Planning on going to Japan after college

shawnjeezie · (#1 (**permalink**))

I am planning to move to Japan after getting a degree in videogame design/programming/whatever you'd call it. Anyways, I have know idea what I need to do to be able to move there, outside of learning the language which i already started doing. I need to know how much money (United States) I'll need to save up to start a new life in Japan. This includes food, my basic apartment (1 or 2 room, including restroom and cooking space), taxes, insurances (excludes car insurance cuz Where I will be living will be Tokyo and I can just walk wherever I need to go), and anything else I'll need to pay for. I will only need floor mat for bed since I already sleep on the floor a lot instead of in my bed (I hate the top bunk). Also could use info regarding whether or not I can get a part-time/full-time job for the period in which I'll be searching for my dream job (video game programming). I know html so I will be able to easily learn how to put game programs on the internet ^^. anywho, I need some help. I have tried gathering stuff off google searches, but can't find much, just peoples' own experiences and reviews of what it is like there. Any help will be appreciated. The most important thing will be knowing how much i'll need to be earning in yearly wages to be able to support myself there. Thanks! I'll check back here every day.

MMM · (#2 (**permalink**))

You cannot go to Japan to look for a job, but need to have a job set up before you go. This will become your sponsor for a work visa.

One way is to start working at a video game company in the US, and then get transferred to Japan. Another is to get a job, teaching English in Japan, and while there look for work at video game companies.

And keep in mind Nintendo is based in Kyoto.

shawnjeezie · (#3 (**permalink**))

Thanks man!

burkhartdesu · (#4 (**permalink**))

*implied facepalm*

shawnjeezie · (#5 (**permalink**))

why kind of reply is "implied facepalm"?

MMM · (#6 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnjeezie

why kind of reply is "implied facepalm"?

Don't worry about it.

shawnjeezie · (#7 (**permalink**))

heh heh. MMM made a funny reply.

atheistwithfaith · (#8 (**permalink**))

You might find this blog interesting, about a guy in the videogame industry in Tokyo.

Japanmanship

Doesn't really help you with your question though.

Have you been to Japan before?

shawnjeezie · (#9 (**permalink**))

i've never been to Japan. I have friends who have though. They bring pictures and videos. They are so lucky. I want out of the United States, and I would like to move to Japan when I leave

Allene7 · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnjeezie

I am planning to move to Japan after getting a degree in videogame design/programming/whatever you'd call it. Anyways, I have know idea what I need to do to be able to move there, outside of learning the language which i already started doing. I need to know how much money (United States) I'll need to save up to start a new life in Japan. This includes food, my basic apartment (1 or 2 room, including restroom and cooking space), taxes, insurances (excludes car insurance cuz Where I will be living will be Tokyo and I can just walk wherever I need to go), and anything else I'll need to pay for. I will only need floor mat for bed since I already sleep on the floor a lot instead of in my bed (I hate the top bunk). Also could use info regarding whether or not I can get a part-time/full-time job for the period in which I'll be searching for my dream job (video game programming). I know html so I will be able to easily learn how to put game programs on the internet ^^. anywho, I need some help. I have tried gathering stuff off google searches, but can't find much, just peoples' own experiences and reviews of what it is like there. Any help will be appreciated. The most important thing will be knowing how much i'll need to be earning in yearly wages to be able to support myself there. Thanks! I'll check back here every day.

I second what MMM said. Get a game job in the US and then transfer. That in itself is already hard enough. The game industry is extremely competitive! Although going with programming will give you a better chance of getting your desired job faster than majoring in another area of game creation. Both my husband and I have our B.A. with our major having been game design. Sorry, that's off track from your initial question! Any ways, if you don't want to wait around to try and get a job where you can transfer to Japan then try to get a job teaching English there first, again as MMM suggested. That will be your best chance. Are you just starting college? Make sure you build up an extensive portfolio and never stop adding new things to it and taking out old things from it! Make lots of game demos and code samples! Your portfolio will be the biggest factor in you getting your desired job, seeing as a lot of game companies don't require you to have a degree. College is important though so still be sure to graduate! Okay, I'm done before I get all off track again!