What would you like to know about living in Japan?

I would like to know, how much is it to live in the city? the average cost for rent, and is it possible for a foreigner? cause most asian countries that i know of, you need to be atleast blood of that country. Just like Philippines and Taiwan. Where you need to be of that race atleast, to buy a house in that country.

Martin: Those questions you raised are out of the scope of the guide; house ownership is a whole series of articles in itself. Maybe shoot and email to a real estate agent like Century 21, they have English speaking staff in some branches in Japan.

I’ve heard a lot about japanese ppl being pervs. Is that true?

what about the most basic needs, like where to buy the groceries or some restaurants. Also what to do in your free time i mean where do the car lovers like us gather.

I would like to know more about motorsport. Things like different licences what they enable you to compete in and how old you have to be. In Australia you can drive in gymkhana`s from the age of twelve is it similar in Japan. And what is the main association for motorsport in Japan?

someone mentioned cost of a house and owning one. I know for a fact that non-japanese can purchase and own a house as there is a website/blog I’ve been following where the owner of said site has purchased land and built his own house, he had the option of purchasing one but he decided to build instead. He also answers a lot of questions about how to live in japan. Lately he’s more focused on human rights for non-japanese in japan, but he still has his previous articles on the site, mostly in the “what to do if….” section. Lots of important legal information such as getting married in japan, getting a lawyer, trouble with police, etc.
Here is his site: http://www.debito.org/
and a direct link to his article about building a house: http://www.debito.org/whattodoif.html#housebuilding

anywho, as for the article what I’d like to know is:
1) what do utilities cost or what companies of choice, are there many or just 1 goverment owned kind of deal? (water, heat, electricity, internet, TV, cell phone, etc.)
2) what is minimum wage?
3) Someone mentioned Shaken, I’d like to know how that works as well not to mention how cost of licensing a vehicle is determined. I heard there are such factors as the size (in liters) of the engine changing cost and a few other things.
4) How difficult is it to import a car to Japan, or is it possible at all? I’m sure things like the Shaken don’t help matters in this case.
5) If there was one thing that you yourself had done when you made the move that you wanted to do different, what would it be and what would you do differently?

sorry for the long post, I’ve had an interest in moving to Japan for a while now.

Lot’s of legit questions. I can answer some of them for you guys.

As far employment culture goes, your co-workers are you “family” away from home. You do almost everything together. You eat, drink, and hang out. This is strictly speaking about traditional Japanese companies. Nowadays, there are many international businesses, especially in Roppongi, the business/foreigner district. I actually am studying right now to become a financial analyst for an investment bank e.g. Goldman Sachs, which is located in the heart of Roppongi at Mori Tower. Racism is expected among the older folk, but the younger generation tend to be in awe of foreigners. I’m a young korean-american guy so i tend to blend in, which works for me.

As far as employment opportunities, teaching English is the most common foreign employed career. I actually made great money by teaching at an english school and providing private lessons (which is BANK!). Then i got bored of it and worked for about half a year at a gaming company. There are a couple websites such as gaijinpot.com that cater to foreigners looking for work. You can also use private consultants that help you find a job through their connections. Some of my friends went that route to find great careers, but its pretty expensive.

Living in Japan needs its own section. A temporary solution to housing is to find an apartment through a third-party such as sakura house (not that great however). Most of the time, housing is provided by the company you are going to work for. Also, visa rules are all different for different countries, so visa processes need to be considered as well.

I can go on about nightlife, but im tired. Let me know if you need help Steve. I am more than happy to help.