IT (non-dev) wanting to move to Japan in his mid 30s as a language student
Hi everyone!
I've been in the IT field for about 10 years already. Currently in Enterprise Sales in a developing country. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business. My IT experience doesn't include any dev-work however, that's one of my worries. I'm also going to address the elephant in the room. My age. I've been seeing a lot of caution about moving then working in Japan in your 30s and ideally one should do this prior to turning 30. But, here we are.
I'm dreaming to move to Japan soon, have been there 4 times in the past 6 years, also have a multiple entry Visa if that matters. I'm already starting enrollment locally in my country Japanese language so when I land in Osaka I'd be starting N3.
Here's a timeline based on research:
- Start N5 studies in a local language school this July 2026
- Complete by November/December 2026 and get 150 hour certificate
- Take the exam for JLPT N5 in December 2026
- Start N4 studies in December 2026 or January 2027
- Apply for July 2027 intake in Osaka during January/February 2027
- Finish N4 by June/July 2027
- Land in Osaka and start N3 by July 2027
- Study Nihongo in Osaka while doing part time work and finish by July 2029 hopefully N2
I've been seeing a lot of part time work as well in Osaka such as car servicing, driving (I can get an international driver's license), I like the opportunity as well to do something different and earn something livable by it. In my country, you can't do any manual or blue collar work and make it liveable, so this is a breath of fresh air.
I've been reading a lot on Reddit and some job sites, and embassy stuff. My local language school that also assists people to transition into a Japanese school also says my age doesn't matter for acceptance as some schools accept maximum even 65 year old folks. But the thing that always pops out is my age. Mid 30s.
- anyone also have any experience on the age part?
- any things you've heard?
I want to maximize my chances to get accepted into Japanese school and of course working there in white collar and eventually build a life there.
The alternative of this is Germany Chancenkarte. But Japan is really my first pick. I've been going round circles this past week researching and worrying.
Hope to hear some of your wonderful thoughts and advice!