[Sangetsu]

You do need a bachelors degree or better to get a visa to work in Japan. Your level of comfort depends on what kind of work you want to do. Teaching pays about 3 million yen per year ($30,000), and though that is not a lot of money, it's above the median income level, so you can live on it.

The highest paid jobs for foreigners in Japan is in the financial sector, but being a good trader takes a lot of experience and education. Good traders can make 3 million yen a month, or more.

IT jobs are fairly easy to find in Japan, but the entry level pay is the same as what you would earn teaching, and the hours are longer. You must have a degree, and preferably a certification of some type as well.