Job Discussion Forums

[Chris_Travel_the_world]

I was just wondering why people are still coming to Japan? Granted I came, but that was in large part because I had a Japanese girlfriend at the time. If someone is looking to save money Korea is a much better choice, and the middle east a far greater one still, if you are willing to accept the dangers of it. If you are coming because you want to be treated like a rockstar, sorry no luck there either, go to China. If it's about the culture, then I am sorry to let you in on a little secret, most Japanese people know and care very little about their culture. You have to search out traditional culture and it's never very cheap, almost every temple and castle charge a fee. If it's for the women...well..they are great but is that reason enough? If you were a Japanese studies major, then why did you study Japanese studies in the first place? Kinda useless isn't it?

Don't get me wrong! I love Japan! I have a lot of friends and am having a blast! I'm now in the process debating over whether or not to stay for another year and I am wondering if I hadn't had the Japanese girlfriend if it would be a logical choice to come here.

Just looking to hear your thoughts.
Don't hate on me eh, just want a dialogue!

Chris

[Gypsy Rose Kim]

I don't get where you're going with this, but I'm sure someone else will be along with the psychoanalysis and judgements soon enough.

I went to Japan the first time because I wanted to live in Tokyo. In my opinion, every other city in the world is just pretending to be a city. I was also studying part-time to get my masters in ESL (I dropped out early on and went to Japan), so I already knew I wanted to teach.

I went for Tokyo and teaching, and stayed because I came to love Japan. I now consider the Japanese to be the most highly-evolved people on the planet--by a long shot. I left for teaching, to gain perspective, and to make sure I wasn't just there because I was stuck in a rut.

I'm going back because, after a year in Australia, some travelling, and two years in Korea, I know for sure that Japan kicks all other countries' asses BIG TIME.

[Chris_Travel_the_world]

I am just interested in hearing what people have to say about why they chose Japan. I think I'll be staying here for a while and I was just curious. I know curiosity is often viewed as a sin around here. Just for arguement's sake, in what way does Japan kick all our countries ...you know what?

[Glenski]

[Gordon]

[sidjameson]

I think it is a good question Chris. Here are just some observations, but forgive their random nature I haven't even eaten breakfast yet.

People DONT think about things too much. Most people are in Osaka, NY, Manchester, Cape Town etc not because that's where they have chosen to live after considering all the options, but because there's where they ended up by birth or after a little bit of energy got them to move a little bit.

All talk about globalization aside it is still rather difficult for most people to work in a foreign country. Japan has a demand and so its possible to live here.

Most people aren't adventurers. I ended up getting into teaching because I ran out of money in Indonesia and wanted to stay. Most come to Japan simply because NOVA et al hire from abroad. It's easy, safe and guaranteed travelling.

Japan is an exceptionally easy country for a foreigner to live in. Anybody who doesn't know that simply hasn't travelled very much.

Despite what you say Japan still has some major pluses. For many here they couldn't earn the same money back home, get the same status, get the same dating success. Considering the above it's not surprising that they don't move on to find out if it is any better elsewhere.

And lastly, Japan is in fact a good option even compared to the countries you list. I couldn't work in an all male environment. China still doesn't seem to offer savings potential. The Japanese rarely cheat you. The women here dress like models (with the brains to match) I've only met kindness here, that's not the impression I get when reading the Korean boards.

Ok, ready for breakfast now.

[MrCAPiTUL]

[canuck]