Tag Archives: working in japan

Free Automated Signal Trading System For Forex ZuluTrade in Japan

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The effective, reliable third party site to host forex market based trading is none other than ZuluTrade, a free platform that allows investors to send as many trading signals from literally hundreds of systems that are listed on the site.

The investor is in full control of their assets at all times when using the ZuluTrade platform. This forex trading account allows investors to choose not only the trading system but the amounts as well. Once the information is entered this unique platform will performs everything that it has been instructed to do.

The first step is creating an account at ZuluTrade through zulutrade-fx.net. After completing this simple process the investor can choose between a demo account or going for a live account. The advantages of starting with the demo account is that investors can learn the system easily by using virtual money of up to $50,000 to get the feel and experience of live trading without putting up any of their own money.

Japanese Yen Coins

Once the investor feels comfortable in their knowledge of the ZuluTrade system, they can open a real account using one of the associate brokers and begin the trading process. This begins with investors choosing from among the signal providers they wish to go with and the amount of money or lot size for the trade. ZuluTrade will then make the transaction instantly while the investor can observe the overall performance and evaluate the results.

There is plenty of information for the investor to digest when making trades on the ZuluTrade system. This includes the number of pips gained or lost and the average pips per trade, the time and profit made during the trade, the ratio of how much you gained, the system’s total drawdown, and many other factors which you can pull together to get an overall picture of how your trading has performed. This type of information will give you clues to what methods you should use when trading again.

What makes this system even easier to use is that the analysis of your trades are done in graphic form, this visual assistance can help you spot the specifics of your recent activities. This makes digesting this type of information quicker and easier so you can continually improve your overall performance.

You can even get the results of trades that are not performing well and get the specifics through the automated system by reverse trading them. Now you can check the trades which didn’t perform well and trade again so you can now make a profit. This great tool allows you to overcome the circumstances of many of the trades that did not go well.

Using zulutrade-fx.net as your forex trading platform means that even those with marginal knowledge can quickly learn and become expert traders and find the best signal providers all in one place. This means more effecting trading in less time as you narrow your approach to use the best providers and techniques to make the most profit.

Whether you are a novice or seasons professional, ZuluTrade is the forex trading platform for you.

Q&A: Working in Japan, no bachelors degree?

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The Q&A section of my blog is kind of new. People like my “contact me” link on the blog! Every month I get asked some questions and many tend to be similar so I thought I’d share a few along with my answers.

Note: I don’t teach English and I don’t work for a Japanese company so I was hesitant to answer this. But I figured… what the hell… so my answers below are based on what I know and have learned from others, not from experience. Another post, Americans working in Japan, might be of interest to you.

Question Part 1:

Zac writes in – I’m 20 years old and I want to teach English in Japan. My family has done it in SE Asia for years. My question is what do I need to do? I know being an American you have to have a bachelor’s degree go do work of any kind. Sorry for the vague question.

Answer Part 1:

Hi Zac. Without a 4 year degree your options seem limited, but it’s still possible to teach English. I know a guy that has a 2 year degree who taught English for years at a variety of smaller companies and made a decent living. He came to Japan without any work lined up and found work within the first month. He stayed for a few years, but then returned to his home country so I can’t ask him any questions about it. Also there’s the idea of doing private lessons at a cafe or at people’s houses, but you need to look into the legality of that yourself. It’s going to take a lot of searching to the work you’re looking without a degree, but with persistence you might find exactly what you’re looking for.

Teaching English in Japan

Teaching English in Japan

(photo from flickr)

Question Part 2:

Steve, thank you very much for the info it did help a lot, but i was under the idea that you had to have a 4 year degree to apply for work visa of any kind?

Answer Part 2:

You need an employer that will give you a work visa. I’m not sure about the 4 year degree requirement but as I said, the guy I knew only had a 2 year degree. If you go on a tourist visa (90 days I think), then find a job that will give you a tourist visa, you just need to ask if you can change your visa status or else you leave the country for a day and come back on the new visa. I don’t teach English so I’m not sure on all of the details. I did see this online…

To get a work visa you need:

  • a valid passport;
  • an application form;
  • one passport-size photo; and
  • a certificate of eligibility issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau (your employer must apply for the certificate).

More info that might help you
Here are some TEFL books to check out.
mofa.go.jp – Visa types in Japan
ESL employment – teaching English in Japan (requirements, etc)
How to teach English in Japan + many useful links

Maybe my friend got the work visa because of his experience of teaching abroad already. You might look into teaching English in Korea as well. Busan (or Pusan) is a popular spot, and for $200-300 you can take a round trip ferry to visit Japan to get your sushi on.

Here’s an interesting quote from Gaijin Pot – (Living, working or visiting Japan? Not without a visa!)

You normally need to show that you have a relevant college degree to be able to apply for a working visa. However if you can show that you have a certain number of years relevant work experience you are also eligible to apply. You can also be eligible if you have a degree from another higher, relevant educational institution. Each visa and industry has different requirements.

A lot of sites contradict each other. But I think it’s possible.

More links to help you on your journey to information:
Yahoo Answers – Advice on getting a Japanese work visa without degree?
Japan Guide – Teaching in Japan Without a Degree
Yahoo Answers – is an online bachelor’s degree good enough for a work visa?
Yahoo Answers – Entry-level job opportunities in Japan?
3yen.com – Is a bachelors degree necessary to teach in Japan?
thunderguy.com – Japan visa types
JapanForum.com – jobs in Japan question about requirements etc
Escape Artist – Living in Japan

Also as Cornelius pointed out in the comments, it’s possible to self sponsor your own work visa. Here are some sites to check out about self sponsoring a Japanese visa. A page from Gaijin Pot says:

Self-sponsorship is very possible: especially if you are already living in Japan and have steady work. A self-sponsored visa falls under the working visa category and you will therefore need to show that all requirements for a working visa is met. You will have to show that you are guaranteed the minimum income required to support yourself in Japan. For example, contracts from 3 companies promising you payment may be required. Free consultations are available at immigration offices in Japan and will they help you prepare the necessary documentation. Self-sponsorship may require some leg work and extra paper work but might be the best solutions for you!

Also with a self sponsored visa you’re going to need to prove that you have large savings or steady income that is good enough to pay for your living expenses. Here are a few links about self sponsored visa in Japan:
jiosu.com – Work for yourself by self sponsoring your visa
ESL Cafe – self sponsored visa
Gaijin Pot Forums – Self sponsorship Japanese visa
Self sponsored visa application in Japan – successful!

Good luck with your quest to move to Japan!

Americans Working in Japan

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How do you get a job in Japan besides teaching English? What are wages and working conditions like for Americans and other foreigners living and working in Japan? These are a few questions I’m often asked. Currently here are some posts that might help you out.

There are other routes. If you want to learn more about government jobs in Japan, here’s a great resource: NAFjobs.org And here are some TEFL books that might come in handy.

Q&A: Was it expensive to move to Japan?

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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.

Estand Info

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 :D

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 by learning how to get free accommodation in Japan and stay at somebody’s place for free or a minimal fee.

Good luck with everything!

(photo credit: flickr.com/photos/ivanwalsh/)

Taking the Subway in Japan

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Getting from point A to point Z using the subway is not that difficult. If you’re new to using a subway, or public transportation at all (like I was), my advice is to plan your route and stay calm no matter how busy the station gets. Carrying a small note pad and a pen is a good idea. The subway is a great tool when you traveling around Japan or if you’re heading to work! It’s always on time, so the subway is something you can rely on day after day.

Tokyo Japan Subway Map

Along with some tips I’m going to share some pictures I took of the subway on a rainy, cold, Friday afternoon around 2pm. It wasn’t a busy time and the station I was at doesn’t seem to be as busy as bigger stations. And it’s always handy to have a Japan travel guide.

Tip #1 – If somebody falls onto the track, hit this button! (Press the red button below in case a person fall sinto the track area. Trains will stop automatically. FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY!)

Press the red button below in case a person fall sinto the track area. Trains will stop automatically. FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY!

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10 ideas for working for yourself in Japan

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If you’re looking to move to Japan and start working in Japan… why not just start a business instead and have the freedom to travel Japan and live where ever you want. It’s not for everybody, but it’s an option to consider. I was checking out MSN today and this article caught my eye: StartupNation Home-Based 100: 10 top home businesses in 10 categories. I’m always interested in hearing success stories and I know stories like this fuel other entrepreneurs by letting them know that a dream can become a reality. I know this talks about Americans but anybody can be a successful entrepreneur when living in another country. If that other country isn’t your home land, you might have a few minor setbacks but that shouldn’t stop you. If you’re not sure where to start there are some great entrepreneur magazines available and some books to get you started.

There are 100 people listed on MSN. Here are a few I find really interesting.

From The Top Ten Yummiest
Ciao Laura, Smyrna, Tenn.
Ciao Laura, as Laura Faust likes to be called, knows how to cook, and she knows how to stir up the votes. Her company takes people to Italy on cooking adventures, hopping from local restaurants to 15th-century villas to once-upon-a-time culinary hot spots like Pompeii. She must have a lot of happy customers willing to support her.

From The Top Ten Most Innovative
The Organizing Wiz, New York
As a professional organizer, Ilene Drexler can change your life. In the confines of Manhattan’s smallish apartments, we can’t imagine a greater luxury than having things tucked away neatly to clear some space and let the light in again. In a personalized, one-on-one consultation, she’ll assess your situation, decide on the right prescription and, with your green light, start sorting, weeding, categorizing, labeling and storing items. She currently focuses on residences, but this also sounds like a great service for rushed small-business owners.

From the MSN article:

Millions of Americans dream of starting their own businesses at home, but these entrepreneurs have made it work. The StartupNation Home-Based 100 represents the best of the best — the most successful, the most innovative, the most adventurous, the downright wacky and more.

If you found this post interesting, here are a few links you might enjoy
History’s 10 greatest entrepreneurs

Were you a Nova English teacher?

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Nova SchoolNova English teacher = you’re screwed and that sucks. Over 4,000 teachers are out of a job! Over 400,000 students haven’t gotten a refund! Nova is bankrupt! This is all total shiznit! It looks like things have come to an end for Nova English teachers that are here on a work visa in hopes of some income and a cultural experience. You’re probably left with very few options such as… finding another job teaching english, or working at some short term job, or working at a bar/club frequented by English speaking Gaijin. (Here’s another job search related link) If you can’t find a job then you can always head back to your home country. For some of you it may not be possible due financial difficulty (aka not being paid by the man) which basically means you’re screwed. If I were in a situation of not being able to find a job replacement I’d either save the money I had to buy a ticket with (while spending the rest partying it up) or in the case I had $0 I’d have my friends/family wire me some money or buy an e-ticket for me to get the hell out of dodge! If you plan on getting a plane ticket you should act soon because after December 20th the rates go up due to the holiday season. If you wait longer than that you’ll just be super screwed. By the way I can’t imagine having a family and working for Nova and not getting paid. Nova carries a debt worth 40 billion Yen. They might have to refund students before paying out salaries and who knows when that could happen. It could be six months or longer.

I read in many places about emergency loans this, emergency loans that, hoping to get an emergency loan from the Embassy blah blah blah. Good luck with that! I can’t find any information on the web regarding this type of loan. The U.S. Embassy website (tokyo.usembassy.gov) mentions nothing about a loan or emergency funds for people employed by Nova. They do say this:

If you require financial assistance, you could request that your family wire funds through the U.S. Department of State here or purchase an e-ticket on your behalf.

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Nova and Teaching English in Japan

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Oh Snap!NOVA Corp is the Japan’s largest English conversation school chain. And for those who teach English in Japan and are employed by Nova I say… DOH! I read the news back in April of 2007 when Nova got busted for breaking the law (they refused to refund tuition fees to students who canceled their contracts.) And recently people have not been getting paid for their work. Today things have gotten worse and Nova has filed for protection from the courts.

I wonder what this means for current employees and their work visas. Not only that but if an employees income stops or is slowed it could mean trouble for their living expenses. Damn.

Check out the news from Yahoo

Nova Corp , the largest operator of English language schools in Japan, said on Friday that it has filed for court protection from creditors amid efforts to turn around its business.

Following the company’s announcement, the Jasdaq Securities Exchange said it would delist Nova’s shares on Nov. 27.

Nova, which operates over 900 schools in Japan, posted net losses for the past two business years and said it held a total 43.9 billion yen in debt as of July.

More on this:
Aussie teachers lose jobs in Japanese school shutdown
Google News
Nova applies for court protection from creditors; president missing, 4 execs resign
Scandal-tainted school Nova granted court protection from creditors