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Where to find tech jobs in Japan? Anonymous
I've been fascinated by Japan for some time, and I'm interested in making a move there. Not sure if I'll stay or not, but I'd like to give it a shot. I realize language might be a problem, so for the sake of discussion, I'd be willing to learn Japanese to make the move.

That said, where would a mid-20s guy, with a bachelors and a fair amount of work experience in the IT field (from programming to UNIX/Linux system administration) find a job doing (preferably) sys-admin type work in Japan? It's very easy to find English teaching jobs from the bit of research I've done, and if that's what would be necessary to get over there initially, I suppose I could do it temporarily - but I'd much prefer find work doing what I'm good at, and what I've built my career doing.

I'd like to end up on Tokyo at some point, which I know is rather expensive, so I'm not sure teaching could even fund what I'd like. :)

Thanks for any input, even if it's telling me that it's impossible.
>> Anonymous
nowhere in the world has less job opportunities for non-natives than Japan

expect to be an english teacher and that's it. unless you work for a japanese company in a real country and get shipped over there to their japanese offices.

the only real jobs you can have are related to the fact that your english skills are good.

enjoy having zero impact on a society.

as for myself, i make sure i make all of my money online. that way i can live anywhere in the world and be my own boss. i highly recommend this for everyone.
>> Anonymous
>>34147
Fair enough. Thank you for your views/opinions.
>> Anonymous
>>34145
tech jobs really do no exist for foreign nationals, essentially the Japanese can always do it better than you so why would they hire out of their already excellent job pool. Your best bets for jobs are either teaching English, financial services with a foreign company, or working as a civilian contractor for the US army or in some capacity for embassies in Japan.
>> Anonymous
>>34145

GB2 reading Megatokyo and die weeaboo faggot.
>> Anonymous
>>34161
I'd argue with the sentiment that the Japanese can always do it better. That said, if that's the perception there, I can see why the jobs would be scarce. I'll investigate multinational companies/government occupations. Thank you.
>> Anonymous
>>34163
i fuckin lol'd senseless
>> Anonymous
>>34147
and
>>34161
are idiots.

You can find tech jobs, but you're going to want to learn Japanese well in advance.

The best way for you to get in is via a group like Microsoft which has a serious presence in Japan, especially since IT guys are a dime a dozen. You'll want lots of Certs so you look more attractive.

Also, will you fuckwits shut the fuck up about how English teaching and finance are the only things available? Good god.

http://www.daijob.com/en/

There's a nice job board for you. It should help give you accurate expectations.
>> Anonymous
>>34186
Thank you kindly. I've got the experience/cert aspect covered. It sounds like language is my only barrier (looking at getting Rosetta Stone and a few books to sort that issue) beyond the difficulty of finding jobs. :)

Thank you for your helpful link, as well. There were a fair number of open positions that I'd be qualified for. It's nice that the salary range was listed, as well. Looks like I'd make less in Japan than I make here, at least as a starting point - but not by much.

How is cost of living? I'm not one who needs a huge home (and from what I've read, even if I wanted one - it'd be impossible to get, especially in Tokyo) - so a reasonable apartment would be fine. I generally end up residing in a room or two at most (bedroom/living room) so the smaller apartments I've been seeing as common there won't be an issue.

I'm just curious about cost of living in general, beyond just housing. I need to make sure it's financially reasonable to make such a move!
>> Anonymous
>>34216
Don't count on learning a language past a couple useful phrases from "Rosetta Stone and a few books." Two to three years of university level coursework will get you to the point that you can hold a basic conversation and have enough foundation to live there and get by without too much trouble.

Cost of living, especially in Tokyo, is high. If you live in San Francisco or New York City, it will be somewhat comparable. Otherwise, it will be significantly more expensive than other American cities. Food is 25-200% more than in the US, transportation is expensive, gas is 50-100% more than the US. On the bright side, health insurance is quite a bit cheaper.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $450-2500 a month on a small (studio or 1 bedroom), depending on where in the city it's located. Houses are astronomical.
>> Anonymous
>>34233
I've already learned a few languages using the software/book approach, it's a natural talent for me. I don't foresee having any issue using the same method, other than the need to memorize the necessary kanji, which will most certainly be a challenge.

As to the COL estimate, thank you kindly - that's what I was looking for. I cycle and use public transportation as it is, so hopefully I'll be able to do the same there (assuming I end up making the move.)
>> Anonymous
>>34234I've already learned a few languages using the software/book approach, it's a natural talent for me.

I find this unlikely. Perhaps you learned enough of a few languages to impress a few friends, but enough to get a job and work in a foreign country? Doubtful... Besides, learning Japanese isn't exactly like learning Spanish.
>> Anonymous
>>34236
Unlikely as you may find it, it is true. I grew up speaking 3 languages at home, due to "interesting" family situations, and it's something I'm naturally capable of - I am most certainly talking about fluent linguistic ability. I've lived abroad on multiple occasions, this is not something "new" to me. :)

Whether or not you "believe" me bears no relevance on how I proceed, nor will I continue to debate this with you. If you've got any additional information of relevance that applies, I look forward to reading it - otherwise, I'd ask that you kindly refrain from such posts, so that I don't end up with a large argument. So far, this posting has been extremely productive for me, and I'd love if it will continue that way. :)
>> Anonymous
Kill yourself.
>> Anonymous
>>34241
8/10 troll, you had most /trl/ers but you lost a fair number at this point. Next time, try to tone down the politeness, although I did give you bonus points for the "I refuse to discuss this further", as I know how well that tried-and-true method works. All in all, a fairly good troll.
>> Anonymous
>>34252
Sorry, meant /trv/ and not /trl/.