Job Discussion Forums

[AdamtheJohnson]

I've long considered moving to Japan and finding work. One of my options is to teach ESL.

My other option however is to work in Japan as an artist. I am a photographer with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography.

Is it possible to get a full working visa as a photographer and gain entrance into Japan?

[Apsara]

While the artist visa may be possible, it would most likely take you a long time to build up any kind of client base/enough work here to actually make a living from.

People I know here who are photographers or artists are also working as English teachers just to make ends meet. Until you have been here a while that may be the best option.

[GIR]

[AdamtheJohnson]

[AdamtheJohnson]

[fhsieh]

I thought about commenting on the artist market in Japan, but since I can't say anything for sure, I'll leave it aside (you just have to do your homework to find out).

However, I will suggest that in general, when you consider all the hurdles (moving, living, language, etc), it takes more effort to be an English teacher in Japan than in your home country. And it's probably the same for a photographer: If you're having trouble finding assignments at home, chances are you'll face the same problem in Japan, and then some. There's no reason to assume that you'll be welcomed with open arms just because there aren't many foreign photographers, unless you already have good connections or an existing contract.

But the point for the ESL market is that the whole process is already well-established, meaning you won't have to jump through too many hoops in order to get your foot in the door. So by comparison it's easier to go the ESL route, rather than forging your own path by yourself.


I actually did a bit of freelance photography a few years ago -- nothing career-worthy -- but these are some practical things as a photographer I would try to figure out before committing myself:
- In which segment might you be a good candidate? (fashion, travel, food, product, celebrity, wedding, private/artistic, etc)
- What are the names of some companies/publications that commission photographers?
- Where will you go to search for job listings? (websites, newspapers, contacts, etc)
- What are the standard business practices for photographers, what does the typical contract look like, and how will you negotiate terms? (compensation, equipment rental, travel, other reimbursements)
- Where will you go to rent equipment, studios, etc? How will you insure your equipment?
- If you need to travel to an assignment, will the employer take care of it, or will you have to make arrangements yourself? (car rental, etc)



Another option is to pursue a Masters in Japan (there are a number of media arts programs in Japan), which would let you learn about the Japanese market/practices, provide stability as a student while giving you a chance to take on some part-time assignments, allow you to learn Japanese while your survival does not depend on it directly, and help you establish some connections -- pretty much all the things that you might have trouble with if you just land in Japan with nothing more than your camera and a resume.

[AdamtheJohnson]

[Apsara]

Yes, friends of mine have done that- MBAs at Waseda, other Masters at Keio etc. Lots of students support themselves by teaching, including graduate students.

To respond to your previous comment, I wouldn't say the ESL market is saturated with non-native speakers at all, they are still a tiny minority. To say it is currently saturated with native English speakers, which there is no shortage of, would be more accurate.

[AdamtheJohnson]

[AdamtheJohnson]