Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice on moving back to Tokyo. I'm 25f, have a BA, JLPT N2 (+ speak 5 other languages) and around 5y of relevant work exp (freelance, part time and full time jobs included).
I've done research on almost all the visas. I currently would qualify for a digital nomad visa, but my company is not really allowing me to work remotely for an extended period of time (anything more than 1 month, they likely will not allow, but I'm still negotiating), despite having claimed to offer that in the job description. So I'm just considering quitting and moving to Japan a second time with the working holiday visa (been here before for 1y) and then just figure it out as I go.
I'm just considering my options at the moment and want to see if I can move back, and if it's even feasible to switch to a work visa whilst on a working holiday visa.
I've been sending applications from overseas, but I'm not getting a lot of replies, I assume because I'm not in Tokyo yet and also not in a great position since writer jobs usually involve bilingual native level proficiency in EN/JP. I have a JLPT N2 and am willing to change careers if necessary. Also aiming to pass JLPT N1 sometime next year.
Hoping to get advice on this:
Is it realistic to switch from a WHV to a work visa while in Japan?
Are there UX / localization / similar roles in Japan that realistically sponsor visas at mid-level?
General advice also very much appreciated.
More context:
I used to live in Tokyo when I was 19 (2019-2020) for one year -> I did the working holiday visa and worked in Tokyo as a waitress, then translator and writer for one year, also did English teaching in an English conversation cafe part-time. Though I do not like the work culture, I really loved Tokyo, but I had to go back to my home country to get a degree, which I've now done. I went back to Tokyo multiple times whilst studying (2x 3 months, 1x for tour guide job, 1x this year working remotely/vacation) loved it, especially since I was mostly not working haha).
Now I have a BA + around five years of experience working as a writer/manager (most of it not full time tho). Currently work for a software company in Berlin as a UX writer/project manager. I actually decided to stay in Germany after having a horrible one-time gig as a tour guide last year in Japan where I had to work 18 hours sometimes.
But tbh I worked one year in Germany full time, and I'm kind of having second thoughts and really want to move back to Tokyo, since my job at a startup in Germany is also burning me out :/ (so no big difference to Japanese work culture, and I also hate living in Germany on top of that). The only thing really 'stopping' me is the fact that the salaries are significantly lower in Tokyo than they are in my home country (Germany) and ofc idk what job I can land.
Regarding budget: I have a decent salary at the moment. It's nothing crazy, but compared to average salaries for entry- mid-level positions in Japan, it's def good (a bit more than 10M yen p.a. converted since yen is low atm). I would really like to stay within the range if at all possible, but I don't think that will be easy. I've saved up quite a bit working full-time for a year and I have enough money to live in Japan for min. one year, even if I can't find a job. And also some emergency funds just in case my family needs support.
Regarding visas: I checked J-find and J-skip, which I do not qualify for. I would qualify for the digital nomad visa for six months, but I heard that one is quite complicated. And it's just six months, so it's not ideal. So I'm just considering the working holiday visa. I was also briefly considering a student visa. However, since I already have a JLPT N2, it's not really worth it for me.)
by Shiny-5510