I’m a fresh grad with little to basic conversational Japanese. I’m a Japanese citizen but I’ve always lived in another country so I don’t really know how finances in Japan works (especially in Tokyo).
I tried applying for a front office host in Tokyo and was sent an offer of ¥180,000 pre tax. I’m planning on living alone since my family lives far. Is this livable? What are my possible finance breakdowns(rent,utilities etc.)
Should I just decline the offer? Will it leave a bad impression?
Thank you. Honest advices and sharing of experiences are extremely appreciated.
3 comments
That’s basically a baito income. 160 hours a month at minimum wage.
Assuming they cover transportation, you’ll need 60k for a place to live, you’ll be slapped with 30k of health and pension, 10k for internet and phone. You’ll have 3k at the most per day to live.
It’d be ok if you were living at your parents place without having to buy a fridge and fill it up.
In Tokyo, 180k a month is doable for a short time as a springboard, or if you live with your family but otherwise it’s nearing poverty level.
If all the offers you get are at this level, try other cities. The minimum wage difference will be a tad lower but living costs will be much lower.
Who needs all the conveniences of Tokyo if you have no money to use them?
If no other benefits like housing allowance or bonuses it may be worth looking elsewhere.
Question, how long was your interview and how quickly did they come up with this offer? If both were incredibly fast, you shouldn’t feel bad for turning down something they didn’t put much effort in.
I think you should ask for more than that even as a new graduate. Low ¥200,000s easily. Don’t accept anything less especially in Tokyo where rents are supposed to be higher or you’re trapping yourself in poverty