Working in regions other than Tokyo
Tokyo is not the only Choice
Japan. Most people think of samurais, karate, and geisha girls. Or to the "more informed", perhaps Tokyo - and only Tokyo, with its urban sprawl and endless crowds of men in suits. But Japan is NEITHER, and anyway, you don't have to assume that Tokyo is your only choice for work in Japan.Tough Job Market
In fact, due to the intense competition (especially in the teaching industry), Tokyo is arguably the most difficult job market in the country. But that's just one factor.Real Japan
Many people would prefer to experience the "real Japan" and live and work in another region. Of course, that brings up a very important but subjective point: Is the "real Japan" reflected in the country festivals and ancient shrines or in the ultra-short miniskirts and fantasy-land love hotels?Dimesions
In short, Japan stretches over 3,000 kilometers from the northern tip of Hokkaido to tiny islands in the south, and each region has its own unique attractions and job opportunities.IT/Finance?
If you're only interested in working in IT or Finance, you probably won't have much luck outside of Tokyo. If you want to be a teacher, you can pretty much take your pick - there are English conversation schools practically everywhere. But there are also many other possibilities.
Other Possibilities
Car exporting in Nagoya or Osaka? Construction work in Kyushu? Translating on your PC in the middle of the Japanese Alps? Waiting tables in Sapporo? There are really two basic ways to go about it.The Lonley Planet Way
One way is to pick up a copy of Lonely Planet's Guide to Japan, choose your favorite place, come to Japan, and go for it!The other Way
The other way (and probably the more practical of the two) is to search for jobs either before coming to Japan or after you arrive, and then try to find a job in a region that looks interesting.Regions in Japan: Other Sources
Forums
Questions/comments? Go to the Regions in Japan Forum
Books
- Townpage "Route Search". Enter your current location and desired destination and the town pages will make a route and give you the estimated time and cost.
- Lonley Planet: Search. Just type in "Japan" and the region you're interested int.
- About.com: Japan for Visitors.Features a clickable map, where you just click on the region you're interested in. Informational, but the popup windows are extremely annoying.
- Zigzag Asia.com. Provides original contents about Japan's Pop and Trad culture, web guide, free Email service and more.
Links: Tokyo
- TokyoQ. "Life in the Megalopolis". An extremely informative and artistically constructed site. A real must-see-and-use site for anyone living in, going to, or just interested in Tokyo.
- Metropolis. A weekly freepaper and website made for Tokyo's international community. Oodles of interesting articles, chat, and, of course, classifieds.
- Tokyo Journal. An informative publication covering art, film, music, performing arts, nightlife, and more.
- Tokyo Food Page. A complete guide to Japanese cuisine and eating in Tokyo, with recipes, culinary travel tips, restaurant listings and more.
Links: Regional
- Get Hiroshima. Well designed, informative site with an attitude! Very cool.
- Hokkaido Information Web Site. " If you are planning a trip to -- or already live in -- this beautiful island, you will find this site to be an invaluable resource"
- Kansai Scene. The online version of this popular Kansai publication.
- KansaiNow.com. Info & humor for those interested in Osaka/Kansai.
- Kyoto Prefecture Website. For information on Kyoto, including sightseeing, accommodations, and cultural topics.
- Nagasaki Regional Information. Information on Nagasaki and surrounding regions.
