Job Discussion Forums

[jugle]

Broad query:

I will be arriving in Japan at the end of next year, and once there, intend to devote most of my working hours teaching.

As for the aside time, can anyone give me a sense as to what the Writers' market is like in Japan for a native English speaker with essentially zero, Japanese language skills.

I've done a bit of freelance writing (i.e., business-marketing proposals, community newsletters, creative zines), and although I've done something of a cursory read through job listings in Japan, I haven't come across much of anything.

would appreciate any input,
thanks

[Gordon]

Without any Japanese language skills, who would your market be? Expats? There isn't that big of a market. What would you be writing about? Japan?

If you worked in an office even if it's p/t, how would you communicate? Would you have a translator to talk to your boss and colleagues?

There are many competent expat writers in Japan who are fluent in Japanese and have lived here for a long time, how would you compete with them? Japan is a tough market, you may be more successful in Korea or other countries in Asia. I wrote a children's book in Korea did some freelance editing, but would be very hesitant to try and write a book here.

[Glenski]

Agreed. What is your genre?

Contact SWET if you want some information on writing, too. Scientific stuff.

[shmooj]

What is written tends to be for the expat market and therefore pretty cynical about Japan and living here. It is funny stuff to read in your first year but it starts to jar on you after a while. It seems, if Mr. Kerr's Dogs and Demons is anything to go by, that you must reenter the loop of cynicsm somewhere later on. Hope I leave before that happens...

I think Gordon has a valid point. Who would buy your stuff in Japan if you don't have any experience of the country?

[jugle]

(a diminutive 'peep')

Solid answers from all, and the sort that I was hoping not to hear, albeit anticipating.

Yes, I was flirting with the hope that there might be a bevy of expat-oriented journals seeking writers to contribute their expertise (read: thoughts) on day-to-day cultural goings-ons, various venue reviews, and the requisite creative pieces. As for 'genre', I've written several short fiction pieces, as well as others with a journalistic orientation, and am on the cusp of finalizing Chapter I of my Great American Novel.

And yes, I have read several books by expat writers in Japan, about Japan, and they were overwhelmingly cynical. One (hardcover bound and all), was essentially a tired rant, and decidedly the author needed to consider a rather large shift in geography.

But anyways, thanks much for the input. Assuredly, I will continue hunting for that 'gig', but simultaneously polish and repolish my resume for a teaching job, and work my way to Side B of the audio tape titled, Intro to Japanese Language, that I've recently acquired.

[Smooth Operator]

I think your best bet would be to start your own website with journal. No money in it but it will satisfy the urge to be read...