赤坂 オフィス

Nice view but bad Feng Shui to be facing the window with your back to the rest of the office.

(ID #40849) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Roy's comment

Looks pretty daunting, the view. I prefer a more covered layout preferably with figurines.

Hmm pretty interesting tips though. 

(ID #40850) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to TJ Han's comment

Since I'm still learning the language, working at an (non-Nova) English language school is the route that I'm taking. Wonder what they'll think if I tell'em that I have my Masters in I.T.

(ID #40851) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Leo's comment

Nice post, raising my confidence on working in japan without being a bum! very informative, and not at all general. 

(ID #40852) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Jason's comment

Speaking of  the JET program, I found a blog few weeks back about a guy who went through it. I think he's still in Japan. Most of the stuff he goes through is pretty funny check it out if you get a chance. It may make you rethink the Jet program if your planning on heading that route though.
http://www.gaijinsmash.net/index.phtml

(ID #40853) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to MAGIC CHEF's comment

Whoa! you have a corner office Danny!?! Some companies would reserve space like that for their CEO or Country Manager.

(ID #40854) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to marvin's comment

Thank you Danny, very useful information.  You covered a few topics I had never given much thought or didn't know.  Visa information isn't an aspect of life in Japan I have looked into much. ^^;  Sometimes, I do things backwards.  I wonder if there are any changes when you are married to a Japanese national...
Nice view from your office!  I'm envious, but sure you earned it. ^_-  

(ID #40855) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Edward's comment

LOL, danny....that photo made me sick !

I am definately afraid of height. And i hate those lifts ! :)

My friends make fun of me ... but i am OK with that, as long as they dont force me to get into a lift :D

Ground Floor 4 me, please ! :D

(ID #40856) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to himanshu singh's comment

Now this is tempting, I gotta master the language though, but at the mean time I'll just have to see what the future holds. Very informative post mate, cheers!

(ID #40858) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Anjerasu's comment

Thanks for the info.  I was interested in working in Japan for sometime since i'm in college.  Got to think about the future and pick up japanese to go oversees and work my dream place ^-^

(ID #40859) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Bruce's comment

this entry deserves a triple thumbs up

btw how does the blog ranking system works? 
Each blog entry can only be counted once throughout history per unique IP? That is subsequent click wont increase the ranking?
Each blog can only be counted once per unique IP per day regardless of the number of entries put up? That is clicking on 2 entries from the same blog on the same day wont increase the ranking?

(ID #40861) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Huk.'s comment

写真を撮りにいってみたい！！(;゜∀゜)=3
でも高いところはちょっと怖いですね。

(ID #40863) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to よしむ's comment

While working in Japan is great, but there is also much stress.  Plus there is communication problem.  Although I have not worked in Japan, but I have worked for a Japanese company, and it was not as cool as it sounds.

(ID #40865) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to rei's comment

I need to add that although it wasn't fun, but sure it was a great experience.  So go for it.

(ID #40866) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to rei's comment

This can come very handy later on in life when someday deciding to shift here and there to suit yourself. Thanks for the coverage.

btw U have an absolute view in your office, totally awesome =D

(ID #40867) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Ray's comment

Is that your office view?? Damn! I'd never get any work done!

Id really love to work in japan, but the few games companies that seemed intrested in me have a tendency to work insane hours, which isnt much fun!

What are your working hours like, danny?

(ID #40870) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to AndyH's comment

your office needs an ambush makeover - with gunpla and figures! anyways danny, do you have any recommendations on where to stay? i plan to have a vacation over there and i wanna experience the "typical japanese lifestyle" - akihabara, moe, cons, seifukus and the works.

(ID #40873) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Winn Sevilla's comment

Based on your point 5, I'd like to point out the Monbukagakusho Scholarships, its a well worth it scholarship that pays for your complete studies in Japan, economics is one of the courses you can apply for, no Japanese language knowledge necessary. ^-^

Check out http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/index.html

I applied, I'll only know if I got it in December though :

(ID #40874) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Phenie's comment

Phew! Looks like you're working on a high floor! Hmmm, can't say much about the view, though ^^;

Reminds me of the time I was outside on the brim of the Macau Tower, 233 metres above ground but with no barriers around you. That was pretty scary stuff at first!

Btw, Danny... I see that you took a language degree over here in the UK so if you don't mind me asking, how did you end up in the IT field? Just curious.

(ID #40875) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Kyoji's comment

man ... such an office view rocks ...

for me ... i still prefer going to Japan as a tourist than working and living there

(ID #40876) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Alafista's comment

This entry is inspirational.

(ID #40877) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Zer0's comment

Not to pry into your personal or professional life, but I'm curious just like Kyoji.  I'm giving serious thought to going back to university and getting a second degree in language.  Computers have been a life long interest for me, so natural it would be nice to tie the two together...  

(ID #40879) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Edward's comment

Thats a lot of Stuff to know about if wanting to stay and work in Japan. I don't know any Japanese besides English and Cantonese (speak/listen). Is it worth it living in Japan so that I can fuel my needs of Gundam kits? No..Not really. I would like to live there tho.

(ID #40880) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to SG's comment

looks cooooool, very tempting....I gotta get some degrees 1st tho!! ..... Japanese chix, Gundam at your doorstep, what more could I ask for....ok maybe the (JPN lotto and shares in an anime co.)

(ID #40881) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Gordon Pekeur's comment

http://www.gaijinpot.com/

it might be helpful for those who really want to get a job in japan.

やっぱIT系って給料いいすねえ〜。

(ID #40882) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to octypants's comment

Edward, Kyoji,
I took out a loan when I was a down and out student for about 1600 pounds to buy a computer. I took it apart, put it back together and basically learnt how to program through self study. That was the beginnings of my IT career ^^

Phenie,
Good luck!

Winn Sevilla,
Do a search for "ryokan tokyo". A ryokan is the traditional loggings. Do contact them before you book though.

AndyH,
I get in at about 8.30 and leave at 6 on the dot. I Try to be diligent about how my working hours are distributed.

よしむさん、
いつか夜景写真撮ります。

Huk,
I dont really know how it works but I guess its IP based. A user can vote once per day. Clicking on two different entries wont make a difference.

Edward in Michigan,
Being married to a Japanese national does not affect your work but I believe you can get a permanent visa after only a few years instead of the full ten.

(ID #40883) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Danny's comment

Wow, that IS a nice office spot and view there. I am into Mechanical Engineering and I know that Japan has THE best robotics in thr world. Maybe my work will carry me over to Japan? I don't know an ounce of Japanese (language), but would love to learn. Ill pick up a self learn book when I get the chance; it will come in handy someday if I must come to Japan!

(ID #40886) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to XYZPDQ's comment

@Danny

お返事ありがとう！でも、すっごいですね！ただそんなことだけでここまで来るとは。

But I'm sure you must have some sort of computer related qualification(s)... I'm curious to know what could help you get a position in all those IT related jobs listed on your CV page because that's one impressive list :O

I'm kind of half way through a Computer Science BSc Hons degree so it'll be great to know what sort of paths I could take.

では、失礼 ^^;

(ID #40887) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Kyoji's comment

Akasaka ... any chance you're near Plaza Akasaka apartments? (・×・) I may go to Temple University in Minato-ku(?) and they have Plaza Akasaka listed as one of their dorm options. 
Maybe Temple would be a good school to list, I spoke with an admissions counselor and she said I'll most likely do an internship there because I am planning to major in Business Admin.

(ID #40888) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Andy 's comment

I stayed for a month in May tried to get a job in the CM/Anime/Games industry, even going to job agencies for creative lines, but unsuccessful....

Apparently, visa seems to be troubling some of them, maybe quality standards, etc. still subject to many issues for creative industry.

I need advice, especially people working in Japan and related fields.

If you have advice, I would appreciate to discuss in P & C!

(ID #40889) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to V 4 Vendetta's comment

Great tips. Thanks! A little off topic here, but any hints as to where Microsoft's MSN Live is group is headed? I mean in terms of .Net, XML, Internet technologies, etc.

(ID #40890) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Sam's comment

Dear Danny,

Its has been really inspiring for the infomation provided here. Infact I'm one of them whom asking you of tips such as this. Perhaps on behalf of everyone here including myself, I would wanna say a BIG thanks for this. No doubt, I'm always hoping to having this billiant opportunity to work, live and play in the land of raising and everlasting sun. But these seem to be only norrow into certain expertise such as IT and Engineering. Was wondering what are the level of demands for foreigner when comes the the type of professional? Any demand in the area of marketing, advertising sales, events and also in the corporate branding? 

Anyway thanks once again.

Jacky ...m(^_^)m...

(ID #40896) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Jacky's comment

眺めがとてもいいですね！
私は渋谷なのですが、下にある小さなビル群のような所ですし狭いのであまりいい眺めが見れません。
机も狭いのでフィギアはパソコン本体の上に飾ってます（笑
ワンピースとガンダムとケロロとゾイドです:D
高いところ行きたい！（笑

(ID #40897) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Suzuko's comment

Wow , great info on living in Japan

i might just visit the place for a tour instead of trying to live there , sounds like hard work really

(ID #40898) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Hyun Bin the Stinky Korean's comment

thanks danny....
alot of details....
nice...

(ID #40900) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to anthonyhins's comment

Thanks Danny...  My fiancee and I decided early on we would rather build our future in Japan.  It's nice to know I might be able to make my residency status a little more permanent quickly.  Yes the work part is my responsibility. ^_-  I wouldn't have it any other way.

From what you have said in the past; I had a feeling your IT skills where mostly self taught.  My second PC was a self built model...  I'm glad to hear that working hard on my own can still pay off in the long run.
  
One request for the future.  If you are reading any interesting IT related books in your studies please don't hesitate to share. ^_-  Thanks again.     

(ID #40902) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Edward's comment

Thanks for the info Danny. Wish I could live over there.

(ID #40903) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to nodle's comment

Many thanks on the informative post, Danny. As it happens, regarding point 7 about overstaying, the facts and figures you mentioned can be found here:

http://www.moj.go.jp/NYUKAN/nyukan46-2.pdf

It's all there on and around page 53. 

(ID #40904) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Kitto's comment

I'm new to your site. the only word in my mind was "WOW". Since i am one of the gundam mad too.

anyway, i guess japan don't really need a archi person from outside...( can't find any firm is hiring anybody outside japan or firms that hiring ppl to work in japan ).

anyway, great site! keep it UP!

(ID #40906) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Zip's comment

Kitto,
Good find!

Suzukoさん、
渋谷だったんですね？僕は昨日渋谷をアーマーで走り回ったよ^^;
いつか渋谷でディナーでもしましょう。

Jacky,
Yes - marketing and the other fields you mention are in demand to.

Sam,
I cant talk to much about that and the official word is what we have already released by our PR group.

Andy,
Not sure where that is but it sounds close.

Kyojiさん、
イギリスで英語を勉強中の日本の方ですか？

(ID #40908) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Danny's comment

Thanks for the response Danny.  I understand you can't say anything. I'll just putter along the XML & Javascript route.

(ID #40915) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Sam's comment

わーい！ゴハン！是非！！:D
ダインーさん、トルーパースーツは普通に私服になってますね！（笑

(ID #40916) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Suzuko's comment

今は赤坂だったんですか？
私の会社（虎ノ門）からけっこう近いですねー
真ん中の建設中のビル（クレーンがあるやつ）の裏側のずっと奥にうちの会社があったりします（＾＾；
それにしてもすごい眺めですなぁ。
見学させていただきたいものです（＾＾）

(ID #40918) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to ellsy90's comment

＠Danny

いや～この前のメッセージが化け文字になってしまいましたね。済みません。

実は日本人ではありません。ただ一年間に独学に日本語を勉強していましたんで（＾＾；

(ID #41010) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Kyoji's comment

Danny I am so doing that JET program and gonna look for another cool oppurtunity down there that suits my career when i finished university in Canada.

Thanks for info :)

(ID #41268) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to gmbluedestiny's comment

Hey, I found your site trying to research about paying taxes in Japan. I am a former JET teacher and now working in Tokyo.  I also searched around your site and found the stormtrooper stuff.  I know I have seen you around somewhere!! すごいよ。私もやってみたい！
時間があれば、メールしてください。
宜しく

(ID #41282) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Gabriel Pliska's comment

Nationality that persumed bad who  came overstay to Japan is mainly asians but (personally) i can't say (which country/es) here, my friend who is currently teaching in Aichi says that most of asians who enter Japan from (transit airport) Changi (Singapore) are going to stay ilegally :( , but some that come from Ngurah-Rai (Denpasar) get a lil'bit easier access to enter Japan Immigration in Osaka or Narita :p, that's the facts that mainly I collect from some illegal workers that has come back to their countries...

(ID #41844) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Gildy Tan's comment

Hi Danny,

Long time no see.
Tokyo Art Beat has just released (2nd Dec. 06) a creative jobs board for people who want to work in Japan, called TAB Jobs.
It is bilingual and we are hoping to get more companies to advertise their positions with us.
I hope that'll be of some use to your readers.
Thank you!
-Paul

(ID #41863) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23

reply to Paul Baron's comment

Hi Danny,
I hope you still read comments on an entry this old. 
I'm trying to find the contact mail address (postal or email) of the person at Microsoft Japan in charge of hiring programmers/engineers/researchers/etc. I was wondering if you could help me out. Email me if you can.
Cheers.

(ID #42895) Posted on 2007/01/11 05:14

reply to astromog's comment

That's an interesting article you write there. I would like to know if you know the salary of graphic designer or illustrator for big game company in Tokyo.I was suggested to propose some amount in application, so i hope you can give me some reasonable amount for it.

So if you have no money from the start, and was accepted working there. Should you drop it...since it kinda impossible living there? Although your resume is quite remarkable for fresh graduate?

Thank you very much in advance.

(ID #50998) Posted on 2007/07/05 02:09

reply to Rianti's comment

Nice view but bad Feng Shui to be facing the window with your back to the rest of the office.

(ID #82853) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to Roy's comment

Looks pretty daunting, the view. I prefer a more covered layout preferably with figurines.

Hmm pretty interesting tips though. 

(ID #82854) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to TJ Han's comment

Since I'm still learning the language, working at an (non-Nova) English language school is the route that I'm taking. Wonder what they'll think if I tell'em that I have my Masters in I.T.

(ID #82855) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to Leo's comment

Nice post, raising my confidence on working in japan without being a bum! very informative, and not at all general. 

(ID #82856) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to Jason's comment

Speaking of  the JET program, I found a blog few weeks back about a guy who went through it. I think he's still in Japan. Most of the stuff he goes through is pretty funny check it out if you get a chance. It may make you rethink the Jet program if your planning on heading that route though.
http://www.gaijinsmash.net/index.phtml

(ID #82857) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to MAGIC CHEF's comment

Whoa! you have a corner office Danny!?! Some companies would reserve space like that for their CEO or Country Manager.

(ID #82858) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to marvin's comment

Thank you Danny, very useful information.  You covered a few topics I had never given much thought or didn't know.  Visa information isn't an aspect of life in Japan I have looked into much. ^^;  Sometimes, I do things backwards.  I wonder if there are any changes when you are married to a Japanese national...
Nice view from your office!  I'm envious, but sure you earned it. ^_-  

(ID #82859) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to Edward's comment

LOL, danny....that photo made me sick !

I am definately afraid of height. And i hate those lifts ! :)

My friends make fun of me ... but i am OK with that, as long as they dont force me to get into a lift :D

Ground Floor 4 me, please ! :D

(ID #82860) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to himanshu singh's comment

Now this is tempting, I gotta master the language though, but at the mean time I'll just have to see what the future holds. Very informative post mate, cheers!

(ID #82862) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to Anjerasu's comment

Thanks for the info.  I was interested in working in Japan for sometime since i'm in college.  Got to think about the future and pick up japanese to go oversees and work my dream place ^-^

(ID #82863) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to Bruce's comment

this entry deserves a triple thumbs up

btw how does the blog ranking system works? 
Each blog entry can only be counted once throughout history per unique IP? That is subsequent click wont increase the ranking?
Each blog can only be counted once per unique IP per day regardless of the number of entries put up? That is clicking on 2 entries from the same blog on the same day wont increase the ranking?

(ID #82865) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to Huk.'s comment

写真を撮りにいってみたい！！(;゜∀゜)=3
でも高いところはちょっと怖いですね。

(ID #82867) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to よしむ's comment

While working in Japan is great, but there is also much stress.  Plus there is communication problem.  Although I have not worked in Japan, but I have worked for a Japanese company, and it was not as cool as it sounds.

(ID #82869) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to rei's comment

I need to add that although it wasn't fun, but sure it was a great experience.  So go for it.

(ID #82870) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12

reply to rei's comment

This can come very handy later on in life when someday deciding to shift here and there to suit yourself. Thanks for the coverage.

btw U have an absolute view in your office, totally awesome =D