Wife moving to Japan

[solutions25]

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone here can help me prepare for what to expect when I move to Japan (Okinawa ) to join my husband. I am graduating college next month with a marketing degree. I have been successful in my college career and have had some relevant experience with internships and exposure in the business world.
Will I be limited to only jobs on base? Should I want to work off base - would I even be qualified to do so? Everything is so abstract when you're still in the states. If anyone can give me an idea of what to expect I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[Mike Cash]

The areas surrounding military bases often provide employment opportunities unique to that sort of environment, with businesses that provides goods or services aimed at the base population. So there may be something for you. Another matter to be considered is whether your SOFA status visa allows for off-base employment or not; that is something you will have to look into. The Family Service Center (or equivalent office for your husband's service branch) should be able to help you with this sort of information, as well as lots of other aspects of living in Japan. They are a very valuable asset whose sole purpose for existing is to make live better for you. Make use of them.

 

[Glenski]

You should ask the base personnel. That's what they are there for.

If you are permitted to work off the base, it's likely that you are going to need a fair amount of spoken and written Japanese ability, unless you are going to teach.