Needless to say, relocating to Japan from your home country is no easy feat. However, it is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling decisions you’ve ever made. It would be wise to start preparing months in advance, conducting thorough research on the necessary immigration processes, job or school hunting, as well as familiarizing yourself with the Japanese language, local regulations, and lifestyle. In this article, we have outlined five essential aspects that you should be aware of and address before embarking on your new adventure. Let’s delve into them to ensure a smooth beginning to your Japanese journey!
Contents
VISA
The first and most crucial step you must take is obtaining a visa before leaving your home country. Depending on the purpose and duration of your stay, there are three types of visas available: short-term stay, work or long-term stay, and medical stay. To apply for a visa, you should seek guidance from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your home country. You can access the list of Japanese Embassies and Consulates online, which is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and identify the relevant contact information. For a detailed and up-to-date understanding of the visa application process, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Website. Keep in mind that the visa application process typically takes a minimum of one to two weeks.
Short-Term Stay
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, a short-term stay is defined as “a stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc., which does not include remunerative activities.” So, if you plan to stay in Japan for a period of 90 days or less, regardless of the purpose, you must obtain this type of visa unless you will be receiving monetary compensation for work. Residents of the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Singapore, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates have the option to apply for this visa type online. Additionally, the Japanese government has implemented visa exemptions for short-term stays for citizens of 68 countries and regions, including the US, the UK, Australia, France, and many others.
Work or Long-Term Stay
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan defines work or long-term stay as “a stay during which the applicant performs remunerative work in Japan or a stay of over 90 days in Japan, etc.”1 This means that obtaining this visa type is essentially mandatory if you plan to work, even if it’s part-time or only for a single day. The visas in this category mainly include the General visa, Working visa, Highly-skilled professional visa, and Specified visa, among others. If you are an international student, you will require a General visa, which will grant you permission for additional activities, such as part-time work (up to 28 hours per week).2 Also, if you fall within the age range of 18-30 and reside in any of the 27 countries/regions listed here, you might want to consider participating in the Working Holiday Programs.
1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
2 Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners
Finding a Job
When it comes to finding employment, being fluent in Japanese significantly enhances your prospects, as most local companies, restaurants, and factories expect their employees to be proficient in the language. Achieving a JLPT 2 or higher level certification would be a tremendous advantage, particularly for securing a permanent position. You can explore job opportunities on popular job portal websites like GaijinPot Jobs, Daijob.com, and Indeed, to name a few. If you possess specific skills and experience, it’s wise to register with reputable recruitment agencies such as Robert Half, Robert Walters, and Michael Page. Regarding part-time employment, approximately 35% of individuals are employed in the restaurant industry, while 30% work in sales. On average, international students with part-time jobs earn around 59,000 yen per month. If you hold a Student Visa in Japan, you are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week (up to eight hours per day during school holiday seasons). Whether you’re seeking a permanent or part-time position, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules and common phrases before attending a job interview with Japanese recruiters. Take a look at “Three Useful Tips for A Job Interview in Japan” to improve your first impression.
Useful Tips:
- What Is JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)? 5 Levels and How to Apply
- 3 Useful Tips for A Job Interview in Japan
*Data Source: Study in Japan
Finding an Apartment
If you already have a preferred location in mind, you can begin your apartment search online today using platforms such as GaijinPot Apartments, Wagaya Japan, Japan-Property, and more. You’ll discover that rental prices vary depending on the area and distance from the nearest station. In central Tokyo areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Minato-ward, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom/studio apartment is approximately 100,000 yen, including a maintenance fee (averaging around 20,000-30,000 yen). If you don’t mind a 15-minute walk to the station, you can reduce the rent by nearly 20%. In terms of initial costs, you can expect to be charged the first month’s rent, a commission fee (if using a real estate agency, equivalent to up to one month’s rent), fire insurance, a security deposit (equivalent to 1-2 months’ rent), and a key replacement fee. The process typically takes a few weeks or sometimes months, so it’s crucial to explore all available options and promptly reach out to agencies or landlords. In case you don’t have sufficient time to decide on a place before arriving in Japan, you can find reasonably priced guesthouses for temporary stays on platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Sakura House, and others.
Learning Japanese
If you plan to live in a smaller city or a suburban area, there’s a high possibility that English proficiency among the locals is limited, and public information is primarily available in Japanese. In such cases, we strongly recommend acquiring at least a basic level of Japanese proficiency (the equivalent of JLPT 4) including basic words and phrases, before departing from your home country. Building a foundation in Japanese can be achieved through numerous methods and tools, which we recommend in our articles titled “How to Learn Japanese: First 3 Steps You Should Take” and “10 Best Free Apps to Learn Japanese.” For those intending to study in Japan, it’s advisable to search for a language school that fits your budget, daily lifestyle after moving to Japan, and desired location. As an international student, you can obtain more detailed information and potential support by visiting the website of the Japan Student Services Organization (Independent Administrative Institution) Website consulting directly with your school or university.
Useful Tips:
- What Is JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)? 5 Levels and How to Apply
- How to Learn Japanese: First 3 Steps You Should Take
- 10 Best Free Apps to Learn Japanese
- 5 Best Japanese Language Schools in Japan
- 160+ Japanese Words and Phrases for Beginners
Learning Japanese Rules and Manners
As you may already be aware, Japan has distinct social norms and manners deeply rooted in its history and culture. In your daily life, you will encounter unexpected behaviors and actions from local people. For instance, on train platforms, most individuals form orderly lines until the train arrives, which is typically punctual. It is customary to remove your shoes when entering most homes, usually indicated by a step leading to the room floor. Additionally, there are specific phrases to use when starting and finishing meals, along with rules for using chopsticks (beyond simply holding two thin sticks with three fingers!). Check “our past article” to learn more. It’s recommended to embrace the mindset of “When in Japan, do as the Japanese do,” but without putting excessive pressure on yourself. Simply enjoy the differences.
Useful Tips:
- Surprising facts
- What Do “Itadakimasu” And “Gochisousama” Mean? Common Phrases and Manners During Meals in Japan
- 10 Key Cultural Differences Between US and Japan
Summary
We have compiled five key factors you should be aware of and address when making the decision to move to Japan. With the necessary steps and preparations, we are confident that your relocation will be successful and filled with excitement!
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