Moving to Japan at 35: Language school + MBA + job hunt — advice needed!

Hi everyone,
I'm 35 and planning to move to Japan to find a job in international trade or supply chain. I have 9 years of work experience and a bachelor's degree in International Relations.

I've been studying Japanese daily while working full-time and practicing with teachers on Preply and iTalki. My goal is to pass the JLPT N1 and prepare for job interviews in Japanese.

Here’s my plan:

  • 2026: Move to Japan and study Japanese full-time at ALA Japanese Language School (targeting N1).
  • 2027–2028: Continue at ALA in the mornings and enroll in Hosei University’s GMBA program (evenings/weekends).
  • 2029–2031: Pursue another master’s degree, possibly in management or a business-related field at a technology-focused university like Tokyo Tech.

I plan to start job-hunting from the moment I arrive. If I can secure a full-time position early, I would leave the language school and continue with the MBA at night while working.

I'm aware this will be a tough path, but I'd rather take the risk than regret not trying.

For those familiar with the Japanese job market: based on my plan, background, and age, what are my real chances of finding a good job?

Any advice, tips, or feedback would be really appreciated. Thank you so much!

by ZookeepergameSure762

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