I want to move to Japan.?

Question

Ok, I love Japan. I love the culture and how it has that exciting feel to it. I do want to learn the language and live there really, really badly but there are a few things stopping me
1. I'm black and I would hate to go there and find out it like America in the 40's
2. I 'm the slyest girl ever
3. I'm just stepping out high school and have no clue about the complicated steps to permanently leaving the country

I understand that it will tough times but I would really like some advice on what life would be like, where it would be best to live that includes snow, and basically how to go about this. I want to know if life there seems like heaven but is hell, for me at least in your opinion. I have heard that it challenging but worth it from some people and from others I have heard it was horrible. I would like if it is from someone who lives there but other people are fine to.

Answer 1

While you might find some racism in Japan, it won't be like America in the 40s. There won't be any violence and you won't be picked on at all.

Honestly, if you want to move here, I think you wait until after university. I am an English teacher here. Most companies that give working visas require you to have a university degree.

Answer 2

For once, I actually agree with Daniel (never thought I'd say that). He's absolutely right-I wouldn't move somewhere unless you've been there at least once. And even then, you have to really consider that move, because it is very big. You're not just changing countries, you're changing cultures. Certainly, Japan is not the conutry for everyone. If you have some interest in Japan, and it seems like you do, I would highly suggest a trip there. Picking a few key spots will help you explore some different sides of Japan. I personally like Hiroshima and Kyoto. I was essentially in Tokyo for only a day, and I didn't particularly like it. I stayed in Ikebukuro and shopped at Harajuku.

Anyway, I don't know if you're in college yet or are a senior in high school. Find a college with Japanese courses. In fact, if you love Japan, simply take the language as a major. That's very rare in a college, but just courses are not so rare. I'm not sure why being sly is a bar to going to Japan (maybe you mean 'shy') but I wouldn't think of your race as a bar either. Again, a trip will help you get a feel for the reaction of others, if that's what you want to know. I think the real bar should be just the fact that moving is a big deal.

Some things are meant to be just for pleasure. I haven't lived in Japan, though I would also like to pursue that if it works out for me. I know some people that teach Japanese at the high school/college level and love taking students to Japan every year. Since you're at the college level, try doing a college exchange program. I think that is the best solution for you. That will help you get the feel for it, without feeling pressured to stay since you aren't permanently living there You may not get the full experience, since you'll be in one area, but it should answer a ton of questions. I hope whatever you decide to do works out!

Answer 3

>>>1. I'm black and I would hate to go there and find out it like America in the 40's>>>

I live in Japan -- I'm in my second stint living here. I'm a black-hispanic woman.

Being black, in itself, shouldn't be a problem -- especially if you're in a big city like Tokyo or Osaka where there are a lot of foreigners (of all colors) around.

In a smaller town it might be more of an issue -- but even then, once people get to know you, you should be okay.

>>>2. I 'm the slyest girl ever>>>

Living in Japan takes quite a bit of cultural adjustment for every foreigner, regardless of his/her personality.

>>>3. I'm just stepping out high school and have no clue about the complicated steps to permanently leaving the country>>>

The most common type of job for foreigners here is teaching English -- which is difficult to get a job doing here if you don't have a college degree.

You could try to become an exchange student or something like that too, but I have no idea how to go about doing that.

There's also the option of joining the military, especially the Navy -- you can tell the recruiter that you'd like to serve in Japan if possible, although that doesn't mean you'll get it.

If you join the military and end up in Japan, chances are good that you'll be in Okinawa. But there are bases in the Japanese mainland also.

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Answer 4

I used to live in Japan, and granted, there aren't many foreigners living in the country, unless they are military, but there are Japanese who can't stand Americans, and others who adore Americans. You can't really take anyone's word for it, unless they have experienced it, and since I am not black, I couldn't say anything about what it might be like for you to live there. But I would suggest you take a long vacation there and learn what you can. Pick up some books at Barnes and Nobles and learn some of the language. Learn some of the characters if you can, but that is hard. Speaking is very important, though. Some people speak English there, but it is mostly teens and younger kids. Older Japanese don't know much English. If you at least know key phrases, it will help A LOT!!! Make sure you get books on the culture, and learn as much as you can before you make a decision like this. There are plenty of etiquette things that you must know, because you can offend many people by doing the wrong thing. If you are looking for snow, live in northern mainland Japan like Misawa or a town near there. They got 7 feet of snow one year that I lived there! Oh, and if you decide to visit there, be prepared for a 10 -13 hour flight from the west coast! Bring you iPod! :) I hope that this helps you a little bit. Remember to learn all you can, it can be hell if you don't know anything. Good luck!

Answer 5

We lived in Okinawa,Japan for a total of 5yrs with the military and I loved it but, we also lived on base where everything is americanize and everyone we know speaks english or at least understands a bit.

Mainland Japan is another story. Many mainlanders refuse to speak or learn english. So, if you plan to stay there you either have to have a really good job line up, know something of there culture and if you plan to live there indifinitely then I suggest you learn the language.

Also, to be a Japanese citizen you have to be fluent in japanese and have live in the country for I believe 10yrs. I can't remember exactly.

But don't be discourage if you really want to move there the people are really wonderfull and nice.

hth

Answer 6

It harldy ever snows in Tokyo but it's a wonderful place to be in, I am in Minatoku, go higher up and you will experience snow every winter, but if you REALLY want snow then just live in Hokkaido, then you will get snow all the time. about being african american.. well.. you will surely get whispering and staring everywhere, but of course not all Japanese is like this, and why will that even stop you? I see black race here and there and they seem fine, even sometimes have Japanese girlfriend. You will learn to get by slowly, and all the wonderful things you can shop for here!^-^ but I will advice learning Kanji thoroughly before setting foot in Japan, it is important. directions, menus, newspapers, EVERYTHING has Kanji. so just because you know hiragana and katakana does not mean you can get by smoothly.. and of course it is only natural to master the language before entering the country, this way no one can speak about you in a rude manner, since you understand everything. I am of japanese and chinese race and I have been to several countries including America, Hong Kong, and Korea, and I must say that Japan have the most gossipy people ever.^-^ good luck ok!~

Answer 7

I agree with twikfat, a person above.

Many Japanese are basically shy and scared of black people because of their ignorance of them.

I know we in the world are all humans so we are the same. But Japanese aren't accustomed to communicate with foreigners, especially black people, because Japan is a homogeneous nation.

And I think it's almost a must to have a college degree for foreigners to work in Japan unless they have special skills.

I suggest this. First, find some Japanese penpals. And tell them that you want to live with them when you are in good terms with them.

Answer 8

I don't know if you will find more or less racism in japan vs. America as a black person, but certainly japan operates on stereotypes!

BUT, you are high school age and certainly don't have any work skills to offer. What job are you going to get?? Most foreigners that come to japan to experience the country and culture and decide if they like it (yours truly included) teach ESL. But to teach, you must have a University degree. There aren't many other jobs available for you, unless you want to work minimum wage jobs.

Plus you need to be REAL careful about getting "stuck" over here. I don't know your financial situation, but it cost me more than $5,000 to first move to japan and now to move back to the States. When you consider airfare, moving costs, rental deposits, etc. IF you are working a minimum wage job and can't save any money, you might find you don't have enough money to return to the States when you realize that japan isn't the perfect utopia that you thought it would be.

I think it would be HELLA foolish to move to a country you had never even visited on a vacation. I came to japan on vacation 2 times before I moved to japan, and I still discovered that I didn't like living in japan and wanted to return! If you don't even come on a vacation to check the place out, you are really rolling the dice!

P.S. $1,600 won't even cover your rental deposit on the apartment, let alone cover your 1st 2 months expenses! If you come to japan with anything less than $5,000 you are going to be in trouble! Most jobs in japan pay about 2 months behind. For example, you start work June 1st, your 1st payday is July 25th. Budget accordingly!

Answer 9

I am English with the same idea. I've been planing to move to Japan for a year now, but obviously it's not something you can easily do. I'm puting it off for about 2-3 years to further my Japanese speaking and reading, and also to get a degree in teaching English.

Things you have to be aware of, is that modern Japan is not racist, but with almost all nations, just uneducated in forign cultures. Also, they are a shy people. While America and England we are told to be individual's and speak out mind, the Japanese are reclusive, and it is seen as rude or showing off to speak openly. It is essential to learn day-to-day mannerisum's and cultureal bits, as to not offend and fit in better.
Secondly, learn the language, because many Japanese would apologise and run off if you try to speak in English, since they believe they should be able to speak it. Not everyone of course, but you might find it wierd if you ask for directions, and the Japanese person whispers 'sumimasen' and darts off.

With regards to to obtaining a perminant visa, Japan is not an easy counry to get into. There are 3 options: 1) Marry a Japanese man. 2) Obtain a work visa 3) Get sponsered by a company.

For the work visa you'll need a degree, but if you can get hired by an american company with Japanese contacts, learn Japanese and work your way up, I'm sure you could transfer to the companies Japanese office.

In addition to a visa you'll need about £8000, or around $1600 to support your first 2 months and allow for accomodation. I know the Japanese Embassy will require £8000 for the visa, but I'm not sure the exact amounts in dollars. The best thing to do is get in contact with the Japanese American embassy.

I'm planing to move to Chiba. It is very close to Tokyo, but not as populated.

You have to be very serious about moving to Japan. I have a friend who has copied my goal of moving to Japan, but this is only because he watchs those animè shows... That's not the attitude for moving to an alien country.

Learn as much of the Language and culture as possible, so long as your polite and respectful you should be warmly treated. The Japanese are very friendly and seem to really like the British. You may find people shy, but not rude. With that said however, even Japan has it's jerks.

Also, I go to http://chat.yahoo.co.jp. There is an english-themed room where they go to practise English. On the main page, theres 2 coloums of catagories. On the right, 3rd one down is the study catagory. Click on that and the first chat room says 'Let's Chat!'...Thats the english one ;) Try going there and making some native Japanese friends to help with your studies. They'll be more then happy to help if you help them with their english!

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

I lived in Japan so here's my advice:

Your best bet is to first go to college or university as almost all jobs require a degree or diploma of some kind. It'll be almost impossible to find a job without one. Teaching English is the easiest job for foreigners to get and for an easy transition and one that takes care of visas, housing and finding you a job is to go through a reputable school like Nova or Amity which set you up with a place to live and a job as well as provide training. If you don't want to teach English, there's not much else for you to do and it is difficult to get a work visa (and impossible without a post secondary education).

Depending on where you go in Japan, being fluent in Japanese doesn't matter. More people speak English in large cities. The best thign for you to do is start learning Japanese before you decide to go. Try either classes, or online tutorials. I reccommend an audio course by mp3 or CD because it's a language that really needs to be listened to to understand. You can go far with a few key phrases and sayings.

As for being Black, you will be stared at. it's not rude to stare in Japan. I'm white and people would stop on the streets and watch me walk by. A man once fell off his bike when he saw me come around the corner (I lived in a small town). If you're not Asian you will get stared at, but you'll get used to it. It's not meant to be rude or mean, most people are curious, and it is mostly the older generations.

I have 3 black friends living in Japan in various cities as English teachers. None of them had any racism problems or issues because of their skin colour. They were stared at alot just like any foreigner. However, there were times were locals would come up to them and touch their skin to feel it (again, mostly older people). I have Indian friends who experienced the same thing. Most people are pretty open minded and although there might be issues with skin colour in different sectors of business jobs, but not in teaching English.
The Japanese are also pretty open to mixed couples as well.

I loved living in Japan and would go back. It is difficult to adjust at first, but if you really love the culture and everything about Japan you will have an easier transition. Signs aren't always in English (which makes grocery shopping a lot of fun) but you'll be able to get by with some key phrases and almsot all menus have pictures and/or plastic food displays so you can always point to things you want if you're having trouble getting your point across.

I went over on my own without a job ahead of time, but I already had friends there to integrate me into Japanese life. It was my first trip to Asia and had never visited before I went. I don't think it's necessary to scope the place out before you move if you are prepared in advance for what to expect. School contracts last a year but if you are having a miserable time you can leave and come home (you just have to pay for and make all arrangements on your own). I would reccommend going with a school arranged ahead of time, but definitely get a degree of some kind first!

Here are some links to reputable schools which will also give you requirements for being a teacher:

http://www.teachinjapan.com/
http://www.aeonet.com/
http://www.amityteachers.com/