Training in Japan?

[youngmanquan]

I would not go over without a job, unless you are just doing the month long tourist stay. Since you haven't a degree, you might want to look into government employment. The DOD uses civillian contract personell for many things,and you might be able to find work at one of the military facilities. Be warned though, you probably won't be in Tokyo or Kyoto, or Osaka, but in the middle of nowhere. If you can get a job in Okinawa that would be worthwhile.

 

You also should become at least semi proficient in Japanese before you leave. There are very few bilingual street signs anywhere, and even though English is taught in the school system, it won't be like it is in Western Europe where one can ususally find a person who speaks passable English for assistance.

 

Start reading the Japan Times online now, it is a useful resource for ex-pats, from what I understand. Also you might want to read Robert Twigger's Angry White Pyjamas for an interesting take on living in Japan.

 

Lastly, don't expect to walk into a Japanese Dojo without a letter of introduction sporting your shiny black belt. Its very impolite. Expect to start as a white belt again.

 

I hope these bits of info helped.

Thank you for this information. The computer certification I have is actually in high demand. Computer Security positions are also available in DoD. I will definitely look into that. I'm also going to try to contact an Aikido school in Japan today

[Rich_2k3]

All I can say is go for it, Japan's a beautiful country and a great place to learn from the best, good luck.

[aefibird]

Start reading the Japan Times online now, it is a useful resource for ex-pats, from what I understand. Also you might want to read Robert Twigger's Angry White Pyjamas for an interesting take on living in Japan.

 

Angry White Pyjamas is also an interesting take on training in aikido in Japan. I highly recommend it to all martial artists!!

 

You said that you were training in aikido at the moment - does your club have an excahange program/affiliation with any dojo's in Japan?

 

 

 

As for working, you'll probably be allowed into the country for a certain period of time on a short-term tourist visa. This could be up to 3 months. If you've never been to Japan before it might be a good idea to go out there for a short period of time before moving there and getting an apartment and a job. There's no point taking a job in a foreign country, only to find you hate the place and can't wait to get home!! Not that I think you'll hate Japan, but there's always the possibility.

 

I'd try to become at least semi-proficiant in Japanese before you go, though, especially for things like shopping. Also dojo training will certainly all be in Japanese.

 

Good luck with the training, hope you get to Japan. Don't forget to let us all know how you get on!!

[equaninimus]

Twiggers book is wonderful. It never fails to cheer me up when I'm a bit down. It is the modern version of "Moving Zen," only without the tone of awe at the mysterious asian martial arts.

[Rich_2k3]

Although u will need to be proficient in speaking Japanese, u'll probably find that alot of japanese can speak English, Japanese tourism is booming and I would imagine that their is alot of help for non-japanese.

[Drunken Monkey]

actually i found that not many could speak english...

 

except for this old lady who worked the checkout at that little shop at the 'bottom' of mount fuji, where the buses stop.

 

y'know, where you buy the little egg souveniers.

[GrrrArg]

Sounds like you pretty much want to follow in the footsteps of Robert Twigger, so reading Angry White pyjamas would be a good idea as it will outlines some of the potential pitfalls you may face on your journey.

 

Have fun.

[equaninimus]

And beware of roomares named "Fat Frank!"

[aefibird]

lol, and beware of people with the surname Mustard... (heh heh j/k)

[granmasterchen]

well here is advice from someone that trains in japan and lives here.

 

You are only allowed to stay for 3 months unless you get permission to live here, which is hard. I have lucked out since i work with the military and the united states government. But it would be a good idea to learn japanese before attempting your trek....just my advice, message me if you have any questions that you would like me to look into for you. ......you can always get a civilian job with the government and get transfered to japan. I may be able to help you with this if you are seriously interested.