Hello, all! I'll be moving from the US to Japan (specifically, Sakai, Osaka) for language school in late-September/early-October for 1.5 years with the intent to pursue graduate or medical school after. Like many others, I have a few questions about making the move and getting myself established after the move.
Moving to Japan with a pet
I have a small dog who is 13yo and approx 12lbs/5kg. I have pretty well sorted out how I'll get her to Japan but finding a pet-friendly apartment with a somewhat flexible lease while not being in Japan is proving difficult. Through Google, I've seen a few sites that feature pet-friendly apartments but the vast-majority of them require signing a 2-year lease. Does anyone have any recommendations or advice for finding a pet-friendly apartments with flexible lease agreements?
Taxes in Japan
The work I do is fully remote and my current employer offers a few positions that are paid as an independent contractors. I understand the US and Japan have an income tax treaty to avoid double income tax but I still can't grasp exactly how that works. Does anyone have any experience paying taxes as an independent contractor working remote in Japan for a company based solely in the US (or another country with a similar tax treaty)?
MTG and woodworking
I love MTG and I love woodworking. What is the MTG scene like in Japan and what formats are the most commonly played there? Where might one gain access to a woodshop? Are woodshop makerspaces common in Japan?
Any advice is welcome! Thank you!
by Syntaur