I know friend of my sister went to Japan. But that is totally difference reason of moving to Japan than mine. But I don't know whey she went there, I think she might be teaching English there.

My reason would be to live there so I can enjoy my hobbies cars. But my main question is that would it be hard to find job there. Right now, I am working in computer dept as Systems Manager.

So, what is your thoughts on it?

Haven't you guys ever thought about moving to Japan? All those sweet cars out there!

 

I've often thought of it. Interesting culture and fascinating people. A civilization there when the west was still wearing bear skins.

Music, food etc. Fantastic. What a great way to expand your horizons.

... then I found out that Tokyo James was there....

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DC5 Kid
[B]I know friend of my

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jedwards
[B]I've often thought of it.

 

You might consider the fact that Japan has one of the highest costs of living in the World. Check it out at:
http://www.bizsites.com/2000/JJ00/globalmo...itor_japan.html

 

I lived in Japan for 2 years, '95 to '97. Yes, the cost of living is very high. e.g. an Apple (that's one apple) was 400 Yen, about $4 at the time. A cantalope was 1200yen, 12 bucks for a damn cantalope. A draft beer was 500-700 yen, but they are big. And don't get me started on beef or rice.

I also lived in a place with few foreigners (Yakushima Island, South of Kagoshima), and cost of living was DIRT cheap compared to Tokyo or Kobe. I would have been miserable if I didn't speak some Japanese. Tokyo, of course, is another story, but if you don't speak Japanese you will have trouble getting a job except maybe as a bartenter in Shinjuku (??is that were all the foreigners hang out at the clubs? don't remember). Also remember that you can't legally work in Japan with a Tourist Visa (unless you are a Japanese Citizen, not sure of your status). If you go on a Tourist Visa, and get a job at a company that will sponsor your Work Visa, you have to leave the country to get it stamped. Most people just go to Seoul (you can take the hydrofoil from Fukuoka, cheaper than flying).

Anyway, seems like a lot of trouble for a hobby. Why don't you visit for a few weeks and see if you like it? Who knows; maybe you'll never come back, maybe it won't be all you expected.

 

Life is an adventure... this is not a dress rehearsal... you only live once...

You've heard it all before... do it, shake up your life.

 

Getting work for a non-Japanese speaker could prove difficult. I got my job as the company needed a native English speaker for working on construction contracts, though there are very few of us in this line of work here.

The cost of living is pretty high. Accommodation costs can be huge! Even a small (25m2) in place Tokyo is going to cost around US$6-700 per month. If you want a better place you are looking at a minimum of US$2,000 a month.

Drinking out in the city can be expensive, especially if you go out to the foreigners places, where beer will cost you about US$7 for a pint. If you eat and drink in local "Izakaya" type places, beer will cost around US$3.50.

Finding good places to drive your car is also a problem if you are based in Tokyo. The roads are so busy that spirited driving is not often possible.

Personally, I love living in Tokyo, but I am not sure that I would make the move and try to find work here with the economy as it is and the cost of making that move.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to PM me.....

James

 

Sounds like (and I'm somewhat serious) life in the Bay area.

Moving here was quite the eyeopener.

(Glad you found this thread. Thought of you when it opened this wkend.)

 

like what tokyo james said, cost of living in tokyo is pretty painful. i've only been once for 2 weeks, but i had a LOT more fun down in the osaka / kyoto region than in tokyo. the food down there is awesome, plenty of 'stuff' to do, most things are cheaper, but if you can't speak the language it's a lot more intimidating than tokyo.

oh yeah, and don't plan on saving any money if your hobby is cars. you'll have your fun but you won't be doing your wallet any favours