Gaijin (Foreign) Romances

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2005 7:23 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

So I take it an Associates is pretty worthless, huh? That sucks.
And I was looking into translation work. If it's possible, I might try to find some work over here w/ a translation company for some experience, and at least try to get a Class 2 on the JLPT. Think that would make you interesting enough for a company to consider sponsoring you?

Also, do you think they might ever loosen the restrictions in light of this whole 'population decline' thing everyone seems to be talking about?

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2005 7:33 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

i don't think an associate's is worthless. if you can speak/read/write jp very well, there are many companies that would want you (IMO). please check out some job search places (especially for japanese companies), and see how far your resume can get you. then, you'll have a better idea on what you need to work on.

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 1:12 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:54 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 7:56 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:34 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:29 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 3:27 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Well, you guys have encouraged me. Thanks for that. As of now, my Japanese isn't bad for 2yrs of self-study, but it's no where near good enough. But I'm not planning on looking for a job right now. A more immediate goal is to work on my Japanese, and take the JLPT. Anyway, thanks for the honest replies. I appreciate them.

As for living there, I spent a week in Kobe. I don't know how that ranks on city size/business, but I didn't have a problem w/ it. I think if I had a choice, I'd want to live in that area. It's nice, and I have some friends there now. Smile

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 3:51 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 3:57 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

I don't know about jobs, but my Japanese boyfriend's family has no problems whatsoever accepting a European girl as their son's possible future wife. Of course, their daughter is already married to a Canadian so I guess it's fair to say they are a really open-minded family.

I hear outmarrying is a far bigger deal in Korea than it is in Japan, though it can also be problematic in Japan of course. You guys looking for Japanese girls have it easier though - most families have an easier time giving their daughters to foreigners than they have giving their sons, because sons are supposed to carry on the blood line. I think Japanese women marrying foreigners is getting more and more common and I've rarely hard of families outwardly saying no to such a relationship. Of course Japan is still a very homogenic country so be prepared to stick out like a sore thumb at all and any times.

Unsure

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:44 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 7:10 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Thanks.

I honestly haven't been to many places in Japan, so I don't know how much I would like/dislike them. I've only been to Kobe, Kyoto and a few outlying areas. I do like the more rural/suburban areas around Kobe, though. Not only could I probably not afford anything in a major city, but I've always lived in the suburbs out here, so I don't know that I'd want to even if I could.

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 1:44 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Hello everyone,

To add to the topic, I can tell you that Japan is changing. I have been here living and working for about 4 years. I have lived and worked both in rural and urban areas, in both eastern and western japan. I have worked both in the eikaiwa's and in the public school system. I have taught classes at University too (although that was outsourced).

The market for English teachers is becoming more and more competitive. A lot of companies will not hire people without education degrees. That doesn't necessarily mean that those people are good teachers, but companies are looking towards that as a mark of quality.
If you want to come here with your bachelors (which is what I did) your best bet is with an eikawa. You have to put in a lot of time and effort but you do learn stuff. If you want to work in public schools the JET program is your best bet, but other private ALT companies are good too. A lot Boards of Education are phasing out the number of JET teachers they hire. You can always change jobs once you get here, the initial visa is the one that is hard to get.

As for the relationship portion of this thread, I can say that if you are looking to meet a Japanese woman, you will only be dating the sub group who are interested in foreigners. If the daughter is interested in foreign people then she usually has a fairly supportive and open family. Of course this isn't always the case. I have been with my girlfriend for about 3.5 years and she still hasn't told her parents we are dating.
A lot of it depends on age. If the girl is young then most parents hope she will marry a Japanese man, if she is around 30 or older then marrying anybody is okay (30 is kind of like the expiratory date in the eyes of parents).The average Japanese women is not interested. Not only due to the communication problem but the monetary one as well. They don't believe foreign men to be capable of supporting a lifestyle they want. (since most households in Japan are single income with the wife staying at home..... and that usually starts long before pregnancy).

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 5:50 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2005 11:57 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

I wonder what the other side is... I wouldn't mind getting married to a Japanese man, but I've heard little to no stories about women dating men here. It's usually because (from what I've heard) that foreign men like japanese women because they're 'submissive' (a stereotype that I HATE, but is nonetheless often true in Japan), and Japanese men don't like foreign women because they're usually a lot more headstrong than Japanese women.

But then what about the poor people like me who like cute little tiny japanese men? Ahhhh I need to meet someone who's done it.

albertoavena>>>>

I was under the impression that according to the government, is that for an American in order to get a working visa (which you HAVE to have to be allowed to work legally here), you HAVE to have a bachelor's degree (in any subject). Maybe I was misinformed, but that's what I've heard time and time over again. Some other countries are let come over with just associates, but from what I understand, because of the tough American immigration laws, Japan retaliated by making their working laws for Americans tougher. Does anyone have an official link about this?

A lot of people have been recommending Eikaiwas in Japan. I used to work for one (NOVA, for about 8 months). Honestly, I overall was NOT pleased with the company and left as soon as another opportunity presented itself (I am still living in Tokyo with no plans to ever leave), but I know some people who love the company. I think that most eikaiwas are alike, and really it comes down to why you want to come to Japan. If you want to come to enjoy things like festivals, then an Eikaiwa may not be the best solution, as they often have you work on most/all of the public holidays and on Sundays, which is when most of the cultural festivals are held. If you want to come to travel, then an Eikaiwa is good, because often they're very flexible after you get your vacation time and you can travel in the off-seasons, therefore making everything less crowded and usually cheaper.

If you're coming because of the pop culture and to go to concerts and events and things like that, I do NOT suggest an Eikaiwa. I was miserable, having to skip a lot of events or just plain call in to work because I couldn't get the time off. I wasn't realy inspired at all by my company. But it's really your call.

Also, I suggest thinking about whether you really want to teach english. Yes, it's an easy job. Yes, it's an easy way into the country (this is why I took this route), but if you're not enthusiastic about teaching, eventually it will wear thin. ^.^ Just something to think about! I really HATE teaching english, so I'm feverishly working to get into my chosen field here. The language barrier is big, but there are a lot of opportunities for foreigners if you just look around!!!

I really hope that you are able to make a good decision! Keep us informed!! ^___^ If you come to Tokyo, I'm always happy to hang out with new people! ^^ I will always be here!

Also, on discrimination.. I heard from old coworkers that they've seen bars that don't allow foreigners, and been told sometimes that the bar is too full for them when it's not. I don't go to bars often, so I've never experienced it myself though. But I WAS refused entrance to a love hotel once, in Shibuya of all places! O.o My friends and I wanted to go in one just to see what they were like, so my friend walked in to the lobby, and as soon as she did, she was met with the angry old clerk shouting, "If you don't understand Japanese, get out!!!" In japanese! ^_^;;;; They don't make 'em all smart, I suppose. ^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; She just said "wa-ka-ta!" and walked out and we had a good **** fest outside about him. ^^;;; dur. Blink