Moving to Japan questions.

Well to start off, I found out how difficult it can be to make a decision in moving there permanently. My girlfriend said she doesn't want to live there permanently, but she would be ok for mabye one to two years...so here's my question: How can I get a visa to live there for between 1-2 years without having to concern about a degree and stuff? I will be having a degree in computer engineering/programming in 4 years (just started college), but I think the whole thing may be a LOT different in Japan since they use their own writing system. So I was thinking that I could just get a temporary small job there, and work at home with my degree (companies online and stuff). I have two pet tarantulas and my girlfriend has a pet cat, so I'll need to do the whole vaccination for the cat thing at the airport, but will I have to do the same for my tarantulas? I don't want them biting someone. :lol: If I could get any information about moving to Japan for only 1-2 years, the cost of living (which I read a little information online, but not much detail), the requirements for anything, and information about moving back...that'd be great! ありがとう　ございます！

Konnichiwa K73SK san, The best place to start, is by enquiring from your local Japanese consulate or a Japanese embassy. I do not know whether your country has restrictions when applying for visas, but my country has certain stringent regulations that needs to adhere to. This is because, individuals from some Asian countries (yes, I'm from an Asian country), tend to apply for a tourist visa, but ended up working illegally in Japan. That is why, for some Asian countries, to apply for a tourist visa, let alone a working/business visa, is subjected to many pre-requisites and regulations, such as, current financial status, current working company, marital status, assests and much more. This is to "convince" the Japanese authorities you're not there to do something that is not right .. if you understand where I'm going at. You can apply for a student visa, but again, if you're not planning to study locally (as in your statement), then you'll need some form of justification for staying in Japan for that length of period. To get a job, you'll need a working permit, but again, whether is your country subjected to stringent regulations, you'll need to check with your local Japanese consulate or embassy. As for the cost of living, it's very subjective. It all depends on where you are staying (rental in Tokyo is high), planning to eat out or cook from home and transportation, among others. As for pets, I have not come across any of my friends bringing pets to Japan, so I'm not able to give my advise/views/comments on that. :oops: Hope that will helps. :)

Arigatou! That did help me a little :] I live in the U.S., so I know visa's are available to me. My friend recently visited Japan for 3 weeks, so I may be able to get some information off him (just thought of it). I tend to stay somewhere near Kyoto, so I don't know how the cost of living is. I'm going to go ahead and see how much it costs to move though (I can already see it costing quite a bit :P )

do itashi mashite (どう いたし まして) :) you're very welcome .. K73SK san ... That is a good start, by enquiring from your friend. Or you can visit this website, it does list the apartments that are up for rental. http://www.kyoto-apartment.com/ This might give you a ballpark figure on the rental prices in Kyoto. Do let us know your staying experience in Kyoto, and best of luck !! :) Ganbatte ne. :) Mata ne. :)

Gomenasai (for the long reply) I went to the link. Looks like the site got moved to http://www.j-stay.jp/ I have always liked the structure of the buildings in Japan, and these are the ones I'm talking about. Most may find them like "ech" But I just love them for some reason! :P The inside of the apartments are a lot different I must say :] I don't plan on getting out there for awhile though! But since ever the election was chosen (just personal tastes, don't want to debate!) I want to get there sooner! :lol: P.S. I'm surprised at how fast I can learn a lot of things with RJ. I tried random websites that tried teaching the language before, but it would take me awhile to memorize the words. It was the same with RJ at first, and I was worried, but now I can remember things pretty fast compared to before! :D EDIT: Hmm, I'm looking into this one apt..but wanted to know if I were to rent the room, would i get all this? (in the red)...cause it sounds like i'd have to share the kitchen and everything with some strangers, and ...well me and my girlfriend are kind of shy when it comes to new people :lol: _http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/6492/hmmty7.jpg_

Konnichiwa K73SK san! It seems your fellow Rocket Japanese learners know lots when it comes to moving to Japan! As for the room you are looking at... yes, the kitchen/dining/bathroom is shared, while you will have your own tatami room. It's set up like a dormitory style, but looks pretty good. Some places in Tokyo don't even have a shower/bath room! You may see some old folks carrying their little towels and little bucket with shampoo and stuff heading to the local public baths. SO, this room...has got a bath, a toilet, a stove...looks like you'd be set. :D

lol, i told my girlfriend and she says "I don't want to travel to a local bathroom or share one." I guess America spoils us all sometimes huh? :P Do you know of any places that are just like western houses? like are there "houses" to rent rather than apartments like America? and do they have their own bathrooms & such? :]

Konnichiwa! Genki desu ka? :wink: You should check out Sakura House. It's a real-estate-agency + backpackers/hostel and has tons of accommodation options. Here's their link: http://www.sakura-house.com/ All my foreign friends who has come to Japan for a long stay got accommodation through Sakura House. There aren't many real estate agencies that has no key money, or guarantor required to rent a room/apartment/house. So your best bet would be somewhere like Sakura House. :D Have fun searching!

after looking at this site, i have to say, okage sama de genki desu! :] I'm gonna take a good look all over the site, and if I need any more help or questions, I'll be sure to post them here. Domo Arigatou gozaimasu!! EDIT: I've been looking at the site, and other sites...I think what I am mainly looking for is a Guest house. I discussed more about moving to Japan with my girlfriend, and we are thinking 1 year is the offical amount of time. From what I understand, guest houses are for long-term stays in Japan....I don't know if 1 year would be considered that or would be TOO long. I am going to bed (REALLY late where I live right now) but I am looking at this site for Kyoto : unohouse.fte.jp ....I'll check it out more tomorrow, but for now I'm sleeping 8) oyasuminasai :]