[kremost]

I have a question that may already have been asked, but I hope you don't mind me bringing it up (potentially again) on page.. 81?

I'm 24 years old, and have been wanting to move to Japan since I was 16 (a lot of the posts here remind me of me in my youth, haha), but am now finally ready (I believe!) to take the plunge and head over next year - I've never even been there before, so I don't know what to expect. I've read a few accounts about the life of foreigners in Japan ('Metaphysique des tubes' and 'Stupeur et tremblements' by Amelie Nothomb, which are touching, hilarious, and frightful all at once, and another by an Englishman who worked as a salaryman for a long time), and am wondering what your personal experience was like? Do you feel integrated in Japanese society, do you feel that people treat you as an 'outsider' in any way?

Second question pertains to more practical stuff... I plan on doing a Masters in Japan (my ticket in!), but before I start my course in October I would like to spend some time in Japan getting acquainted with the culture and people. I was thinking of getting some work, and I know the easy thing is to be an English teacher, but I've already tried that and hated it, plus I don't think it'd help me get to know Japanese people (from my experience teaching in the Czech Republic, being an English teacher keeps you from learning the local language). Any recommendations on how to earn money and live in Japan for a couple of months? I've been learning Japanese on and off for a while, and am working more intensively now. I already have a degree (I'll have my 1st Masters by the time I'm there as well).

Oh... and I know tattoos have been mentioned before... I'm female and have a couple, will that affect my chances of... anything? Like getting a job, a love life (haha! the threat of the female yakuza)... ?

Anyway, your insight is very much appreciated! Thanks!