People like my “contact me” link on the blog! Every month I get asked some questions. A lot tend to be the same questions so I thought I’d share a few along with my answers. Here’s the first one. If you have more to add, feel free to do so in the comment section.
Question:
Andrew wrote in – Man, this blog is great, I think I’ve read every post! Found this today, and I love it. Going to Japan has been my dream since I was like 10, and I love sites like this that detail personal experiences! It’s great to hear about your time in Japan and really adds realism to the dream 
Was it expensive moving there? I’m 19 and living in the UK, and I currently have no idea what I’m doing with life :O I sometimes wonder if I’ll ever get to go (I need a better Job!) But your blog gives me hope my friend ^^ Keep up the good work!
Answer:
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoy the posts that I’ve made. It was expensive to move to Japan because I had to sell everything I owned in the U.S. The other alternative would be storage (monthly fee) or keep stuff at my parents house (they wouldn’t like that). On top of that I had to have money to move into a new place. This included damage deposit that I would not get back, 1st months rent, last months rent, and money for setting up things like internet, electric, cell phone, and not to mention the $1400 plane ticket. I don’t remember clearly but I’d say a rough estimate of the first month cost around $8000-10000 USD, but this is for two people. If you budget well and are a minimalist, and if you had a job lined up, you could spend $3000-5000 USD depending on where you live. Then your monthly budget would be between $1000-2000 before including food. These figures are just estimates so you’d really have to break everything down to match your own personal tastes. But I have some friends that are working in Japan as English teachers and they’re making about $1600-2000 USD a month and they’re able to live in a decent place, have a cell phone, internet, and some have cable TV. So it is possible. Just remember that the apartments are very very tiny compared to Western style living.
If you move to Japan you should considering getting a job in advance because finding work in Japan is a tedious task. If you’re just doing some soul searching then you might consider going to Japan on an extended vacation instead of moving right away. One way to keep things affordable is to make some friends on www.couchsurfing.com and stay at somebody’s place for free.
Good luck with everything!
(I got the photo in this post from flickr)
I only been on your website for a little a 6months as I stumble into this post. Question, I keep on hearing that only jobs to get if you lived to America are English teachers. The problem is to me is I want a job in computer and I been researching what will be best for me. Do you only can get jobs that teach English or do you have to be proficient in Japanese Kanji and language to be able to something else?
I don’t have experience with working for a Japanese company. I’m sure there are many jobs you can get, but I’m assuming you’d need to know how to at speak good Japanese language so you can communicate with your coworkers.
Steve,
I was pretty much like you when I moved to Japan. We sold everything we couldn’t ship over from USA by boat. That is the cheapest way to move things. Yes, find a job in advance if you can. I have been here for over a year and a half and I am still looking for a job. I, too, want a job in the computer field. However, if you don’t know at least conversational Japanese, most companies will not hire you. I was told by Hello Work, a govt agency that helps japanese and foreigners find job, that you should have learned 1000 kanji with the amount of time you have stayed in Japan.
That was very encouraging wouldn’t you say? My Japanese is still at basic and I find it hard to learn Japanese let alone any foreign language. Networking is the key to finding a job I would think. Knowing the right people who can pass the word on to their employers or friends would help.
I do believe teaching is practically the only job a foreigner can apply if you lack to speak Japanese. Most foreigners start from there and move on to other jobs in the future.
Becoming a language pro could be difficult, but anything is possible! Networking is key, that’s golden advice.
Another option for a job is look into US government jobs Embassy or DOD contractor jobs.
I for instance having previously been in the military joined as a DOD System Admin for Japan.
You would be surprised just how many jobs their are for the US government in japan and they love to hire american citizens.
As for when i moved here my ticket cost 700$ round trip to Narita i already owned a house in Japan so living was already covered but to be safe come with around 8-10k. And if your really serious look into finding a job before coming here like Steve said.
As for language take it as it comes some people get it easier then others i speak 4 languages fluently but i still cant master Japanese but im trying my best and i can understand enough to get by but im trying harder to learn everyday. Becoming a pro might not be possible for some but you could very well be that person who masters it just keep at it and try your best.
US gov. jobs in Japan – great idea!
Thanks Its whats tided me by living in japan for the past few years. And their is alot of other people who work for the US gov and live in japan as well its surprising really.
ill write something up on my site about it and how to apply for jobs at the bases and share it here for all of you! keep the community alive
Hey, I am a 22yr old Corporal in the US Marine Corps. I have been wanting to live in Japan for longer than I can remember and will finally take initiative in the upcoming few years. I will need all the advice I can possibly get, and you seem to know information regarding DoD related jobs there, which would suit me great. I’m new to this site, but I already like reading about the experience of others with similar interests. Would you mind sending me an e-mail for further discussion? Mine is japongt[at]yahoo[dot]com
I appreciate all the help in advance. Thanks!
I wrote something up on getting Government Jobs in japan its a little worried and maybe not the most informative but your more then welcome to borrow it for your site you get more traffic then me and id rather the masses see it that need it.
just refer back to me if you do
added you into my blogroll as well.
keep up the posting Steve
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Hey no problem us foreigners gotta stick together to learn in a new country like this. thanks for the link in the blog roll
really appreciate that.
For sure! I’ll write up a post soon too, you have some great info.
Thanks I’m actually in immigration right now so I’ll be writing up a post later. On how to renew your visa and all that I’m in anticipation of you write ups well have to keep In touch names Cornelius
If you’re still a student. I suggest you should try to get scholarship to study in japan.
And while studying you could make a good network with other student and the lecturer that can help you when you decide to stay permanently in japan
Sorry but how do you pay for the last month’s rent? Does that mean like the end of the year or what?
i am 14 years old and would love to move to japan but dont dont know where to start help