Japan Work Benefits
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132)
Sun 2008/06/22 13:45
In a previous article I spoke about looking for work in Japan and today thought I should talk about the typical work benefits by taking the current opening position at Good Smile Company and my past experience as examples.
Good Smile Company are looking for a general administrator to manage the human resources book keeping and also to manage the finances.
Qualifications needed for this position are...
Some companies provide OJT (On the Job Training) or a few weeks of training before your regular schedule starts. And then theres companies (like Amazon) who will expect you to hit the ground running with minimum guidance on your first day. If you know your job description well then you should know what questions to ask.
Most companies look at your education history as a criteria for deciding whether to proceed with an interview or not. As a hiring manager, I personally never paid attention to the education and was more interested in skills and achievements.
Many companies that I've worked in over here tend to favor folks who have an MBA and pay them loads of money regardless of their experience. Dont know what it is about an MBA but I've never thought much about it when hiring somebody - especially after seeing many hiring mistakes of poor performing MBA holders.
I know that many folks do an MBA and then a PHD just for the purpose of getting paid more when they land themselves a job. Do you plan on doing an MBA or PHD?
Good Smile Company are looking for a general administrator to manage the human resources book keeping and also to manage the finances.
Qualifications needed for this position are...
Certificate in book keeping, can use "word, excel and email" and also has a drivers license.Yes you would be surprised how many young folks in Japan who cant use mail. Anyway the qualifications needed are not particularly high and GSC mention that they provide training.
Some companies provide OJT (On the Job Training) or a few weeks of training before your regular schedule starts. And then theres companies (like Amazon) who will expect you to hit the ground running with minimum guidance on your first day. If you know your job description well then you should know what questions to ask.
Most companies look at your education history as a criteria for deciding whether to proceed with an interview or not. As a hiring manager, I personally never paid attention to the education and was more interested in skills and achievements.
Many companies that I've worked in over here tend to favor folks who have an MBA and pay them loads of money regardless of their experience. Dont know what it is about an MBA but I've never thought much about it when hiring somebody - especially after seeing many hiring mistakes of poor performing MBA holders.
I know that many folks do an MBA and then a PHD just for the purpose of getting paid more when they land themselves a job. Do you plan on doing an MBA or PHD?
Photo below was taken in 2001 when I was at a recruitment company called Job Dragon. They were based in Omotesando which had great office views.
The CEO of Job Dragon contacted me because he liked my designs of dannychoo.com which I spoke about in the history of dannychoo.com article.
The hiring process at Good Smile is as follows.
The job was based in Tokyo and the description was "Web marketing in SE Asia." I said to myself that I had to have that job and even told my wife on the day I applied that "we are going to Japan" - she gave me a smile.
A few days later, I got a call to meet the general manager (David) of Nature Japan who had come to the UK for to do interviews. I met with him for an hour and the interview included a task to read a scientific article in Japanese ^^;
After the first interview, I went home and stayed up all night to make a simple Nature Korea website - they didn't have one at the time and discussed how it would be strategically important to have one during the interview.
I saved the files on a floppy, printed out a screenshot and found out what hotel David was staying at.
I got to the hotel, slid the folder under his door and left.
That night, I got a call from the recruitment agency who said that David wanted to meet me again and that "he was surprised by your delivery".
Met up with David who said that he wanted to send me to Tokyo for a round of interviews with the staff. I said to myself that I was going to get the job and was confident.
A week of interviews and tests proceeded for a week. I was doing forecasting which I had never done before and had to think of an algorithm that made sense. I was also doing translating of scientific articles which they don't teach in university for some reason ^^;
The end of the week came and I had a meeting with David expecting an answer but he said "We will give you a decision after you get back to the UK."
I started to imagine the pain of sitting on a plane for 12 hours worrying about the decision and said "I probably wont have any finger or toenails left after biting them all off through thinking about whether I got the job or not - I would prefer an answer before I go back (smiles)."
David laughs and says "I understand."
My time was up and I done everything I could. All I could do was to wait for his call.
The hotel phone rang on a rainy Sunday morning - it was David. "Danny, we would love you to join us."
My dream came true. I was going to live and work in Japan.
Went back to the UK, handed in my notice to Japan Airlines, packed two suitcases and bought a one way ticket to Tokyo.
The CEO of Job Dragon contacted me because he liked my designs of dannychoo.com which I spoke about in the history of dannychoo.com article.
The hiring process at Good Smile is as follows.
1. Submit resume online.I think I may have spoken about this before but cant find the article. While in the UK working for Japan Airlines, I applied for a position that was in Tokyo working for Nature online through a recruitment company called People First. They have many connections with Japanese companies so if you are in the UK then you may want to give them a whirl if you are looking for work in Japan.
2. If your resume looks good then you are called for an interview with their hiring staff.
3. If the hiring staff is impressed then you go back again to meet the boss.
4. You get "congrats!" or "thanks but no thanks" message.
The job was based in Tokyo and the description was "Web marketing in SE Asia." I said to myself that I had to have that job and even told my wife on the day I applied that "we are going to Japan" - she gave me a smile.
A few days later, I got a call to meet the general manager (David) of Nature Japan who had come to the UK for to do interviews. I met with him for an hour and the interview included a task to read a scientific article in Japanese ^^;
After the first interview, I went home and stayed up all night to make a simple Nature Korea website - they didn't have one at the time and discussed how it would be strategically important to have one during the interview.
I saved the files on a floppy, printed out a screenshot and found out what hotel David was staying at.
I got to the hotel, slid the folder under his door and left.
That night, I got a call from the recruitment agency who said that David wanted to meet me again and that "he was surprised by your delivery".
Met up with David who said that he wanted to send me to Tokyo for a round of interviews with the staff. I said to myself that I was going to get the job and was confident.
A week of interviews and tests proceeded for a week. I was doing forecasting which I had never done before and had to think of an algorithm that made sense. I was also doing translating of scientific articles which they don't teach in university for some reason ^^;
The end of the week came and I had a meeting with David expecting an answer but he said "We will give you a decision after you get back to the UK."
I started to imagine the pain of sitting on a plane for 12 hours worrying about the decision and said "I probably wont have any finger or toenails left after biting them all off through thinking about whether I got the job or not - I would prefer an answer before I go back (smiles)."
David laughs and says "I understand."
My time was up and I done everything I could. All I could do was to wait for his call.
The hotel phone rang on a rainy Sunday morning - it was David. "Danny, we would love you to join us."
My dream came true. I was going to live and work in Japan.
Went back to the UK, handed in my notice to Japan Airlines, packed two suitcases and bought a one way ticket to Tokyo.
Now we look at the terms at Good Smile. They have a probation period of 3 months which is the standard in Japan meaning that you are out if you do not perform.
Japanese law protects the interests of the employee more than the employer which means that its extremely difficult to fire folks after 3 months - good for the employee but very tough for the hiring manager who is trying to get rid of a poor performer. Japanese labor laws do state that a hiring manager can fire somebody within the first two weeks without reason.
If an employee starts to perform poorly after 3 months, the company needs to provide evidence that they have done everything possible to help the employee improve their performance.
This is better than some of the horror stories I've heard through colleagues working in web companies in the US - some folks would come to work one day to find their desk empty - they had been laid off.
Job Dragon had to lay me off too due to restructuring but it wasn't the "go-to-work-to-find-empty-desk" tactic. But as Job Dragon was a recruiting company, they introduced me to a few companies. Got job offers including one from Ebay but chose Amazon even though Ebay ended up bidding more. Getting more than two job offers through the same recruiter is good because the companies start a bidding war and offer you a "why you should join us" call from the CEO ^^;
Coming back from a tangent, there are companies however which keep poor performers by moving them around to different departments. These companies typically provide lifetime employment - and many Japanese folks stay with the same company from graduation until retirement. This is the reason why Good Smile dont have a contract - once you are hired you can potentially stay until retirement.
Foreign Capital companies in Japan are called Gaishikei [外資系] and they tend to have a contract which is renewed every year.
Picture below of me in my office at Amazon. Used to be more of a Star Wars person back then ^;
Japanese law protects the interests of the employee more than the employer which means that its extremely difficult to fire folks after 3 months - good for the employee but very tough for the hiring manager who is trying to get rid of a poor performer. Japanese labor laws do state that a hiring manager can fire somebody within the first two weeks without reason.
If an employee starts to perform poorly after 3 months, the company needs to provide evidence that they have done everything possible to help the employee improve their performance.
This is better than some of the horror stories I've heard through colleagues working in web companies in the US - some folks would come to work one day to find their desk empty - they had been laid off.
Job Dragon had to lay me off too due to restructuring but it wasn't the "go-to-work-to-find-empty-desk" tactic. But as Job Dragon was a recruiting company, they introduced me to a few companies. Got job offers including one from Ebay but chose Amazon even though Ebay ended up bidding more. Getting more than two job offers through the same recruiter is good because the companies start a bidding war and offer you a "why you should join us" call from the CEO ^^;
Coming back from a tangent, there are companies however which keep poor performers by moving them around to different departments. These companies typically provide lifetime employment - and many Japanese folks stay with the same company from graduation until retirement. This is the reason why Good Smile dont have a contract - once you are hired you can potentially stay until retirement.
Foreign Capital companies in Japan are called Gaishikei [外資系] and they tend to have a contract which is renewed every year.
Picture below of me in my office at Amazon. Used to be more of a Star Wars person back then ^;
Picture below of me at Nature just starting out in corporate life. I hated that Mac which gave me a bad impression of MacOS!
Back to the position at Good Smile. Folks with no office experience will get just over 180,000 yen per month while experienced folks will get 200,000 yen. Evaluation of salary is once a year and there is a bonus twice a year - each bonus is usually 2x monthly salary but depends on company performance.
Bonus time is usually middle and end of year which is why there are many ads on TV by companies who want a share of your bonus by selling you another refrigerator.
While most Japanese think of salary in terms of "per month", I always thought of salary in terms of "per year" and I think that's still the UK way of thinking - same in your region?
I started off with a salary of 5,000,000 yen and at about 27 I thought I hit the jackpot ^^.
I soon discovered that I was way below market value in Japan through talking to recruiters and other folks in the industry.
The 200,000 yen at Good Smile is good for an entry level position but I recommend that folks (no matter where you work) keep your options open and be aware of your own market value based on your increasing experience and skills. Speak to as many people as you can in the industry of your interest and meet up with recruiters even if you feel comfortable in your current job. Feeling *too* comfortable in your current job is a sign of danger though - I know many folks who want to leave their current job because of different reasons but they feel that they can't because the pay and benefits are good.
Do you feel that you have a grasp of your own market value? Are you currently underpaid for what you are doing?
Knowing your market value is not just about getting more money - its about getting rewarded more in monetary terms doing something that challenges you. Being rewarded more also means that you are being recognized for your experience, skills and achievements. So if you feel too comfortable in your current job, then it could be time to look for something more challenging - life is short.
The Job at Good Smile requires you to be be living in the Tokyo area and already speak Japanese - folks interested can apply here.
I've mentioned it many times but in my experience, folks who speak both English/Japanese *and* have a core skill get better paid jobs in high positions - its as simple as that. The management team I was on at Amazon was comprised mainly of non Japanese - all excellent speakers of Japanese - two folks from Canada (one originally from Hong Kong), one from China, one from the US and one from the UK (me ^^;).
Learning Japanese is fun if you are passionate about the language and not so fun if you feel that "you have to." 30 - 40 people took the same Japanese course as me in university but only 3 or 4 made it through to the end as many took the course because they thought "Japan is where all the monies is" and not because they were passionate.
How many folks here are currently learning Japanese and what tips can you offer to your fellow reader?
Other standard work benefits at Good Smile are health insurance (you pay 30% of medical bills if you are sick), employment insurance (you get money if you loose your job for whatever reason) and they pay some of your pension too. Pension is partially payed by your employer/yourself and theoretically you get money when you are retired. Unfortunately it looks like 50 million Japanese may not get money that they are entitled to as I wrote in my previous Japanese pension article.
Good Smile only mention the standard holidays which are Golden Week and national holidays. There are quite a few national holidays in Japan and I was incredibly shocked to see the lack of them when I was in the US for a while - does your region have a load or lack of national holidays?
Amazon and Microsoft provided about 12 days leave per year while Nature provided about 20. If you joined Microsoft in December, you would be given 12 days for the current year and receive another 12 days come January. How many days of leave does your company provide?
Another benefit are staff discounts - Good Smile don't mention it but I'm guessing that employees get free figures ^^;
Amazon and Microsoft provided some sort of employee discount card which enabled us to get discounts for hotels and trips around Japan - hotel rooms were discounted from something like 12,000 yen down to 1,200 yen. The best benefit I has was the staff discount at Microsoft which enabled me to get something like 12% off *Apple* products - yes Apple products because we made office and messenger for the Mac. Does your company provide staff discounts?
And for those thinking of the job at Good Smile and who haven't seen it yet, my previous tour of the Good Smile offices is in the video below and photos in this previous article.
Finally, if you have solid plans of living and working in Japan, do feel free to share them.
Back to the position at Good Smile. Folks with no office experience will get just over 180,000 yen per month while experienced folks will get 200,000 yen. Evaluation of salary is once a year and there is a bonus twice a year - each bonus is usually 2x monthly salary but depends on company performance.
Bonus time is usually middle and end of year which is why there are many ads on TV by companies who want a share of your bonus by selling you another refrigerator.
While most Japanese think of salary in terms of "per month", I always thought of salary in terms of "per year" and I think that's still the UK way of thinking - same in your region?
I started off with a salary of 5,000,000 yen and at about 27 I thought I hit the jackpot ^^.
I soon discovered that I was way below market value in Japan through talking to recruiters and other folks in the industry.
The 200,000 yen at Good Smile is good for an entry level position but I recommend that folks (no matter where you work) keep your options open and be aware of your own market value based on your increasing experience and skills. Speak to as many people as you can in the industry of your interest and meet up with recruiters even if you feel comfortable in your current job. Feeling *too* comfortable in your current job is a sign of danger though - I know many folks who want to leave their current job because of different reasons but they feel that they can't because the pay and benefits are good.
Do you feel that you have a grasp of your own market value? Are you currently underpaid for what you are doing?
Knowing your market value is not just about getting more money - its about getting rewarded more in monetary terms doing something that challenges you. Being rewarded more also means that you are being recognized for your experience, skills and achievements. So if you feel too comfortable in your current job, then it could be time to look for something more challenging - life is short.
The Job at Good Smile requires you to be be living in the Tokyo area and already speak Japanese - folks interested can apply here.
I've mentioned it many times but in my experience, folks who speak both English/Japanese *and* have a core skill get better paid jobs in high positions - its as simple as that. The management team I was on at Amazon was comprised mainly of non Japanese - all excellent speakers of Japanese - two folks from Canada (one originally from Hong Kong), one from China, one from the US and one from the UK (me ^^;).
Learning Japanese is fun if you are passionate about the language and not so fun if you feel that "you have to." 30 - 40 people took the same Japanese course as me in university but only 3 or 4 made it through to the end as many took the course because they thought "Japan is where all the monies is" and not because they were passionate.
How many folks here are currently learning Japanese and what tips can you offer to your fellow reader?
Other standard work benefits at Good Smile are health insurance (you pay 30% of medical bills if you are sick), employment insurance (you get money if you loose your job for whatever reason) and they pay some of your pension too. Pension is partially payed by your employer/yourself and theoretically you get money when you are retired. Unfortunately it looks like 50 million Japanese may not get money that they are entitled to as I wrote in my previous Japanese pension article.
Good Smile only mention the standard holidays which are Golden Week and national holidays. There are quite a few national holidays in Japan and I was incredibly shocked to see the lack of them when I was in the US for a while - does your region have a load or lack of national holidays?
Amazon and Microsoft provided about 12 days leave per year while Nature provided about 20. If you joined Microsoft in December, you would be given 12 days for the current year and receive another 12 days come January. How many days of leave does your company provide?
Another benefit are staff discounts - Good Smile don't mention it but I'm guessing that employees get free figures ^^;
Amazon and Microsoft provided some sort of employee discount card which enabled us to get discounts for hotels and trips around Japan - hotel rooms were discounted from something like 12,000 yen down to 1,200 yen. The best benefit I has was the staff discount at Microsoft which enabled me to get something like 12% off *Apple* products - yes Apple products because we made office and messenger for the Mac. Does your company provide staff discounts?
And for those thinking of the job at Good Smile and who haven't seen it yet, my previous tour of the Good Smile offices is in the video below and photos in this previous article.
Finally, if you have solid plans of living and working in Japan, do feel free to share them.
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
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Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
wants to live in japan , , but the work looks strict e.o the Congrats and thanks but no thanks part really shook me
(ID #219118) Posted on 2008/06/22 13:56
CEO MIrai Inc
That part is not literal by the way.
(ID #219124) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:04
Danny, you should make a "report typo" feature. I often spot a typo or two in your articles and always wish I could say something...
(ID #219125) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:07
CEO MIrai Inc
Why not use the comments?
(ID #219127) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:08
I figure you don't always have time to read every comment ^_^ But here goes: "This is better than some of the horror stories I've heard through colleges" I assume it should be colleagues "different reasons but they feel that they cant" cant -> can't "not because they were pasionate." pasionate -> passionate "(you pay 30% of medical bills of you are sick)" second "of" should be "if"
(ID #219136) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:22
CEO MIrai Inc
Thank you sensei! All corrected. I need to speak more Engrish.
(ID #219139) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:26
Yeah, with the amount of languages you know I imagine it's impossible to keep all of them perfect ^_^ I even find with just learning one language right now that I make more and more English mistakes.
(ID #219194) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:41
Judging from the video above...do you speak with the funny japanese accent to be polite to the locals or to fit in with the locals? Cant hear any Brit accent from it at all. OOps...i meant Can't, or Cannot.
(ID #219930) Posted on 2008/06/23 15:21
Gamer, the hardcore kind
I also see this one a lot ^^; Loose --> lose
(ID #220170) Posted on 2008/06/23 23:48
Online Shop
Great story from your experience Danny, you are always so determined to achieve your goal. I'm so envious of your sheer determination :) I did hear that some Japanese people can't use Microsoft Words or do some basic PC duties which makes them hard to get a decent job and so they live in those internet cafe and such. Hard to believe it sometimee. I want to live in Japan but so far don't have much a solid plan, sigh. My general plan is to work and save up money for few years and then move to Japan maybe. Give me some of your dedication to me Danny!
(ID #219126) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:07
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
interesting read Danny. would very much love to work in Japan especially when you mentioned the whole "lifetime employment" thing. I could imagine being set up for life working in an otaku-related company like GoodSmile. pure bliss
(ID #219130) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:13
Since the Japanese tend to stay in with their employers till retirement, how do people see quiting and joining another company? I think I heard that this is not done at all, but how can you advance yourself if you are in a position that doesn't move? Or are you basically stuck being a low salary individual going no where? Personally I would love to learn Japanese though I hear it is one of the hardest languages to learn. So I am kinda hesitant because I might start to lose interest due to difficulty learning.
(ID #219131) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:16
Speedgrapher
A lot of companies in California have "MBA required" in their job postings. Some companies have "or x experience" but I'm finding a lot of companies don't even have that anymore. Some have "PhD required" for mid-level jobs. Which I think is crazy for some of the jobs I've seen that required a PhD or MBA. Now I'm all for higher education, but some of these guys with PhDs have NO experience in the corporate world. They have their own pace. I'm generalizing, but this is from seeing guys coming from a pure academic background and join an environment that expects quick turnaround. There's always exceptions, but that's my experience. People with MBAs pass that first door where guys with BAs are ignored.
(ID #219133) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:19
Yup, I'm sincerely interested in living & working in Japan. That's why I started taking Japanese lessons last Oct. I've had 2 friends who didn't made it pass the elementary 1 and 2 course simply cause they weren't motivated enough or had that passion. I'm determined to be able to converse normally by mid to end 2009! That's rather high for a starting pay (SGD 2,500). Fresh grads here get round SGD 2,700 monthly. And the 12 days leave for Dec alone?! We prorate it here. It's 14 days annual leave a year, not including sick leave, child sick leave, maternity leave and what nots. Danny, I think you're a role model cause you're very focused and motivated when you have a goal. Hope to be able to intern at Mirai Inc. in the future cause I know it'll be a successful company ^^ I should learn from you. I'm a tad too lazy at times.
(ID #219135) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:21
and it was starting pay for 10 years ago too, dont forget about time value of money. I was doing a polytechnic course and thought getting SGD 2,000 at the time was pretty good =x
(ID #219359) Posted on 2008/06/22 21:02
Email & Network Support/Administration
Knowing my "market value" is a little tough. Even though I'm the network administrator, we don't use Active Directory so that hurts me, although I do get to try and figure out problems in this mixed platform network (Mac & Windows) and admining email and web servers. I am learning Japanese by learning on my own and using an online school. This fall, I'll sign up for the second level Japanese course at my local community college. I had thought about working in Japan, but have seen a few job ads listing 35 as the max age (missed that requirement by a bit). Oh well, there's the eikawa's I guess. But I intend to have fun learning Japanese and have plans for a visit in Novemeber (we have to accrue our vacation time at my current job)
(ID #219144) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:34
Policy & Research Officer
Nice sharing Danny. My goal is to live in Japan by the time I hit 30. Sad to say, I've no proper plans yet, but my intention is to achieve JLPT 1 first and maybe get a MBA or something. Meanwhile I'd just get the most out of my job in Customs and probably gain some useful working experiences there.
(ID #219147) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:41
Huhu, 180,000 yen per month eh, its about MYR 5++k, which is a salary for engineer, programmer here in Malaysia. In Malaysia, we use "salary per month". About living and working in Japan, actually I'm currently interested in going to Japan for holiday, not living or working there, yet :P
(ID #219153) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:47
Well, the truth is that I began paying attention to Japanese stuff 8 months back, in that time I was not very excited about the idea of living or working in Japan. But now is totally different and I have 1 goal on mind and I think of it everyday. I'd love to work and live in Japan, is like a dream, call me «adulator» but Danny Choo has been the strongest inspiration, and believe me, now I really know what I want to do in the short-term. It's gonna take some hard work but it will be worth. Now I'm amazed with Japan and I won't let my opportunity pass by, living/working in Japan is something that I really want to do so for the first time in my life I'm gonna be responsable and follow my dream haha. Thank you Danny for the inspiration and the cool stuff you share in your blog ^^
(ID #219156) Posted on 2008/06/22 14:49
Given the widespread use of email in the business world, I'm surprised many working adults in Japan do not know how to use email. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office is also expected when you apply for an office job in Singapore. In Singapore, a fresh general degree holder seeking an entry level position in the Civil Service can expect a gross salary of about 220,500 Yen per month (keep in mind Tokyo is ranked 3rd among the cities around the world with the highest cost of living. Singapore is ranked 14th). Generally speaking, the government takes 20% from your gross salary as compulsory savings. The employer also contributes an additional 14.5% to that compulsory savings. The savings can be withdrawn when the employee hits 55 years old, ensuring that there's some kind of retirement fund. This also eases the government's burden when there's a growing aging population to take care of. Sadly, lots of people waste that sudden windfall.
(ID #219164) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:04
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Great tips Danny... would love a job at GoodSmile, but that one's not for me. :P No certificate in book keeping, no (japanese) driver's license, don't live in Tokyo, still dunno japanese... what a failure! XD I voted no because my plans are not yet solid. I could say I dream of living and working in Japan, I'd say I really have the intention to go at some point in my life, but now it doesn't depend only on me, and it's not the right time yet, though I realise I'm getting kinda old already. About japanese though... I've already gonne to some japanese language schools here where I live. Intend to start taking classes soon. I specially wanna learn how to read and write..
(ID #219166) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:06
Medical Research and Design
An amazing story, Danny, and kudos to you. You've done damn well for yourself and you have your own hard work to thank for it. Luck and skill is with you, and I have to say you've achieved what I'm trying to as well. To answer your poll, I do have plans to work in Japan and move there. Currently I'm working the angle from within the company I already work for which seems to be lightly promising at the time, but regardless of the situation I will end up in Japan wether it is with Cardinal Health or not. It's my dream - and nothing is going to stop me except something absurd like a war or whatnot. You work what I would have dreamt to work. For that you have both my envy and profound respect. :)
(ID #219168) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:10
Scientist, unemployed.
You work for Cardinal Health? I've applied to their site at Michigan State University 4-5 times, only got one interview, didn't get the job. How many attempts did it take for you to get in? To answer the poll, I would like to visit Japan, maybe even work there. But I did kind of badly in my first semester of Japanese in college. Would have to take a refresher course. Maybe I'll get one of those Rosetta Stone programs once I get a job.
(ID #220620) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:57
Student, Opportunity seeker
I plan on going for an MBA sometime in the future (after I finish my BBA in marketing that is, hehe). Usually, it's an unwise decision for a student to go for an MBA directly after getting their bachelors'. From talking to various executives, it's far better to get some experience under your belt before hand. Also, if you're lucky, the company you work for may pay your way to get an MBA and might increase your pay/position upon obtaining it. In anycase, it's important to have an MBA if you're hoping to reach the executive levels in corporate america (world?). Atleast that's what I think.
(ID #219178) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:23
always find your articles motivational.. worked and still working at an multinational IT computer after got my degree started out as a contractor with around MYR 2K salary, found an opening for a permenant position which payed MYR 2.5K. Now 2++ years in the same computer, i am getting around MYR 3.5K without OT. The OT are quite good, and since its an American company - benefits are good as well Really interested in learning Japanese language but is currently self learning via books (Genki I), online resources, and from Dannychoo (where i pick up all the naughty words). Any advice here would be greatly appreciated. And oh yea, might be going to Japan end of this year - all the more reason and chance to learn up. Have a bit of the too comfortable symdrome as I think my company is paying me good buck and OT. So i am looking for opening in different department or team within the company that may present a change of working in Japan. Thank you Danny for yet another great article...add oil ganbaru yo!!
(ID #219182) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:29
Amazing story from your experience! I'd love to live and work in Japan, but I still have a couple years until university and so on and my opinions might have changed by then, but other than that, still have the dream of living and working in Japan...
(ID #219183) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:32
Aurora (Registered on 2006/12/26 10:01)
I love these stories on how you get to where you are now. You always give me hope! Now time to work harder towards to my dream.
(ID #219184) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:32
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
I think it's skills and what you can do is very much what differentiates you from the rest of the folks. Of course qualifications do play a part but it's more than often experience and work attitude that will bring you further and paid more.
(ID #219186) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:35
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
I would like to work in Japan but I don't know if I'll be able to take on the challenge... For now, I guess I have to study hard so that I'll be able to go to Japan!
(ID #219195) Posted on 2008/06/22 15:42
IT engineer
good read..! sadly now i find myself underpaid T.T but at least i fufill my dream of working here ^^;
(ID #219223) Posted on 2008/06/22 16:20
study
kool
(ID #219224) Posted on 2008/06/22 16:21
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
To be honest, as much as I like japan I'm not sure if I really want to live/work in japan (I think I will spend too much money on things which I shouldn't be too much temptations lol), I don't mind visiting Japan for vacation/sight seeing tho ^^;
(ID #219226) Posted on 2008/06/22 16:23
I've just finished a Technique Informatique(sorry, not really sure what it is called else where) and I'll be entering university in September to get a Software Engineer degree. I haven't made up my mind yet about if I'll want a master degree or not but I know I'm not aiming to get a Ph.D. I'd like to be able to go and live in japan, I can't say yet if I'll want to spend the rest of my life their until I've been able to go, but I know I'd like to at least spend a few year. Once I'll be in Montreal, I will try to get Japanese class to start learning the language. I tried to take some class in my city but since it not big, it had to be private lesson and was too expensive for me. One thing I would like to do is to get into an exchange program with my university and be able to go to an Japanese one a semester or a year. But other than that, I don't really have any solid plan on how I'll get to Japan. Btw Danny, do you know if for Japanese company, knowing French is an asset? Or it something that not really worth more than any other extra skill you could have.
(ID #219233) Posted on 2008/06/22 16:33
Too bad I decided to change my business route when I entered college. I could have become a great accountant like my father (I did a lot of work for him). I would probably meet all the qualifications except for the actual certificate and the license (too lazy to get right now).
(ID #219242) Posted on 2008/06/22 16:51
JR. College Student
I don't care where my job is... I just need one. >_>
(ID #219243) Posted on 2008/06/22 16:51
Administrator
I don't see me working in Japan anytime soon. I don't know any Japanese aside from babbling anime lines, learning a language for hobbies is beside the point to me. I like to do the job I like (with acceptable pay of course), the place only needs to be comfortable and that's not necessary Japan. I might change my mind in the future though, who knows. Danny, you're impressive, being firm and confident in archiving your goals. Being a human feeling jealous is inevitable. I, only the other hand, tend to play around and losing my focus lol. To be honest, I have had to repeat one year and a half at my university due to my laziness (otakuness is partially at fault here XD); my marks are also erratic, ranging from very good or even perfect scores (subjects I like) to repeatedly failing some subjects (subjects I'm not interested in) and then somehow managed to get by them. But "thanks to repeating" like that, I landed myself on the thesis (building a system to centrally manage lab usage for students, including user accounts, time and disc space quota, and some other services with linux and windows clients alike), instructed by the head of my department, for various reasons and also had to do it alone again for various reasons. Then some time ago he just asked me: "It seems you like to stay here (funnily sarcastic joke I guess), so do you want to continue to stay here as an admin?", and so I had an interview and we came to a closure. I'm going to work starting this July, still have two presentations to do for this thesis, but the preparations for these have been practically done already. The salary is not high as you would expect from working in school. Still it should be about average for just graduated students like me. To cover that up though, it's flexible and comfortable IMO like I can stay home if I'm tired no need to phone in, providing the network and system in school are working; I can also go in and out as I like. It also has a lot of opportunities like continue learning (plan to take on the M.Eng certificate as why not), scholarship, doing contracts for companies for additional income. Guess I'm very different from the typical hardworking ppl, and my life has been driven by luck a lot. Even when getting into this university, some of my friends had to work their ass off and still failed, I took it moderately and barely passed. I need to shape up and take this chance seriously this time (had told this to myself a bunch of times lol). Good luck to myself. If any of you are still learning in school and stuffs, don't try to imitate me to be honest. It has some very sour memories (real life and love life) and I did lose a better job opportunity due to not being graduated at the time.
(ID #219246) Posted on 2008/06/22 16:54
Interaction design, web 2.0 entrepreneur
Long and interesting article. Me and my partner in biz are considering moving an office to Tokyo or creating a branch there by early next year. We are heavily involved in we 2.0 and modern website dev. Is this a very tedious process? As in will it take a load of money and or a load of time to do?
(ID #219282) Posted on 2008/06/22 17:33
Great tips you have here Danny, I'm still in university year 1 in Canada but looking to get a BAsc in Mechanical Engineering then on to a MBA perhaps. I just started learning Japanese by myself as well, as I do plan to work and live in Japan *someday*... the general pay/salary there looks really good, and plus if I make good use of my English and Chinese I might get more priority in finding a job there :). I look forward to more of your "Japan" related articles as they're very thorough and helpful! Ganbatte!
(ID #219308) Posted on 2008/06/22 18:12
~Undine~
I'm learning Japanese more as a hobby, a recreational activity that gives me something positive to focus on. My goal is to eventually be able to watch anime without subtitles and read untranslatede manga. While I do hope to visit Japan in the near future I do not have plans to go live there. Working in the support branch of information technology, the available jobs, demand and pay varries with the market, since a prolonged slump, demand has been again quite high since last year, which is good as it gives more job opportunities and possible higher pay. My pay is fair but not great, I do have a company car, which is a definite plus and saves a lot. Since I lack any computer related degrees (I studied for something else originally) most companies will use that to either veer you away from higher or interesting positions or to offer less pay, this is saddening since in my carreer so far I have noticed that having degrees aren't always indicative of a good employee. I've seen plenty of downright lazy, incompetent people and a whole load of people who were able to bluff their way into a higher position or a higher pay and when you're working with them, you discover they're made of air. ^^;;
(ID #219309) Posted on 2008/06/22 18:15
great article danny. playing devils advocate tho.. pay in japan is pretty bad >.< i guess you get by in life with the benefits.
(ID #219316) Posted on 2008/06/22 18:39
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
I would like to work in Japan. I just need to learn enough of the Japanese language. MBA is hard to get here. When I'm ready and get some work expereince, I would want to move to Japan.
(ID #219317) Posted on 2008/06/22 18:39
student
I would like to work in japan for awhile, like maybe a year or so to get a feel of how different it is than working in the US. Right now, that idea is probably nothing more than a dream as my academic goals doesn't coincide with traveling to Japan u_u.
(ID #219320) Posted on 2008/06/22 18:53
I've thought about being a linguistic translator if I can't be an artist or animator so if I do that I do want to learn Japanese and maybe I'll work in Japan. But it's too early to tell right now.
(ID #219321) Posted on 2008/06/22 19:03
yeah, I don't have any solid plans to work in Japan. Of course it would be nice to be able to line in Japan, but I'm kinda missing the motivation. Although I did take Japanese lessons last semester and Will continue to take more. I think that going to Japan as exchange student would be more timely because I haven't even started College/University yet, so I have plenty of time to decide.
(ID #219322) Posted on 2008/06/22 19:10
Wow the payscale of goodsmile seems huge to me if i convert it in my countries currency. 180000 yen equals 63000Rs per month. thats more than twice the salary i'm getting after 10yrs of employement oO. And the norm here for salary structure is Cost To Company per year = they include all virtual and real benefits and add it up. From this figure, benefits are then removed and will be given separately and rest is divided into 12 months and given after tax is deducted. So a person ends up getting more than 50k less than what he bargained for. The benefits are also taxed by the govt. Only some companies give bonus here and it would be only once a year and with strings attached - like u'll get half of it now and other half at end of the year if your still in employement with that company. Probation here is from 6 months to 1 year. And after that period is over we get around 10-15% hike in salary, and we are permanent employees on paper only. we can still be thrown out for some fault of ours or if performance drops. And people are laid off in one day. I was once, cause i didn't complete my graduation. Right now i'm on the verge of being fired by a multinational bank i work with, cause of not being a graduate. And speaking about qualifications, no company accepts persons without a graduate degree, no matter how good he is or how well he performs he'll always be the first to be thrown out. Sad but true. Here the HR department calls the shots. They hire people with engineering degrees to work as software developers or graphics artists -|-! Even if you hold a Phd in science, the person holding a BE degree will be given preference. This is the story with all big companies - multinational or unknown companies. I'd like to work and livein Japan (any palce is better than India, even Antarctica imo) but i'm not able to remember whatever japanese i learn. shucks. my brain is dead i think. sob.
(ID #219326) Posted on 2008/06/22 19:17
forgot to add this - most guys and girls working in call centers are all engineers or science graduates OO.
(ID #219328) Posted on 2008/06/22 19:18
I'd like to work in Japan especially for a figure/anime etc. company (free figures ftw) and I'm also learning book keeping and other finance stuff but I'm not that good in Japanese, have been learning it for 5 months now. I'm learning at a private language school (no Japanese at uni) and I must say the teacher matters a lot. We might have started a tad too fast so ppl without great motivation (about half of the group) gave up. As for MBA i'd like to do it, it's not a common requirement here but I think it's usefull later on. I've heard you need some years of work experience to have a chance to be admitted to an MBA course. (I've just finished my 3rd year out of 5 at uni now)
(ID #219333) Posted on 2008/06/22 19:33
Blogger, Figure collector, Baby Photographer?
darn it, if only i knew how to speak japanese and lived in japan! i'd totally apply for that job! they wouldn't even have to pay me with money, just let me live in the offices and pay me in figures... I guess a girl can only dream :(
(ID #219339) Posted on 2008/06/22 19:58
I learn that some Japanese companies offer Japanese language boot camps for foreign workers who can't speak Japanese. I won't mind working for any nations provided as long I get paid and able to gain experiences I need for my resume, but I'm aware of the Japaneses' stereotypical attitudes toward Gaijins and their ultra-nationalistic behaviour which can be real turn-offs. What more, the soaring living expenses in Japan can really kill you if you're an average paid salaryman. Suicide rate is pretty high in Japan compared to other worlds due to highly stressful working environments, looks to me you have to be a workaholic or a masochist to work in Japan. With so many negative vibes about work in Japan, I guess it's either a great chance for working experiences or working under hellish situations. So it's depends whether are you ready for such challenges...
(ID #219340) Posted on 2008/06/22 19:59
Mechanical Engineering student
I want to live in Japan. I feel that something is calling me there (and no it is definitely not because of the anime). All I need is to finish my engineering course and study Japanese. I should have started studying how to speak Japanese first before Mandarin Chinese which I am currently studying now. Are engineers in-demand there in Japan? O_o
(ID #219343) Posted on 2008/06/22 20:18
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
Well, yea i am trying to learn Japanese but it's a bit tough here to find a good school, so far its progressing so-so as it could without an school. As for living and working in Japan, yes... i made my mind up over it a few months ago and since then did research for the best way for me. My motivations is not only the Otaku stuff, but also the fact that Japan right now offers me more then germany or easy said - i would enjoy living there more then in germany, right now i feel like i am rotting here. Since WebDesign people have it rather hard, close to impossible as it seems from reading gaijinpot, i will change my job to systemintegration which the japanese industry and trade chamber did recommend me. This job "change" will take 2 years, then i need to make some work expierience and then gona see what i can do about Japan. Untill then i hope they changed their immigrants law which is all over the news since a while now, that would make it a lot more easier for me as well. As for GSC, sounds awesome... i am capable of every computer related work... but finances... i hate finance laws, i barly know german financial laws so i totaly have no clue bout the japanese ones! (like taxes and stuff you need to watch out for etc. pp.) Also i only got to know the german ones since i was working on my own for 2 years, own company and stuff but only for webdesign. Simply put i would do everything to get to Japan, but of course i would like to do a propper job and not being a leech. ^^; I hope people in Japans IT industry arent as bad as in germanys, like "Ohh, your a girl, no we don't hire girls for this $IT Job." ... i have had that happen a few times. My best jobs came due connections... :/
(ID #219345) Posted on 2008/06/22 20:20
Full-time student へへ
me doing a phd now... what are my prospects i wonder?
(ID #219349) Posted on 2008/06/22 20:30
Full-time student へへ
btw, i do agree with you though. skills and achievements are just as important, they should complement your degree. just my 2 cents.
(ID #219350) Posted on 2008/06/22 20:32
CEO MIrai Inc
As long as you are doing it for the right reasons. I probably sounded like I was knocking folks who are doing MBA's or PHD's. Sorry if it sounded that way ToT;
(ID #219362) Posted on 2008/06/22 21:05
haha...thatz ok danny i might do the MBA now that I got my CA (Canadian equivalent to CPA) how much do CPAs get in Japan? I might move over if itz good enough...hehe
(ID #219851) Posted on 2008/06/23 13:16
Not really, but I do want to check it out once that I graduate and get out of the military~
(ID #219356) Posted on 2008/06/22 20:54
I always think it's best to have as many backup plans as possible to highten the possibilities of realizing a goal.I'm currently still studying physics and will probably graduate next year.At the meantime,although I don't have much time,I learn some japanese.My first plan is to apply for a master through the monbugakusho scholarship.If this fails,I'll go do my master in MBA or nanotech in the netherlands (i'm half dutch) and either work there and work my way to japan (through jobs which could possibly send me there) or apply for job in japan. The only prob I'm facing atm is my japanese.Although I studied japanese 3 months now,I've done a great progress very easily but because of university I'm not able to do as much as I would like to and I don't think I will completely ready after I graduate.Also,the only teacher I was able to find in my region,was a japanese woman which had not any experience with teaching.Any tips about this?Should I maybe take a break from studies and do some intensive courses after I graduate?
(ID #219364) Posted on 2008/06/22 21:06
Living in japan, even if its just an 'extended holiday' for a year is a serious plan of mine. My brother moved to Austrailia last September, and as a result, ive been very reluctant to pursue this goal, as i would be more or less isolating my mom and leaving her on her own. Since my dad died, im more or less the only company she gets, so for her other son to leave the country, it would be pretty crappy for her. Ah well - im still keen on doing it though. I dont think i would struggle too much to get a job in CG over there if i tried - its just a case of putting up with insane working hours and low money compared with back here!
(ID #219373) Posted on 2008/06/22 21:54
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
I understand it about your mother. Even though I still have my mother and father, they are pretty much all the family I have left, and my mother would really miss me. She would even come too if she could. I have less problems with leaving my friends behind than my parents, as there is still the internet that we can keep contact. And who knows, I might not even stay in japan forever. It's still very much unknown.
(ID #219599) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:23
I know what you mean. I could live with leaving my friends behind and getting a fresh start, but my mom would more or less be left on her own as my bro lives in Oz, and were only a small family.
(ID #219704) Posted on 2008/06/23 08:39
I'm a student from Singapore, currently in Year 11 (Junior College year 1), and I am interested to know more about what it takes to study in Japan and what university life is like over there. I hope to move to Japan one day but no concrete plans yet :/ Do you happen to know about university life in Japan too?
(ID #219383) Posted on 2008/06/22 22:13
This was a very interesting article! I want to live in Japan, or seoul. I'm a student right now and will be studying science and maths A-levels. Will work extremly hard so I can get into a good university to learn Japanese and Engineering, perhaps Korean and Engineering (not yet decided). I've heard Japan needs Engineers so I'm hopeful! Then again scientists and engineers are always in demand, and I hope that by speaking English and Japanese and studying in the UK I will have an advantage :P I'm also hoping that I can spend my last year of university abroad, but not sure how many universities do that. So no solid plans but alot of Ideas. Trying to be sensible about it :D
(ID #219387) Posted on 2008/06/22 22:47
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
Danny never fails to inspire me! Some of my fellows may stone me to death, but I love my country and I'll try my best to serve it. I have big dreams in bringing change upon our country, and upholding justice and order. Yes that's pretty naive and way too pure hearted, but that's the only wish I have for my country, and I would die happy if I can bring about some change. Well, I have two ways to do that, it's either I become a teacher or become a lawyer (2 possible jobs coming from my course) I love Gundam and anime, but I never really thought of living in Japan. But I have plans of going there to visit, since I'm really interested in their history and culture (though Gundam and figure shopping comes first) ^^
(ID #219388) Posted on 2008/06/22 22:47
Has someone ever tried to get a visa and open a company? Or is it impossible to get one even with the financial background? Plans have to be made... and my idea was to work for some huge Japanese company in Japan after finishing university at home and then open -- as I've said -- my own one with the money from the job. Its almost like your life, Danny, just without Starwars and... stuff. And what about marriage? Hope that simplifies things.
(ID #219393) Posted on 2008/06/22 23:15
CEO MIrai Inc
may answer your questions. http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/615/Work+in+Japan.html http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/815/Japan+Proprietorship.html
(ID #221796) Posted on 2008/06/25 22:30
Hi Danny, Just stumbled on your site and have found it awesomely useful! :) Tha main point of your post appears to be that English + Japanese + Core Skills will make you more attractive as a job candidate to employers. But given that increasing numbers of indigenous Japanese now have all these 3, what's the incentive for an employer to hire a foreigner over a native person (especially one who has had an education abroad)? I'm concerned about this, and feel that a third language would be useful to make me truly international. Are there any particularly sought-after languages in Japanese business?
(ID #219405) Posted on 2008/06/22 23:34
Dog of the Country
you reminded me to research on animation schools in japan. the cost of 1 semester, the cost of living, staying, food, transport, language, arubaito (hope they allow), living expanse..etc..
(ID #219419) Posted on 2008/06/22 23:47
Excellent article, really nice to get some inside information on working in Japan, and the way things roll over there. I've thought about living in Japan, but the thing is, I've never even been to Japan.. So It'd probably be a good idea to see what it's really like first. =P And beside that, I don't think I'll ever learn Japanese, aside from the small, irrelevant sentences you get from Anime and such, the language is just too different. I've been learning 2 extra languages over the past 6 years, French, and German. The two I already know are English, and Dutch. French and German Aren't a walk in the park either, well, German is, but French CAN be quite hard. I manage by applying logic, and using the four languages together, since they all originate from the same language(sorry, forgot its name). My point being, in this poorly constructed haiku, with Japanese, I can't apply logic, or use any other form of knowledge that I might already posses. I mean sure, with really hard work and some time I might get the basics. So I can properly order some food in a restaurant, but that still won't get me anywhere. But in the end, it's China that's going through the economic growth, and not Japan right? Anyhow, I'm starting my Bachelors Business and Management Studies in a few months, not sure if I'll go for my masters, it's a lot of work getting a masters in something. One question though, is a salary of 180K a month a lot in Japan? I mean, converted back to my currency, that's the amount we get if we're unemployed ^^; Not really a point to this post, just a lot of one-liners, too tired to make up a well constructed story, filled with dazzling statements. In the end, I don't think I'll ever get to work in Japan, not sure if I even want to, I mean, I feel a lot more comfortable speaking English than Japanese, that's for sure ^^; Australia seems nice though, aside from the crack in the Ozone layer. I'm a fan of V8's ^^;
(ID #219421) Posted on 2008/06/22 23:49
I am actually planning to live in Tokyo next year while I take a Japanese language course, It will probably end up being 6-12 months, depending on what school and course I take (having real hard time at the moment searching and looking for a good school to go to). After that I plan to either enter university if I have enough money or a part time job by then, or try to find work. I am a musician by trade, but I was wondering while I'm in Japan, whether there are any *core skills* you recommend I look in to learning in my spare time Danny? I'm thinking learning on the side will benefit me especially if I find it hard to get music work, and most importantly so I don't have to move back home because I'm broke. Nice to read the chronicles of your life again Danny, as many others have said, seeing what you have achieved in your time without any help, really gives us hope and perspective on our futures, thank you!
(ID #219423) Posted on 2008/06/22 23:50
the wholesale business of flower
Dear dannychoo you are great! today I look danny's website. your website change again.you are a good worker! Thank you I think I enjoy by the grace of danny.
(ID #219425) Posted on 2008/06/22 23:56
Drazzanduo (Registered on 2008/01/13 04:54)
Yo Danny! I'm learning myself Japanese by myself in three years by now, in hope of studying in Japan next year. I can really recommend the Pimsleur Japanese courses, which are audio-lectures. GOLD Just Google it, (buy or rent it from the internet-library) and love it. For learning hiragana and katakana: www.aeriagloris.com/LearnJapanese/ Now off you go!
(ID #219442) Posted on 2008/06/23 00:23
Good motivation story! ^^ Hiring someone with the rightful skills and attitude is definitely better than a baka with a paper certificate Didn't really think of working in Japan but would definitely visit it frequently~
(ID #219443) Posted on 2008/06/23 00:26
you have sexy voice <3
(ID #219449) Posted on 2008/06/23 00:40
I have been learning Japanese on and off for about 1.5 years. Usually if I am bored at work I will study a little. Tried the audible lessons (which work quite well) usually listen to a lesson before bed. Started to pick up the language but felt I hit a wall. I then thought that "Hey If I could read the language" I would be able to look up words and start to grasp their sentence structure visually. Learned Katakana and Hiragana in about 1 month practicing 1 hour each day. Now I feel that my Mind has opened up sooo much. Even though I am dreading having to learn the some 1750 most used Kanji I feel I will be able to after learning all of the Kana's. But the greatest feeling is when watching a program or reading something, I can understand what is being written. I know one day I will be able to read speak and write Japanese fluently and will move to Japan, might not be for life but I want to give it a good try.
(ID #219491) Posted on 2008/06/23 01:40
For those of you who are interested in working in Japan, you should be careful about Japanese work culture. That's my advice... too tired to post more about it. Ask Danny!
(ID #219516) Posted on 2008/06/23 02:05
Hello Danny Choo. I started my Japanese class a week ago; it's a six week class during the Summer semester, but we're learning as much as we would in the Fall or Spring semester. I have an awesome sensee who is from Japan and actually came back from Japan a day before the class started. We're using the Genki book and are having our first chapter test tomorrow; we also have a vocabulary and Hiragana quiz everyday. I have the drive to learn because I want to eventually live and work in Japan. My tip to help people learn faster is to not focus on the Anime and Manga. You will never truly have the drive because there will always be subtitles to keep you from studying. I want to learn the language so I can fully live my life whenever I move to Japan. I would simply feel strange living somewhere and not being able to read everything; conversations are easy to pickup. Now to MBAs, I am an Economics major and am planning to eventually acquire an MBA. Any good MBA program is very vigorous and requires you to already have achievements in business to be accepted, so I can easily see why anybody with one will be given higher pay. It's a graduate program after all. I don't know where the people you met received their MBAs from, but not all MBAs are equal. I myself would love to acquire my MBA from an ivy league.
(ID #219519) Posted on 2008/06/23 02:07
soon-to-be 2nd year Civil Engineering student
I can only dream about living and working permanently in Japan. Barely made it through to my local university recently, going to start my new life next week, taking civil engineering. Maybe I would visit Japan as a tourist as my graduation holidays, but certainly no plans to go over there permanently. Living expenses are hellish, everything is hectic, as I've heard from everywhere.
(ID #219535) Posted on 2008/06/23 02:20
kitsura (Registered on 2007/10/30 19:37)
I've already secured my ticket to Japan as I've recently landed a job with a Japanese company located in my country. Now all I have to do is perform well and once the opportunity arises for an overseas posting I can always apply for it.
(ID #219539) Posted on 2008/06/23 02:29
Extremely Poor College Student
i would want to work and live in japan but i dont want to end up like those guys that sleep all over the place
(ID #219548) Posted on 2008/06/23 02:47
Thank you for all the great info Danny! You've made it sooo far! I need to learn from you! I seriously plan on living and working in Japan. I started taking Japanese and I don't find it that hard. Unfortunately, it will be very hard for me to get a job since my major will be something with Asian Studies and Film Studies...most of the jobs I've seen deal with the IT field (and gawd knows computers hate me - I pray everyday my laptop won't de on me) or sciency stuff or economics, which for the humanities little me doesn't sound too good. I know I know, everybody has a hard time finding a job, especially international applicants (like me u_u), but but it's easier to find a job in a field that has a lot of demand. I've already accepted the fact that I will live in a cardboard box when I graduate =) I was also considering teaching English in Japanese high schools. I need to see how that will work out. Regarding the salary thing, in Romania you think of it in terms of months, not year like in the US. Dunno, I find it easier to know how much money I'm getting every month so I can plan my spending accordingly...It takes a few minutes for me to calculate how much money I will be getting a month from a year figure. Also, there are soooooo many religious holidays in Romania. I'm not religious, but when I was in school I always took advantage of the free time (woohoo). Now, stuck in college and in the US, I don't get as many as they were in my home country. Cheers!
(ID #219573) Posted on 2008/06/23 03:25
Naru Eternal
Very very good writeup on how one should approach jobs, as well as keeping an eye out for one's market value, Danny! Personally I like this article a lot since I'm just about to start on my internships, as a prerequisite for my course before I graduate, and it's really made me think about how companies conduct the hiring process as well as on my future career path and growth options. "Knowing your market value is not just about getting more money - its about getting rewarded more in monetary terms doing something that challenges you. Being rewarded more also means that you are being recognized for your experience, skills and achievements. So if you feel too comfortable in your current job, then it could be time to look for something more challenging - life is short." So true. As a friend of mine said, simple work rewards in simple pay, but if you want more money, then you're going to have to prove that you're worth it. And while you're at it, why not learn something new on the way? Anyways, thanks for a very informative write up Danny. And yes, I am planning to live and work in Japan, hopefully...now all I need to do is learn Japanese and hope that some eroge companies are recruiting!
(ID #219583) Posted on 2008/06/23 03:33
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
Interesting read there, Danny ;) I hope to have an adventure like that too some day :) As a comparison: When you get an office job in Belgium (could be IT or anything), you usually get 20 days of vacation the first year, which increases every year with one day. Starting salary is usually 1200eur/month. We mostly count salary per month, not per year. I have serious plans about living in Japan, but I'm not really on a tight schedule. My current goal is 5 years. The most important thing for me now is to learn japanese. Get at least JLPT level 3 (preferably level 2). Got my level 4 last year, and I'm going for level 3 at the end of this year. Some tips for learning japanese on your own: find as much information on the net as possible, from kanji, vocab to grammar. One of the things I will work on and I think will be handy for other people is to work on quick recognition of verbs when you hear the te-form of that verb. Te-forms are used quite a lot and can sometimes be quite different from the actually verb and sound alike. Especially some of the most used ones. Another tip, which is good for otaku, buy some japanese manga which has furigana near the kanji. It's not really to understand what it says, but to keep your hiragana and katakana fresh in your mind. And if you find kanji you know and understand, it's even better. When traveling to Japan, try to be able to read as many signs as possible. On trains, ads, shops signs, etc. It's important to keep using and reading Japanese.
(ID #219594) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:11
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
And about those japanese mangas. Keep reading them, because when you learn more words and grammar, you will gradually start to understand simple sentences which gives you a good feeling and a nice reward of your hard work. But be careful, not all japanese mangas have furigana: Haruhi, Death Note, Clannad all have furigana, but the Lucky Star manga does NOT have furigana, so be careful. Nice to know is that even some of those telephone book mangas like Comp Ace have furigana (which surprised me).
(ID #219598) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:19
Currently I am in high-school, and the only plan i have for the future is to go to japan as a translator. Gonna be in the Arts faculty in uni and take the Japanese culture and etc courses, the ones that give you a certificate as a translator. Then gonna JET for a couple of years to polish my japanese and see whether Japan is really a place for me. When done jetting, and have no doubts, will move there permanently with a work visa, meaning i will do my best to find a job in Japan. I speak 3 languages fluently already, and am about at conversationalist level in japanese, since i have studied it for over a year. And jet will count as experience, hopefully. Then wait till i get permanent citizenship and when the time comes will consider nationalizing.
(ID #219596) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:17
Currently, one of my goals is to get a decent job in Japan after I graduate from University. It'll be even better if I can actually get into a Japanese University, but getting into one that's good isn't an easy feat >_< Still, I'll try working towards it, starting by leveling up my Japanese, as well as equipping myself with relevant skills.
(ID #219602) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:36
nakashi (Registered on 2008/01/21 07:26)
Love to do it some day, just need money and time and family and school and job and food...yeah guess its everything.
(ID #219605) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:39
College Student
I really appreciate this kind of article. I think many of us plan on spending at least some time working in Japan, and to have some motivational material like this really kicks things into gear for me. And for any of you who run into people trying to tell me "you just want to live there because you like the cartoons", tell them to piss off because that's a better reason than being a loser with no hobbies over here :) We have to fight for our rights as nerds in this country still!!!
(ID #219609) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:52
.NET/Web Developer
Really? 5M yen a year is still on low for people with great skills? What's the average salary for someone who's really good anyway? Around here we still see our salary as a monthly basis compared to other countries which looks at it annually. I do have to agree that you really need to get to know your market value so that you can negotiate with employers and you should be confident about it. I did and it got me where I am today. ^^ Of course I'm still planning to go to Japan to work and live. As for the holidays, we have a lot of them in a year. Our US clients even wonder why we have so many holidays when they only have about 4 in a year exluding christmas. I'm still amazed at Japan's GOlden week though. A week of no work is amazing. It's like a vacation. hahah. :D Thanks for the writeup. It's good to know more about finding work in Japan.
(ID #219610) Posted on 2008/06/23 04:54
Student Engineer
A very inspiring article! I am in college at the moment so reading all of this stuff in regards to job offers, applications, skills, what have you sends good shivers down me spine ^^. Unfortunately, due to the highly sensitive nature of the work I want to do for comapny 1, I cannot be located outside of the USA, in fact they want me IN the USA almost 24/7. Company 2 offers alot of possibilities- they allow you to move to different projects that you have an interest in, and for that resume (I intend to apply to a few companies) and all others I will put down that I know Japanese. Of course I am still studying it on my free time ^^. I want to learn japanese because I am interested in learning the language- so that when I visit Japan I can not only impress locals, but I will be able to move about more freely and things will go a lot easier for me. Unfortunately, learning to READ Japanese is another ballgame X___X. Engineering is TOUGH stuff, but I love what I do and when I head back to the university this year I am going to give it my all to get that 3.0! If I can end College above a 3.0, the sky is the limit- but more importantly I am learning what I love to do.
(ID #219630) Posted on 2008/06/23 05:53
Living on Japan sound great, but I`m afraid that only with english, you don`t go too far there, need learn japanese... Anyway, don`t have any chance to living in other country because basically I lack the money to start a new live now, but in a few years things will change... Plus, I like my country, maybe is not perfect, but is good place to live!
(ID #219689) Posted on 2008/06/23 08:08
Sometimes I think Danny can read my mind, this isn't the first time where I was recently wondering something about Japan, only to have danny post an article on it a week or two later. More about me, currently I'm in school for Computer Engineering, I have a ways to go yet. Unfortunately my current school does not offer Japanese, they do but its "business japanese" whereas the one I want to learn is everything. I'll be transferring out of this one in a year or two and finishing it up elsewhere. I know the school I'm transferring into not only has a Japanese language program but also a "sister" school in Japan in which I can go and study for a semester if I want. I definitely plan on taking advantage of that. The school is "Sophia University" and is located in Tokyo, not sure about its "status" but it's also more of the fact that I can get "experience" with the language and culture there so when I do apply for a job in Japan, it should help me stand out a bit more. So obviously I'm doing independent study on my own, bought books and the sorts. I even got Rosetta Stone language software which is absolutely amazing, I STRONGLY recommend it for anyone interested in Japanese. It teaches you how to read/write, speak (voice recognition) to ensure you're correctly pronouncing it, and listening. Level 1 of Japanese for example has 4 units and each unit has 4 lessons. You start out doing a core lesson, which the lesson is done entirely using the immersion technique by use of pictures/audio which is about a 40 minute lesson. After that you go on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, reading and listening and finally review lessons. Once you finish the 4 lessons you then try to complete the milestone. The milestone is pretty interesting and relies entirely on what you know, it's basically like a picture book which you come across things you learned, like for example the first milestone involves you walking through the woods too meet up with friends at their campsite, here you go through an entire conversation with them, which you use a headset to talk with them. RS is expensive, and some might say it goes a snails pace, but it has been the greatest contribution to what I know. It's recommended that you know Hiragana and Katakana first before stepping into Rosetta Stone. Anyways, I was originally planning on heading to Japan after college but decided against it after reading a forum where a few engineers who live in Japan had recommendations. First they said you're better off gaining experience elsewhere first and then go to japan so you can better "barter" your salary and whatnot when you start. They also said engineering in Japan is actually pretty low paying in comparison to other countries like the US which pay about 1.5 to 2 times more along with the usual benefits. Honestly it was a bit shocking at first when I found that out, even more so when they said that it's not uncommon to find yourself working into the late night until midnight or after. They really push their engineers hard there. It's not entirely about money for me but I don't exactly want to only see my home for about 5 hours a day... Despite all this, I still desire to go and set my goal to arrive there around 27-29, which gives me 6-8 years to prepare. I plan on getting a job in the states at a company that has branches or preferably the companies "home" is in Japan, with japanese on the resume I could possibly find myself having an easier time getting to japan, as I could just transfer in the company overseas. Sorry for the long comment. ^^
(ID #219697) Posted on 2008/06/23 08:19
CEO MIrai Inc
Im guessing that the engineers on that forum didnt speak Japanese fluently - if they did they they would have been in positions which paid better and if they were in managerial positions then they would have been rewarded more.
(ID #219760) Posted on 2008/06/23 10:22
Web Surfer, 大学生 【だいがくせい】
I liked your comment . It very insightful.
(ID #220436) Posted on 2008/06/24 05:16
24/7 Otaku / 100% Haruhiist
I have plans to do a MBA, but not right now -- the cost for a MBA is really expensive. The MBA program from the University of British Columbia (the best local program where I live) costs $39,000 CAD or so, and it barely cracks the Top 100 in Financial Times' MBA rankings. I'm sure the Whartons, the GSBs, the Columbias, etc. of the world will cost even more. In my opinion, getting a US CPA and CFA is a much better deal right now.
(ID #219788) Posted on 2008/06/23 11:20
24/7 Otaku / 100% Haruhiist
Working in Japan would be fun, but it's not because it's Japan -- it's because Tokyo is one of the top 3 finance cities in the world along with NY and London. For me, it'll be a dream to work in any one of those 3 cities. However, Tokyo would probably be a long shot for me since my half-ass Japanese would prevent me from being competitive. :P
(ID #219793) Posted on 2008/06/23 11:25
Web monkey, coffee addicted cerberus, Chef Vader
I wouldn't mind staying in Japan for a long vacation but living there is a completely different thing, something I'd probably think over real good. I'm working on landing a job in HK but that won't be for another year or two.
(ID #219816) Posted on 2008/06/23 12:25
Microsoft Technologies Specialist - .NET Developer
I wanted to go visit Japan for the first time this year, and I also wanted to try and find a job (I'm a Microsoft Technologies Specialist) so I could stay for a couple of years and learn more about the culture (that's always been my dream). I had sent many resumes using job related websites, but most of the time the answer would be "We'd love to have you, but we are currently looking for someone who's already located here in Japan. Please tell us if you ever come to the country!" T_T Then I tried to get a Holiday Visa for 3 months (so I had time to find a job), but the guys from the embassy probably figured that out and denied my Visa application! Now I have to wait until October to apply again to the Visa (and hope that I don't spend my money on the meanwhile, since I quit my job to prepare the trip a long time ago... ^^;)
(ID #219903) Posted on 2008/06/23 14:45
Blogger, Video Gamer, Wan-a-b Otaku, Snowboarder, Idol Appreciator
Once you arrive in Japan you've got to continue your Japanese study on your own, find a class, get out in public and speak Japanese or make as many Japanese friends as you can for the opportunity to use your Japanese. It's easy to arrive here and believe that your Japanese will go through the roof because you are "in Japan". Yes, you see Kanji everyday and hear Japanese everyday but it won't help any if you're not trying to find out the meaning - just becomes a little more recognizable. Kanji and grammar are things I've got to improve on but you'll find that your Japanese improves exponentially with every chug of beer, reishuu or shochuu. Yes, alcohol flows freely in this country. "Nomyunication ノミュニケーション = Nomu 飲む (Drink) + Communication コミュニケーション" is how business gets done in many cases!
(ID #219910) Posted on 2008/06/23 14:52
IT Developer
very great article! thanks for sharing :) it is my goal to move and work in Japan :D
(ID #219924) Posted on 2008/06/23 15:11
Über-article. I bet they take a considerable work, but entries like this one or the one about yukata are the way to go, if you ask me. お疲れ
(ID #219983) Posted on 2008/06/23 17:20
Real nice Article! I definetly have plans to start work in Japan once I finish my Diploma. But I'm starting to fear that my study subject might be a bit limiting on places to work at. Aerospace isn't something you can do without beeing bound to specific places and I'm sure it isn't that easy to get into one of those, especially as a foreigner.
(ID #220016) Posted on 2008/06/23 18:41
The first thing I did when I registered to this site and edited my profile was indicate that (I plan to live and work in Japan). I should think plenty of dannychoo members think the same way, so I am puzzled by the imbalanced polls. From a very young age I knew I was going to be a writer cos I'm very opinionated and I enjoy narrating life from the third-person point of view (i.e. I'm a loner who sees the rest of the world from inside my shell) (that's also why I love blogging) and, most importantly, I loved reading. I read the fruits basket manga, and I know I make myself look stupid by saying this, but I was further inspired when I saw that Shigure Souma works as a writer, who could still afford to laze about at home every day. I'm also somewhat a lazy guy so I thought that lifestyle was for me. Afterwards, I tried to see if there were any closely related jobs to writing and figured teaching might be a good option too. I read Love Hina and I saw this guy called Seta who was a tuition teacher to Naru and Mitsune. I was inspired to teach English in Japan after seeing that I was pretty good at the subject, and that I could land myself a pretty schoolgirl. ^^; Finally, I went for this motivational course, and was 'motivated' to become a motivational speaker. :P They earn lotsa money, wear nice suits, and can throw tantrums at their clients and get away with it by saying "it's psychological motivation". I certainly talk a lot, I suppose I could make the cut. TL;DR I'm a weird person.
(ID #220028) Posted on 2008/06/23 19:43
Web Developer (i.e. Otaku)
Did a PhD, it's definately worthwhile although I ended up going down a completely different career path :-) Would love to work in Japan, as I guess my otaku programming skillz would be in demand but I'm not great at learning non-Otaku languages. It's taken me a year to learn just the Kanjii numbers. Oh well, at least I can dream of going on holiday to Japan again some time. I went last year, but my brain is still in denial that I actually went...
(ID #220032) Posted on 2008/06/23 19:51
At my college they have a program for my major(Criminology) to go study in Japan, but to live there I dont know what I could do with my major, only thing Ive seen is work private security in Roppongi Hotels and clubs.
(ID #220033) Posted on 2008/06/23 19:52
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
Brilliant article, Danny! I love your articles, especially when they have a touch of your side of the story, it makes it easier to relate to. I've been working for two years, ever since I left high school, and everything I learn aside from work is self-taught. I'd love to study but, I guess my family situation and the cost of living doesn't permit it just yet ^^; Strange enough, I've been told that I'm pretty meek, not following my goals. I read your articles and feel inspired and I want to improve my own abilities and fight for my dream! As for working in Japan, I'm not too sure whether it can be a reality for me just yet. Self-taught Japanese is as good as your own guidance, so from there I guess I'll need to polish my other skills before heading to Japan ^o^
(ID #220042) Posted on 2008/06/23 20:05
DCX001-Prototype
Wow! yet another well written informative & motivative article. There's a lot I wanted to compliment you Danny, but it will be a yellowpages thick for me to write it down here, so I'll keep it & tell you directly when we have the chance to meet up together face-to-face some day in the near future ^^
(ID #220229) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:44
Unemployed bummer
i'd love to land a job in Tokyo as a bank trader but it's kinda hard getting the connections to even land me the interview. T_T
(ID #220257) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:15
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
I want to get a job in the manga sector.... I'm asking for the impossible, ain't I?
(ID #220321) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:28
CEO MIrai Inc
Not at all. If you are passionate about it then you would already be looking up on it and researching possibilities.
(ID #221794) Posted on 2008/06/25 22:25
Hmm... My branch, Biotechnology, kinda needs me to do a PhD, if you know what I mean ^^. My seniors at college told me that guys in my field just aren't respected enough unless they do a PhD, 'cause that's the time they really specialize. From what I've read, Japan is world number 2 in the Biotech industry, and I really feel that the little Japanese I've gleaned from anime has got me all geared up to learn loads more. The only issues I have, with living and working in Japan, are the long (interminably long?) working hours, the presence of fish flakes and fish stock in all the dishes available (I'm a vegetarian), and most importantly, the 'once a gaijin, always a gaijin' theory. I would really like to fit in, to a minor extent in the very least, but the Japanese just don't seem to want foreigners in their society :(.
(ID #220358) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:10
Web Surfer, 大学生 【だいがくせい】
I want to live in Japan. But i dont know what i would do there? It be cool to work in the anime industry. But i don't know, what the different aspects of the industry are. OR (besides Japanese) what industries (in general) are good in japan?
(ID #220406) Posted on 2008/06/24 04:39
CEO MIrai Inc
IT seems to be booming.
(ID #221793) Posted on 2008/06/25 22:24
Yeah....I'm on the right track, now what i need is to graduate(next year), work for experience and then get some Japanese language + professional technical certs.....Ugh a long way to go.
(ID #221820) Posted on 2008/06/25 23:20
Scientist, unemployed.
I would like to at least visit Japan. I don't know about working/living there. I need to retake Japanese classes, or get one of those Rosetta Stone learning programs. Danny, do you think you folks could use a physicist/chemist? I am horribly unemployed and could use the job.
(ID #220622) Posted on 2008/06/24 11:00
CEO MIrai Inc
Not right at this moment but maybe in the future?
(ID #221792) Posted on 2008/06/25 22:24
Hrrrm im not too sure yet. But after my first tour at Iraq I will ask for permission to be stationed there. I would like to speak with alot of Japanese people and maybe help them develop their English skills... As if their English was not better than mines. XD
(ID #221043) Posted on 2008/06/24 23:13
Senior 3d designer/ CAD Engineer
Wow.. seem like a popular topic. My turn to post ya.. haha. I've this plan and it is a specific one, to fly to Tokyo next year May onward and stay for 3 months to find a job in my field. As for me, I do 3d design using, CAD, 3d studio max, Solidword etc. In addition to that would be various graphical software. I design exhibition booth, retail space, showroom, shopping podium booth, customised fixture and signages display. Having the experience also in web and print advertising media for our local directory publcation (3 years). Overall with the experience of 6 to 7 years in a senior level of my current company. As a whole, creativity were something i like doing i know i can do best and stay very focus on it. As for Japanese, もお2年は日本語クラスをしていると日本語能力試験３級は年末にして一生懸命勉強しています。 What do u think of my changes of getting a job in Tokyo Danny? Currently I'm still doing research and looking up for contect which i could establish once i reach there. With very limited amount of time and resource at my end, contacts were just all i need. I know its sounded just like a commando operations, hitting the target hard and fast and then go. Hear from you soon. Anyway, thanks for this post. :)
(ID #221401) Posted on 2008/06/25 12:45
Hi dude, I am Patrick. I worked in Singapore 5 years ago in construction. Do you mind to tell me how is the singapore construction industry today? Is it bad, that is why you are planning to work in Japan? I am currently working in UK and planning to go back to work in singapore.
(ID #221941) Posted on 2008/06/26 02:03
Senior 3d designer/ CAD Engineer
Hi Patrick, As for the industry here, Not as bad as before i guess. You might wanna give it a try..? Our gov here is building more and more "icon" structures and allot of retrofit works to dress up the old stuff here. So not harm trying and I sincerely wish u the best in it. As for my plan to move to Japan. I've been there afew time and I discover that many things which i really love is there and Sg is just not the place for me to live, work and play. Other reason would be on a personal level thu..
(ID #222259) Posted on 2008/06/26 11:55
Daytime - Financial Assistant / Nighttime - Golden Otaku + Hardcore Gamer
Hi guys. I am planning to work and live in Japan too. I have contacted recruitment agencies and they all strongly encourage me to learn Japanese well before i go to there. Currently I still learning Japanese but i get confused because of thingy, need to clarify with you all: 1. Japan Education Centre told me that most of the companies in Japan only hire foreign candidates who have standard Japanese language cert (I forgot the name already >.<). I not sure about this because i got friend who do not have any Japanese language cert working in Tokyo now. (If i need to go for the cert, i need to go Japan for a 9 months course with no income, i wonder how can i survive in there... O_o? ) 2. My major is finance & marketing. Do Japan really need finance newbie currently? And in fact, if i have the chance, i wish i can joined gaming/anime/comic/music industry. I have sent email attached with my resume to their mailbox but they just simply ignored me. T__T @Dear Danny and friends who are working in there, pls clarify / help me.
(ID #223552) Posted on 2008/06/27 17:31
Publishing
1. I think the certificate will be either the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) or the JETRO BJT (Business Japanese Test). Most Japanese companies looking for Japanese-speaking foreigners will not want to hire you unless you have either 1st or 2nd grade JLPT, or have passed the JETRO BJT. 2. Without any experience and limited Japanese you will find it very hard to secure employment in the finance or marketing industries. Unless you are very skilled/knowledgeable in a certain field where there is a shortage of decent Japanese graduates, or can do something that a Japanese person cannot do, things will be tough! But please don't give up on your dream of living in Japan: I came here knowing no Japanese whatsoever and things have worked out for the best, so far!
(ID #226138) Posted on 2008/06/30 21:33
Remote Support Engineer
Actually, I land in Tokyo on the 9th on a 1.5 year long Working Holiday Visa to start my life in Japan! Fortunately I've got enough money saved for a few months holiday before I start looking for work. First thing I'm gunna do is buy a huge TV. Any ideas what I should do next?
(ID #226717) Posted on 2008/07/01 11:50
student (part time researcher at DFKI)
Soon, I'll have a diploma in computer science and I'll go for a PhD, because research in my current field (artificial intelligence) is fun and the results are very fascinating. ^^ I have no serious plans to work in Japan, but if a Japanese company wants to hire me without burning me out, I'll go to Japan. :3
(ID #230193) Posted on 2008/07/05 06:27
dear danny, am going to finish my studying at the University for computer science and am trying to get a master in japan i know 3 Languages japanes is one of them and still studing it but what fore Arabic ppl coz am from iraq and i think you know about the war so am traviling from country to another so my dream is to work and live in japan but not many ppl can help here to go there so can you give me any advice so i can make it to japan. i wish to hear from you soon ^^.
(ID #275744) Posted on 2008/08/24 00:06
Informatics(ComSci-ish) student/self-taught graphic designer and illustrator
It's my dream to live and work in Japan, at least for a while ^_^ I'm trying to learn Japanese but my University does not offer it and the city is so small that there is only one private tutor who charges around $500 a month. I could learn on my own but I'm still trying to look for the right book. Will probably try the ones in your other post ^_^
(ID #299467) Posted on 2008/09/13 04:17
I thought about it some but the living environment is just not what Im used too I dont mind big cities, but the living cost is so high in Japan that you are essentially paying the same as if you were living in NY so why not just live in NY then... oh, Akihabara... ;) as long as a hokahoka bento is nearby
(ID #312016) Posted on 2008/09/24 18:56
music producer/graphic designer
Im in a different situation than most. My dream is also to live in japan and soak in the sights or whatnot but i want to become a music producer for japanese artists in Japan. I want to do all these things but i dont know where to start when it comes to the music aspect of it.
(ID #374731) Posted on 2008/11/17 16:38
"..there are companies however which keep poor performers by moving them around to different departments. These companies typically provide lifetime employment.." I think the correct term for the United States is "Union Job". I once worked for a the HR department of a unionized medical facility and it LITERALLY took an act of god to fire someone. Regardless of whether it was for incompetence or under performance. It's DEFINITELY not the kind of place you want to take care of you if you're ill.
(ID #391025) Posted on 2008/11/29 15:14
Graphic Designer, Biker, 501st Heavy Trooper
Glad i read this... I'm still in college, and had a plan of working in Japan, and that means i'm going to live in Japan permanently! *giggle giggle... LAUGHTER!* I's still on a lookout for a Japanese language classes here in my country, and have just found one yesterday, it's called JLCC (Japan Language & Culture Center), and gladly, you mention that the ones that have passion to speak Japanese would be more likely to finish the classes!! Also, i think i was blessed to have an excellent teacher whom has a connection to some companies in Japan, she's mrs. Tiarma Sirait (the one who apply batik to harajuku style clothes), glad to have her... I haven't planning on which company i will apply, but i have planned on getting a job around the graphic and designing sector, and have started to make my resume. Aaah, it'll be great if i work in a creative team on a company or even a tv network... Well, that's my story, i hope my dreams of living in Japan will be achieved soon!! Oh, one more thing, i'm speaking english using only my guts, so if anyone spots any mistake here on my comment, do please tell me, i'll be glad to hear it!
(ID #470774) Posted on 2009/02/02 00:53
man, this article is inspiring... i'm learning japanese right now, and im in high school. I'm also half-korean, so i'm studying that too, and taking chinese at school (the japanese is self-study, i know enough to survive). And, i'm doing a computer engineering major. I would really love to work in a Good Smile type corporation...! *done ranting*
(ID #523317) Posted on 2009/03/16 11:01
Agent
Man that's good that you've taken many jobs. BTW I love the CRT in that first pic. Old school! =)
(ID #559342) Posted on 2009/04/12 09:28
Student
I thought this post contained alot of really good information whether or not looking for a job specifically in Japan or not. Great advice Danny and I loved the video, though I'm not into figures I find them interesting.
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