U.S. middle school teacher thinking about moving to Japan

Hi everyone!

I’m a 30-year-old middle school Social Studies teacher in the U.S., teaching since 2018. I’m considering moving to Japan to teach English or work at an international school, but I don’t speak Japanese yet.

I’d love advice on a few things:

1. Pay and cost of living
What’s realistic for someone teaching in Japan, either as an ALT or at an international school? Could I live in a mid-sized city and still save some money?

2. Getting hired at an international school
With my experience teaching U.S. middle school Social Studies, do I have a chance at international schools, even without Japanese?

3. Adjusting to life in Japan
Any tips for settling in without knowing the language yet, especially for daily life and meeting people?

Thanks so much for any advice or realistic perspectives!