Job Discussion Forums

Didah · Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 8:45 am Post subject: I Can Return But...

Dear Colleagues,

I lived in Japan for more than a decade before leaving in 2003 to pursue a teaching credential. I have tried for years to get back to Japan in one of the international schools but it never quite worked out. Now, I have been offered a job with an educational consulting firm in Tokyo. The pay is 350,000 a month. There is no housing allowance -- which I understand is typical if you are not working at an international school. I know the going rate for most ESL teaching gigs is around 250,000. Is the salary being offered this enough to comfortably live on and save some money? I know there has been a discussion recently about different housing options and I know that I can't expect much since I want to keep the rent under 70,000. I was making more money back then and it was hard to save. I have visited Tokyo quite a bit since I moved away, however, I would be interested what you folks who are there on the ground today think. I regret leaving Japan and I have always wanted to move back -- especially for the right opportunity. I'm not sure this is it. One thing I do know is that is no fun living in Tokyo with little or no money. I appreciate your thoughts and input.
Thanks

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

Go for it. You obviously have always wanted to go back. 350,000 yen is a pretty good salary. I worked in a number of jobs in/around Tokyo and never got a housing allowance. You could live in Ueno or Ikebukuro and get a 1K place for 70,000 yen or a bit less. I would also recommend the Tokyo housing estate project (I forget the exact name, someone will know). You can rent out apartments with no key money and minimal deposit. Most are really big - mine was a 3DK.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

That project - http://www.ur-net.go.jp/index.html

If you're willing to commute, there are pleasant places to go home to that are cheaper than ¥70,000. East of the Edo River, I rented a whole house for ¥65,000.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

Thanks, Liz. You would probably have to get over to Japan and settle in for a few months before applying for a UR place.. A good option to have!

Didah · Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 4:41 am Post subject: Thanks

Currentaffairs, thanks for your support. I am giving the move back to Japan serious consideration as it is something I have wanted for a long time. I am making more money in my current position, however, it is sort of a dead end job and not in Japan. As an old friend of mine once observed – you can’t go back to the same place again for the first time. I know things will be different. By the way, I lived for a brief time in Ikebukuro and it was a convenient area for getting around. I will look there as well. In fact, I have stayed in an inexpensive guest house there on a couple of my trips.

TokyoLiz, thanks for the housing information. Good think there was an English link as my Kanji is rusty. I used to live in Ryogoku not far from the Kokugikan Sumo Hall on the Sumida. My apartment building is gone now. When I lived there, I had a great view of the fireworks in August. I also lived in Yokohama. I will definitely consider moving farther out across the Edo in Chiba.

The company has given me some time to make my decision. I plan on visiting Tokyo in a couple of weeks and get an on-the-ground feel for the living situation. I would really like to do this, however, I just want to make sure that it is realistic despite my strong desire to move back.
Thanks

izmigari · Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 5:19 am Post subject:

Good luck, Didah...

Harp · Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 6:55 am Post subject:

For a quick guide on accommodation this was on the Tokyo Cheapo Facebook page the other day...

http://resources.realestate.co.jp/rent/what-you-can-rent-in-tokyo-this-month-for-500/

Didah · Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 8:32 am Post subject:

Izmigari, thanks for your support.

Harp, those apartments are really nice. Thanks for the website. I guess there is still hope. Filling those placed up wouldn't be to difficult between the Sayonara sales and Ikea and Costco which were not in Japan when I lived there the last time. I am surprised they are that inexpensive in the Tokyo Wards. I see you are located near Saitama. There used to be a quirky John Lennon/Yoko Ono museum there. I understand that it has since closed.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

I'd say go for it. That is a decent salary/position, and it could lead to greater things in the future

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Didah said

Didah · Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 3:20 am Post subject:

TokyoLiz,

Thanks for the information. I do not mind an older house or apartment. I am planning on staying in a budget hotel or Gaijin house for the first month while I look for an apartment. The company said they will help me, however, I don't know which realtors they use. I will also ask my colleagues for recommendations as I look around.

Sudz, thanks for the encouragement.

This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time, and I think I am going to take the plunge.

Inflames · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 486