'll try moving to this one Japanese town that's in Brazil first, before I do anything big like dedicate 4 years of my life to a field I may not even like or take a 10 hour jet ride to Japan, and pony up $600+ for the ride. As long as I can have a decent taste of their culture, I don't really need to be fully immersed in it (although I still plan on visiting some day if I ever get a decently paying stable career)

Edit: Also, noise level depends on which area of Japan you're in. And as for spiritual beliefs, I've been fascinated with Shinto for a long while. It seems like a very beautiful religion that honours nature, I like that.

nekojita · 2 May 2014

to studying things that other scientists haven't studied yet

It's research. Studying things other people haven't done yet is kind of the point. You think they only do that in Japan?

maybe Japan isn't quite like I thought

Well of course it isn't. No place that you've never visited is exactly like you imagine it in your head. That goes double for actually living somewhere. Homesickness and culture shock are real things.

(side note: minor amusement here at the combination of 'worried about civil liberties' and 'considering moving to Singapore'. Well, at least the food is good).

Glenski · 2 May 2014

J Caternolo said:
And I heard Japanese scientists are pretty open minded, due to studying things that other scientists haven't studied yet.

i don't think you have the slightest idea what open minded means.

In the end, I guess I'll try moving to this one Japanese town that's in Brazil first, before I do anything big like dedicate 4 years of my life to a field I may not even like or take a 10 hour jet ride to Japan, and pony up $600+ for the ride. As long as I can have a decent taste of their culture, I don't really need to be fully immersed in it

now you're just making no sense at all. Have fun.

Mike Cash · 2 May 2014

Glenski said:
i don't think you have the slightest idea what open minded means.

now you're just making no sense at all. Have fun.

I read the Wikipedia entry on his condition. His not making sense makes sense after having read it.

J Caternolo · 2 May 2014

Mike Cash said:
I read the Wikipedia entry on his condition. His not making sense makes sense after having read it.

Sorry if I'm not making sense. I'm just naive to how most of the world works, because I've never gave any serious through to immigrating before, and most of my knowledge of other countries comes from the media. I'm basically just looking for a country that is better than the US. I know that no place can be a paradise.

nahadef · 3 May 2014

J Caternolo said:
Sorry if I'm not making sense. I'm just naive to how most of the world works, because I've never gave any serious through to immigrating before, and most of my knowledge of other countries comes from the media. I'm basically just looking for a country that is better than the US. I know that no place can be a paradise.

Personally, I couldn't handle living in America. Too much focus on individualism over the stability of society. Which is why I go out of my way not to make waves living in Japan. It's my position to adjust rather than demand they conform to my needs.

But you are in a different position: you don't have a degree, you have a disability of sorts. There is a fair chance that living in America as an American will have benefits for you. Relocating to any other country will probably cut you off from that, without giving you anything else in replacement.

Living in a group home and want to immigrate to Japan

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骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

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Just me

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Just me

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

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Just me

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Quietly exploding

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