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Visiting Japan for a few months but do not know where to live? Yes, a hostel is a general option but is it a good choice for a long visit? Hostels only provide you with one room. That one room is the only place where you can be if not outside. And if you chose the one with a bigger space, such as an apartment that includes a living room, it will be considerably expensive.

In a BORDERLESS HOUSE, you have the option of both private and shared rooms. There is a common area where you can interact with other housemates. And every room has some personal space for tenants in the shared room too. BORDERLESS HOUSE is fully furnished with basic necessities.

Moreover, we have the following advantages where you can not gain if you stay somewhere else!

Staff Support

Whenever BORDERLESS HOUSE residents face troubles of any kind, its staff is at their service. The staff teaches them everything from cleaning equipment to fixing the internet connection. The staff also helps residents with relationship building during times of conflict.

At a new place, you find new tools and technologies. You do not always know their working process. If any residents face issues with anything staff helps them. It includes teaching them how to run a washing machine and helping them fix the internet when it’s slow or not working at all, etc.

Solving issues together

When people from different backgrounds live together, sometimes there will be conflicts no matter how well they get along. The issues can be based on different living habits, housework, personal or cultural differences. Sometimes tenants also face conflicts with their neighbors, such as noise issues, etc. In these scenarios, BORDERLESS HOUSE staff encourage residents to communicate with each other and help to arrange house meetings to resolve the conflict together along with the residents. The staff will always be there listening to the residents, get to the bottom of the conflict, and help tenants resolve them.

All the support you need 

When you land in Japan you might have some knowledge if you did research in advance. But this internet knowledge does not come in that much hand. Yes, it will give you tips about where to eat and what to see but it can never help you when you are planning to live in Japan for a long time. BORDERLESS HOUSE staff helps you with everything you might need from the day you land in Japan till the day you leave. If you need to find a job, if you want to learn the basic knowledge of living in Japan or if you are worried about when you get sick, Borderless staff is there to help you with everything. We are not only providing a place to live, but we are also helping youngsters setting up their new lives at a new place.

How to Make Your Stay More Fun at BORDERLESS HOUSE

There are four special programs available for BORDERLESS HOUSE mates to connect with each other. All these activities allow residents to connect with more than 10,000 residents and share their experiences with each other.

Borderless Mates Library

Living in a BORDERLESS HOUSE feels like living in your own personal library with exciting new neverending books. You will be at a great exposure which will allow you to learn new exciting things. Borderless mates from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea who are willing to share and make friends from all over the world all gathering here! We hope you will find the person that you want to connect with and share your knowledge, experiences, interests, skills, or specialties with each other!

Borderless Mates not only have diverse nationalities and language abilities but also have a range of international experience in specialized careers and hobbies. Undoubtedly there are Borderless Mates around the world who have the same interests or areas of specialization. It would be wonderful if we could connect these Borderless House Mates around the world!

There are many topics and interests that we can find in common!!
People should take advantage of every possible chance to be active in their fields of expertise or interest, even across geographical borders. The more common points shared between two people, the more intimate and deep the conversations and exchanges can be. Through BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY, forging a deeper and more meaningful interaction with the Borderless House community, you will be able to gain valuable experiences and your global mindset will certainly grow stronger!

You can connect with other residents online living at other BORDERLESS HOUSE through this program and learn new things from each other!

Language Exchange

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM is an online service that allows you to brush up your language skills while having fun chatting with other Borderless Mates from different countries and making friends!

With various people from various countries, you can learn various languages from all over the world. The small chats will not at nothing by the end of your visit to a BORDERLESS HOUSE. You will have a working knowledge of a different language if you practice a little every day. 

Club Activities

Based on common hobbies, a community program – Club Activities that bring everyone together! These activities will help you connect with people who share the same interest! 

You can enjoy offline activities, online activities that you can participate in anywhere, and regular offline events hosted by Borderless House.

Borderless Travel

Taking small trips to explore the country better? Well, no worries your BORDERLESS HOUSE mates have your back. You can stay for free at the overseas Borderless House in the place where you are traveling by using Borderless Travel Program! Take trips together and explore areas while enjoying every second of your trip with local housemates!

※Borderless Travel is scheduled to start after the travel restrictions lifted due to COVID-19

To learn a language on your own, and to learn it by having to use it every single day in the lands it has been forged in, is as different as night and day. Or more fitting with our beloved country in the east, like kanji and katakana.

Going to Japan and learning a wholly unique language like Japanese, can have many deep-rooted goals and inspirations for the future. Whether it is about joining a global super conglomerate with branching offices scattered all across the world, wanting to dive deeper into the isolated but rich history of samurai, shoguns, Daimyos, and Emperors, wishing to learn the engineering secrets behind the state of the art robotics, or earthquake-proof skyscrapers, dreaming to visit the Inspiration behind your childhood animes.

There is no “one right” answer to learn Japanese. Japan has so much to offer no matter what your reasons for visiting are. Be it Pop culture, Technology, Music, Cinema, History, Nature, or Linguistics. Many of you might initially come for one reason, but decide to stay for an entirely new one! And to truly know a place and its people, you need to be able to communicate with them, and English won’t cut it.

That is why joining a Japanese Language school is such a fantastic option. There, you will learn Japanese and only Japanese, from day one. And though it might sound scary at first, they do it in an incredible way where you feel your satisfying progression from the first minute you enter the school.
And I will try to help you think about what you might want to consider and look into before you start looking into the Study abroad agencies in your country, to make the process easier.

Some of the biggest factors in my decision-making were the following: location, what was my purpose for studying? culture, socializing, or is it academic? learning style/speed and how big is the size of the classes?

Let’s try to go through these things and get some ideas of what you would prefer.

Where Do You Want to Study?

Location is a very important part of the selection process. If you are going to dedicate a lot of time and resources to go somewhere, making sure it’s somewhere you will enjoy, is always a great investment.

With Japan being a country of roughly 378 square kilometers, you can find anything from the snowy plains of Hokkaido, sprawling mountain ranges of Nagano, Buzzing city-life of Tokyo and Osaka, open fields of Sendai, to the almost tropical climate of Okinawa and Kyushu.

While many choose the language school based on the city they plan to eventually go to university or work in, many also choose it based on aspects like climate, population, attractions, pastime activities, the accessibility to travel to other locations from that city, or even that the environment is closer to what you are used to from back at home.

We all know the colorful and bright views of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara. Central Tokyo is a perfect location for those who love an endless amount of activities, technology, life, and opportunities to find connections and work. But what outside of Tokyo have Japan to offer?

While all the big cities will give you a similar big city lifestyle, filled with bars, restaurants, museums, shopping malls, and arcades, every city in Japan has its own unique style and tradition. My experience in Fukuoka, for example, was completely different from my friend’s in Osaka. So why not read up about what the different famous cities in Japan can offer?!

Kyoto, the old capital filled to the brim with history, Fukuoka, home of the Yamakasa festival, Hakata ramen, and for all fans of K-pop, a short boat trip away from South Korea, Sapporo, a more rural city that turns into a snowy wonderland during the winter. There is a city for everyone!

The point is since many of these cities often have many different options of Japanese language schools, you might as well go somewhere you feel that your soul is more drawn towards!

How Do You Want to Study?

Well then, what about the school and the studies themselves?
The most common terms used for the two different teaching styles are Asian style and Western-style. Because Many foreign students living in Japan are from China and Korea, their own language is so similar to Japanese, they can skip much of the basics and go at a faster pace and much more focus on Kanji and difficult vocabulary.

While for Western Languages, so far distant from Asian, are too different to give us an advantage. So westerners often have to start from the ground level and work up at a more gradual speed. And many go to Japan and learn without the direct intent to reach academic levels. Therefore they study at a much more casual rate. That’s where the terms Asian Style, and Western Style originates.
Western Styled schools also tend to have smaller classes. They roughly aim for a maximum of 8-10 students per class. This makes it easier for the students to interact with the teacher and each other. Because of this, there is very little confusion, since you can always make your question heard, either to the teacher or ask for tips from the ones sitting next to you.

It is important to know what your end goal with your studies will be. Is your goal to push hard and enter the university or business level Japanese and know all the Kanji’s needed to fully understand any task or information given to you? Or do you wish for a slower speed, but with more focus on the daily life of Japanese and culture? Focus more on making friends than business opportunities?

So it’s up to you if you feel like you prefer a slower, but more personal and social study experience, or if you want to focus on reaching your goal as efficiently and fast as possible.

Where Do You Want to Live?

Another topic worth taking some time to think about would be accommodations. Of course, the Agency or school you have contact with will help you organize everything. But ask yourself what type of accommodation you want, will help you immensely.

And since many travels to Japan to learn the culture and people, living by yourself in an apartment will start to feel a bit isolated. That is why options like International Share Houses are great alternatives. You will both get to live and interact with Japanese people every single day, cooking traditional food together, being able to practice Japanese daily, and making friends for life. In addition to living with other Westerners who you can talk to regarding your studies, lifestyles, and problems your Japanese roommates might not be able to relate to.

So take some extra time to think about where you want this magical time to take place. And when you actually have started your studies, being forced to study at a pace much too slow for you to reach your goal, or being so fast you get too stressed to enjoy the world around you, can really ruin the magical journey you have chosen to partake in.

Any serious Japanese language organization cares deeply about all of their students and will give you any and all help they can in regards to accommodations, rent, phones, and sim cards, transportation, helping you create a Japanese bank account for longer stays, and anything else you might need help with.

What’s keeping You From Planning?

While, of course, there are many, many more things to consider, research, and ask in regards to choosing a school, these topics are what I and most of my fellow students felt were the main deciding factors we had in common. Because when you finally do get to live and study in Japan, it will be a time you will never forget, so it is important to be in an environment you can enjoy both in and outside of class to the maximum.

Whether it’s the Study abroad agency or the school you already have selected, it’s never wrong to ask any question that might arise. They are there for you, so don’t be shy about wanting to make your dream as perfect as you can.

A guest house is similar to a hotel room. Guests check-in and stay for some days then go back to where they were. The guesthouses also do not have all amenities. They will provide you with basic facilities like a bathroom, kitchen, and toilet.

In a share house, a rent agreement is signed between the tenant and the property holder or anyone who is renting the property. Sharehouse comes with amenities that you require to live comfortably. In many cases, there will be a TV, washing machine, toilets, bathroom, and more. In share houses, you also have the freedom to exchange rooms upon request.

A sharehouse provides you with the comfort and warmth of a home. The people you live with are there because they wanted to connect with more people, like you. So you all live like a big group of happy friends.

What sharing space you will be sharing in a share house?

In the share house, you will be sharing almost everything with other tenants except your own room. You will share the living area, toilet, bathroom, kitchen, and other amenities provided to the share house.

So living in a share house will require some teamwork. You will need to divide chores so that one person doesn’t end up doing it all. You need to take care of this place as your home because it is your home for the time till you are there. There will be no one to tell you what to do what not to do. It is up to you to live in harmony and not create problems for other tenants.

*Picture is BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Why is it better than renting any other place?

Let’s say if you are in Japan for more than a month and you want to rent a place what will you do? You will look for an agency to get you a rental apartment. First, you will have to pay the agency a fee then you will be asked for some advance fee for security then there will be a rental fee and maintenance fee, and service fee. Whereas if you chose a share house you will not have to give so many fees. There will be only a one-time fee before you start living in the house and then a monthly fee depending upon how long you will be staying.

*Picture is BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Tips to live in a share house

● Socialize: You might not want to jump into the conversation right away after meeting your new share housemates. But do not hesitate or feel awkward everyone there is new to each other and they all are trying to get to know each other better.

● Work together and communicate: sometimes you might have conflicts with your housemates due to different living habits etc but try to remember it is hard for everyone. Do not feel irritated or annoyed try to calm down and talk on easy terms. Try to understand what you both are saying and communicate in a rational way with each other. The best way to avoid conflicts is to always keep yourself open up to talk.

Benefits of Staying at a Share House

● The best advantage of living in a share house is that you get to live in a home-like place on an affordable budget. The share house fee is straightforward and there are no hidden fees.

● Like we said it will be a home-like experience so you will get almost every needful appliance at a share house. There will be no need for you to buy anything to start living at a share house. All of our share houses are fully furnished.

● Living in a shared house gives you a chance to expand your social circle and experience new things. In a diverse environment, you will meet locals and people from all over the world. You can learn languages and culture and immerse yourself in a new culture faster. You will gain deep experiences of living in Japan and understand the values, perspectives, and lifestyle of Japan better.

*Picture is KYOTO-KAMIGAMO HOUSE

Now that 2020 is over and done with, it is time for new beginnings. To be honest, most of us are relieved and feeling like some heavy burden has been lifted off our shoulders with the end of 2020. People are associating a feeling of solace with the end of 2020 because this year has been full of anxiety and unsettling surprises for all of us, to say the least.

So, even if we don’t know if 2021 will be any better, we are certainly hopeful. Many people who were feeling lost in the last year are also looking for new ways to re-start life in 2021 with zest. And what better to begin life anew than by relocating to a new place?!

Moving to Japan

To say that life has been hard during the last few months would be an understatement. Therefore, in 2021 many people are planning for new beginnings by moving into new spaces and exploring new options. Now, for such people moving to Japan is an exciting prospect. In between its love for new technology and modern cities and its respect for ancient culture, Japan is an alluring destination. The cuisine here is pleasantly delicious, and the beautiful quiet destinations that are tucked away in the lap of Mother Nature in Japan are purely enticing for anyone who wishes for new beginnings.

But with that said, it needs to be mentioned that relocating to Japan is not easy. With its popularity and zeal for life, not everyone gets a chance to build a life in Japan. However, armed with the right knowledge and the courage to make correct decisions, one can increase his chances of finding a new life in Japan. Thus, to aid those who are serious about beginning anew in Japan, we have created a guide through which you can learn everything about starting a new life here. Have a read?!

Beginning a new life in Japan

Here is all you need to know about making a new life in Japan.

Legal requirements

If you are planning on relocating to any country, the first thing that you would need to know is the legal requirements of procuring a visa. Now, in the case of Japan, fortunately, these legal requirements are quite simple. Japan is one of those few countries that follow an almost identical visa process for everyone regardless of the matter whether you are an American, British, or Australian. So, all you have got to do is to apply for a visa at the closest Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your country along with these documents

- Your passport
– Your Photograph
– Your visa form
– A certificate of Eligibility, original and a photocopy

Now, procuring the first three items on this list must be simple. However, if you are hearing this term, the Certificate of Eligibility for the first time, then you are not the one to be blamed. In simple words we can define this document as a certified letter that you will need to get from a Japanese person, typically your employer, suggesting that he guarantees to support you financially for the time you will be staying in Japan. Now, in case, you are a student who is moving to Japan to complete your studies, the letter will have to come from someone at the School or University that you will be attending. Once you submit all these documents to the Embassy, your legal obligations should be met.

Cost of living

If you are considering moving to Japan for beginning a new journey, then there are certain factors about living here that you must consider. One such factor is the cost of living in Japan. Now, the cost of living in Japan is radically high. You can thank the location of this country for this scenario. Japan is an island nation that is surrounded by water on all sides. As a result, most of the stuff here is not grown but imported from other nations. This is why the cost of food and drinks in Japan is higher than that of other countries. 

Now, if you are moving to Japan and you plan on eating out, then you must know that the dinner meal here consisting of food items like a noodle, curry, and hamburgers, costs about 500 to 1000 yens. However, if you chose to dine-out at an average restaurant, then you should expect your expenses to increase to somewhere between 1000 and 3000 yens. So, only if you believe you can afford these expenses should you move to this nation. 

Finding a Job

To procure your visa and to sustain yourself in Japan, you will need to find a job. Now, getting a job in Japan is not very easy since most companies here like to offer employment opportunities to the native people in Japan. The reason is simple, the natives are fluent in Japanese, and they don’t need training in Japanese customs and culture. However, that doesn’t mean that all the doors are closed in Japan for foreigners. 

So, if you are a foreigner who wishes to live in Japan and you have command over your English, then you can begin your life here by scoring the job of an English teacher. The demand for English teachers is high in Japan at all times, so if you have teaching skills, you can apply for this job. Another option for you can be to search for work in Japan in the IT field. This sector is always hiring good prospects from abroad to work with, given that these people have considerable knowledge about their field. Borderless House also provides Housing and Career Support Program which helps you to find jobs in Japan.

Find a home

Of course, when you relocate to a new apace, one thing that makes it to the top of your priority list is finding a suitable home for yourself. Now, in Japan, if you are living in one of the big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, then affording a house in such areas is a challenging prospect, to say the least. The rates of properties in these posh localities are so high that even renting a flat here is a big deal. However, we do have one solution for you, the BORDERLESS HOUSE.

Yes, BORDERLESS HOUSE is a place that offers tenants, both foreigners and natives alike, space to stay at minimal rent. The pros of living in such a place far outweigh the cons. In here you get to afford a shelter at minimal rent, you get an opportunity to stay and learn from natives the customs and language of Japan, you get an easy-go at making friends, and you incur fewer expenses for additional facilities like the internet, water, gas, etc. since you are sharing costs with so many people. Now, BORDERLESS HOUSE is starting a new campaign to offer shelter at discounted rates to individuals who are beginning their new lives in Japan from April. So, if you are relocating, then this is something you must check-out.

※Picture is BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Fix-up your insurance

The healthcare costs in Japan are too much to bear for an ordinary person. Thankfully, the Japanese government has taken this into account and designed a healthcare system that is largely geared towards its people. So, while it is the responsibility of people to carry their insurance, it falls upon the government to see that everyone gets access to the insurance services through a universal healthcare insurance system. The prices of these insurance services are determined by the Japanese government.

So, in some cases, like that of parental care or screening and exams, if you need healthcare assistance, then 70% of the costs of your treatment will be borne by the government while you will be responsible for the rest of 30% of the amount. Thus, if you are planning on starting a new life in Japan, then it is advisable to get healthcare insurance. Doing so will save you from bankruptcy if someday you happen to need healthcare services.

Learn the language

If you are starting a new life, then you would want the people around you to treat you as an ordinary person, like somebody who is one of them. However, this becomes difficult when you are a foreigner who is not privy to the customs and traditions of the land and who doesn’t understand their language. Thus, to truly feel like one of them, you will need to learn about their customs and language. 

For doing this, living in BORDERLESS HOUSE provides a great opportunity. It is so because when you live in BORDERLESS HOUSE with other natives, you get a better chance of observing the Japanese people closely. Staying around them 24*7 makes it easier for you to soak in their language and traditions. 

Conclusion

Beginning your life anew is not easy, and if you are considering moving to Japan to start new, then all this can feel a little overwhelming. However, if you will follow our suggestions and advice, you should be fine. So, all the best!

Today, the world stands as an interconnected place where people living at different geographical locations stand no more divided by the physical borders. It is true that residents living in different countries still foster different beliefs and unlike experiences, but the internet and mobiles have done a lot to bring people close to each other and to eradicate the differences. The nations have realized the importance of working together and are thus, contributing to make this world an interlinked global space.  

New opportunities for trading and business are also opening up as a result. Many countries that require manpower are enticing ex-pats by providing good packages and windows to prosper. Following this, large scale migrations have taken place in the past few years. Japan is one country that is benefitting from these changing norms. 

Japan is a popular destination among people who desire to move to a new place. The reason behind this has mostly to do with the country’s fast-paced growth. Now, Japan is a country that is rapidly climbing the growth ladder. People here are working innovatively and diligently to make the world a bustling, growing, and pleasant place. The delicious food that is native to this country adds more to its appeal. The traditions and customs that are respected and practiced here to this day also work in its favor. 

So, if you are also one of those people who are quite fascinated by this country and would like to know some more about it before deciding whether you want to move here or not, then you will find this article useful. So, are you ready? Well then, come, let’s start! 

What do you need to know about Japan? 

Every country has its own norm and culture that you are expected to be familiar with it in order to glide into the lifestyle of that region easily. So, if you are seriously considering migrating to Japan, then here is a list of things that will do you good to know well in advance.  

The cost of living in Japan 

Before moving to any new place, one of the few things that people must consider is the cost of living. Now, the cost of living in a place can broadly be described as the amount that you will be spending in meeting the basic necessities upon living there. 

The cost of living in Japan is very high. One can understand this by the mere fact that Japan is considered one of the costliest places to live in the whole world. On an average basis, the monthly cost of living here is about 2500 to 2700 USD. The reason for this is the fact that Japan is an island country and is surrounded by water on all sides. As a result, a lot of stuff is imported in Japan, which makes a living here so expensive. 

Transportation cost

If you are about to move to Japan, it makes sense to know about the transportation rules and regulations followed here. In Japan, despite the high cost of living, transportation fares are not unreasonable. Most of the people here prefer using the metro or buses as means of commutation. The metro charges about 1.50 USD, while traveling through the bullet train makes you 185 USD lighter. 

However, if you are not up for using the efficient public transport in Japan, then you can obviously use your own vehicle to commute between places. Japan drives on the left side of the road, and the signage here can be found in English or Romaji. International driving permits are allowed here, and the driver could use it in Japan for up to one year. 

English or Japanese 

Upon visiting the country and interacting with the local clan, you will see that the Japanese people are very warm and welcoming. The natives here are really polite, and they are very accepting of others. However, one issue that you might face here is related to language. If you are migrating to Japan and do not have proper command over your Japanese, you can find it challenging to navigate your way here. You can find English signage and announcements, but it is not the general norm in Japan except for at major tourist destinations. Most natives here do not speak English, and some are simply shy to interact in a foreign language. However, in big cities like Tokyo, you can always spot University students who will be happy to help you. 

Safety concerns 

No one wants to live in a dangerous place where their life or the life of their family members is in peril. Hence, it is a wise decision to be sure about the safety of a place before migrating. Now in terms of safety concerns, Japan is one of the best places to build a life. The crime rate here is very low, albeit, a large population. However, despite its low crime rate, one must bear in mind that Japan cannot be precisely termed as safe because of the natural calamities that this country witnesses. Every few years, the nation faces one disaster or other, but progressive work is being done in this department too. 

Renting costs 

In Japan, owning a property can make you rich. The renting expenses here are unusually high, especially when we are talking about big cities like Tokyo. However, there is one visible solution that you can use to solve your renting problems, that is sharehouses. Yes, sharehouses or borderless houses are spaces where people who belong from different countries share accommodation. Here you can rent a place to live at minimal costs. Generally, you are required to deposit 30,000 yen to make a reservation at the borderless house. However, at present, there is this autumn campaign under which no key money needs to be deposited. Another advantage of living here is that in Borderless House share houses, you find a friendly ambiance. Since both natives and foreigners live here under the same roof, therefore, forming bonds becomes relatively easy in sharehouses. 

*Picture is from BORDERLESS HOUSE OMORI2

Education costs 

Education is the foundation of one’s character. If children have access to education and they are taught well in schools, then the chances are that they will develop into good humans. However, if education is not accessible because of some restrictions or high costs, then it can harm the growth of a country. The Japanese government and people understand this simple fact, and thus, they have developed a committed and robust education system. Both the native and foreign children here are provided free education leaving the parents to only worry about the cost of uniforms and other such small expenses. However, if you are not willing to send your children to public schools, your costs can range anywhere between 2,000,000 JPY to 2.3 million JPY annually. 

Social etiquettes 

Japan takes its social etiquettes very seriously; therefore, it will do you good to do research before you go out and about. Living in a borderless house can aid you in learning Japanese social etiquette and much more in a short time. However, for the time being, here are some basic things that you would need to know before settling in Japan. 

For one thing, before visiting Japan, you may want to know about the greeting etiquettes. In Japan, the traditional manner of greeting requires one to bow down before another person. This would mean bending at your waist level while keeping your back straight. It is essential to note down here that the lower status person bows down first and more deeply compared to the elder. 

Another thing about the Japanese etiquettes is that it is generally considered disrespectful to wear outside shoes inside homes or temples in Japan. The general custom is to change your shoes in favor of the inside slippers provided by the hosts. In many hotels, a separate set of slippers is offered to go to the washroom, which you must remember to not wear outside of the toilets. 

In Japan, people traditionally use chopsticks to eat their food. Upon eating outside, you might come across many places that do not provide any alternative. Thus, it might do you some good to learn eating with chopsticks, and honestly, it’s not that hard. However, when you are using chopsticks, you might want to keep in mind a couple of things. You should never rub your chopsticks against each other to rid them of the residue. Such behavior is considered rude. Also, when you are done eating, you should never leave your sticks sticking into the bowls as that signifies a funeral. 

Finding work

Finding a job in Japan is not exactly a difficult task, at least not as hard as it used to be a couple of decades ago. Presently, if you own a University degree and you have a refined skillset, then finding work in big cities like Tokyo is not impossible. One thing that can probably help you get hired in Tokyo as a foreigner is your command of Japanese. If you are proficient in the language and can speak it well, it should probably work to your advantage. 

Now BORDERLESS HOUSE provides Housing and Career program that helps foreigners to land a job in Japan successfully while living in an international share house with locals. Join the 

So, these are some crucial facts about Japan that you must be aware of if you are considering moving here. 

 Have a good day! 

Well, finding a new job at any place is always a dreadful experience. You are never sure of your qualifications and are always worried if you will fit the bill in the companies you have applied to. And if you are searching for a job in a new country altogether where you have not been born and bought up, this difficulty level shoots up many stories. It is so because, in a foreign place, you are not sure about the job market, you don’t know the rules and trends of being hired, and of course, no one could recommend you to some bigshot organization. 

In such circumstances, it becomes exceedingly tough not to feel scared. Finding work in a country where all the rules you have been accustomed to being thrown straight out of the window is an overwhelming experience. Thus, today we will discuss some essential work tips that you may find useful in bagging a job. So, if you are ready for the lessons, shall we begin? 

What are the requirements for working in Japan?

If you talk to people, especially those who belong to the educated class and come from over-populated or small countries, you will find that many of them have considered migrating to a new country at least once in their lives. The reasons could be numerous, like finding better work opportunities, the sake of a better lifestyle, exploring new places, etc. For such people, finding work before migrating to a new location or soon after making a move is of crucial importance to sustain themselves.  

Thus, to help people who have either moved to Japan or are considering moving to Tokyo to secure a job, here are some critical details. 

University Degree

Japan does not follow the same rules and regulations as the US or UK where immigration is concerned. Therefore, if you are considering moving to Japan shortly, then there are some specific immigration laws that you must be aware of. One such rule is that if you want to immigrate to Japan, then in order to get the regular work visa, you will need a University degree. Not the college, but the University degree getting which takes about four years in the US and three years in the UK. This is the law, and if you are serious about finding work in Tokyo, then you will have to adhere to this rule.  

Move to Japan

After talking to the hiring managers who are recruited at good companies, we gained some useful insight. In our chat about foreign job seekers, we discovered that according to the hiring managers, foreign candidates who are already in Japan have more chances of finding employment in Tokyo as compared to foreigners who are living outside of the country. It is so because a failed overseas hiring proves very costly to a company. When an organization employs a foreigner from outside of Japan, they will need to assist the employee in getting to Japan, finding a residence here, training him, etc. And after all, if the candidate does not fit the profile, then all the time and money spent on him will go to waste. 

Therefore, a more suitable option is to hire a foreigner who is already living in Japan. So, you can manage to find work in Tokyo by moving to Japan before you start looking for your dream job. You can initially sustain yourself by living in a sharehouse where you will be paying minimum rent and by getting hired as an English teacher. Then slowly and steadily, you can work towards finding a suitable job opportunity for you. If you are currently searching for jobs and career opportunities in Japan, feel free to check Jooble. 

Use a resume photo

Before applying for a job at any place in Tokyo, you should make some effort to familiarize yourself with the application format that the job candidates must adhere to. For instance, you should know that in Japan, the work norm requires the job applicant to send his photo along with his cover letter. That is what the HRs are used to seeing. It helps them in putting together your personality and skillset with your face. It aids them in making a decision. Therefore, if you are likely to approach a company for work, make sure to include a professional-looking headshot of you in your application. Doing so will make it difficult for the hiring manager to ignore your CV. 

Find an Internship

If you are not keen on working as an English teacher to sustain yourself in Japan for the initial months, you should probably find yourself an internship in Tokyo. Now some of you might be wondering how that would help. Well, the answer is that finding an internship will help you in building a network. In a foreign nation, where you have no one who knows you and can recommend you to an organization, gaining some experience and getting an opportunity to be mentored can be very useful. 

However, you should know that in Japan, the paid internships are more or less paid by the interns. The basic idea is that in an internship, you get a chance to work with a company for about eight months in exchange for a place to stay and a learning experience. So, maybe think hard before making your choice. 

Creating a network

Well, networking with the right people is the key to landing your first, second, third, and even the nth job in Japan. Knowing the right people can reduce your struggle, and it can help you attain your goals quite quickly. Now, one way of networking properly is to join a professional group in Tokyo. Living in a sharehouse where you will live with other native Japanese people can also help form friendships. You can maybe even participate in the after-work drinking culture in Japan. Going out to the bars with professional and industry groups will get you noticed and employed. 

Prepare for the interview

It is needless to say that all the networking and degrees won’t land you a job in Tokyo unless you leave a positive impression in the interview. Therefore, preparing for the interview is essential. Now how can you do this? Well, you can ready yourself for the hour by learning about the basic customs of Japan as well as by polishing off your Japanese. You can also try to talk to some people who are already in jobs to know about the general questions that are asked by the interviewer. This will boost your confidence and increase your chances of being hired. 

Now, living in a borderless house can help you in achieving this. By residing here, you will probably find yourself speaking in Japanese and learning Japanese customs. Your mates there can also help in preparing for the interview by sharing with you their interview experience. 

Polishing your language

Unless you are finding a job in the IT sector where the number of IT languages you know would matter more, I suggest you become proficient in the Japanese language. Or else you may find it difficult to get employed. But how much fluent do you need to be in your Japanese if you want to be hired? Well, in order to satisfy the hiring managers, you can write the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). All the companies in Tokyo use this standardized test to judge the language proficiency of a foreign candidate. You will need to pass level 2 of this test which comprises five levels where level 1 is considered the toughest. 

Boards and cover letters

When applying for a job, most people go about applying everywhere because they feel that the more places they try, the better their chances of getting hired. But it is not valid. When applying for a position at a company, you must be clear about your goals. You should know if this is what you want, or else you are just going to make your resume and cover letter sound very generic, so it fits all, or you may even end up committing some silly mistake. 

Secondly, while writing your cover letter, you should not go overboard with ‘me.’ Remember, it is not what you will get out of this job that will interest the hiring manager but what you will bring to the table that will grab his attention. So, instead of rolling with what your dreams and aspirations are about your job, write about your skills and work experience to give an impression that you are a good match. 

If you’re not fluent in Japanese and still learning it, you can have a native Japanese translator translate your cover letter. Japanese has four alphabets: Hiragana, Kanji, Romaji, and Katakana. So for those just starting to learn Japanese, it can be a struggle to write a coherent cover letter that will get the attention of your employers. You might consider working with a specialist in professional Japanese translation to ensure that the translated document will be accurate and your meaning conveyed properly, as it is easy for the context of a message to go “lost in translation.” As mentioned, no one likes to read generic cover letters. You can write freely in your native language by translating your cover letter.

Conclusion

If you are in Tokyo looking for your dream job, then there are certain norms that we have talked about that you will have to follow. If you observe the advice we have compiled in this complete guide to finding employment in Japan, you will definitely land a job in Tokyo in no time! All the best! 

The capital city of Japan, Tokyo, is a busy city booming with business in recent years. This lively city is a mix of ultramodern as well as traditional lifestyles. One can see both skyscrapers and historic temples in this city.

Being the capital city, Tokyo is equipped with all facilities that one might need. They are proud of the top-class amenities they provide to their residents, which are by far better than what the western world has seen. However, the luxuries and modern lifestyle come at a high cost that makes Tokyo one of the costliest cities to live in for foreign nationals. The city attracts a large number of foreigners from around the world who come here for well-paid jobs.

If you are planning to move to Tokyo for work, then there are certain things you should know about the costs of living. Japan is one of the most expensive places to be in, and Tokyo is always in the top ten list of most expensive cities in the world. Hence, one should be aware of the costs they need to incur in order to live a decent life in Tokyo.

Accommodation Costs

*This picture is KITASENJU2 HOUSE

If you have a steady job in Tokyo, then paying for the house should not be too tough. There are multiple options for you to choose from based on your financial status. You might not be able to rent or buy a house the minute you move into the city. So, you should definitely know the alternatives that are available for you. Lately, as represented by BORDERLESS HOUSE, the living style of house sharing has become popular among foreigners and local young people. If you are considering moving to Tokyo, you may consider house sharing as one of your accommodation options.

Hotels and Hostels

Hotels are great places to be in for the first few weeks or a month before you can find a nice home for rent. Tokyo is filled with hotels at various rates. If you are visiting the city for business purposes and your stay is a short one, you can go to the business hotels or budget hotels which will cost you somewhere in the range of 8000 to 10000 yens for a room.

Hostels or dormitories are also quite popular among the students and young people with new jobs in the city. The bedroom and bathrooms are usually shared, and each resident gets a small locker for keeping the belongings safe. This will cost you less than hotels. 1500 to 4000 yens is the average price range for per person in such accommodations.

Japanese cities are known for their traditional low-cost accommodations called Minshuku. These are small spaces with a bed in the Japanese style, and you also get a one-time meal here. These are also cheap and costs between 4000 to 10000 yens for a single person.

These are the cheap options and can be your accommodation for a short time in Tokyo.

 *This picture is SHINAGAWA-OIMACHI1 HOUSE

Renting a House in Tokyo

Living in a hotel cannot be a permanent option if you plan to stay for a few years or months. So, in this case, it is always better to look for a house on rent. The prices can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose for yourself. The prices also differ from one location to another within the city.
The rents are quite high in this expensive city and can take up a large chunk of your salary. 50000 to 70000 yens is the average rent of a small one-bedroom apartment in the country. For the same size apartment in Tokyo, you might have to pay 100000 yens. This rent does not include utilities or furnishings. Hence, it is evident that the overall cost of living will be pretty high.
Rents will include costs such as security deposit, real estate agent fees, advance rent, maintenance cost, key money, and utilities.
If you are willing to stay at the center of the city with easy access to public transportation, then the costs are definitely higher as compared to accommodations in the suburbs of Tokyo. A 900 square feet apartment that is well furnished can cost close to 200000 yens for a month in the heart of the city, while the same apartment will cost you 110000 yens a month away from the main city.

If you are single and prefer a smaller space, the size of a studio then you have to pay 120000 yens a month if the location is a good one. You can rent such a well-furnished studio apartment in 92000 to 95000 yens a month in the suburbs or less busy parts of the city.

Such conventional apartments might be costly for most newcomers. Hence, Japan has got the Gaijin houses or the Guesthouses for your rescue. These are inexpensive options that provide you with all the basic amenities. The rooms may be available on share or as private spaces. Most foreigners prefer these over renting expensive apartments. Many of these properties also have the “foreigners only” policymaking things easier for the expatriates.

Owning a House in Tokyo

From the rents, we can conclude that owning a house in this city is an even costlier affair. So, if you feel you have saved enough and are going to stay in the country for long, then you can definitely look forward to owning a house in Tokyo.
This is a much less sought-after option for foreign nationals, owing to the high costs and other legalities. For the permanent residents, the costs will be high even for a small space if the location is the city center. The cost is as high as 1,177,250 yens per square meter in the main area. In the suburbs, the costs are between 500,000 to 800,000 yens per square meter.

Cost of Food

Japan is an island, and therefore, they do not have many cultivations of their own. Most food items are exported from the outside, and therefore, the costs are also quite high. Living in Tokyo, one needs to plan well on the expenditure on food. If you opt for the traditional Japanese items like seasonal vegetables, seafood, and soya beans, then your food costs will be considerably less. The local markets, supermarkets are perfect for daily grocery shopping.
You can also enjoy full meals at restaurants in Tokyo. In cheap restaurants, the average cost is around 500 to 1000 yen. For the expensive restaurants, the costs are somewhere between 1000 to 3000 yen. On the whole, one’s average monthly food costs can go up to 40,000 yen in Tokyo.

Transportation Costs

Transportation is a need of every individual. Tokyo boasts about having a great public transportation system that connects almost all parts of the city. The commuters can always opt for the train passes that allow them to travel to and from home and office/college for several months. As a foreigner, you can avail some discounts when purchasing the rail passes in Tokyo.
Public buses and taxis are also available in every part of Tokyo. Cycling is quite a common means of transportation in Tokyo and also in other parts of Japan. There are cycle parking slots near every railway station. This is the cheapest option and is perfect when traveling short distances. Transportation costs in Tokyo will be around 11000 yen in a month. The costs may vary depending on the distances one travels and the mode of transport chosen.
Owning a car is an expensive affair in Tokyo. The gasoline costs are 150 yen for every liter, which implies you have to incur a huge cost on a monthly basis. Insurance costs, bi-annual inspections, parking fees, and automobile tax are mandatory in Japan when owning a car. Therefore, using public transportation is a much better and cost-effective option.

Electricity, Gas, and Water Costs

The basic utilities are a cost every individual has to incur. In a month, the average cost for the utilities is around 10000 yen, which includes 4000 yen for electricity, 3000 yen for gas, and 2000 yen for water. When renting a house, these costs are not included in the rent amount. However, the guesthouses or Gaijin houses include such costs.

Connectivity and Household Goods

A mobile phone, subscription plans, and internet facilities are absolute necessities in today’s world. Mobile subscription plans can range between 2000 to 6000 yen per month. The internet charges are 2500 to 4000 yen on average. Therefore, connectivity costs are under 10000 yen for a month.
Household goods such as furniture, television, refrigerators, micro-ovens are available from national as well as international brands. Online services like Amazon are also available. While foreign products are pricey, the local products are available at affordable rates. If you rent a well-furnished home, then you can do away with these individual costs.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Tokyo is surely high, and hence monthly expenses must be planned smartly. While the costs listed above are the basic expenses every individual needs to bear, the living costs may differ from one to another depending on the lifestyle. Entertainment, clothing, learning a language, and other such similar activities are some added costs that can also be a part of the living cost in Tokyo.