Spanyard moving to japan

6 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

   —

   **Spanyard moving to japan**

   Hello! I’m a software engineer in my early 30s, originally from Spain but currently residing in France. I’m contemplating a move to Japan for 3-4 years to immerse myself in the culture and explore the country. My interest in Japan has been a lifelong one, and I’m excited about the prospect of experiencing a vastly different culture. I’m generally quiet, somewhat shy, and value respect for common spaces and nature. I’ve found it easy to meet new people and engage in new activities, so I’m optimistic about adapting to life in Japan. I’m also keen on learning Japanese, as I enjoy a lot of content in the language.
   Before finalizing my plans, I have a few questions for those who’ve made a similar move or are familiar with living in Japan:
   1. Is it too risky to move to Japan without having visited first? I understand I can always return to Spain if needed.
   2. As a software engineer, is it realistic to expect a job in Tokyo that allows for a comfortable lifestyle and spare time to travel and explore?
   3. How critical is it to learn Japanese before moving, versus learning it while living there?
   4. What is the work-life balance like in international IT companies in Japan?
   5. Are there any other crucial considerations or questions I should ponder before proceeding with my plan?
   Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

   *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.*

2. How are you interested in the culture / living there but never visited before to check it out? This seems crazy outrageous to even consider this step without first visiting it to see what the culture is like firsthand.

3. What do you mean risky? Like…will you like it?

   Yes, it’s pretty risky. You don’t speak Japanese and have no experience with the everyday culture.

   Depends on so many factors. However, one large factor is how old you are and how long you have been with the company. Young and new in IT? You will likely work a lot. That’s Japanese culture.

   Reverse roles. Imagine a Japanese person who only speaks Japanese starting work suddenly at a Spanish IT company. How would that work out?

   The hours you are expected to work as a young, new software engineer at a Japanese company in Tokyo will likely be long. Traditionally, there can be blatant social pressure not to use your time off.

   You don’t have a plan at the moment. Go online, look at the companies you’re interested in. Look at who is hiring. Read reviews.

   If I were you, I’d save some euros, start buying some yen up now and take an extended vacation around Japan for a month on a tourist visa somewhere down the road. You’ll see and experience more. If you absolutely love it, maybe then contemplate a move.

4. Since you are in the early 30s you can still do a Working Holiday Visa. I would try that first if possible and focus on learning the language as much as possible.

5. 1. Yes

6. 1- it is risky, but I did it and don’t regret it

   3- depends on where you’ll be living… less critical if you’re in an area that’s more used to dealing with foreigners, but things will certainly be easier the more you know in advance. I’ve had a hard time learning the language while also working full time (although I’ve picked up quite a bit, just not as much as I thought I would be able to)