Yes I’m 18. Yes this may be unrealistic. And yes I want the brutal truth. I’m 18 turning 19 next month and just came back from a 2 week trip in Japan around a month ago. I am a full time Information Technology worker with 2 years of experience and my A+. (Getting Security+ and Network+ before leaving). My two week trip was one week Osaka and one week Tokyo and it left me insanely inspired. (Much preferred Osaka). Ive set up a great future for myself and I’ve been doing a ton of research on what it’s like to live here and I’m honestly debating trying Language School for 2 years in Osaka and using this as a trial run of Japan, and then after graduation deciding if I want to stay and go to a university, or go back home and get rehired at my company. I know, “2 weeks isn’t enough to know and you only know the surface level of Japan”, but I’m the youngest in my company, I’ll have 12-15k saved by the time I leave in July, and I’ve been doing extensive research and talking with counselors from the day I left. I know I’ll regret it if I don’t try and was wondering if I’m being too optimistic, but I think either way I’m going to try. I know taking another trip using my PTO of 2 weeks that I get per year would be a good idea. But I’m mentally ready and I’d rather go all in and know that I tried my best compared to not committing fully and regretting what could’ve been. (I’m not afraid to spend all this money and time because I know I won’t regret it).
P.S. I forgot to mention that I live with my parents and have a completely disposable income besides my car insurance, phone bill, and other small thing. Also, all my hobbies would transfer to Japan. I workout, I play in Pokémon card tournaments, and I love Japanese music. I’ve also done extensive research on the Visa requirements and understand that the only way I’d be able to say is getting a bachelors in the US or Japan. (Hence why I’m considering deciding on university after language school to know if I really want to make a life there). Thanks for the advice!
by YElli0tt
13 comments
I think a language school would be a great fit for someone like you! I think learning the language, learning the culture, potentially getting a part time job in Japan through the school, will provide you with some real life experiences in Japan! You might find that Japan is not the fit for you, or you might find that it is a more long term commitment. At the end of the day, you will have accomplished the following: learning a new language, moving to a different country with positive intentions, learning about a diverse intense culture that’s vastly different than western society, and gaining experiences that will set you up for adulthood.
To get a long term visa you’d need 10 years of relevant work experience in a highly skilled & in demand field or a university bachelors degree.
That means currently only temporary visas are an option for you. A study visa would be your best chance, assuming you aren’t from a country with a working holiday visa agreement? If so, I’d go with that one. It lets you stay for up to a year. Otherwise study visa for language school or university.
It might be smarter to wait a bit, get started on learning the language in your homecountry and even to get the degree (and some experience there), but that is up to you ofc.
At 18 it’s not happening bro. They want their people to have a certain amount of work experience and or a bachelors at the very least.
to be honest, I tried moving to Japan at 18 for college and it did not work out. I ended up coming home within 2 months because I was so homesick, lonely and out of my element – and I had been studying Japanese for 6 years, and did multiple exchange programs over there before this. The emotional weight of living in a different country is hard to fathom until you are there, especialy if you’re young. If you truly think you’ve got this then go for it, but I’d recommend waiting a few years to mature and then going from there.
honestly you’re young enough that i’d say just full send it. worst thing that happens is you realize you don’t like living there after a year or two.
Do it.
As cliche as it sounds, you do only live once.
Living in a country is a completely different vibe to just doing a vacation. And in a good way.
I’ve lived in around 4 different countries now, the kind of wellness these experiences give you is priceless.
You’re also very young, this works in your favour. If it turns out Japan is not for you or something doesn’t quite go to plan after or during the language school, then you can easily pivot to something else. If you were older, with a family or a career, you’d have a lot more to sacrifice.
I’m glad my younger self took the plunge. (My case is slightly different, I studied my degree in another country, then came to Japan on a work visa).
Try to go there for a few month on a tourist visa and see how you like it first.
I second the language school opinions. This way you’ll relatively easily and accessibly spend a longer while in Japan and see if it’s really for you while having enough ample time to see if you can find a job and crucially friends there and such. Moving to another country whether it’s Japan or anywhere else is a big decision obviously so it’s good to do a „trial run” so to speak first. Even more so if you’re from one of the countries that have working holiday visa with Japan.
This is the best time to take these risks as you don’t yet have any responsibilities and commitments holding you down that you will get as you grow older.
If it doesn’t work out, the return flight exists and you’ll have a fun story to tell others in the future. Lots and lots of people your age are moving to other countries for study or long-term travel before settling into their careers. Japan doesn’t have to be the forever place for you – just enjoy the journey of where life takes you!
How can you get 2 years of IT experience at 18? That’s senior in HS age not college grad
Just start with the language school and also get the permission to work so you can get some experience with that too. But be aware, moving to Japan comes with some trade offs… like less free time, less money .. it won’t be easy but never try never know right? 😉
Do it man I’m 19 and moving there in December you live once it’ll be worth a shot
Please go for it best decision I ever made. At least do the language school. I loved going to college here it was a blessing. I will say though if you want a happy and healthy career this ain’t the place for that 😭 I have N2 level skills and a Japanese fiancée and we’re uprooting our lives to go to America for better job opportunity.
If you don’t stay for a long term career, getting a few years to experience Japan through language school or college will be enough for a lifetime and quite frankly after a few years you’ll grow tired of Japan and likely be ready for the next big thing life has to offer. Can’t say I’ve met any other foreigner who stayed in Japan 5-10 years plus and wasn’t ready to get the hell out.
If you do decide to go please keep this in mind. The prestige of your college is everything. Get into a competitive college after you do language school at all costs. It will be important if you do decide to get a job in Japan. Employers only care about your colleges prestige if you get into a good one your career will start off strong. If you can’t make that happen, I’d lowkey return to the states after language school.
Worked here for a year and it’s not for me. Ridiculously bureaucratic with little to no room to grow in your career as a foreigner. Can’t in good faith recommend building a life in Japan. Although to each their own. But absolutely do consider going for school. It’s an experience that shapes your life for the better 💪
PS: I never respond to people on Reddit but you remind me of me 5 or 6 years ago so sorry if there’s any typos of run on sentences. If you got any questions feel free to ask.
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