tag:working.in-japan.jp,2008://2 2007-10-11T01:14:51Z Working In Japan - A Foreigner's Guide to Jobs and Working in Japan. English Teaching, Modeling, Business, Engineering, and more! Movable Type 3.33 tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.285 2007-10-10T15:58:57Z 2007-10-11T01:14:51Z

No story of success would be complete without beginning with disaster. For those interested in the clubbing scene in Japan, this article should give a good foray into the unusual world of Tokyo nightlife. To begin, Japan for some reason...

Delicious Duo www.deliciousduo.com No story of success would be complete without beginning with disaster. For those interested in the clubbing scene in Japan, this article should give a good foray into the unusual world of Tokyo nightlife. To begin, Japan for some reason does not adhere to a set system of street signs or numbered buildings. That being said, finding any location in the major cities is nearly impossible without a guide. We weren't so fortunate. I stated previously that our purpose in Japan was to bring our musical tastes as Dj's to the Asian market. The first step would be to find a few clubs to play at. To tackle this obstacle we tried a number of approaches. The first was to email every club in the greater Tokyo region with resumes, which proved unfruitful. The second step was to visit the clubs in person and drop off cd's. Unfortunately as I previously explained, the majority of every night was spent being lost in the dark sketchy streets of Tokyo trying to find clubs the size of bedrooms. A few nights we had a gentleman who is half Japanese attempt and find the locations for us, but his personal vices included alcohol, hallucinogens and communism ; suffice to say he found us nothing but frustration. Even when we were capable of finding locations, we didn't speak enough Japanese to explain why we were there. If we had the fortune of meeting an English speaking employee, they would explain that no staff at the clubs themselves hire DJ's, only Japanese promoters do. So after several weeks of crying ourselves to sleep, we had a break. An owner of a chain of bars in Roppongi listened to our CD and liked our sound. After meeting several times with us he is giving us a one shot opportunity to prove ourselves in three of his clubs on Saturday the 13th of October. So if you're in Tokyo and would like to see our Japan debut, come down to The First Bar, WallStreet Bar, and WallStreet House as we'll be playing all night.]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.268 2007-06-28T14:47:44Z 2007-06-29T05:21:25Z

I have already painted bamboos by tints of black ink and stroke of brush. In fact, I have showed my two paintings to the public at the exhibit held last May. Now, I am learning to paint orchids and preparing for the next exhibit which will be held on October.

Nene Since I arrived in Japan, I tried to think of things that I could do to make myself busy and forget about my homesickness. At first, I requested my husband to order an instructional book for making beads accessories. When the book, DeAgustini, was delivered I realized the instructions were written in Japanese so what I did was to follow the photo instructions instead. I have made beads from simple to a little bit complicated designs. Sometimes, I study Nihongo lessons from Minna No Nihongo book and attend Nihongo class twice a week. I browse the internet once a day to look for a job postings and news from my country. I also use the internet to keep in touch with my family, relatives, friends and co-workers in the Philippines through Yahoo e-mail, Yahoo messenger and Skype. What I really love to do during my free time is drawing/sketching and charcoal painting. One day, while I was reading the announcements on the bulletin board at the school I am attending, I happened to read about a Chinese Ink Painting class held in the same building were I am attending Nihongo class. Because I am interested in learning it, I grabbed the opportunity and asked my teacher how I could join the class. The next day, I attended the class and I realized my classmates were all in old age, about the same age as my parents, who were just spending their time for leisure just as all retired people do. However, I did not give up on my intension to learn the art of Chinese Ink Painting. The teacher told me that I could learn to paint bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum, and plum as basic lessons. My classmates were very kind to me. Despite the age gap, I managed to relate to them. I have already painted bamboos by tints of black ink and stroke of brush. In fact, I have showed my two paintings to the public at the exhibit held last May. Now, I am learning to paint orchids and preparing for the next exhibit which will be held on October. English in the Philippines is always used in any field such as medicine, business, education, etc. The method of teaching is almost in English from preschool to university. That is why I became confident to teach English in Japan as my new career. Because only native English speakers are accepted in teaching the language, I didn’t succeed to be part of any English schools. However, I have been contacted by students for private lessons when I signed up to www.gaijinpot.com. Aside from the joy of teaching, I am also gaining friendship from my students. Life,indeed, has many things to offer. Take advantage of every good thing that life is offering because life is too short. When you have the chance to learn new things, don't hesitate to grab it. There are always new things that will make us grow in mind and spirit. ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.261 2007-06-26T00:53:48Z 2007-06-26T05:36:03Z

ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher. They are native English speakers who are required by the Japanese Education System to be placed in all Junior High Schools throughout Japan to help the native Japanese teachers in teaching English.

Backwardsfish http://www.backwardsfish.com Not all ALTs are the same. ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher. They are native English speakers who are required by the Japanese Education System to be placed in all Junior High Schools throughout Japan to help the native Japanese teachers in teaching English. There are basically two flavours of ALTs. The JETs and the non-JETs. A JET is typically a fresh-out-of-college graduate who hasn't figured out what they want to do in life yet or an individual taking a break from a career back home. They are hired directly by the government of Japan. They go through a long and arduous application and "screening" procedure and finally arrive to Japan and get placed into their new city after a few weeks of training. Every aspect of their life in Japan is managed through the JET system so they don't really have to worry about a thing. Often their cost of living is much less than the non-JET ALT as their housing is usually subsidized as is transportation, and even meals while working in some cases. They live the Life of Riley. Non-JET ALTs are often ex-JETs wanting to stay in the lazy ALT working position pulling a comfortable salary, but ran out of time in the three-year JET time limit. The other half are usually ex-Eikaiwa employees sick of the over-worked eikaiwa life and seeking the greener pastures they were told about by their old JET friends. The non-JET ALTs almost always work for an agency. I call them agencies because they are no more than that. These companies will tell their employees they are education service providers, training specialists, and a whole host of marketing-concocted, hot air ideas. They're not. They are often nothing more than middle men and women. Think Jerry McGuire. They find and recruit native English speaking individuals and pair them up with various cities. They must negotiate a different contract with each city, so often, while ALTs working for the same agent doing the same work and all being TOLD they're equal are, in fact, not. I'd be happy to know the real figures, but from what I've been told by people on the inside, these agencies usually take a 30-40% "commission" off the invoice they bill the cities where their ALTs are placed. When considering working in Japan as an ALT, keep these two variations in mind. If you have the time to apply in your home country and wait roughly a year to realize your Japan dream, the JET program is the way to go. You'll be better off. If you're in a rush, or are already in Japan, go the agency route. Although you won't be quite as pampered as the JETs, you'll still be much better off than most conversation school teachers.]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.233 2007-06-19T06:06:13Z 2007-06-19T13:49:32Z

The reception that followed featured seven tables laden with sushi, yakitori, soda, and, most attractively, as it turned out, Kirin. It also featured a microphone and a PA system, so that several speeches were made and toasts given.

Anonymous My first day working in Japan was very different than I had been expecting. I had read articles about Japanese work hours, Japanese business etiquette, and the Japanese approach to science and engineering, and the combined impression that my research in these three topics left on me was daunting, to say the least. I was worried that I would be scampering about the lab for fourteen hours a day, skipping meals and avoiding interaction with others to increase my productivity. I resolved to do my best, preparing for the worst. As it turned out, my first day was indeed an intense one, but not quite in the way that I had predicted. The day began at seven with short briefing from my boss, a prominent professor at Keio University, which took place as he walked me the mile up to Yagami campus from Hiyoshi station here in Tokyo. He concluded his preparatory speech just in time to open the door to his lab team's student room on the fifth floor of an extremely large, dimly lit, concrete building. A student was passed out on a couch, or, at least, partially on the couch. His head and one of his arms had spilled over onto the floor, and this unnatural position combined with his gaping mouth made him resemble a fallen soldier. All that was missing was spilt blood and a sword protruding from his chest. My boss did not seem surprised in the least. After a few more formalities, he left me with the corpse, and the door to his office closed behind him. Students began, one by one, to file into the student room, and I did my best to remember names. We then entered a stifling lecture hall, where the student who had spent the night at lab gave a research presentation. He did so in English. This was not for my sake, but is a standard of the research team that I then joined and now work for. The presentation was amazing. He presented more information and in a more compelling and comprehensive style than most professors I have listened to at my university on the States. Even so, he was targeted with numerous difficult and often extremely specific questions. I did my best to follow everything but remained quiet throughout the session. Two and a half hours later, a duration after which my brain would have been fried to a crisp had I been the presenter and had I slept for only a few hours in such a position on that couch, the professor made some announcements. We'd be going as a group to Tokyo University to attend a formal meeting of top technology company representatives and research teams; the meeting would feature several doctorate keynote speeches. Until four o’clock, I spent the time with my graduate student mentor and a fellow undergraduate subordinate. They took me on a dizzying tour of the facilities, featuring state of the art spectroscopy and spectrometry equipment the likes of which fellow researchers at my university have to travel far and wide to use. We then proceeded to sit down and discuss our particular research project. My Japanese was still a two-week-old kitten, and my graduate student's seemed primarily limited to exclamations and imperatives, so that we struggled through many of the concepts. Finally, exhausted, I met the rest of the team and we embarked for Tokyo University. The lectures started soon after our arrival. They lasted around four hours, and they were, as I expected, given entirely in Japanese. After the first hour, my head spinning, I declined to even try to follow, and I spent my time practicing Japanese in my journal and periodically forcing my eyelids open via vigorous jerks of the neck and foot tapping. The reception that followed featured seven tables laden with sushi, yakitori, soda, and, most attractively, as it turned out, Kirin. It also featured a microphone and a PA system, so that several speeches were made and toasts given. Professors and technology company representatives stood listening, heads bowed, their perfectly tailored black suits swaying slightly and their faces pinkening, until, with rising enthusiasm, the speaker held his beer cup higher and higher and finally shouted something conclusive with a heartwarming smile. Gold ringed hands spilled beer as they clapped and as they dashed their cups together, and the room once again would stir into a swirl of small conversations and sushi scarfing. This continued until the beer was gone. The professors, after making the rounds bowing to everyone, departed, and the students remained to finish off the food. I fell asleep immediately, and although I dreamed about Japanese lectures, I cannot claim that I dreamed in Japanese and therefore conclude that I am becoming conversational and on the downhill path to fluency. On the contrary, I felt both under qualified and overcommitted. Would I be expected to have understood all that I had heard and witnessed on that long and strenuous first day? Would I be expected to perform such experiments myself the next day? When would I have to give a lecture, and how could I prepare for such a long and difficult string of questions? I think they ought to make immersion internships a reality TV show. I'm sure the American public, at least, would laugh as hard as some of my Japanese colleagues later must have at the perplexed, strained, and frustrated faces I made throughout the day. Plus, I could use a nice $50,000 prize for having completed three weeks now without blowing anything up. ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.225 2007-06-15T02:49:48Z 2007-06-24T09:31:17Z

But Big Tobacco has got their claws in Japan pretty damn deep, and things we would consider basic now in America, like getting rid of the vending machines, are a long time coming.

gaijinalisa fiveminutesoba.blogspot.com My boss's favorite soba shop has gone smoke-free during lunch hour, a sign of the times if ever I've heard one. Although women are generally thought to be the preservers of traditional culture in most societies, it's men in Japan who seem to be intent on keeping food culture intact. While office ladies may while away their lunch hours eating pasta or organic salads, the salarymen are down the dark alleys munching on tonkatsu or slurping their soba. I've even heard soba referred to as food for "oyaji"- or old men. And the atmosphere of the soba shops usually reflects this- they are usually smoky dens of middle aged men with their ties folded up and tucked into their shirt pockets. The very idea that the venerated haven of havens should go kinen is a complete, albeit welcome, shock. Many fast food chains are already smoke free, and most cafes and restaurants that cater at least in part to women or families are no-smoking during lunch hours. The Shinkansen just got rid of their smoking cars this May, although the way those things were it will take a decade just to get the smell out of the seats. But Big Tobacco has got their claws in Japan pretty damn deep, and things we would consider basic now in America, like getting rid of the vending machines, are a long time coming. Mostly, I can't even fathom the dumbfounded reaction if someone suggested making a restaurant used for "settai", or business entertainment, smokeless. Japanese business dinners revolve around many things and have many sets of rules, but one essential point is the complete lack of any sort of restriction. The person setting up the affair will likely reject a restaurant that won't give them a private room for their party, because making sure the person you're "entertaining" can eat and drink as much as he pleases, say whatever he pleases, and smoke as much as he wants without any worry of offending or disturbing others is absolutely standard. Settai without cigarettes would be like settai without Sake- completely missing the point. I for one, am about as anti-smoking as it gets, and I'm pretty damn sick of breathing it into my lungs when I'm rushing to work, studying in a cafe, or trying to enjoy my dinner. But just a warning to all potential activists trying to break their way in here- they've come a long way, baby, but they've got an even longer way to go.]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.211 2007-06-10T04:00:03Z 2007-06-10T05:09:03Z

Let’s face it, there are times when living in Japan can be pretty lonely for a foreigner. Japanese people are generally reserved around both Gaijin and fellow Japanese, so don’t worry, you are not being singled out.

sonny Let’s face it, there are times when living in Japan can be pretty lonely for a foreigner. Japanese people are generally reserved around both Gaijin and fellow Japanese, so don’t worry, you are not being singled out. But unless you have family here, are very wealthy, or are a super model in a club in Roppongi, there are going to be times when you may feel the need to check the mirror just to make sure you exist. Again, don’t despair. When the time is right and when you least expect it, you will find yourself on the receiving end of a great deal of friendliness. You just have to be patient and open to it. We all have our stories; here is my most recent one. Last month while returning home to Japan from a four month stay in Thailand, I took a bus from Narita to Takasaki (in Gunma Prefecture). To my surprise, a Japanese man who was deaf struck up a "conversation" with me. He first taught me how to adjust my seat so that I could be more comfortable. From there we started our “chat”. Although I know no sign language, we were able to communicate using hiragana by way of his paper and pen. We also gestured and smiled a lot. He showed me how the basic Japanese alphabet was expressed in sign language and gave me some candy (I had some candy made in Thailand that I shared with him). I showed him a photograph of my family; he gave me a very poorly rendered sketch of himself that someone made in Tokyo. Apparently he had been doing some volunteer work there and was given this drawing in return. I gave him loose change from Taiwan and Thailand I had in my pocket - he gave me 1000 Yen, 500 Yen for each child. Refusing this gift was out of the question, he insisted I keep it. I also gave him my E-mail address, but could not make him understand what it was used for. He thanked me anyway and placed it carefully in his pocket. He exited the bus before me and it is doubtful that I will have the chance to interact with him again. Over the course of 45 minutes or so he gave me much to enjoy and think about. I am happy I met this lonely, friendly man. ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.201 2007-06-04T16:45:49Z 2007-06-05T00:50:04Z

Not all words are equal. Life without the word “frothy” would be livable, but life without “love” would be nearly impossible. Some words are essential, while others are mere luxuries. And so it is in Japanese. The Japanese are masters...

Steven Coleman garageband.com/artist/steventroycoleman Not all words are equal. Life without the word “frothy” would be livable, but life without “love” would be nearly impossible. Some words are essential, while others are mere luxuries. And so it is in Japanese. The Japanese are masters of the apology. Probably the most ubiquitous and utilitarian of apologies would be “sumi-masen,” which works on strangers, superiors, and intimates. Body language must be integrated with its usage or proper attitude will not be projected. Start the word looking the recipient in the eye and quickly drop your head as you complete it. Leave your head down for a moment. Try it next time you step on someone’s foot in a crowded train – if you can identify the foot’s owner. The Japanese also have many ways to praise. I think my favorite is “o-tsukare-sama-deshita.” This means ‘you’ve worked hard,’ but it can be used in an amazingly wide variety of situations: students finish a quiz, partner comes home from work, or any completed task whatsoever – sex, for example. The Japanese also know well how to curry favor. In fact their constant polite petitioning may appear rather excessive to foreigners. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. You can prostrate yourself, figuratively, to no ill-effect with “onegai-shimasu.” This is just a simple ‘please,’ but it can be used in any situation in which you ask someone to do something for you. It is always placed after the thing you want; if what you want is obvious, it can be used stand-alone. Asking for change, for example is: “Ryou-gae-onegai-shimasu.” A slight nod of the head adds to the effectiveness greatly. Finally, to complete your survival kit, learn to say thank you: “domo-arigatou-gozai-mashita.” This is also performed with a bow. You may omit “domo” to make it slightly less formal, or “gozaimashita” to make it very casual. When in doubt, use the more formal, as people with whom you could be more casual love to be given the opportunity to tell you so. Well, if I’ve been too presumptuous, sumi-masen. As for your effort to learn these words and to used them, onegai-shimasu. For reading this through to the end, o-tsukare-sama-deshita. And, for digging it, domo-arigatou-gozaimashita. ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.195 2007-06-03T22:55:19Z 2007-06-24T09:32:04Z

The Zen of Tokyo rush hour is all about your state of mind. When you think of Tokyo rush hour you may picture hoards of sweaty commuters being shoved into already full train cars. This image is unexaggeratedly accurate. However,...

gaijinalisa fiveminutesoba.blogspot.com The Zen of Tokyo rush hour is all about your state of mind. When you think of Tokyo rush hour you may picture hoards of sweaty commuters being shoved into already full train cars. This image is unexaggeratedly accurate. However, you may also imagine that is a chaotic, nearly unbearable experience, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. The morning commute is actually a well-organized, systematic rhythm; where the packed trains that snake around Tokyo take in and give out passengers at every station, like breathing. Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Tokyo. Breathe in, breathe out. The flow of passengers is like the tide on the beach. The doors open, people rush out, the music plays, and more people rush in. Often when tourists come to Tokyo they comment on how quiet people are on the morning trains, and how much they seem to ignore each other. Everyone is either reading, listening to music, or sleeping. This is because a certain mindset is necessary to properly experience a Tokyo commute. Everybody succumbs to it eventually, even if they’re not aware of it. The key point to this mental exercise is to remember is that the people around you are not people- they are objects, part of the flow. This explains why Japanese, as polite as they are, will never apologize to you if they stand on your foot or shove you in a train. It’s because you don’t really exist. Even people with companions are not talking to them or give any sign that they are together. It is actually a hindrance to commute with someone else because it ruins the illusion of objectification necessary to survive the experience. If you were crammed in a hot train surrounded by people with your face in a stranger’s armpit, you might very well suffocate, faint, or have a panic attack. But when you’re mentally absent in a rather small space surrounded by objects, you can be cool about it. The second thing to remember is that, as part of the flow, you must keep things moving in a smooth rhythmic fashion, and not be an impediment to others. This means that when the train pulls up to the platform, you are to stand in two distinct rows on the places that mark where the doors will be. As the train stops, these lines part to either side to let the people off the train. Not everyone who gets off the train is leaving it for good; inside the train it is so crowded that the people standing in the empty space between the doors will nearly all need to exit so that the people behind them can get off. The people who were pushed off the train but are not leaving stand beside the doors as well, and are usually the first to re-enter. When they enter, they go not front- first, but back- first, with any briefcases or purses clasped against their lap. This is so that no one ends up facing each other as they are squashed back into the train, preserving the illusion of non-humanity and also saving strangers from their coffee breath. They stand like this until the next station, when everyone will need to de-board again. Some people try to resist; they stand stock still and grasp the handles futilely- they are like a stick caught on a stone in the water. Eventually the current rushes them onwards regardless. Therefore, people wishing to avoid the ordeal of getting off and on at every station will employ all their strategy and cunning to find the very best places on the train, the wells of tranquility safe from the flow. The best places are of course the seats- however these are always taken by people who look as though they’d boarded the train at 5am when it first began operation, took a mild sedative, and have been there ever since. They will probably be there indefinitely, but a person who feels lucky may choose to stand in front of one and wait anyway. A savvy commuter knows what sort of person is likely to get off at a future station- a knowledge that can mean the difference between standing or sitting for an hour. Every train line is different, but in general, students and housewives are the best bet for people likely to give up their seats soon. Those who despair of sitting generally attempt to jostle for the prize locations between the doors: either in front of the door that won’t open or the spaces just beside the doors next to the seats. These places are desirable in that they ensure that you won’t have a human being next to you on at least one side. Pressed up against a window or a wall, you can easily pretend you are not where you are, and that of course makes all the difference. However, the veteran commuter, the one who has been riding the same train for a number of years from the same house to the same job, is no longer interested in avoiding the rhythm and flow of the trains. He removes himself completely from his surroundings, even without the aid of windows, music, or manga. This commuter has a highly developed meditative mindset; he is a leaf floating on a stream, he moves at the slightest push and let’s himself float in and out of the trains as it becomes necessary. And he knows there is something nearly spiritual about the trains when they are properly stuffed, when you find yourself in the very center of a packed car, the air conditioning on your face, and a mass of humanity all around, unable to move or even to lift your arm up to the handles. But you don’t need them anyway; you couldn’t fall even if you tried. Try dropping your purse; I’m betting that when you let go of the strap it stays in the exact same place. There is something about that, about being completely supported and moving en masse at every sway or jerk of the train. Although no words are exchanged, and every single person is doing their best to pretend that everyone else doesn’t exist, there is an undeniable sort of closeness. Remember that this is a culture where people don’t hug, kiss or shake hands as greetings; they could go an entire day at without touching anyone at all. And yet now, perversely, their entire bodies are pressed up against a stranger’s so closely that when he coughs, they can feel it in their own chest. I read once that people have a mental dependence on touch; this could be where the Tokyoites get their fix. The Tokyo train ride is symptomatic of that feeling of collective isolation that only a big city can produce. Everyone is alone, but they’re alone together. It’s a ramen house at 3am or ladies day at a Ginza movie house, crammed full of single office ladies. It’s a “snack bar” in Shinjuku where rich businessmen can flirt with young girls over $30 drinks. It’s a spa, it’s a shopping mall, it’s a dance club. It’s Tokyo; it’s a city, it’s humanity in a sometimes un-human place. A ride on the Yamanote line at rush hour should be on everyone’s Tokyo agenda; just remember to keep the flow smoothly and don’t forget to breathe… In Ueno, out Kanda…. In Yurakucho, out Shinbashi. Ahh… ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.182 2007-05-27T10:52:45Z 2007-05-27T14:18:54Z

Nope. If my job, like it had been advertised, was simply showing up, teaching, chatting it up with my students, and heading home at the end of the day, I would have been a happy man. But no. I can't tell you how much paperwork I'm forced to ingest, memorize, then regurgitate on command.

Hanuman Welch I'm sure a lot of the users on the site are either friends of English teachers or English teachers themselves. Those of you who are Englsih teachers have probably come to realize, too late in most cases, my own in particular, that life in a Japanese corporate entity is a little different than anticipated. I thought I had done a significant amount of research before my arrival here. Surprise, surprise, the reality of the situation is a little different. When I originally attended the recruitment drive on my college campus I was awash with altruistic intentions. The recruiters regaled the packed auditorium with tales of educators furthering the goals of Japanese students overseas. I was sold. I graduated and six months, as well as a fifteen hour flight, later I had arrived. I began training with my very prestigous, or so I had thought English institute. It became quickly apparent that the goal of this corporate machine was not educating those who wished to be educated, but rather, like all corporations, to make the most obscene amounts of money in the shortest amount of time. One could blame this on naivety, lack of research, or simply, the blinding allure of idealism. After completing my week long propaganda digestion session, training, I arrived at my branch school. Now at this point I was still hopeful, that by leaving the head offices big brother like influence, things would start to take shape as I had envisioned. (sigh) Nope. If my job, like it had been advertised, was simply showing up, teaching, chatting it up with my students, and heading home at the end of the day, I would have been a happy man. But no. I can't tell you how much paper work I'm forced to ingest, memorize, then regurgitate on command. There are business meetings where the only thing discussed is money, not the progress or abilities of students, promotional campaigns, workshops, and advertising blitzes. I have now found myslef contractually obligated to become the same corporate shill that I was so desperately trying to avoid. I am, to say the very least, feeling a little misled. Had I known that the language institute, which I know begrudgingly call home, cares more about its quarterly fiscal reports than anything else, I would have never have chosen them. There are, however, some highlights to my position. These are the people. Students who are attending classes to actually broaden their cultural horizons and better themselves. These people make the hours spent inside the office bearable. I love living in this country, but man, the paper work never ends.]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.178 2007-05-23T03:38:31Z 2007-06-24T09:30:27Z

In preserved places like Kyoto, the competition of the finest Geisha’s is so tight that every girl should do everything to be on top. I thought it only happened before and only in movies; to my surprise it is still prevalent today.

Dione http://depressionfacts.googlepages.com I assume you are quite familiar with the movie starring Zhang Zi Yi, “Memoirs of a Geisha”. Then this article is for you. I am a fan of those girls walking gracefully in the streets with overly white face, very red lips and Japanese classy looking hair do’s. What I don’t know is the secret behind that grace and beauty. I chanced by asking a friend who had experiences knowing and chatting with Geisha’s in Kyoto and I tell you, their lives are never easy. Geishas are not whores per se they sell their talents and hide their beauty and real identities in those colorful kimonos (Japanese National Costume). In short they are high class entertainers in Japan. In preserved places like Kyoto, the competition of the finest Geisha’s is so tight that every girl should do everything to be on top. I thought it only happened before and only in movies; to my surprise it is still prevalent today. Why these girls engaged in this kind of work? It’s easy, to earn more! Considering the high cost education in this country, most families can only send their children to koko “senior highschool”. These children find jobs afterwards to be useful and to buy their own wants and needs. Some work in seven-eleven stores and supermarkets, some in local restaurants, some help their parents in their small businesses and some become entertainers especially those beautiful ladies who have so much wants (branded bags, trendy accessories, signature clothes, cosmetics and expensive electronic gadgets). The easiest way to earn big bucks in a conservative way is to become a Geisha. Girls have lots of preparations and changes in their selves though like fix the teeth, the hairs, change their attitudes and entire being which is never easy to do. In modern day, these Geishas can be compared as cultural hostesses who have the power to move Japanese men’s desire in a profound way. Unlike before, being a geisha today isn’t a pride anymore. But being one is not easy; girls should take care of their bodies, skin and faces. They also have threats from the wives considering that their customers are elite ones. They should properly take care of their beauty and forget about their emotions if they don’t want to lose their customers. Who are the customers? -The high class conservative people who pays ju-man (100,000) or more for discreet entertainment and conversation and don’t wanna go to those cheap omise’s with so much noise. Geisha bars are confidential places that only rich people can afford and who want to relax aside from being at home. There are several ways to be entertained here, conservative yet interesting conversation, watching alluring traditional beauties, entertained through talents (singing), served in graceful and decent ways. And sometimes make geisha’s to be their mistresses in exchange of high cost price. This job maybe high earning but the glamour’s worst enemy is age. Truth is, this job is never stable and only good when you’re young. Unless you save up your earnings and put up a business then being a geisha might be useful. ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.167 2007-05-18T06:46:38Z 2007-06-24T09:31:28Z

Most of the Japanese employees in this company are old ones. That’s how it is in Japan, people don’t hop and hop to other jobs. Japanese have great loyalty to their first job/company they worked for over several years. You can also notice that most of them don’t know much about their officemates. Confidentiality factor is really observed in a Japanese office.

Dione http://depressionfacts.googlepages.com Japan is one of the 1st world countries engaging in high-technology. However, the population with formal education capable of working as technology operators (e.g. IT and engineers) is not enough to cover up the high demands. That is why Japan hires thousands of gaijin (foreigner) engineers and IT professionals to be stationed and work in Japan. Most of these employees are from Philippines, Europe, US and India. The Japanese companies pays the minimum salary of ¥250,000 and they sponsor visas and gave some privileges like free housing (usually studio type), free bus and train tickets, and free hokensho (insurance). But for the unlucky ones who were hired through agency, they are paid less. It’s a fact that they pay gaijin professionals lower than the ordinary Japanese employees. It’s not discrimination per se but that’s what Japan stands. They give more attention and privileges to their nationals than gaijins who work so hard being away from home. What can gaijin professionals do? Nothing, coz we’re the ones who needs work. They establish gaijin rights though…not bad. I am an Industrial Engineer working for one prestigious company name Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding. My work is in the procurement; I do purchase/buy materials and negotiates for materials pricing to be sent to a plant site. Sounds pretty hard-huh? Yes it is, especially during winter time when our job is on the peak. My company offers great opportunities for young professionals like me and my other engineer friends. We are many gaijins in this company, around 30’s. My other friends design pipes, design electrical flows and technical stuffs. We are compensated low than what we expect of ourselves but at least we reached the minimum pay and have a comfortable living a lot higher than we can get earn from home. Just that, it’s so lonely to be here. There are also Indians and Caucasians working as IT professionals here, they are paid good but not as good as the Japanese IT’s even though they have better performances than the Japanese nationals. If you are in this kind of job you can try your luck too in bigger companies like JGC, Chiyoda-gumi, Toyo Engineering, Mitsubishi and Kyowa. Most of the Japanese employees in this company are old ones. That’s how it is in Japan, people don’t hop and hop to other jobs. Japanese have great loyalty to their first job/company they worked for over several years. You can also notice that most of them don’t know much about their officemates. Confidentiality factor is really observed in a Japanese office. No one wants to talk about their private lives, work is work and business must be separated with pleasure. The thing is; if you are an engineer or IT professional and you had experience working in Japan for several years you have a great opportunity to shine in your own country or in other stronger 1st world like USA, Australia, Canada, UK and so on. If you have ambition to grow, Japan is not a place to do that. They are loyal to their nationals and no matter how good you are you will never be higher than Japanese colleagues. Just that, it’s great to have years of experience in Japan. Your next employer (be it in USA or Europe) would really be impressed on your resumé. ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.165 2007-05-18T05:03:32Z 2007-06-24T09:31:37Z

Since I do not drink alcohol or beer during parties, I have established my condition at the first ordering of drinks by choosing juice or tea. This is because, during parties, wine keeps on flowing like water. In fact, drinks are endless during Japanese parties, much more than the foods.

hazel It is customary to attend some afterwork parties. Japanese people love to hold parties for every conceivable occasion. Drinking is the focus of most parties. Most of the Japanese I know would eat little but drink more during parties. This drinking spree is fondly called as “nominication”. This term is a combination of “nomi” which means drinking or drinks and “communication”. This means socializing or establishing better communication through drinking parties. I jokingly mentioned the term “nominication” to my boss when he was about to leave to attend a party. He was quite impressed of my knowledge about the term. I received a tip from my fellow gaijin employee about what to observe during company dining parties. The rule: do not fill your own glass. Everyone pours for everyone except his or her own. My boss told me that this is part of their strict etiquette. I also make sure that my boss’ glass is never empty unless he says otherwise. If ever somebody would offer to pour for you, hold your glass with both hands while they pour and at least take a sip from your glass after they pour. It is usually the practice here to take a sip or drink straight before putting your glass back on the table. Since I do not drink alcohol or beer during parties, I have established my condition at the first ordering of drinks by choosing juice or tea. This is because, during parties, wine keeps on flowing like water. In fact, drinks are endless during Japanese parties, much more than the foods. If you can’t handle your cup well, better leave your glass full, otherwise people will keep on pouring to your glass and you’ll keep on drinking ‘til you drop. I noticed their pleasant surprise every time I poured for them or do something so “Japanese”. Being foreigners and all, it will not kill us to be a Roman in Rome. Amazing what one could achieve by this simple gesture of cultural deference. ]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.144 2007-05-14T21:47:32Z 2007-05-15T03:10:07Z

Having the Japanese Royal family buy his products and those of his Father and Grandfather in the past, speaks for itself when it comes to the quality of their work. Ken and the family lacquerware business have a reputation that precedes him and on going to an art fair in Takaoka, I learnt this from the gasps from other artists and antique dealers when he entered a room.

Adam R. I married into a family of artists and have met many interesting associates of theirs also involved in traditional Japanese art including my other relatives. Some of the rare artists I have met include a man that hand makes “Yoroi” which is Samurai Armour and another who is a Yuzen painter with his own line of clothing that is all hand painted. My Father in-law Ken creates and repairs “Makie” which is Japanese lacquerware made with gold, silver and mother of pearl inlay. Makie can be extremely expensive as I have found some of the prices shocking, but then when I consider the time spent to produce some of the amazing art he creates. Having the Japanese Royal family buy his products and those of his Father and Grandfather in the past, speaks for itself when it comes to the quality of their work. Ken and the family lacquerware business have a reputation that precedes him and on going to an art fair in Takaoka, I learnt this from the gasps from other artists and antique dealers when he entered a room. Unfortunately Ken is totally computer illiterate and so are most of his artist friends, he doesn’t even have a mobile phone as they are too confusing he says. As Makie is not popular with the new generation who prefer cheap plastic versions and considering Ken is located is very rural Tonami City, I decided to make him an offer. I explained that I can make a website for him and offer his products and repair service to all of Japan as he only covers Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures. Teamed with Black Neko as a delivery solution it took him a bit of convincing to finally agree, upon which I made a site and put it on CD as a demo. Now he is inviting all his artist contacts over and getting me to show them the website I have made for him. I have now more work than I can handle which is good will keep me busy and the yen rolling in. It is good to help get my relatives online as allot of artists in Japan are the last of their style, same goes for my Father in-law Ken. After he passes a 112-year-old business will close , leaving behind huge warehouses of complete work. An English version of the website is now under way and I am getting a huge amount of requests to create pages in English for all types of Art related business contacts and associates of his. I am now the Webmaster for the business and in charge of online National and International orders and enquiries from customers, Art Museums and antique dealers. With a view to keeping the family business alive and growing by putting it online I have created myself two jobs. If I had not made the offer to Ken, I would not of opened my own English web design business. Take the initiative and consider what your talents are apart from Teaching English, which is the norm. There are always niche markets you can specialize in, you just have to make the first step. The photo is a current work in progress of Fuyuki my Yuzen painter friend, it is of a “Ryu” which is a dragon on a “chochin” which is a paper lantern. Make sure you check out the gallery on Fuyuki's website, I like the Japanese Carp pictures the best. Fuyuki's Yuzen Painting Website]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.131 2007-05-11T00:56:10Z 2007-05-19T07:06:07Z

For me the teaching provided the funds to jump on the train for an audition or job as a Gaijin model in Tokyo. First you cannot be under the idea that you must be outstandingly good looking to be a Gaijin model in Japan, those models are called ‘contract models’ and are usually 16 year old Italians here for 1 month and have all their big money jobs pre booked for them by their agent!

Faith Kitsunezaki So you’ve arrived in Japan thinking that you can get a job in an office no sweat because of your great skills, yet are disappointed to find that unless you can speak Japanese really well or can master a Japanese keyboard your luck has just been cut in half. Well that’s my story in any case! So then you try your hand at teaching English, which is what a majority of people do and for good reason, if you join a site such as findateacher.net, you can make a profile for free and list the times when you are free to teach, where you would like to teach (family restaurants or cafes are the safe and ideal option) and even set your own minimum fee. This works out well, it is not a full time job, yet if managed well can help pay some bills, although it will not pay the rent! I’ve also made a lot of great friends along the way who’ve taught me a lot about Japan and are also a valuable source of information for anything that is worrying you or if you want a good doctor or dentist recommended. For me the teaching provided the funds to jump on the train for an audition or job as a Gaijin model in Tokyo. First you cannot be under the idea that you must be outstandingly good looking to be a Gaijin model in Japan, those models are called ‘contract models’ and are usually 16 year old Italians here for 1 month and have all their big money jobs pre booked for them by their agent! No, this is quite different; all it takes is a valid visa such as a working visa or a spouse visa, no holiday goers I’m afraid. Most agencies do not need a registration fee, others only require 1000, plus you will need to present your passport or Alien Registration Card (the card given to you at the local town hall when you register your residency upon arrival in Japan) If like me you have a portfolio of your previous work, if not they will take a snap shot of you to send to possible clients. How it all works is as follows The agency will give you a call and let you know of an upcoming audition You then must check in your schedule that you are free not only for the day of the audition but also for the job dates, you must be honest with the agency at all times about your availability. They will then submit your picture to the client and if chosen they will let you know again by phone the time and place of the audition, usually you will meet up with an agent at a train station exit along with the other hopefuls. When arriving at the audition place it is best to act professionally, been quiet and friendly will help boost your chances, the noisy ones who sit drinking cola or dropping their sandwich pieces on the floor are decreasing their chances. After the audition, you will hear from the agency within a couple of days whether you were chosen or not for the part. Some jobs are picture selection only, this means no audition, just the client selects you for the job from the picture of you that the agent sent them. Depending on your looks and ability there is a wide range of jobs available, fashion work, narration, extra roles in TV commercial or drama etc Sometimes it is best to accept the small paying jobs along with the large paying jobs so that you can build your experience up and this makes you more appealing to potential clients, it also shows the agency that you are willing to work and they will call you more often with offers. Before I became a Mum, I did many different types of model or extra roles, these range from been a mannequin in a fashion display, to TV commercial, to movie extra, to fashion show, to printed commercial in magazines. The key to having success in this is being available, being friendly and being professional, as although you are not a ‘real’ model, the client sees you as such, you are their employee for the day, so do it right! Remember also you will not make your fortune doing this as some months you may have a job every week netting in for the month around 100,000, other months you are lucky to have one job and get 10,000! Now I model only on weekends for mainly fashion shows or fashion catalogues, my daughter Sofia who is over a year old has been doing baby modeling since 3 months, this saves a bit for her future and I never accept something which will make her tired, most little kid jobs are very easy as the atmosphere is like a play room with lots of toys and snacks and they are captured in a natural environment. For those that may be interested in modeling as a part time booster to their wage or as a fun thing to try I recommend the following agencies as I have worked for them for ages and found they know what they are doing and they treat you with respect. Group Echo Contact: Hikaru Phone: 03 6804 7677 grpecho-tokyo@celery.ocn.ne.jp Junes Contact: Rio Phone: 03 5469 5331 or 5332 or 5333 asap@junes.co.jp K&M Contact: Tommo Phone: 03 3404 9429 or 9456 inter@kmpro.co.jp]]> tag:working.in-japan.jp,2007://2.111 2007-05-07T13:01:07Z 2007-05-08T01:26:18Z

But I can justify my illogical reasoning. I have spent many years here in Japan. First high school exchange, than working holiday, lets not forget two years of college and last but not least one year of university. These things do not make me special or am I looking for recognition I am just giving background for my point of view. Having come to the conclusion that I will be trudging the difficult path I have come back to Japan, It can be assumed that I am addicted to pressure.

Anonymous Like many people I believe that some how living overseas has helped me develop as a person. It has allowed me to become bilingual, and have a broader understanding of the world. And in that sense I guess it has. But I have not come close to the goals that I had once set for myself during my high school days. I have chosen the long path and believe there is no easy way to happiness. In my home country with a little hard work I have accomplished the same things that people my age have a new car, small condo and a credit rating. Things that make an easy start for any newly weds like my wife and I. And yet I came back to Japan with my wife and decided to start with the couple thousand in savings. Am I crazy? With all the pressure that this country puts on a person to succeed you would think that I would take the path I had already made back home. But I can justify my illogical reasoning. I have spent many years here in Japan. First high school exchange, than working holiday, lets not forget two years of college and last but not least one year of university. These things do not make me special or am I looking for recognition I am just giving background for my point of view. Having come to the conclusion that I will be trudging the difficult path I have come back to Japan, It can be assumed that I am addicted to pressure. That's not saying that it betters my lifestyle or makes me try any harder than I regularly do. The feeling that whatever you have accomplished so far is not enough always lingers in the air and in the food and when you cross the street. And I like it. Now that I have to accomplish things not just for myself but for my wife as well, the pressure is almost comforting. It allows me to think of the never-ending possibilities that are available here that I do not have access to in my home country. With the strong cultural background and social structure that stretches deep into the realm of hard work, forgiveness, and reward for dedication and with the ability to choose path that you never thought existed it seems that maybe I have chosen wisely. ]]>