Indian creative strategist planning to move to Japan, looking for advice and connections from people in the craft and design world

hi everyone,

I'm a creative strategist and jewellery designer based in Bangalore, India. I'm in the early stages of planning a move to Japan, ideally Tokyo or Kyoto, and would love advice from people who've made a similar transition.

a bit about me and why Japan specifically: I'm building an independent jewellery studio that works at the intersection of mythology, material culture, and experimental design. the Japanese avant-garde craft and fashion world, the reverence for process, the coexistence of ancient tradition and radical experimentation, is deeply aligned with what I'm making.

I'd love to make my stay self-funding through freelance creative strategy and brand consulting work, ideally for independent labels or businesses working across the India-Japan corridor. I understand both markets from the inside which I think is a relatively rare combination.

a few specific things I'd love advice on:

how did you find your first freelance clients or creative work opportunities once you arrived?

are there independent jewellery studios, craft spaces, or design communities in Tokyo or Kyoto worth connecting with?

any Indian or India-facing businesses in Japan that might value someone with a creative strategy background?

any advice on making a stay genuinely self-sustaining as a creative freelancer?

happy to share more about my work if useful. grateful for any leads, advice, or connections.