Has anyone out there ever just gone to Japan to look for a job?

Question

If so, how did you find a way to deal with immigration, visa stuff, etc.? I have a college degree, and I'm thinking of finding a job in Japan.

However, I don't know (1) how to do it exactly and (2) how much it will all cost. Any advice?

Answer 1

I went to Japan and got a job on a working holiday visa. Then I went to Australia on a working holiday with the money I saved in Japan. I had to go back to Japan on a tourist visa, but I was able to resume my old job. I had to go to Seoul for 3 days to change the visa from a tourist to a work visa, but it was no big deal. The immigration people realize that people enter on tourist visa and then find jobs and get sponsored for work visa, as long as you go to Seoul or HK or wherever to change status it's OK. How much money you need depends on what degree you are willing to live by your wits.

Answer 2

You can do it either way. If you follow the advice to look on the internet first you could find the job without spending much money. You could just fly over, stay in hostels, and hotels and spend thousands for something that is not guaranteed.

In my case, I was an intra company transferee, the company took care of everything. When I registered at the city hall, there was another gaijin who came on a tourist visa, and found a job.
Caution, I have heard of the immigration officials require that you leave and return to Japan to change from a tourist visa to a working visa. I think that comes from companies who are not very familiar with hiring gaijin.

Answer 3

I had a friend living here, so I was set for a place to live when I got here. I was in the countryside and getting a job was not easy but not impossible. One English school wanted me right away but they paid very little. Through my friend's contacts I found a cram school with a focus on English that paid 3,000 yen an hour, a very good starting wage for someone with no experience. After about two months I had put down some small roots of my own and people knew me well enough to take private lessons from me. Out of the cities, getting to this point does take some time. I would recommend going this way, as your down time in the beginning is very helpful for getting to know your local area; however, you will need funds to get you by. Having that place to live really helps if you can find an acquaintance to crash with! I don't know how much the gaijin houses in the cities cost, but if you can find a place to stay in the country, you can get by for perhaps 40,000 yen a month for food and utilities if you take it easy on your entertainment costs.

Answer 4

Just go there, enter the country as a tourist, find a gaijin guesthouse to stay in, and start looking for work on the net or in the classifieds, etc. Once a company agrees to hire you they will give you the paperwork that will allow you to get a visa for employment.

P.S. Bring about $3000-4000 to get you through the first few months with no income.

Answer 5

You look on the internet first.

That is how I found my job. After you get a job, the company that hires you will send you paperwork to take to the Japanese Embassy. Some companies will pay for your flight and others wont. Look around. Don't worry about immigration stuff. You won't have to do it alone. Again, the company that hires you will help you.
Some big name private schools are Nova, Berlitz, Aeon, ECC, and Geos.

http://www.gaijinpot.com/

Answer 6

Go barge in. You'll find it right in there. You otta be prepared to starve for a few days, if time comes. If you have the will, you'll find the way. All the best.

Answer 7

I'm only answering because I would like to do the same and I'd like to look up your answers in a day or two, thanks for letting me piggy back off your question