[anrakushi]

If you are wanting to make a career of english teaching then having a TEFL course is always a good thing. it also shows to the school you have some more formal training and in most cases makes you favourable to hire over someone with no training. having said that, as long as you have a degree then you don't need any teaching qualifications to get a teaching job in Japan. Remember that without experience you may have to start yourself off on the lower paying jobs (¥200,000) a month rather than the ¥250,000 + positions. mind you ¥200,000 is more than enough to live and enjoy yourself in kansai area, plenty of places can be rented for around 60,000, even less.

You certainly can ask, I'm Australian. I have studied and worked (english teacher) in Japan and returned to Australia as recently as August last year. I will be returning to live in Japan in the coming months, hopefully somewhere in Hyogo prefecture. Just waiting until some things are sorted out here before heading back.