Working as an immigrant in Japan?
 

I'm ditching the US and considering moving to Japan or Australia. I remember watching a program at one point talking about immigrants in Japan and how bad off they were - can anyone speak to this from personal experience? I'm not interested in any sort of JET-type program, I'm talking blue collar work. Assume I know some conversational Japanese

It is case-by-case based on the company as you would expect. In the main cities such as Tokyo and Osaka there are a lot of companies that are starting to embrace modern business styles such as reward for effort, flat company hierarchy and open communication between all employees.
On the other hand, most companies are still extremely hierarchical (ie. venting your frustrations about your job to your boss is just not on), rewards are based on how long you've been there and internal company politics is rife.
You would probably need to try a few different companies to find one that suits your working style but I think you should definitely give it a go.

The teaching English side is not that bad either and chances are you will be treated with more respect than if you entered a standard Japanese office.

I guess my basic message is, yes it could be a difficult experience but it also could be the greatest decision you ever make in your life. You will never know until you try.

My advice comes from the fact that I lived and worked in Japan for 3 years.

Personally I wouldn't get involved in the salaryman culture[I mean they must make up a lot of the people that commit suicide] but then some Japanese businesses might actually be looking for white people particularly because they'll bring new skills to the table.

Yes that's a good point. There are companies looking for foreigners who bring different skills, ideas and connections to the office.

What is this mysterious program that so many people have seen, but no one names by name?

I can recall watching one that was about Chinese immigrants, and another that followed the lives of a family of immigrants from the Philippines. They both were about immigrants with low Japanese language skill, working in low paying blue collar positions.

I am also fairly certain that there was a BBC one about the dire lives of Brazilian factory workers in Japan.

I`ll try to find the names.

My personal experience: better than great.

Re: Blue collar work; you may have difficulty finding a visa

Sadly, I think people get the impression that how Chinese or SE Asian immigrants are generally seen applies to all immigrants. An English teacher from London doesn't see himself as an "immigrant" and isn't treated as one. An undocumented worker from the Eastern hemisphere is not seen or treated the same way as an invited and visa carrying temporary one year visa English teacher.

Oh in case I didn't make it clear, I'm not a college graduate. It's something I've been considering though.

Can't I just go on a tourist visa, find a job, and pay my boss to sponsor me? I know this guy who did something like that when he came to the US. Cost him about $6K to get his work visa

The immigrations officer is the one you gotta bribe, not the boss, they are the ones that check to have the degree or significant work experience instead. and they tend to not take bribery lightly...
Immigrations officers rotate locations at least every 3 years to avoid that kind of corruption, in fact.

They'd also have to show that you're providing a skill that a Japanese person can't. Otherwise you're a job thief lol.

So, if you have significant work experience to counter balance the lack of a degree, and you are planning to work a job that can justify the need for a foreigner, then you're all set no bribery required.

Well it's looking like Japan may only be good for a vacation. Considering the country's homogeneity I'm guessing they're not going to want me unless I'm teaching english, and there's probably more than enough people on that bandwagon. Thanks for the responses, onto my other options :)

Well they're trying not to be. It is changing,just very very slowly. I think any translation job is probably a safe bet or if you're really good-looking like me you could be a model over there :D