Wendy's Japan FAQ

What made you decide to go to Japan?
A lack of direction in the US. A friend suggested I try teaching English in Japan for a little while. I had lived in Japan for 11 months as a kid, and I like anime. I picked up a book called Jobs in Japan by John Wharton, and it gave me the straight facts. With the support of family and friends, I got on the plane.

Were you scared?
Terrified.

Do you think I should move to Japan?
It depends. How adventurous are you? Do you mind living in tiny spaces? Do you mind being surrounded by people who speak a different language and who will treat you like an outsider? What kind of work would you like to do?
If you have never been to Japan, you might want to visit first--arrange a short vacation to decide if you really want to commit to living there. (I didn't go there "cold"--I had lived in Japan as a kid, so I had some idea of what I was in for.)
If you have serious asthma, a weak immune system, or any physical condition that does not allow you to walk long distances, Japan is not a good place for you to live.

How difficult is it to become a teacher in Japan?
Back in 1988, it wasn't difficult at all. Japan was in the middle of their happy economic bubble and people had money to spend. Any gaijin with an American or British look and a college diploma could find a job. I imagine now it's a little more difficult.

I'm moving to Japan next month, and I'm all freaked out! What should I expect and how should I prepare?
First, take a really deep breath in through your nose. Then exhale. Repeat until your blood pressure drops, and then as needed.
Congratulations on your decision to take this awesome step! It won't always be easy, but it will be an adventure you'll never forget.
Expect to get off the plane at a weird, dirty, cramped, crowded, fascinating place. Even the most devout Japanophile, the most seasoned student of Japanese culture will find themselves in a place that seems like an entirely different planet. Know it, accept it, and cope with it. You will assimilate in time. Even though I loved my Japan experience most of the time, and for seven of my eight years, you couldn't drag me back to America on a bet, there are times when this comforting thought comes in handy: You can always go home if things don't work out.
If you're going to a major city like Tokyo or Osaka, you'll find plenty of English resources available. Train station signs are in English or romaji, and people on the street are often willing to come to the aid of a lost-looking foreigner. If you're going somewhere more remote, I'd suggest you learn your kana characters now. You'll find them very convenient in the long run.
Pack your suitcase with conservative, businesslike clothing, and dress nicely until you know where you stand. Most jobs require you to dress in a businesslike fashion, though I was lucky to find one that allowed me to wear jeans and sweaters to work. Women should not wear tops with really low collars that display cleavage unless you want to be stared at and harrassed. Miniskirts seem to be more acceptable than low-cut tops.

Should I learn Japanese first?
It can't hurt, but in the big cities you can get around with a dictionary. I took one college course in Japanese before I moved there, but I was too shy to really use it, so that pretty much knocked my usage all the way down to two words. I think that no matter how much you learn, once you get there, it's never enough. As far as teaching English goes, most schools request that you don't use Japanese while teaching--they prefer "total immersion" in the language being taught because students retain the knowledge better. Most students have learned some English in public schools. However, for raw beginners, you'll have lots of pictures and examples to rely on. Also, rest assured most of your students will come armed with English-Japanese dictionaries.

How do I find a job in Japan?
Back in the day, I used the Monday Classifieds in the Japan Times to find my jobs. You might also have some luck on a number of web sites. I suggest going to Google and typing in, "Jobs in Japan."

What about the work visa situation?
The visa rules in Japan changed after I got my work visa, so I'm not well-versed in current requirements. I suggest you try this site.

Do I need a college degree?
Not necessarily, but it's a good idea. Japanese employers tend to respect a four-year college degree for jobs at the English teaching level and above.

How do I get a job creating video games in Japan?
I found my job at Sega by answering a classified ad for a copywriter in Tokyo. I had to pass a writing test, and I went through two interviews in Japanese. I didn't create games for Sega--only the manuals. As for a game creation job, it helps to have experience, know somebody in the industry, and speak Japanese. Check the Japanese job sites, and good luck!

My friend _____ lives in Japan. Do you know how I can find him/her?
Unfortunately, no. You might try a web search using something like whowhere or ask.com, but I don't know of any people locators for Japan. Sorry.

At what point does the culture shock wear off?
It doesn't. It will fade a little, but it tends to recycle itself. When it does, and you get the urge to hide in your apaato with the TV and your laptop, nurse your ennui for a couple of days, then go out and take a walk.
One advantage/disadvantage now is that when I went to Japan, there weren't many foreigners. Now there are hundreds. On the good side, you can find fellow expats to share cheap American groceries and books with (and you'll want to do that because prices for foreign goods are insane). On the bad side, it's harder to be a "pioneer." Right before I left, I started partying with the newsgroup from fj.life.in-japan. We would get together for dinner and drinks and have fun.

What would be some good American souvenirs or gifts for friends in Japan?
In 2002, the "hot" items were cosmetics, California wines and See's Candies. Cigarettes and perfumes appear to be on the decline. Fine liquor is also appreciated.

Wendy's Japan FAQ

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