I’ve seen a number of people over the years post asking about the possibility of joining an orchestra in Japan in order to live and work.
As I was browsing unrelated material involving entertainment visas, I came across an orchestra in Hyogo asking for international auditions, and they said they are willing to sponsor visas for anyone talented enough to be accepted.
I don’t know if I’m allowed to post the link? So I’ll post it in the comments and it can just be removed if necessary. At the very least, Google “Japan orchestra auditions” and you should be able to find what I found.
Note: auditions are passed for 2025 but it seems they are held each year
by morganminsk
3 comments
This is the link, mods feel free to remove if not allowed. As stated, it’s able to be found by Google searching: https://hpac-orc.jp/en/audition/core-member-detail/
Right, talented enough the vast majority of people are not talented enough, just being a trained musician is not enough. Have experience in a kid to high level orchestra in your home country would be a good start.
I mean, if the question is “I got offered a position with a professional orchestra, is there a visa I qualify for?” then the answer is absolutely “Yes, this is what the entertainer visa is for”.
If the question is “I like to play guitar with my friends, can I get a visa to come to Japan and try to busk my way through the country” then the answer is “Not really, no”.
The basic requirement is a contract that is paying you a living wage. Have a look here: [https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/entertainer.html?hl=en](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/entertainer.html?hl=en)