I lived in Japan for a while, so eager to share my experiences and hear others. Basically it stemmed from my first ever play through of Shenmue, and visiting Tokyo in 2012.
I worked as a developer there, and yes zangyou was a thing (unneeded). Lived in Tokyo (Nakano-ku) and very much enjoyed that part, the standard of apartments is very good.
Work culture leaves a lot to be desired, even at Gaishikei's, they can get away with a bad culture. I think developers get treated worse then English teachers. Pay was okay for a bad Japanese speaking foreigner with moderate experience in Tokyo, 6,000,000 JPY standard 12 month, not 14 month which they sometimes try to burn you with as a "bonus".
The commute was also not great, on a packed Oedo sen. The trains are great and clean however.
Learnt Japanese, at the Coto language school in Tokyo, and they are okay, had mixed opinions on them. It's important to find a class for your level.
Mixing with Japanese people I had a range of experiences, you really have to get their culture in my opinion, "sugoi gaikokujin, eeeeee". There are some Japanese people who love to mix with foreigners and these are cool.
I don't know if this sounds weird, but I went on a vacation to Hong Kong whilst living in Tokyo after a long stint in Japan only, and this might sound weird but Hong Kong felt more "free", then Japan. Which is weird considering who runs it now.
Some people say foreigners aren't there for the long haul, but I did meet some "expats", who were very high up in Japanese companies, mainly the one in Futako Tamagawa.
I've always been interested in the Yakuza, and they blend right in. If you go in backwater Kinshicho, you can sense them, and there are bars obviously run by them. Russian, Romanian girl bars. Some places in Tokyo have a no Yakuza sign etc. Hated Roppongi as well, foreigners in Japan seem like they're in competition with eachother and I dont mean to sound like one, but avoid the area.
I love Japan and Japanese culture and living there was eye opening. I travelled around a bit, mainly on golden week when I was allowed, and drove up the country which was absolutely stunning, especially at night. And new years with a snowy Aomori. Also went to Okinawa, which is stunning.
My partner at the time was Japanese, and it was breathtaking and nerve wracking binge drinking Ocha with Obaa chan old school countryside house. Eigo wakarimasen for sure!
Did some touristy stuff when my friend and sister visited, such as dress up in a yukata in Asakusa, and watch Sumo at Ryogoku. Picture's to prove
Love to discuss this more with those who are in Japan.
I worked as a developer there, and yes zangyou was a thing (unneeded). Lived in Tokyo (Nakano-ku) and very much enjoyed that part, the standard of apartments is very good.
Work culture leaves a lot to be desired, even at Gaishikei's, they can get away with a bad culture. I think developers get treated worse then English teachers. Pay was okay for a bad Japanese speaking foreigner with moderate experience in Tokyo, 6,000,000 JPY standard 12 month, not 14 month which they sometimes try to burn you with as a "bonus".
The commute was also not great, on a packed Oedo sen. The trains are great and clean however.
Learnt Japanese, at the Coto language school in Tokyo, and they are okay, had mixed opinions on them. It's important to find a class for your level.
Mixing with Japanese people I had a range of experiences, you really have to get their culture in my opinion, "sugoi gaikokujin, eeeeee". There are some Japanese people who love to mix with foreigners and these are cool.
I don't know if this sounds weird, but I went on a vacation to Hong Kong whilst living in Tokyo after a long stint in Japan only, and this might sound weird but Hong Kong felt more "free", then Japan. Which is weird considering who runs it now.
Some people say foreigners aren't there for the long haul, but I did meet some "expats", who were very high up in Japanese companies, mainly the one in Futako Tamagawa.
I've always been interested in the Yakuza, and they blend right in. If you go in backwater Kinshicho, you can sense them, and there are bars obviously run by them. Russian, Romanian girl bars. Some places in Tokyo have a no Yakuza sign etc. Hated Roppongi as well, foreigners in Japan seem like they're in competition with eachother and I dont mean to sound like one, but avoid the area.
I love Japan and Japanese culture and living there was eye opening. I travelled around a bit, mainly on golden week when I was allowed, and drove up the country which was absolutely stunning, especially at night. And new years with a snowy Aomori. Also went to Okinawa, which is stunning.
My partner at the time was Japanese, and it was breathtaking and nerve wracking binge drinking Ocha with Obaa chan old school countryside house. Eigo wakarimasen for sure!
Did some touristy stuff when my friend and sister visited, such as dress up in a yukata in Asakusa, and watch Sumo at Ryogoku. Picture's to prove
Love to discuss this more with those who are in Japan.
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