Job Discussion Forums

[corneliak]

Hi everybody,

I am working very hard finding a way getting to Japan professionally. I am an International certified professional corporate and private coach and I am looking into finding a position in an HR department to use my skills in coaching, training...

The problem I am having is that I am living in the US and not in Japan.

Any ideas on how to find out the right contact persons or company names where it makes sense to apply to?

Besides that I have another question: Does there a visa exist where I could work as a sole proprietor in Japan and have my own private coaching clients? It would be like having my own practice like a therapist.

Being able to have my own coaching practice would be the fastest solution and then I still could look for another job while I am already there.

Thank you so much for any help and advice you can give me.

Best regards,

Cornelia

[Lucy Snow]

I think the most relevant questions are:

1) Do you speak Japanese?

2) What exactly do you train or coach people to do?

[corneliak]

I am studying Japanese. I am not totally fluent but I am getting there.

As a corporate or personal coach I help people to be more successful, confident and fulfilled. I help them find a balance between private and personal life.

We do goal setting, visioning, break through limiting fears, behavior ...

Every client is different and has different, unique issues, goals, fears, worries... Coaching is tailor made to every person.

Coaching is about helping people realize what they really want out of life and how to get it.

So, in Japan I would like to coach Japanese and ex-patriots either from inside a company through HR or independently for myself.

I am looking forward to all your feedback and thoughts. Thank you in advance.

[Lucy Snow]

I guess my next question would be, "why Japan?" Why do you think Japanese companies want or need the kind of service that you're offering?

I'm not trying to be critical your goals or ambitions, I'm simply curious.

Japan has been in a severe economic downturn for over a decade. In the area I was in, companies were cutting back on "luxuries" such as English classes for their workers. IMHO, the kind of training that you offer would be definitely considered a "luxury" item, but then again I've been out of Japan for two years and I could be wrong.

It would be interesting to hear what people like Glenski or Paul would have to say...

[corneliak]

Why not Japan?

I believe that there is not one person on earth who would not benefit from coaching.

I feel very drawn to Japan, it's people and culture.

If you have some productive ideas for me please let me know.

[buffy]

Have you tried US based HR consulting/training firms. I know that Clark Consulting used to send many to Japan. They have contracts with many firms, including P&G. IBM and other US companies also hire them. Try at home first...there is a big demand for people in your niche. Network over there, you will find work here.

[Glenski]

[Lucy Snow]

"If you have some productive ideas for me please let me know."

I thought I was giving you some produtive ideas by trying to help you clarify your goals.

The books that Glenski recommended, particurly "You Gotta Have Wa" and "Straight Jacket Society" are very good for getting a handle on corporate Japan.

Like Glenksi I too am dubious of your success. Despite the failure of their economy, the Japanese businessmen I knew were convinced that their way was the best way. I think you'd have a tough time selling such American ideas to a Japanese corporation.

[corneliak]

Thank you very much for your feedback. It is good to hear a fresh perspective.

Actually, coaching is picking up in Japan. Slowely, but surely. There are several coaching schools in Tokyo. I am in touch with them. Unfortunately, the leaders of the training programs are hired on a contractual basis. As far as I know there is no visa for giving training on a not consistant basis.

What do you know about the Investor visa? I read somewhere that with an investment of 5,000,000 JPY I would be eligible for an investor working visa.

Do I invest the money in a e.g. fixed term security and get it back including interest once I leave Japan? Or is the money gone and Imigration or whoever tells me in what financial instrument to invest?
How sure is it to get that visa?

I would be the owner of my own company and the only employee at the same time.

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

[Lucy Snow]

You're touching on legal issues that would best be answered by a Japanese Consulate or Embassy. If they don't know the answer, then they should be able to direct you to someone who does.

Good luck.

[Glenski]