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Working In Japan. -
02-03-2011, 11:30 AM
Hello everyone =). My name is john. And like all of you, i have had an enormous passion for Japan for quite a long time. Everything about that country is amazing. Its Culture, Technology, People, Food, Anime, Video-Games, Manga, etc.
For about 2 years now ive decided that i want to live and work in japan. My goal is to one day, work at a japanese games developer, seeing as games have been a part of my childhood, and of course, a part of myself =) Il be enrolling in 3D Art next year, when College starts. Luckily our country ( Europe, Portugal ) Has already implemented Video-Games Development courses in most of our colleges. Now my main question. Do japanese game developers employ, or have employed any foreigners that any of you know of? What is their policy regarding this situation? Do they accept it well? Is there absolutely no kind of rule, on where people from other country should be allowed to work with them? Ive heard of internships at japan. And of course, at game developers too. Im just concered they might have some sort of "anti-non-japanese" policy :/ I hope i don´t sound dumb by asking these questions or anything of the sort. I´m simply curious, because my whole future will revolve around this. And of course, if any of you has any ideas on how these things work, id be appreciated if he or she could reply to this thread =) Thank You. John. 
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02-03-2011, 12:11 PM
I'm trying to hold back from just slamming you for everything you write because... I could be wrong about you.
Having said that... have you visited Japan? for more than a week or two?
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02-03-2011, 04:47 PM
Quote:
It's up to you to convince the developer that it's worth going through the hassles of obtaining a visa for a foreigner instead of hiring a native programmer.
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02-03-2011, 05:38 PM
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Every country, society, etc has bad people. Period. That´s something we can´t run away from. It´s our world. Sadly, it´s like that. I am perfectly aware of that. However, if that´s not the reason you want to "slam" me for.. Then disregard what i said. So what is the reason then? The reason i asked this question, was because i didn´t know if they accepted foreigners or not. If you think of me as some sort of an ignorant person, or anything similar for asking that question, then i don´t know what to say... That´s what forums like these are here for. To ask questions and get answers. Keep in mind, i´m not acusing anyone of anything. Regarding the whole visiting of japan. No i haven´t. Next year i will definitly pay a visit to it. I love japan. The emotional value of that country to me is nearly endless. I love everything about it. I hate my own country´s culture to be honest. I love their food. Their culture. The things they have accomplished. Their People. ( even though i never went there. I have several friends who live there. ) Technological marvels. Anime, Manga. You name it. Call it lack of patriotism. I don´t care. It doesn´t matter where we´re born at. We must all follow our hearts, and find our place in this world =) For me. Japan is more than the "Wow. amazing country! I have to go there someday" For me, it´s paradise. It is a personal choice. If you don´t agree with me, that´s fine. We are all entitled to our own choices =) But that´s just the way I am. I love it. I love everything about it.
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02-04-2011, 12:53 AM
You would have to have some pretty amazing skills for it to be worth a Japanese company to try and sponsor your working visa. They would have to justify to immigration why they need to hire a foreigner. They'd have to show that there's no Japanese person as qualified or suitable for the position. They'd also have to justify to themselves why they'd hire someone who doesn't speak or read their language fluently. So overall it would be really difficult to get a position here but not impossible. Do lots of research to see what sort of positions may be available to foreigners in the programming industry here and learn Japanese!
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02-04-2011, 02:06 AM
I think GoNative nailed it. This is why a great majority of foreigners working in Japan are language teachers, because they ARE more qualified to teach their native language than a non-native speaker. (That doesn't mean there are no good non-native teachers.)
There are also a lot of foreigners in Japan working in IT. Again, if there aren't the candidates in Japan, or they aren't as qualified, then a foreigner can get hired, even if he or she doesn't speak perfect Japanese. The two problems I see for you are these: 1) There is a LOT of competition and a LOT of talent in Japan in the video game industry. I think it would probably take designing a game on your own that gets cult or better attention on a smartphone app or Wii's virtual console (like World of Goo or Bubble Ball). 2) Technology is not your friend. I have worked for Japanese companies on video games, (translation) but I never needed to leave my home. Companies like Nintendo don't allow any "outsourcing" for their titles, but smaller non-console companies are more willing to outsource more. So you may be able to get the work you are seeking, but it doesn't mean you would necessarily be moving to Japan.
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02-04-2011, 02:32 AM
A lot of good advice has already been given, you have to keep in mind that reality is often very different than our expectations. The Japan you dream of could quite possibly be only a dream.
The real Japan has it's good points and it's bad, but once you come to live in Japan you quickly realize that, as interesting as Japanese culture may be, it is not your culture. You will never be a part of it. Even if you are a participant in cultural events, you are still an "outsider". I like living in Japan, but I have my own country and culture, both of which are great. When I visited my home in America last month, I once again realized what a great place it was. I enjoy Japanese culture as a spectator, which is the best I can do. Many Japanese enjoy American culture, and more than a few Japanese have moved to America. The ironic thing is that in a country like America, they can quickly find their part in the culture, and make it their own. Before taking the plunge and moving to Japan, spend a little time there. I visited three times before I made the decision to move, so I knew what I was getting into. BTW, I saw a few ads in the foreign classifieds today from companies looking for game developers, so there are such jobs available for foreigners. But conversational Japanese is required, so you'd better start studying now.
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02-04-2011, 11:19 AM
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I had a few calls in the past from several Japanse company, they just dont' see the value in sponsoring me to go to Japan. My profile is not weak (at least I don't think it is, seeing that the best time was getting 4 offers in one month), but they just have enough locals to do what I am capable of doing, and they didn't need the language skills....
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02-04-2011, 11:42 AM
As someone studying this subject, I'm telling you it won't happen. Are you fluent in Japanese? Have you ever visted Japan? Are you extremely talented and/or a genius? If the answer to these is no, then either give up or get fluent.
This is not about why you should get the job. This is about what you have to offer Japan. If you want to be a translator or work in localisation, these are the only jobs you are likely to get in a Japanese game studio. Forget about being a developer. Also, you can't just become a game developer in any country, at all, ever, unless you start your own company. To be a game developer, you need to have a specialistion in one field, and work your way to the top of the company. For example, get a degree in animation, become a junior animator, then move up the ranks to senior, and then maybe one day you'll get some sort of input in the idea development and if you are good enough, a game developer. Nobody ever walks into a job as a game developer. My advice to you? For Japan: -Become fluent in Japanese -Become a Genius (lol) -Change your mind from developer to translator. You have much more chance. (Though usually translators work in their own country.) For Game Developing anywhere: -Get a degree in something specific. (Concept Art = Fine art degree, Animation = Animation degree, Scriptwriter = English degree, Programming = Computer Science degree [others are available]) -Develop an outstanding portfolio -Get a job, work your way up the company over a period of years TADAAA.  EDIT: Jobs titled as 'game developer' will usually be for small indie studios who are looking for someone with a wide range of skills, not someone who will just reel off ideas.
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