I’m constantly reading about others who have been able to move to Japan with, seemingly, very little obstacles. And, I wonder, “How are these people doing this so easily?”
I’ve been studying the Japanese language since I was 15, participated in a study abroad program in high school, attended Nanzan University Language program for one semester, and went to Temple University in Tokyo for 2 semesters. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Culture. After college, I worked briefly at an international language school in Nagoya with 3 and 4 year olds.
Since returning to the U.S., I have earned certificates in Medical Administrative Assistant, Electronic Medical Records and Medical Coding, all falling under the heading of Health Information Technology.
I don’t want really want to teach again, and from what I understand, the medical field is not as open to non-citizens. I’m really interested in remote work of some sort. My plan B so to speak is to get a remote job here in the US and visit Japan twice a year, or stay for a couple of months or so under a tourist visa. What are my chances of actually living in Japan on a more permanent basis? Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thank you very much for your help!
7 comments
-Working remotely on a tourist visa isn’t permitted, and while it isn’t highly likely you will get caught, it only takes immigration to suspect that you are doing so and it can get you banned from entering again for a while.
-Periods of stay as a tourist do not count towards the requirement for achieving any kind of longer term residence statuses. You will at minimum need to get a working or spouse visa to initiate the process for a longer stay.
-Non Japanese people are not banned from the medical field, but it does require passing exams and getting a license via a process that has no English help whatsoever. So long as you can do that, then you can potentially do the same as any other JP citizen.
>Temple University in Tokyo for 2 semesters. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Culture. After college, I worked briefly at an international language school in Nagoya with 3 and 4 year olds.
Well, that’s part of the reason why. Poor uni rep, not very useful degree, and no Japanese experience related to the field you want to work in
>I don’t want really want to teach again, and from what I understand, the medical field is not as open to non-citizens.
From what you understand? Have you applied for some jobs and been rejected ?
If you wanted to come to Japan, why did you waste your time learning medical billing? That’s a subject that only will be of use in the US as Japan will have its own systems. Could have used that time learning some coding languages.
>“How are these people doing this so easily?”
Being blunt: Because they are *qualified*.
They have marketable skills, in fields that are in demand.
>I have a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Culture.
Speaking of qualifications… This isn’t one. The only thing this degree gave you is the ability to speak Japanese (not as well as a native) and some knowledge of Japanese culture (again: not as much as a native).
What do you bring to the table that a native Japanese person does not?
>I have earned certificates in Medical Administrative Assistant, Electronic Medical Records and Medical Coding, all falling under the heading of Health Information Technology.
None of these things are going to help you get a job in Japan. Japan has completely different standards, practices, and systems.
Plus see “speak Japanese (not as well as a native)”.
>I’m really interested in remote work of some sort. My plan B so to speak is to get a remote job here in the US and visit Japan twice a year, or stay for a couple of months or so under a tourist visa
That is illegal. Working on a tourist visa is against the law, and could end up with you being deported and banned from returning to Japan.
>I wonder, “How are these people doing this so easily?”
Money, choosing a career that helps them move, and luck.
You’ve evidently been focused on Japan since young (15?), but instead of carving out a path that would help you find a way here, you kinda went all over the place. As Mr_Inaka pointed out, none of your experiences/qualifications are relevant/helpful in getting you a job here.
I’ve been fascinated by Japan since young too, but never really thought to make plans to move there. However the career I decided on was a useful avenue to move internationally in general, and I was very purposeful in every experience/qualification I undertook.
As others have already mentioned, working on a tourist visa is illegal. If you can work remotely, you can try ans ask your company if they have a Japan branch you could work under. Or just be happy with the holidays you get (with no work involved). Or somehow you marry a Japanese and move here (but you’ll still have the issue of finding work). Though I hope you don’t go dating a Japanese person just for that.
Realistically your only options right now are getting a job as an English teacher or hoping a company hires you despite your lack of skills and experience.
If you want to increase your chances, learn and gain experience in an in demand field.
This is my boat too. My degree was in Japanese/multimedia design and production (though at the time, MMDP was lesser on my agenda).
Then the pandemic hit and I’ve spent the last 3 years trying madly to get hired in order to return to Japan. Haven’t been successful yet, but I think the easiest way must just be get a job that will sponsor that visa, unless you plan/have enough money and drive to go back to school in some capacity for something that you may be able to pair with Japanese language.
Just don’t give up. I know I won’t be.