Coming to Japan
Relocation
Plenty of Possibilities
If you're keen to take on the relocation challenge yourself there are plenty of resources around to help you make the necessary steps to get here. You'll find a lot of these resources in this GaijinPot resource section and forums, or linked to this resource section.
For Companies
For companies relocating staff and for people who can afford it, professional relocation companies can help establish you (and your family) in the Japanese community. See some of the links on the right.
Learn before you travel
Best Place to learn...
Japan is the best place to learn about Japan. So it's probably not necessary to buy every book ever written about Japan before you come. It might be a good idea to find out about some customs (like taking off your shoes before entering someone's house!). The local community, although a little shy at first, should also help you in adjusting to the local environment and customs.Japanese Visa
Visa Laws Changed
The visa laws were changed to make it easier for foreigners staying in Japan and to help Japan become more "international". But getting a visa still seems to be a lesson in perseverance. If you want it badly enough you'll find a way. Some people come to Japan with working/holiday visa or tourist visa and find a full time sponsor once they're here.Easy for Teachers
This seems to be especially easy for western, English speaking teachers. Generally, speaking if you've got a supportive sponsor you'll find a way to get the appropriate visa. People who don't have a degree from a University should make sure that they have documentation that proves they've had the necessary years of experience in the particular industry they're trying enter. Check out the GaijinPot visa section for more information.Money in Japan
Lots of Dough
Yes, make sure you've got lots of dough. If you're coming over with a company the chances are that you're already taken care of. If you're graduating school and want to get the hell out of your country make sure you have enough dough to help you in your first few weeks.Monthly Pay
Japanese companies pay monthly so it might be 2 or 3 months before you see any dough. Usually the recommended amount of money for your visa is enough. For a person who needs to set himself/herself up, you need at least 300,000 yen to find yourself a very ordinary apartment and look after your living expenses for a month maybe two. This is a very conservative estimate.Your Objective
Define Goals
Decide what you want to get out of your trip to Japan and write it down! Japan can be very distracting and often goals are not achieved. Ironically, the most unconquered challenge is making money in a short amount of time. But Japan can be very rewarding if you're focused.
Define Timeframe
Also, define your time here or it will define you. Set a time limit before you come or you'll end up like the producers of this site! Long term Japaners! A long absence from one's country can make the person a highly desirable employee when he or she returns or completely misplaced. Something to think about!
What to expect
Lot's and lot's of Japanese black hair. Don't expect everyone to speak English! Rather, be happy if someone can speak English. Also, people are a little intimidated by western faces so if you're white or black or some other color than Japanese, communication might be a little difficult at first. Even speaking in Japanese with a foreigner can be quite uncomfortable for some Japanese people. Everyone finds his/her own take on the communication issue.
Driver's license
International Licence
If you want to drive a car in Japan, make sure you get your international driver's license. Your international license is valid for one year and can only be used while you have a valid license in your own country. After a year in Japan you're supposed to get a Japanese driver's license. Most people just get their international license sent over to them. Be careful though.
Renew it Yearly
Apparently, you have to leave Japan every year to keep the international license valid, that is, even if your home driver's and your international driver's licenses are valid, if you've been in Japan continuously for more than 1 year you're not allowed to drive using the international license. Pretty complicated! But there are many stories of people who have gotten caught out.Pets
Not the best Place for Pets
Although Japan may not seem to be the best place in the world to keep a pet, many households have cats and dogs. If you're thinking of bringing your pet there are the usual quarantine issues that you will need to go through.
Quarantine
The quarantine period can be anything from a few hours to 6 months. The time period really depends on how well you prepare your documentation and vaccinations etc before you leave your country. Of course rabies is the big one.Case Studies
Click here for case studies of bringing different pets into Japan and how to prepare them for the least amount of time in quarantine. Also, a "technique" that some owners use is alerting the officials of their pets' allergies.Risk
This could result in having your pet be quarantined in your own home! Most major entry ports of Japan have quarantine facilities. While quarantine is free you have to help look after your own pets. If the place of quarantine is in an inconvenient location (as is usually the case) you may have to pay a company to look after your pet. AQS Corp is one company that does this.Coming to Japan: Other Sources
Forums
Questions/comments? Go to the Coming to Japan Forum
Relocation Links
Other Links
- Animal Quarantine. Excellent information on quarantine issues for bringing pets into Japan.
- AQS Corp. Providing care service for imported animals.
