So, for many political and economic reasons, as well as other minor reasons, I’ve considered moving to Japan, likely with a friend who is just a bit less serious than me about it. We both know some Japanese, and we’re taking classes to learn more. (First it was more of a side thing, but if this hypothetical move were to happen, it would be very advantageous.) I’ve looked at places to live, and have found some nice places in Kyoto that aren’t a major hassle with access to trains and such, and the rent is more than reasonable, all things considered. I’ve looked at some job opportunities, but I kept getting mixed signals.
In my work experience, I’ve worked various physical labor lobs and am currently in a manager position at a retail store. I’m looking to, soon, get a guard position. I know that management positions in Japan are much different than how they’re treated in the US, and I wouldn’t be offered such a position right out of the gate.
I’m also interested in owning a handgun for self-defense and home defense, but I know the rules on that are very strict and very specific, so that would be less important right now.
Are there any other cities or towns I should seriously consider when taking into account my mostly physical labor experience and obvious cheap living to ensure a safe move without any hardship? Are there any major difficulties I, as a foreigner who hypothetically just moved to Japan, would face even taking in language issues into consideration?
8 comments
This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.
—
**I currently live in California and, for various reasons, am moderately considering moving to Japan. There are several things I’m more curious about, and would like some feedback. (Firsthand experience/native responses VERY appreciated!)**
So, for many political and economic reasons, as well as other minor reasons, I’ve considered moving to Japan, likely with a friend who is just a bit less serious than me about it. We both know some Japanese, and we’re taking classes to learn more. (First it was more of a side thing, but if this hypothetical move were to happen, it would be very advantageous.) I’ve looked at places to live, and have found some nice places in Kyoto that aren’t a major hassle with access to trains and such, and the rent is more than reasonable, all things considered. I’ve looked at some job opportunities, but I kept getting mixed signals.
In my work experience, I’ve worked various physical labor lobs and am currently in a manager position at a retail store. I’m looking to, soon, get a guard position. I know that management positions in Japan are much different than how they’re treated in the US, and I wouldn’t be offered such a position right out of the gate.
I’m also interested in owning a handgun for self-defense and home defense, but I know the rules on that are very strict and very specific, so that would be less important right now.
Are there any other cities or towns I should seriously consider when taking into account my mostly physical labor experience and obvious cheap living to ensure a safe move without any hardship? Are there any major difficulties I, as a foreigner who hypothetically just moved to Japan, would face even taking in language issues into consideration?
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/movingtojapan) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is not realistic. If you already have a Japanese passport or a huge amount of money in your bank account I suppose it might be possible on some level, but things like owning a handgun in Japan for “protection” just don’t make sense.
I think the first step is finding out what kind of visa you can apply for.
And owning a gun for self-defense in Japan is not realistic.
You won’t be approved for a visa for any physical labour or retail shop manager. [Here is the list of jobs you can get a visa for.](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/index.html) You also need to have a degree or I believe something like 10+ years of experience in the profession you’re applying for (which needs to be evidenced by each company you worked for to account 10 years).
You wouldn’t be able to own a gun “for self-defence” in Japan. I know you’re coming from American perspective but it’s a little absurd to even ask, if I’m completely honest.
>In my work experience, I’ve worked various physical labor lobs and am currently in a manager position at a retail store. I’m looking to, soon, get a guard position.
None of these are industries that are able to sponsor you for a visa.
>I’m also interested in owning a handgun for self-defense and home defense
These are not considered valid reasons to own a firearm in Japan.
You haven’t mentioned education level, so I’ll assume that you haven’t got a degree or if you do have a degree you haven’t got any interest in working in that field. Your first priority should be reskilling and getting into an industry that could sponsor you for a visa. Most white collar office work would be fine for this. I would not recommend trying to use English teaching as a stepping stone (incase you were considering it). It’s a fine thing to do for a gap year or two, but it’s really not going to help you find long term success in Japan.
If you have a bachelor(4 year uni degree)and are still young(in 20s), you can try to apply for JET programme. If not, it’s not realistic to move to Japan.
Your career as a physical labor or a retail manager doesn’t help you with finding a job in Japan. You cannot work as a physical labor unless you have Japanese citizenship.
No one has a handgun here in Japan. Having a handgun for self defence is a really weird idea.
>I wouldn’t be offered such a position right out of the gate.
You might not even be offered a work visa for your work history
>I’m also interested in owning a handgun
Don’t even think about it. The closest thing you’ll own is a BB gun.
> self-defense and home defense
If you think CA’s self/home defense laws are bad… Good luck even having self/home defense in Japan **especially** as a foreigner.
>many political and economic reasons
Why not consider moving somewhere else within the states? I know plenty who got fed up with CA due to politics and COL, and just moved to more free states like Nevada, Arizona, Texas and love it.
Even police officers in Japan are not allowed to own handguns. They are issued a revolver when they go on duty and they return it when they go home for the day. Every bullet has to be accounted for.