r/movingtojapan

I am 40 years old and live in the USA.

Within the next 5 years, I plan to make an attempt to live in Japan. I have a bachelor's degree. I have taken many trips to Japan and plan on taking many more as I zero in on where I want to live (Obihiro currently top contender, have friends and family already there, like the climate, etc.)

I have enough money that I don't really need to worry about the amount of money I would make (even minimum wage would be fine.) I want to leverage this by enjoying the time I have until retirement in an environment I enjoy being in.

I currently own a house which I would either sell or rent out for some additional passive income with a trusted property manager already lined up. I also have a second house available to me if I ever hit a "need to get back on my feet" situation. I will also have a good government pension. All that to say I have many safety nets lined up if this doesn't work out.

As far as employment goes, ideally I would find something low stress/responsibility and am totally fine with it paying poorly. My current government job is the opposite and I'm ready for that change.

My basic 5 year plan (I believe this is a realistic timeline and also bumps up my pension):

1. Continue taking yearly month long trips to Japan to scout out desirable locations.

2. Continue to self study Japanese in preparation.

3. At the end of the 5 years do a "test run" enrolling in language school and try to make some additional connections in Japan/work part time.

4. Assuming this has all gone to plan, seek employment. I know it gets a bad wrap but low stress, low responsibility job that covers the basics while my investments cover the rest... English teacher/assistant seems to fit the bill.

5. Move to Japan.

Once in Japan, plans may change, maybe I end up wanting more challenging work and go for higher language proficiency/training, maybe I wind up hating it and return to the states.

Are there any glaring concerns with this basic idea? I will certainly ask more specific questions in the future but I want to see if I'm just completely missing something.

Thank you for reading.

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate commerce degree in Canada (18M). I’m planning on either getting my MBA afterward or going straight into the workforce. Do some companies offer sponsorship options for job positions to work in Japan? I’m also studying Japanese, so hopefully it progresses a lot.

Hello, I am 18 years old and wanting to move to Japan for a lot of reasons. As of now I plan on moving when I’m 28. I plan on getting a nursing degree(BSN) and then saving money. I do not know if that’ll get me far in Japan so I’m looking into getting into rental properties and stocks. The goal is 300k or so saved for when I move and then the rental and stocks will carry more. How ideal is this for Japan? I don’t have a certain part I want to move into, the warmer part preferably and wherever my nursing would be useful.

So I took my n5 JLPT just yesterday. And honestly....? I did okayish like idk if I'll pass but idk if I'll fail either.

But then after the test I spoke to someone, who told me that u need MINIMUM N2 in order to go to Japan for a job.

I'm currently in my sem 7 (gonna start soon) Im not sure I have much time to go upto that level and I'm not confident I'll pass everything in one attempt.

I'm starting to wonder if whatever I did last 6 months was a waste of time.

SHOULD I GIVE UP ON THIS?

Because i can do n4, maybe n3 max to max but n2??? I don't think I can ever do it 😭😭😭😭

PLS HELP ME, any advice is appreciated 🤡

I wanted to go to Japan for a job no matter what but I'm wondering if it's an impossible thing.

**TL;DR: I took the JLPT N5, but I'm unsure if I passed. I was told a minimum of N2 is required to work in Japan. Since I'm entering my 7th semester and doubt I can reach N2 level, I'm questioning if my last 6 months of study were a waste and if I should just give up on my goal of working in Japan.

I'm (19F) considering getting a bachelors in bioinformatics with the intent of getting a masters in another country. However, I want to make sure that my degree is easily transferable to countries I have considered moving to, such as Japan. Do you know of any foreigners who have had success finding jobs within bioinformatics or conputional biology? Are they more English focused roles or Japanese roles? (To me language doesnt really matter, but it will affect my timeline a bit.)​ Are the roles mostly for people who have already attained a masters/PhD?

PS: I have tried looking on some job boards to figure this info out myself, but I didn't find much.

I will be movie to Tokyo in end of July. I am working in Chiyoda near Ichigaya station.

I’m trying to figure out where to live. Does anyone have recommendations?

I’m looking for an area relatively affordable — my budget is between 70,000-100,000 that’s more quiet with some nature (I like to run in parks or near water), with nice cafes and restaurants but also access to younger crowd. I’m in my early twenties and from the US, previously living in Brooklyn, NY and loved it.

Hello,

Is there still a way to keep a relaxed lifestyle, while moving to Japan? It seems like with the recent changes to the business manager visa everyone except upper class are aggressively priced out of that.

I don't talk about not working at all, but setting your own deadlines and goals while being a small business owner or freelancer - like working around 20 hours a week and still earning more than the average.

I have friends, who are digital artists and moved there on a business manager visa, and they had to work much more than they actually needed money-wise just to meet the new requirements.

It seems like Japan, among other countries, explicitly pushes people towards burnout. A lot of Japanese seem to take pride in the fact that they have no time for anything except their corporate jobs. I am from Northern Europe, and I don't approve of such exploitation.

Is there no way to move to Japan and still have the control of the amount of work that you have to do (apart from investing 200k euro in a business that doesn't even need that much money)?

I’m aiming to study a masters degree at the University of Kyushu in a few years: they teach the only English-language history MA course in the country as far as I can tell, but I’ll need a while to learn Japanese reading to a high enough level for the course.

I think teaching English part-time would be the best way for me to make enough money while I’m there. I’ve been looking into part-time CELTA and TEFL courses, and seem to get the impression that I’ll be the most prepared for teaching with the former.

Do you think that’s the right choice? If so, where is the best place to achieve the qualification in London? I’m assuming I would teach at Eikaiwas, and if so, are there any in Fukuoka that I should look into? Also, if you have any recommendations for Japanese courses in London, and any other advice, anything is appreciated!

I'm moving to Tokyo this August, and the company has an apartment (no furniture nor appliances included) for me. I'm currently online shopping for furniture and appliances so that they're ready when I move as part of my relocation allowance.

1. There are walled-heaters installed in the dining and the rooms. Do I still need to buy a/c units? Are they more economical to use during winter?

2. if you were in my shoes, what furniture and appliances would you buy new and have them available before you move in?

3. What items would you buy secondhand and can wait after your first salary (by September)?

Thank you for your suggestions. 🙂

I, 22F from USA, have N1, visited Japan several times, lived some months in tokyo on volunteer/workaway stuff and with friends etc.

I am gonna try applying to JET this year for after my graduation next Apr/May. Ideally CIR but ALT would be good too. I wouldn't mind committing to living in the countryside for the experience but maybe not for more than 1 year. It feels like a solid way to land and get some experience especially as a CIR

As a backup I really wanna have other job opportunities lined up. Problem is I don't know what job or where to look.

I don't rly have a dream job but think I enjoy education, counselling, advising, type stuff. My big academic interests are linguistics, psychology, but also looove anthropology, history. I don't wanna do eikaiwa I've heard too much bad stuff and know ppl personally. Ideally I'd leverage my Japanese somehow if I ended up teaching English

Here's what I have in my favor so far:

- JLPT N1
- My degree will be a Bachelor's of Arts in General Studies (its the easiest to graduate with)
- I have some volunteer experience teaching ESL casually (unprofessionally) in Japan and am doing an ESL TA volunteer here currently.
- Might also TA or tutor to teach japanese at my uni next term on recommendation from a professor.
- A couple people informally offered me work and even help with a visa when I lived in Tokyo before. One of them was quite high up in a very big company. Very lucky encounters but idk how reliable it'd be
- I'm considering getting TESOL or some other cert but idk how much it'd help me nor if I rly wanna teach English that much anyways.
- No debt, ~5k USD savings, and currently working to save more.

So if I don't get lucky with JET I'd like to have alternatives lined up. Should I be searching now? careerforum gaijinpot tokyodev etc.. when I look there I don't see anything that feels relevant to me.

A friend suggested to me I could even just come on a tourist visa again after I graduate and stay with friends, workaway, au pair etc and search in-person since it seemed to be going well before. Then I'd just re-enter on a work visa.

Any suggestions or info regarding any of this stuff is very welcome!!! :)

Edit: Oh also, I'm white, and from what I've seen, this is also definitely in my favor and pretty big for how much people like you in Japan. Kinda icky but worth mentioning cuz its very real in my experience.

Hello!
I’m planning to go to Japan for a year as a student next April and I’m at the moment where I have to decide which school is best for me. After some research, I was pretty much set on ISI Shibuya-Harajuku campus because they flex (a lot) about their career and employment support. They even claim that “the schools tap into their network of companies to help students find employment after language school”, but after some Reddit reading I’m having doubts this is true at all.

I already have the JLPT N2 so I’m not a beginner. My main focus is to improve my Japanese and business Japanese in order to find a job in Japan, and I really need this “career support” to be true and useful (because is basically the reason why I’m thinking of ISI).

Any recent experience with this school?
Do they really help you secure a job or it’s just to attract students?

I’m also looking into other schools like Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute (SNG) and Tokyo Galaxy. Anyone with experience with these schools is welcome to leave a comment as well!

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!

Hello, my wish is to move to Japan this year, but I am starting to have doubts, that it is possible. I am 43 years old, from Bulgaria, dont have a bachelors degree and dont know the language. I have some money in the bank, I can cover the financial part for the business manager visa, but thats it. I want to start some business at some point there. Either something with auto painting or detailing, or something like a dog hotel. I am thinking to start with the student visa, to learn the language in a japanese school from scratch and after that to start work on my plans, or get some kind of job, that will help me getting a work visa, maybe start up visa after that. I have contacted ISI Japanese Language School, but they want Japanese study certificate: Minimum 150 hours or JLPT N5, Proof of regular annual income, which both I dont have. I am wondering what are my chances for all that, what path I can take and what type of visa I can chase? Are there any other realistic options?

I'm kind of at a crossroads in my life right now. I'm a software engineer in my late 20s, and I've been seriously thinking about moving to Japan.

My current plan would be to first attend a language school and then hopefully find a way to stay long-term. I have a bachelor's degree, my English is officially C2, and I have a few years of experience as a software engineer.

The thing is, I honestly don't think I want to continue working as a software engineer. I'd be open to changing careers completely, going to a vocational school or doing something.

What I'm trying to figure out is how realistic this actually is. I know software engineering is probably one of the easier ways to get a work visa, so I'm wondering how much harder it becomes if I decide to leave the field.

I've talked to three people who moved to Japan for work, and all of them had relatively smooth experiences. However, two of the three are software engineers, so I'm guessing their experience isn't necessarily representative of everyone else.

So, based on my profile, do you think it's realistic to expect that I could eventually stay in Japan long-term, even if I don't continue my career in software? I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have taken a less traditional path or changed careers after moving.

I (24F) want to move to Japan in 2027, if possible, for 6-12 months. I have the JLPT N4 and pursuing N3.
I have 4 years of work experience in social media and brand marketing

Any advice of what type of jobs to take up? I dont mind odd jobs or arubaito/part time either, but will i be eligible? Or idm English teaching jobs either, but considering my first language isnt english and I dont have a degree in language/lit, will it be a problem?

Edit:
I’m from India, and an Indian passport currently doesn’t have Japanese working holiday Visa. Is it possible to get a employment visa for Eikaiwa?

Hello everyone, as the title says, I will be staying in Japan for a year using the WHV, my main concern is how to handle my diabetes type 1 while being there, because I am seeing plenty of different information online and I'm honestly feeling overwhelmed. I would like to know if I can join the Kokumin kenkou hoken when staying just a year in Japan and if that covers me part of my needs, like getting prescription for my insulines, and also, how to handle the Freestyle Libre 2, which is the device I use to track my sugar levels.

Also I have seen some people suggesting a medical private insurance, is that something I need?

Any kind of information is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance and have a nice day.

Hi, I'm a medical student (general medicine) in Romania, next year is going to be my last year, I plan to enroll in a language school for two years(Yokohama international education academy), in 2028 in April, I intend to get N2 or N1 if possible, I speak Russian, Romanian and English, my plan is to get into pharmacovigilence in Yokohama or Tokyo in an international pharmaceutical company, hence I'll get my TOEIC test in Japan because is available only for two years, i wanted to ask if anyone else here got into this field, how hard it is for foreigners or any other advice, thank you in advance.

I’m looking into attending LVNS Tokyo nail school so I can take the JNEC exam. I have been an American nail tech for 4-5 years and am interested in learning Japanese techniques, but also plan to attend language school in japan and possibly move there full time. Or buy a house there and split my time between home and Japan.

Either way I’d want to work as a nail tech there as well as bring Japanese techniques, products, and overall look into my salon in America.

Does anyone know anything about this nail school? Or have suggestions on other nail courses provided in English?

EDIT: The only purpose of this post was to ask in anyone knows anything about LVNS nail school, that’s it. I don’t need the same information I’ve read online countless times told to me over and over about visa requirements. I want to attend nail school in Japan so I can learn and become better at gel techniques. ALSO, I’m currently in college in America for nursing. After I graduate I plan to attend langue school in Japan (yes I’ve been studying Japanese for years and yes I’m already aware of the requirements to get in). I need the nail license so I can work while in language school. Once passing the N1 exam while having a nursing degree I would be able to get a working visa TO BE A NURSE and continue to live in Japan if I choose to.

The buying the house option (if I don’t choose to live there) would be a vacation home.

I'm curious what the actual annual cost of living is for someone living alone in Japan with a pretty average lifestyle.

I'm not talking about the extreme budget lifestyle where you never eat out, never travel, and try to save every possible yen. At the same time, I'm not talking about a luxurious lifestyle either.

Specially for a salary betweenn ¥3 million and ¥7 million per year. Like

• Renting a place
• Eating proper meals every day (mix of cooking and eating out occasionally).
• Going out with friends once or twice a month.
• Paying for rent, utilities, transportation, health insurance, phone, and other everyday expenses.
• Maybe taking a small domestic trip once in a while.

Basically, what's the annual cost of living for someone who's living comfortably enough without constantly worrying about every yen, but also isn't splurging?

Hello, I'm from Argentina and I suffer from a chronic illness (ulcerative colitis). Here in my country I take medication (currently upadacitinib/Rivoq), but I want to move to Japan sometime soon. The only thing holding me back is understanding how the medical system works for foreigners. In my country, these medications I take are very expensive (the one I take costs about $10,000 for 28 days), and the government provides them for free, of course. Is it the same in Japan? I have this question about the high cost of medications and being a foreigner. I understand that I would need health insurance, but how do they handle chronic illnesses for foreigners?