Job Discussion Forums

[crespo]

I plan on entering Japan on a tourist visa in a few weeks. Once there, I hope to find work. I'm a little concerned about the whole procedure when I arrive at the airport (kansai). I'm going to be bringing some teaching things and other things to live...ie. more than what the average 'tourist' would bring. Will they question me about my intentions? Can I tell them that I would like to look for work while here, etc.? If not, then what should I say?
My other question is about customs. I've been living in Taiwan for the past couple of years and I'm addicted to tea and plan to bring a lot to Japan. A lot of it has already been opened (not sealed). Has anybody encountered any problems bringing something like this in?

Thank you very much

[Albright]

Regarding your second question, I'm curious as to why you are bringing tea into Japan, a place where tea is quite ingrained into the local culture. Seems like bringing a tray of ice cubes to Antartica.

[crespo]

Regarding the tea: Why not just buy it in Japan? Well, price for one thing (remember, i'm arriving without a job and would like to keep my costs down..and I've already bought this tea) and hte other is the possibility of it not being easily available. Obviously, tea will be widely available, but I'm referring to specific types. For example, Dong Fang tea which is only available in one area of Taiwan and it's one of my favourites. I'm rather fond of AliShan Oolong as well..again from Taiwan. I bought some Puer cakes in China and, again, I'd have to question whether it's widely available in Japan. Then there's the Darjeeling...etc. Available? probably, but easily obtained..who knows. I'd rather play it safe and bring it with me.

[Gordon]

Don't worry about the tea. As far as customs goes, DO NOT TELL THEM YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WORK unless you want to have a same day return flight.

[Glenski]

Tell customs tea and teaching materials are gifts, in the astronomically small chance that they ask.

[melirae]

You can find Darjeeling in your local supermarket along with a few other flavored varieties. Jasmine is also another easy find. As for those others though, I've never seen them, but I've never looked for them either...

[denise]

After visiting a friend in Taiwan two Christmases ago, I was a bit disappointed by how few varieties of tea I could find here, by comparison. When she visited me this past Christmas, she made sure to bring loads of different kinds of tea. I'd say stock up.

d

[Iwantmyrightsnow]

You might have problems with the tea if it is unsealed as you said. I would only bring in sealed packets as this probably meets quarantine requirements.