I'm a graduate student chemistry and was already considering doing post-doctoral work in Japan. Maybe now I can get a real job there instead of Grad School version 2.0, where you're still your advisor's bitch, but they pay you slightly better to numb the pain.
I’m already here – and it’s been an interesting ride so far to say the least. It’s not easy, and certainly not always a bowl of cherries. And, before anyone asks, no – I don’t speak Japanese but I manage with patience, English, gestures and a lot of pointing.
Speaking from (limited) experience I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who isn’t serious about a complete and total lifestyle change. I think it goes without saying that Japan is very different from the English speaking world in many different ways. Some are more obvious than others. Banks close at 3pm and ATMs are not 24-hours. If you decide to go to the bank or post office for a transaction that cannot be done via machine, plan on being there for awhile as you will take a number and sit in the seats provided until called. Checks do not, nor have they ever existed, and bills are paid at the convenience store. Credit cards are a rare almost endangered species since sightings in the hands of the Japanese are not often occurrences.
It’s also a very different work environment from what I was used to, so it’s not just a difference in language and culture outside the workplace but within the office as well. Sick days are an alien concept and overtime is taken for granted as something you will happily do for the good of the company without getting paid or acknowledged.
Very little is familiar, and that which should be isn’t. Sure I have McDonald’s, Baskin Robins and KFCs floating around the city, but the menu and food items are not the same. Example: biscuits at KFC have holes in them and some sort of maple syrup inside and mashed potatoes don’t exist. Also, unless you’re Portuguese I’m thinking that an egg sounds like a strange thing to put on your beef, ie hamburgers at McDonald’s.
Ah, and Japan is incredibly expensive. Not just living here, but the initial getting here. I went (between quitting my last job and starting up here) a month and a half without getting a paycheck since employees at my company are paid on a monthly basis. This means not only did I have to shell out for food and other living expenses as well as a plane ticket etc., but also for rent and utilities before I’d even gotten paid. (I certainly don’t recommend to anyone to do this around the holidays since it can particularly painful financially and a bit sad when you work on Christmas.)
Of course that’s not to say that people shouldn’t make the move – if you are truly interested in a complete change of life (and I’d strongly suggest can speak at least a little Japanese) I’d say go for it to anyone willing to make that leap.
(Er, sorry about the length – guess I had more to say than I realized. ^^;)
I am studying Marketing right now so I can work for the American Anime Industry but my japanese is ok so if Japan needs me I'll go in a heart beat. So in 2011 I am moving to Japan maybe if I have money and if I can find a marketing job there (hopefully in anime).
jazzlsx
Otakuite | Posted 05/13/08 | Reply
I'm a graduate student chemistry and was already considering doing post-doctoral work in Japan. Maybe now I can get a real job there instead of Grad School version 2.0, where you're still your advisor's bitch, but they pay you slightly better to numb the pain.
Caitiy
Otakuite | Posted 05/13/08 | Reply
I’m already here – and it’s been an interesting ride so far to say the least. It’s not easy, and certainly not always a bowl of cherries. And, before anyone asks, no – I don’t speak Japanese but I manage with patience, English, gestures and a lot of pointing.
Speaking from (limited) experience I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who isn’t serious about a complete and total lifestyle change. I think it goes without saying that Japan is very different from the English speaking world in many different ways. Some are more obvious than others. Banks close at 3pm and ATMs are not 24-hours. If you decide to go to the bank or post office for a transaction that cannot be done via machine, plan on being there for awhile as you will take a number and sit in the seats provided until called. Checks do not, nor have they ever existed, and bills are paid at the convenience store. Credit cards are a rare almost endangered species since sightings in the hands of the Japanese are not often occurrences.
It’s also a very different work environment from what I was used to, so it’s not just a difference in language and culture outside the workplace but within the office as well. Sick days are an alien concept and overtime is taken for granted as something you will happily do for the good of the company without getting paid or acknowledged.
Very little is familiar, and that which should be isn’t. Sure I have McDonald’s, Baskin Robins and KFCs floating around the city, but the menu and food items are not the same. Example: biscuits at KFC have holes in them and some sort of maple syrup inside and mashed potatoes don’t exist. Also, unless you’re Portuguese I’m thinking that an egg sounds like a strange thing to put on your beef, ie hamburgers at McDonald’s.
Ah, and Japan is incredibly expensive. Not just living here, but the initial getting here. I went (between quitting my last job and starting up here) a month and a half without getting a paycheck since employees at my company are paid on a monthly basis. This means not only did I have to shell out for food and other living expenses as well as a plane ticket etc., but also for rent and utilities before I’d even gotten paid. (I certainly don’t recommend to anyone to do this around the holidays since it can particularly painful financially and a bit sad when you work on Christmas.)
Of course that’s not to say that people shouldn’t make the move – if you are truly interested in a complete change of life (and I’d strongly suggest can speak at least a little Japanese) I’d say go for it to anyone willing to make that leap.
(Er, sorry about the length – guess I had more to say than I realized. ^^;)
fallenangel8
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 05/13/08 | Reply
I am studying Marketing right now so I can work for the American Anime Industry but my japanese is ok so if Japan needs me I'll go in a heart beat. So in 2011 I am moving to Japan maybe if I have money and if I can find a marketing job there (hopefully in anime).
Show No Fear Always Smile
DarkSorceress
Otakuite+ | Posted 05/13/08 | Reply
i would totally go since i ken blend it anyways ^^ but like chibi-anna-chan, i cant speak very good. i'd probably be notices as a gaijin.
Kaerlyn
Tea pixie (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 05/12/08 | Reply
ehehe the fact i can't speak much Japanese would be tough... And i'd miss people... Although i haven't been home for months. Silly university XP