Moving to Japan. . . Advice?

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Member since 02 May 2010

thearabianmageMember02 May 2010 17:09:12

Hello, this is my first post here at expats. . .

I have always had a strong interest in Japanese culture but since I moved to England at age 15, this interest has been put on hold to come to grips with English culture.

Now, nearly 10 years later, I am tiring of England. I am about to start a degree in music here, and upon finishing, I want to relocate either back to America or ideally to Japan, somewhere, preferably in or around the Tokyo area.

I will be a very qualified musician when I finish this course, with a degree and multiple diplomas in music/music practice. In the meantime, starting to learn a language like Japanese can be done - I've got 3 years (which I hear is the minimum) - but I was curious of the realities of life in Japan?

How has the credit crunch affected the Japanese economy and how difficult is it to secure a job, considering my music qualifications and lack of Japanese? How much is a) a single bedroom apartment in Tokyo, and b) a single apartment in a suburb just outside Tokyo?

What are Japanese politics like? Left-wing? Right-wing?

What's the quality of life like? Crime-rates? Taxes? Is living in Tokyo as expensive/more expensive than living in London?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

Cheers!

Japan Australia New member

Member since 03 May 2010

Japan AustraliaNew member03 May 2010 23:58:11

I can highly recommend Japan as a place to live. The Japanese economy is still in the recession stage but there are still plenty of jobs available for foreigners who want to live and work in Japan. The quality of life is one of the highest in the world with little or no crime and low tax rates. Rents can be high in the bigger cities but more than reasonable in the outer suburbs/country.

happy:) 15 Member

Member since 20 April 2010

happy:) 15Member04 May 2010 14:48:34

Why do HIGHLY recommend living in Japan?

SibylleIto Member

Member since 02 May 2010

SibylleItoMember12 May 2010 07:53:55

Dear thearabianmage,

I am living now for more than 8 years in Tokyo. I feel very much at home and happy. You are asking many questions, so I hope to give you some quick feedback.

crime: none, or very low
living cost: similar to Switzerland, rent comparable to major cities around the world
Japanese: unless you want to work as English teacher, make sure you can at least communicate in Japanese. Finding a job can be a challenge in Japan.
Politics: hmmm, what shall I say. Most Japanese have given up on politics in Japan

Overall what I recommend you: Spend at least one week in Japan to get an image whether you could live here or not. Plus make sure you have enough savings to start again a new from scratch.

thearabianmage Member

Member since 02 May 2010

thearabianmageMember14 May 2010 11:16:13

Hey everybody, thanks for your help! I've still got plenty of time before anything happens, but now that the Conservatives have gotten in office, my days here are numbered!

Until then, yeah, I need to go and check it out (although I'm sure I'll love it) and learn some Japanese!

Cheers!

Dafrez New member

Member since 28 June 2014

DafrezNew member30 June 2014 18:52:25

Thank you for useful advices, i also wish to move to Japan. I had the chance to visit Tokyo a few years ago amazing

maged mohammed Member

Member since 20 July 2014

maged mohammedMember30 July 2014 10:03:25

am so into that too but am arabic and it's not so easy for me any advice ?

Man In UAE Member

Member since 18 January 2015

Man In UAEMember19 January 2015 03:37:58

what are the job scope in japan?

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