Hey everyone,
I’m planning to move to Japan within the next year and would love to hear from others who’ve done something similar—especially folks working in creative industries or who’ve navigated the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSFP) visa route.
Here’s a quick rundown of my situation:
• I’m a 24-year-old MBA graduate (non-Japanese), and I qualify for 85 points under the HSFP system, which makes me eligible for Permanent Residency after just 1 year of living and working in Japan.
• I’m married, and my spouse would come with me on a dependent visa (we don’t have kids yet, but want to make this move before we start a family).
• I’m especially interested in creative industries, music, fashion, branding, and design-forward startups—anything that blends culture, aesthetics, and meaningful work.
• I do have visible tattoos, which I know can still be a mixed bag in Japan, so I’d love to hear how others navigate that in work and social settings.
I’m currently looking for:
1. Job listings or company recommendations in creative, global, or progressive workplaces that are open to foreign talent.
2. Any insight into how foreigners with tattoos are treated in the workplace, onsens, or daily life.
3. Personal experiences with the HSFP visa or fast-track PR process—what to prepare, what to expect.
4. Any lesser-known communities or networks in Japan for creatives, expats, entrepreneurs, or alternative culture.
Would deeply appreciate any advice, company leads, or personal stories. If you’ve been in similar shoes or just want to drop some thoughts, I’m all ears.
by Digitalnomadplayer