Photographer - can I do it in Japan

[Alicia Fox]

Im a Photographer, hoping to move to Japan next year to work as a Wedding Photographer. I would really appreciate any advice about getting work in Japan.
If you have any advice on commercial/advertising/fashion photography, that would also be very welcomed.


Thanks

 

[Glenski]

#1. Learn to read, write, and speak a lot of Japanese.

#2. Learn what the visa requirements are for that type of job's (artist) work visa.
VISA

To get the visa paperwork started, you'll need a sponsor and various paperwork, beginning with the Certificate of Eligibility).
Immigration Services Agency of Japan

#3. Find out what is needed to set up such a business (if that is your goal, rather than working for an employer). Lawyer, accountant, building code, taxes, etc.

#4. Realize that weddings here are big businesses that are usually operated by companies or hotels. They provide their own services, from renting clothes to arranging the reception to hiring the (sometimes fake) priests to doing the photography.

#5. Understand that many Japanese do not prefer to smile even for formal wedding photos. Don't coax them.

 

[ArmandV]

Japan is one place that does not seem to have a shortage of photographers. It seemed that there was at least one photography business on each block in business districts, even in cities outside of Tokyo.

 

[Alicia Fox]

Thanks for the replies. It seems to be a very difficult industry (and country to break into).

 

[Glenski]

What did you expect, Alicia, if I may ask?

 

[Alicia Fox]

i didnt have any expectations, but I had hoped that setting up a wedding photography business would be similar in simplicity as in Australia (good folio and advertising draws clients).

I hoped to employ a translater/assistant at least at first until i knew enough of the language.

Many people say it is easy to get work in Japan, but I have never heard from a wedding photographer.