My wife and I are finally living our dream and moving to Japan this year. We have been planning this move since roughly 2011. We have taken 5 trips to Japan, including 2x 1 month trips. On the last trip in December 2019, we focused on "living" in Japan as opposed to being tourists.
My wife is N1 (2005 certificate and kept with it) and has at least 110 immigration points. She is working on transferring to Japan with her current tech company. If she can't transfer in 2 more months, she will start applying to jobs outside her tech company.
I am worse off. I have a GED and some college as highest education, but have 15+ years in tech as a Technical Program Manager, so I technically qualify for a work visa but no one has wanted to talk with me if not already in Japan. Beyond that, I have extremely limited Japanese language skills.
Current plan is as follows.
– I am enrolled in a 3 month language course with Akamonkai to build basic skills and obtain the certificate to prove 150 hours study so I can obtain a student visa. Plan to start 2 year course with Yoshida as basically my full time job learning the language, in October (if I can get enrolled). If not October, I have already been approved for January. Goal is to reach N2 in 2 years and hopefully leverage that with all my experience to get a job in Japan. If not, plan to open a business, converting to business management visa if required, and do appropriate investment. We have been developing this plan with immigration lawyers we hired that are located in Japan.
If my wife gets a job before I can start school, plan is for her to move while I wrap up everything in the US ahead of my move. If I can wrap up stuff early, I will join on dependent visa and go to school on that.
If my school starts before my wife has a job, I will go first on student visa. If my wife cannot get a job by January, she will join on dependent visa and focus on acquiring a job and transitioning to a work visa.
We have over $1 Million USD in assets we can easily liquidate as needed to fund us, though we hope to avoid touching it. In addition, we have signed up with a property management company to rent our current home (paid off) for over $3k/month USD to help cover cost of place in Japan.
I am working to get a storage facility in our area with a 4 year locked lease for all the belongings we want to keep here.
We don't have any pets, so no concerns about them. Medications are limited with nothing on lists that would be illegal and have all prescription documents for them.
Current concerns are
– Finding a temp residence that isn't paper thin walls. Hoping we can get month to month for 3 to 6 months then buy a place.
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Before we get PR, can we get a loan to buy a Town House or Condo? If not a loan, can we buy one with cash before getting PR?
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We are on TMOBILE and I have read horror stories about people getting dropped. Plan was to use them for phone number and calls/txt, but get Japanese Sim for all data. Is this even an option or will they drop us anyways?
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I "need" to workout a lot. I have a medical condition that requires me to do about 4 hours of weight lifting a week or I cannot walk. I see Gold's Gym as an option, but also public gyms. Are the public gyms actually good and equipment available in them when people visit?
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Planning to bring a lot of clothes and deodorant based on what I read here (thanks everyone). Otherwise just planning to bring PCs, Laptops, Gaming devices, and some important personal items. We plan to buy all new cookware, dishes, furniture, etc… Anything else we may want to bring because it's hard or impossible to acquire in Japan? With past visit, only upper body clothing was an issue for me.
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Worried we may want to photocopy all our old tax forms, W-2s, etc… And ship copies to be safe? Since we want to go PR, I keep hearing you have to provide a lot of documents (in various YouTube videos) but struggling to get solid lists of what we should bring from US versus documents we will generate while working in Japan.
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What local subscriptions are good to consider in Japan and plan for the cost of? Things we current plan are for a cat cafe and manga kissa. Gym if needed. Cell phones. Home internet and utilities. Not sure what else may help us as we transition into Japan and make things easier or more comfortable for us starting out.
Thanks for any advice, criticisms, etc… Really appreciate all feedback and will try to reply to any follow up questions as I can do so.
by forgedbygeeks
23 comments
TLDR?
You’ll want to double-space the bullets in that last paragraph—your formatting put it all into one big block of text.
You’re much more knowledgeable/further along with this than I am, so I’m not sure I have anything really to add—sounds like you’ve got all your bases covered. But I’m following with interest. Dropping a comment to help the algorithm nudge this higher in the feed so someone with experience can chime in.
Congrats on pulling the plug and getting started with the planning for your move. Your post mirrors my experience in a lot of ways.
I don’t know how high a probability your wife’s company has on transferring her to Japan. Have they actually started the paperwork? She should apply to jobs to get a feel for what’s out there for her since she’ll need to see what companies are willing to sponsor her visa. For temp residences stay away from Airbnbs unless you have no choice. I had to stay in a few in Tokyo before I got a place and they were all paper thin wall types with neighbors being extremely loud every night.
I would caution you on moving before her as a foreigner who does not speak Japanese. You’re going to have a rough time being separated from her while learning the language on your own full time, not to mention being jobless although financially you guys seem to be fine.
Apart from that, I think most of your concerns in the bullet points are trivial by comparison. There are tons of gyms both private and public nowadays so long as you live in a decent sized city. For your temporary phone, you can use Mobal to get a Japanese SIM and 30GB data plan until you get a normal local plan and then you can port your number over or make a new one.
TL;DR – focus on getting a job and visa first before the rest of the stuff on your list. If you have time to spare, you should honestly be bootcamping Japanese on your own or with your wife’s help before coming. Once you’re at 90%+ chance of an offer, then you can start worrying about the other stuff.
Wow, 20 year N1 is awesome, if you don’t mind me asking how has she been able to keep it going for 20 years since passing N1, in terms of how she integrates it into her daily life?
If you’ve got money, good quality temporary residences are easy to find. We stayed at Oakwood Suites for two months before moving into our regular rental place, and it was quite nice.
Unless you’re planning on purchasing your home with cash, you’re going to need to wait on buying a place. You won’t get a home loan as a newly arrived foreigner (though it is possible without PR, unlike what many say).
It can actually be nice to rent for a while. We rented a very nice RC build mansion apartment for three years before buying and never had an issue with noise. It also gave us time to decide if we liked the area, educate ourselves about other options, etc. I wouldn’t buy immediately unless there was some weird reason you needed to.
These days you can get pretty much everything you need with international shipping from Amazon, iHerb, etc. I have family members bring me Girl Scout cookies, but that’s about the only “hard to get.”
Municipal Public gym quality depends on the area— you’re supposed to be a resident of the Ward of the one you’re using. Once you find a place, look around. Lots of gym options— Gold’s Gym, Esforta, Anytime Fitness are some chains. And of course there are smaller gyms too.
Bring the hard copies of all the important docs with you. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. We brought the last few years of tax returns. But most of that for us is just digitally stored anyway. Japanese banks (for home loans) aren’t going to care much about tax returns for the US. They want to see your tax returns for Japan.
Subscriptions really depend on your lifestyle. There’s cleaning services, meal delivery services, grocery co-op delivery services, etc. Just depends on you.
My only word of caution is that without Japanese language skills you may have a hard time finding a job if the level/field you’re hoping for— even if you’re in the country. Many times employers who say the applicant “must already be in Japan” want someone who they don’t have to deal with a work visa for. If you’re in Japan as your wife’s dependent, you can only work 28 hours a week and thus need your own work visa for a full time job. I hope you find something, but you two might want to budget for being only on her salary for a while.
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This is a very solid plan, I think you guys are in the right track. Question about the geographic location that you are planning to settle, have you decided where to live or will it be fully job dependent? If not job dependent what is the criteria that you’ve used? Good luck and all the best, please keep us posted on your journey this seems very interesting and helpful for others in a similar situation.
Oakwoods are crazy expensive. I wouldn’t pay OOP. Check Airbnb, tons of places for much less. Older RC homes/mansions have thick walls.
Very difficult to get a loan if not J or no PR. Recommend you obtain a cash out refi perhaps in USA (keep it very small and manageable maybe make it net zero based on rental income) or dip into some savings to buy a place. A couple can reasonably buy a 2LDK mansion outright in central Tokyo for 40,000,000 or less. Pay cash. Renting sucks here – agent fee key money deposit etc. it sounds like you’ve got the money so if I were you and you’re serious about settling live in AirBnb for 3-6 months, shop around for a house and pay CASH. As gaijin self funded you’re gonna have a rough time finding a willing landlord for your standard. Especially if neither of you have a traditional kaishain job or position here on local payroll and don’t have an employer to be your guarantor. Renting here is not as easy as the west. Landlords for nice properties are skeptical and often reject gaijin without a guarantor. Hotel stays and AirBnb much easier. From the sound if it you may have some mobility and ambulatory issues? You’ll need a place with elevator. Many houses are walk up. Also train station accessibility will need to be considered.
Why would you use a US carrier in Japan? Sign up for domestic contract it’s much cheaper – AU SoftBank Yahoo Docomo etc. keep US line to connect to us bank apps but find the cheapest or even consider a proxy (Google phone?)
Public city gyms for lifting aren’t great. Free weights are lacking it’s mostly old machines treadmills but lack free weights. Great for pools and swimming though and it’s subsidized so usage is cheap. Golds is great if you wanna pay. As someone mentioned you need to be a resident of the ward to use public ward facilities. Anyone can join a Golds Gym.
Don’t bother buying anything extra except deodorant and tylenol, maybe other meds… everything is available here for cheaper.
Documents – Any old tax info – Why would you bring old paper w2? Just scan those. Important are diplomas certificates birth certificates / transcripts. It will come in handy for HSP visa or PR down the line. Also maybe old expired passports.
Cat cafe or manga cafe subscription? Say what? Never heard of that one! Buy a cat if anything. This comment alone is concerning LOL. You don’t really need many subscriptions domestically besides mobile, Netflix, maybe Disney plus if you’re into that (Shogun 2?).. and you’ll be forced to pay certain subscriptions like NHK TV or even shared internet if building mandates it.
Now the part that is concerning is you and SO don’t seem to have a clear plan to get yourself over here from a visa standpoint. It’s very difficult for an exp. hire to just rock up to Japan with no connections and get a tech job so quickly. Your SO needs to be actively recruiting and getting interviews… that is extremely difficult not being here. What special skills do they have that have a a shortage in Japan? Many people get over here initially through company transfer. Or they have so much wealth they get a business visa or something.
To be honest when I read through this, it sounds like you’ve never moved abroad before. Read up A LOT on Japanese customs / etiquette / how to live / investing-saving and how pensions healthcare work here. Study hard on learning Japanese yourself. And be ready for culture shock from actually living here as a resident than for a holiday.
You will absolutely need a Japanese phone number for most life things here like just getting setup with certain services. eSIM won’t cut it for not being a tourist.
>If my wife cannot get a job by January, she will join on dependent visa
As far as I’m aware, there are no dependent visas for students. So you might want to look into that again.
>Before we get PR, can we get a loan to buy a Town House or Condo? If not a loan, can we buy one with cash before getting PR?
A loan is not likely, but you can buy in cash. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers.
Living and visiting anywhere, even for extended visits are two very different kettles of fish.
I ended up living in Japan for nearly three years. The short version: planet Japan. Ftr I’ve lived in a few countries and visited many more. A foreigner who had been living in Japan for twelve years and was fluent said to me, they like it when you speak Japanese (basic) but not when he spoke. It was too good. But, obviously everyone has their own experience.
Anyone who moves to live the dream should take into account that the mundanity of life continues everywhere. I remarked to an Italian friend that life is more beautiful in Italian. She responded for you, not for me.
I’m T mobile, I moved here two years ago and have a Japanese sim card but I still pay for t mobile service. Didn’t get dropped didn’t even hear from them.
Don’t wanna be the bearer of bad news but both of you will struggle to find jobs in Japan. Noone cares if your wife knows Japanese so does every other native. You will struggle with no degree odds are you won’t get hired there without a bachelor’s even with your work history. Also you not having Japanese skills will make it near impossible for you to find work after a language school. A language school BTW won’t help you get a job in Japan. Your Japanese will never be native level no matter how many years studied and language isn’t what gets you hired there. If you do manage to get past these obstacles Japanese salaries are half of what you make in the USA.
If you wife can get the internal transfer first that will make things much easier for the transition. Your situation will be very difficult op. I’d suggest finishing a bachelor degree in Japan not just a language school. They will use lack of degree against you there unfortunately. As a student in only language school I’ve seen dozens of potential hopeful get absolutely crushed by the government when trying to pivot to work in Japan. Many end up in much lower paying fields than their native country and they feel stuck long term. The initial rush of excitement of moving to Japan quickly fades away after the first year when the reality sets in that your career has been limited in a place where you can’t communicate well in anything due to language barriers. If you both can get us based jobs transferred there that’s the best outcome. Japanese companies are very outdated in their work culture and underpay heavily compared to western companies.
What a difference between us haha, wife and I are moving to Japan this year. She is Japanese national so I will be going on spousal visa.
My company has no problems with me continuing to work remotely from Japan, and my wife already works remotely for a Japanese company and has worked full time in Canadian company.
We decided to move like a year ago, and the biggest hurdle for us has been our pets… So much testing, documentation, certificates just to bring 2 cats to Japan 😂
Good for you. My husband and I both love Japan and were planning to move there from USA but didn’t due to language difficulties for our boys in school at that time. We are now in Singapore. We have Indian friends in Japan who are very happy there and have settled there. The key is to learn the language and assimilate but if you can do that you will have a very good life there. Honestly, I am jealous of you!
If in the future Japan has retirement visas we may very well look into that.
1. Just weighing in with a little bit of info. We used Airbnb to find places with monthly terms. It worked out well and was a much better price than any hotel. Only stayed in a place for 1 months at a time, but I imagine you could schedule out in advance.
2. As far as I know, securing a loan without some form of residence is very limited but not impossible. However, I highly recommend looking in the areas you want to live for Used Detached Houses. You have the resources to buy in cash and, since you already know you’re committing to living in Japan, it’s a solid investment in your life.
3. Use Google Fi unlimited. Never had a dropped call, and had a decent price for the short term I used it.
4. Sadly no experience using a gym, but I see them everywhere I go. I see people through the windows on machines. Usually they’re on treadmills. Never heard of a medical condition that requires weightlifting as opposed to any other physical activity, so please forgive my ignorance.
5. Bringing tech is great idea! Bringing clothes you know will fit you is also a great idea if you’re not Japanese-sized. If you are Japanese-sized, I highly recommend hitting up thrift stores. We often find high-quality items (natural fibers) for 500-1400 Yen. Hmm…I can’t think of anything I haven’t been able to find in Japan or available to order online outside of specific gaming PCs.
6. Always, always, always photocopy important documents. I would also bring those documents with you on your flight to make sure you have them at all times. Thankfully, paper is one of the easier things to dispose of in Japan, so bring it even if you’re not sure.
7. A point card at your local mall/grocery store is very useful. Other subscriptions vary by personal use. Considering you need the gym so frequently, I think paying for 24/7 gym would be valuable.
Other than that, sounds like you’ve got things figured out! Enjoy Japan!
With talk of PR it sounds like you’re planning to move there forever? If so, why spend money on a storage unit? Why not ship all that stuff over? Obviously learning the language us important but if you really can get PR in quick year you should be pretty fine with getting smaller part time jobs. If you don’t have to get your Visa sponsored there are a million little jobs you could do from teaching English to line cook to dishwasher or tour guide etc. You’ll be fine.
Good luck. Japan is probably enjoyable if money isn’t a problem for you. If you have an average income, life will be miserable here with low wages, food prices raising each month, cramped spaces, narrow roads and small houses.
Have you considered applying for a civilian job on an American Military base?
Yes, a lot affordable than Seattle but keep in mind that the minimum wage is completely different. Housing is very expensive in Tokyo, even in the suburbs. Idk what your diet looks like but say good bye to all the varieties of cold cuts and cheeses. If you have the money, you can still buy fancy cheese and hams. Also, unless you have enough space for a dryer in your home or can afford one, you gotta hang your clothes and towels to let them dry instead of using a dryer. Like I said if money is not a problem for you, living in Japan will be a paradise for foreigners. Visiting Japan and living are completely different things. I don’t mean to burst your bubble by the way, I apologize if I come off as rude. I just don’t like how Japan has been glamorized when it’s not actually all sunshine and rainbows here.
If you’re using an iPhone that supports Dual SIM with eSIM, you can use two eSIMs at the same time, and both can ring. You can choose which number to use for each call or text message. You can get a Japan number eSIM from [Mobal](https://www.mobal.com/japan-esims/)
Just make sure you’re aware that if you come over on a 3 month tourist visa you will have to return to the USA to switch to a student visa (which can take time for the school to get you your COE, so it might not be a quick home trip).
Also I’m pretty sure you can’t have a dependant on a student visa, because you’re limited to 28 work hours per week working which is not enough $$$ for a dependant.
Would your wife also be willing to do school? There’s levels above N1! (Business prep, cultural exchanges, speaking prep, etc). You can get up to 2 years for a student visa for language school!(:
No matter what, just remember, to switch visas, you will have to return home. So it’s best to get a work visa and be able to extend it.
Good luck!