Hi all,

I have had the pleasure of visiting Japan twice this past year, several of the major cities, and it has ignited interest in the prospects of living and working there, possibly on a long-term basis. However, while teaching English may work temporarily as an "in", I do not really see it as a long-term possibility.

My sense is that the prospects for longer-term satisfaction and fulfillment as a expat in Japan are essentially similar to that of any immigrant to any modernized society: one with a tenuous grasp of the language and without anything really outstanding to offer will not be competitive and likely not allowed entry.

Also, in light the stagnating economic environment over the past 10 years or so, there are fewer opportunities for citizens to make a reasonable living. Because of these factors I consider the reality to live in Japan as being in the development stage. How I see it is - do what you do in your home country and see if you can do that in Japan. If you don't do anything of note in your country why think you can somehow survive in Japan?

Currently, I am finishing an MA (political studies, focus on tax policy) and, once completed, am considering the possibility of obtaining an M. Ed. as a possible route to the "Japan Dream", where I may have the chance to teach at a level higher than conversational English. Once I have more free time (am currently working full-time while I finish my degree) I would also like to gain certifications in fitness/nutrition instruction. Despite the current focus on education, I am older than most students, having returned to school after being in the work-force.

I know a few people who taught ESL in Japan for a number of years, but who eventually returned to do something else. They say that ESL is very difficult to do long-term, though they did it longer than most. They stayed because they loved the experience of living in a major Japanese city (Tokyo). They encourage my considering to teach ESL in Japan short-term but cannot really offer advice on longer-term.

I don't really have any specific questions or issues to raise with this, other than to perhaps get stories from expats in Japan with similar educational backgrounds or interests, or get response from expats in Japan to learn of their particular path to finding suitable, longer-term employment in Japan.

Cheers
Sokoto