I want to relocate from Europe to Japan. I’ve done some research, but I still want to learn more, so opinions and advice are highly welcome. I am a 31-year-old, single, third-country citizen, working as a software engineer in Eastern Europe with a good-paying job. I currently have no Japanese skills, but I do speak five languages – two fluently, B2 English, and two more at an A2 level. I’ve spent my entire life abroad and have traveled to 21 countries. I used to live in Southeast Asia as a freelancer and really enjoyed the Asian vibes, big cities, skyscrapers, and culture.
I’ve had some discussions with recruiters, and it seems possible to get an okay-paying job in Japan. They mentioned Tokyo and Fukuoka, both of which look great to me. I think this is an excellent time to make the move as Europe is facing problems with energy, the cost of living, and the economy in general. The Japanese yen is weak, making it cheaper for someone with USD/EUR savings.
Now, I’d like to ask for your opinions or experiences.
Is it better to find a job and apply for a work permit, or is it better to save some money and come as a language student, then start searching for a job? In the first case, I wouldn’t need much money as relocation is usually covered by the company, but it would take a lot of time to secure a job in a competitive market. The chances of landing a high-paying job are extremely low. I’m also concerned about the difficulty of starting work immediately upon arrival, as I would need some time to get used to the country, climate, transportation, language, bureaucracy, and paperwork. If I don’t like company it would be a huge problem for me.
In the second case, I can proceed immediately, learn some basic Japanese, and explore the country for six months before searching for a job. It sounds great, but the only thing I’m afraid of is spending all my savings. In case I can’t find a job, I’d have to return to my country with empty pockets. So, this option is easier for mental health, better for traveling, but it carries higher risks. How much money would I need for this option?
Is six months enough to learn basic Japanese, which would somehow increase my chances of landing a good job if I attend a language school full-time? (I understand it depends on the person, but I’m curious about your experience.) Is Fukuoka a good place to learn Japanese, find a job, and make friends, or are the chances too limited and it will be better to focus on Tokyo?
Some language schools, information and advice are superwelcome!
5 comments
This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.
—
**Seeking advice for relocating to Japan.**
I want to relocate from Europe to Japan. I’ve done some research, but I still want to learn more, so opinions and advice are highly welcome. I am a 31-year-old, single, third-country citizen, working as a software engineer in Eastern Europe with a good-paying job. I currently have no Japanese skills, but I do speak five languages – two fluently, B2 English, and two more at an A2 level. I’ve spent my entire life abroad and have traveled to 21 countries. I used to live in Southeast Asia as a freelancer and really enjoyed the Asian vibes, big cities, skyscrapers, and culture.
I’ve had some discussions with recruiters, and it seems possible to get an okay-paying job in Japan. They mentioned Tokyo and Fukuoka, both of which look great to me. I think this is an excellent time to make the move as Europe is facing problems with energy, the cost of living, and the economy in general. The Japanese yen is weak, making it cheaper for someone with USD/EUR savings.
Now, I’d like to ask for your opinions or experiences.
Is it better to find a job and apply for a work permit, or is it better to save some money and come as a language student, then start searching for a job? In the first case, I wouldn’t need much money as relocation is usually covered by the company, but it would take a lot of time to secure a job in a competitive market. The chances of landing a high-paying job are extremely low. I’m also concerned about the difficulty of starting work immediately upon arrival, as I would need some time to get used to the country, climate, transportation, language, bureaucracy, and paperwork. If I don’t like company it would be a huge problem for me.
In the second case, I can proceed immediately, learn some basic Japanese, and explore the country for six months before searching for a job. It sounds great, but the only thing I’m afraid of is spending all my savings. In case I can’t find a job, I’d have to return to my country with empty pockets. So, this option is easier for mental health, better for traveling, but it carries higher risks.
Is six months enough to learn basic Japanese, which would somehow increase my chances of landing a good job if I attend a language school full-time? (I understand it depends on the person, but I’m curious about your experience.) Is Fukuoka a good place to learn Japanese, find a job, and make friends, or are the chances too limited and it will be better to focus on Tokyo?
Some language schools, information and advice are superwelcome!
*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.*
It depends on how many years of experience you have (and perhaps your skin colour…) but generally software engineers are needed at higher levels so you’ll probably be able to find a job as recruiters have told you. Definitely go for foreign companies. Coming as a language student isn’t necessary.
Six months might get you some basic Japanese yes but will not matter in terms of job prospects as you’ll not be more than somewhat conversational at a low level.
Tokyo is probably better for your field but Fukuoka is like a startup area from what I’ve heard, which means it probably has some English language companies with job opportunities, but startups come with risks and I wouldn’t personally do it. Prefer established companies myself lol
Six months of Japanese will likely not get you enough Japanese knowledge to make a difference in job prospects. I’d find the best job you can with the experience you have now.
It is infinitely better to apply for a position before you come here. They will sponsor your visa, pay for your flights and relocation and pay for some of your move in costs.
You will not learn enough Japanese in 6 months to become viable at work however it might be enough for you to bumble around in your first few weeks being here, but definitely start now rather than waiting. Just apply for English only roles, if you’re a skilled enough software engineer you’ll be fine.
As far as language schools go, I used Coto, it was pretty good!
Do you have a bachelors degree? No degree makes it very hard especially if you’ve got a lot of freelancing and ad hoc experience. You’ll need to evidence ten solid years of experience in a consistent field that matches what you’re coming here to do.