Job Discussion Forums

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

HI Guys...

I was just wondering, how common is it for employers to provide either pre-arranged accomodation or financial assistance (ie. paying for key money, deposit etc.) for accomodation for their teachers in Tokyo?

I've been living and working in the one place for a while now, and although my situation in many ways is extremely good, I'm kind of feeling like it's time for a bit of change of scenery.

Recently I've been looking around... I decided I really don't want to live or work more than about ten minutes train ride from Shinjuku... So obviously this severly limits my choices.

I recently accepted an ALT position... but when it came to the crunch, the thought of moving to the inaka was all too frightening... I couldn't do it and turned the job down.

So now I've accepted a position here in Tokyo working for a company teaching children through drama and crafts... On paper it all sounds very good and the hours are great too... working during the day, no evenings or nights and not so many teaching hours... AND only ten minutes from Shinjuku. As I said, on paper it sounds good... but the reality can often be vastly different.

I'm currently living in company housing... So when I give up this job I'll have to give up the apartment.

Initially when I accepted the new position, they said they would put up, if not all, then at least a substantial part of the key money and deposit for a place. Now, of course they're saying they can't do that. They can be the guarrantor, ... BUT... NO CASHOLA BABY!!!.

So now that all of a sudden I'm going to have to fork out all this cash for an apartment, it's put the job in a whole new light. I can afford to get my own place... JUST... but obviously if someone else can pay for it, it's all the more better.

So, do most companies in Tokyo (other than the big 4) usually provide financial assistance? Basically what I'm saying is: Should I hang out and wait for one that does or accept this position and deal with it?

The other question... So far I've been very fortunate in that my accomodation has been arranged for me... I've never had to deal with it myself... But now I'm on my own! I was wondering how many real estate agencies/landlords are anti-gaijin? Are the anti-gaijin variety in the minority, the majority or is it about 50/50? Anyone with experience, please share your wisdom.

Third question... Where would be a cheaper/cheapish area along the Chuo line between about Shinjuku and Kichjoji?

Please share your wisdom Tokyo people.

Thank you in advance.

A.S.

Sherri · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 12:15 am Post subject:

AS
Unfortunately you would like to live in a rather expensive part of Tokyo--though there are more expensive parts. Lots of people feel the same way as you do! I am one. I lived right in Ikebukuro for years and loved it. But it is expensive and your living space is smaller. I was paying around 130,000 for 75 square meters. All along the Chuo Line is expensive, the line itself is crowded and seems to always be stopping and delayed (just my impression). Still you won't have far to go.

I have always lived in Tokyo since coming here in 1991. None of the 3 places I have worked for in that time paid for my apartment. But that is the way I like it as I don't like to mix up my employer and my place to live. That doesn't mean there aren't places out there who will fork out some cash, but I don't think there are many--sorry I can't think of any except for the Nova-types!

Here is a link you could try to the Tokyo Classifieds. There are more and more places these days that don't ask for key money. You might get lucky and find one, or you could find a share situation.

http://metropolis.japantoday.com/default.asp

As for problems renting to gaijins, it does happen, though hasn't happened to me, just lucky. But I know of people who have got very close to completing the contract when right at the end the owner decides "no gaijin" and these were people who spoke Japanese and had lived here 10 years+!
Good luck, I hope you can find a place you like.

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

Another resource: http://www.nord.co.jp/

nakanoalien2 · Joined: 04 Mar 2003 Posts: 52 Location: Nakano, Japan

A couple of ideas - no real firm answers for you though.

-You could avoid the whole key money thing by moving into a "gaijin house". Honestly, if you've already quit your old job and are stuck, this might be a pretty good idea. At a minimum, bring a Japanese friend with you to look at apartments.

-Koenji has a few houses and seems to be popular among teachers (just what I've heard). Koenji is a reasonable place along the Chuo sen in that area.

-I live in Nakano, 2 mins from the JR station. 44 sq meters and 125,000 p/m. About in line with what Sherri mentioned as rent.

-My experience in 2002 with renting was that it was a major pain and you should have the jinji at your school or company help you with finding/renting a place, even if you are not receiving monetary consideration. Generally, the anti-gaijin feeling came in 2 varieties:

1) Go to a fudosanya with 50 posters on the window and then find out they have all of 2 places to show you, when you are looking for a pretty common apt. type. Go to said apts. and they are less than desireable/obviously over-priced (even for Tokyo).

2) You will hear directly that the landlords do not want to rent to gaijin. If they are polite, they will generally say that this is due to potential language issues, which in my case was really interesting given that I was discussing the issue with real estate agent in Japanese (broken, but still).

Good luck.

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Thank you Sherri, Homer and Nakanoalien ...

Your responses were most helpful. I realise along the Chuo line is not the cheapest place in Tokyo ... but I'm getting a bit fussy these days! Actually I'm looking around Nishi Ogikubo which seeems reasonably priced.

I agree Sherri, that it's good if the job and accomodation is separate ... I was planning to get my own place anyway, but now having to start a new job, renew my visa and find a place to live, all at the same time seems terribly mendokusai.

Anyway, just wondering also Sherri (or anyone else), if you know anything about MLS. They are based mainly in Tokyo but also have a couple of offices in Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba. They teach mainly children, through drama and crafts. On paper sounds good, BUT......... you never know!

Again all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

A.S.

Sherri · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2003 7:31 am Post subject:

AS
I think there was a discussion already done on this school on this forum. Try a search or scroll through the pages. If I remember correctly it was recommended as long as you like teaching kids.
Good luck finding an apartment you like.
S

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Thanks Sherri... No there wasn't a discussion on this forum about this school.

A.S.

Sherri · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2003 10:04 am Post subject:

Sorry, I was thinking of MIL.