Job Discussion Forums

Tomasama · Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Posts: 18 Location: au

Hello all! I�ve been soaking up the useful bits of information from this forum of over 6mths and now I have a question.
I�ll set the scene�.
I�ve been applying for jobs in the Kansai area, which has dug up some interest from employers though they all seem to want me to contact them when I arrive in Osaka or they�ve arranged interviews. So far it doesn�t look like I�ll be landing a job while I�m still in God�s country (Australia).
The bind I am in is this; for me to get the job I�m going to need a mobile phone. To obtain the phone I�m going to need a place of residence and/or at least a bank account. To get a bank account I need a place of residence. To get the place of residence I�ll need a job.
Errrgggggggg� am I over simplifying? Probably. Are their any exceptions to the above mentioned? Thanks in advance !
Damn system, damn bureaucracy �. mumble mumble

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

To get a residence in most apartments in Japan, you need a guarantor (usually the employer), yes. Some places don't, and I think you'll find that those are usually guest houses. Look at this link for some specific places.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4264&highlight=apartment+guarantor+key+money

Also, you may find some at http://www.kfm.to

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Not as hard as you make it out to be.

First, don't count on coming here and immediately moving into the apartment where you'll be living. You don't even know where you'll be working so what's the point? Best thing is to find a backpacker's inn or cheap hostel or monthly-rental unit or gaijin house, guest house or basically some kind of temporary place to stay. Whatever. Even a homestay could be arranged, quite possibly. I know in larger cities, this isn't much of a big deal.

Once you have that, you can get yourself a pre-paid mobile phone. All you need is an address to give to the dude that sells it to you -- so they can give you a phone number (use your hotel's address -- that's what I did) and you're set.

Then all you need is an internet cafe to contact potential employers and send them your mobile number so they can arrange interviews with you.

Take it from me. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. (Don't want another one, though).

Big John Stud · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 513

You can get a mobil phone by using a credit card, or you can get a prepaid mobil phone at most convenient stores. Once the prepaid mobil phone is used up, you can buy more time.

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

Tomasama · Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Posts: 18 Location: au

Thanks all for your response, its all good advice.
While we're on the subject of mobile phones, can anyone recommend some good basic no frills brand/models that are reliable and relatively inexpensive?
It might seem off-topic but a reliable phone is essential these days; especially during the job hunting process.
Thanks again

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Prepaid or subscription?

Others may differ, but I found that Tu-ka was most foreigner friendly and was the cheapest/no-frills of them all... Whether it was prepaid or not.

Once you have an address, ask at the store -- but one of the 4 major companies doesn't need an alien registration card to get a phone. I forget which one.

Good luck.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan