Job Discussion Forums

jg · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:14 pm Post subject: How much to start up in Japan?

If a newbie, very little experience (but native speaker) wanted to come to Japan, what advice would you give in terms of:

1) how much money minimum - Fukuoka City, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto are her target destinations.

2) When to come

3) ways to find jobs/cheap housing once she arrives?

It is my sister, and I am trying to help her with her search. Any helpful advice is appreciated, thanks. She wants to avoid the McEnglish schools, but otherwise is open to her possibilities.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

This assumes she has a bachelor's degree in order to get a work visa, or that she has a working holiday visa.

1. Bring about US$4000 for the first two months. If you want a breakdown of expenses, send me an email. [email protected]

2. February or March

3. Jobs: Plan ahead by looking in the big web sites for ads. These include this web site, plus www.eltnews.com , www.ohayosensei.com , and www.jobsinjapan.com , as well as getting the Monday issue of The Japan Times.

Housing: With no employer to serve as a guarantor, an apartment is almost always out of the question. So, a gaijin house is probably what will be needed. Otherwise, check out this thread for apartments that don't require guarantors or key money.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4264&highlight=guarantor+key+money