I live in Japan!

[SHAD0W]

Originally Posted by samurai007

It's called a hanko. I was given one when I arrived by my school, but you can buy them in stores, and have them personally designed.
More info, and a place that will create a hanko for you: Hanko Stamp

Originally Posted by Nyororin

For official documents you don`t use a signature. That doesn`t mean there are no unique signatures, and it also doesn`t mean you can`t or don`t sign for trivial things, like package deliveries, etc.
They`re not government issued or anything of the like, so if you want one you have to go buy it.

Wow! Thank you both for your responses! I think I might buy one from that website, but I'm dubious how well they would turn my name into Kanji.. Also, I'd like some awesome kanji.. Don't want to be Mr.FlowerToilet or something silly like that.

Another question, If I may?

I was reading Crane's post (and your responses) about working in Japan. I don't think I want to leave England.. but if I ever did decide on moving to Japan, how likely will I be able to get a job that will provide a comfortable living?

I'd need to work here for atleast a year or 2 (after my degree, 2 years to go) to save money to make the move.. so if i name what qualifications ill have by that point?

I'll have my English Language degree and be fully certified as a Primary School teacher (3-7 years old specialism, but that allows me to teach up to 11 years old because in teaching your allowed to go up the ages but you can't qualify for 11+ and then work in Primary for some reason ) I'll have 5/6 years teaching experience (and also experience of teaching in Japan because I'm going to do voluntary work in 筑波　next year) and I'm intending to attempt JLPT4 this december, and I'm aiming for JLPT1 (or at least 2) by the point of which I'd be ready to move.

How employable will I be? (if this is the wrong place for me to post this question, Please point me elsewhere and I'll edit accordingly, but I'd appreciate your opinion)

Also, I wouldn't want to go through JET or anything like that, I'd want to apply for a job like i would for a job in England if possible?

[burkhartdesu]

Originally Posted by SHAD0W

Wow! Thank you both for your responses! I think I might buy one from that website, but I'm dubious how well they would turn my name into Kanji.. Also, I'd like some awesome kanji..

I received a hanko from the school I stayed at in Takefu...

My name was broken down into bu-ka-to (I think... I could be wrong)

And they dubbed me "Samurai Thunder Owner"... Even though this probably isn't want the kanji said at all.

[SHAD0W]

Originally Posted by burkhartdesu

I received a hanko from the school I stayed at in Takefu...

My name was broken down into bu-ka-to (I think... I could be wrong)

And they dubbed me "Samurai Thunder Owner"... Even though this probably isn't want the kanji said at all.

ahh man thats awesome! Do you not still have it? take pics!

[burkhartdesu]

Originally Posted by SHAD0W

ahh man thats awesome! Do you not still have it? take pics!

I do, and I will... I just have to find it. I saw my cat pawing it around the other day


It's pretty cheesy though-- it's not all gilded and beautiful like the previous pic.

[Crane]

SSJup81: I never said "going there illegally".

Nyororin: I do speak the language, and the reason why I don't have enough money to save is because none of my family had enough money to go to college, so I was already at a disadvantage by being born into poverty, so when I finally did get a job, I had to pay for everything myself, therefor not having any extra money. I could find employment quite easily in America, even without a family, and without any help from friends, so that's not the problem there. Also, I never said/assumed I would "just marry some random girl" to get a visa.

I thank you for your help, I just had to clear some things up because you assumed too much.

[burkhartdesu]

Originally Posted by Crane

SSJup81: I never said "going there illegally".

Nyororin: I do speak the language, and the reason why I don't have enough money to save is because none of my family had enough money to go to college, so I was already at a disadvantage by being born into poverty, so when I finally did get a job, I had to pay for everything myself, therefor not having any extra money. I could find employment quite easily in America, even without a family, and without any help from friends, so that's not the problem there. Also, I never said/assumed I would "just marry some random girl" to get a visa.

I thank you for your help, I just had to clear some things up because you assumed too much.

Well, sorry if people assumed too much...

But it still doesn't change the fact that you can't wake up one day and magically have Japanese-citizenship and a job-- even if you do speak the language. Having a University degree is important, especially in Japan.

There are grants and loans for college you know... I too am from an "impoverished" family; but that doesn't keep me from taking some classes.

[SHAD0W]

Originally Posted by Crane

I do speak the language

Sure? I may be wrong, but your impression of Japan seems a bit.. "kawaii 13 year old dream" if you ask me?

Surely, if you knew the language, you'd be more aware of the answers to your questions above..? Just my opinion.

[Crane]

Originally Posted by burkhartdesu

Well, sorry if people assumed too much...

But it still doesn't change the fact that you can't wake up one day and magically have Japanese-citizenship and a job-- even if you do speak the language. Having a University degree is important, especially in Japan.

There are grants and loans for college you know... I too am from an "impoverished" family; but that doesn't keep me from taking some classes.

Before, when I said "get a simple, unskilled job, and eventually get citizenship.", I meant that as a separation of questions, so I apologize for the misunderstanding. I pretty much knew I wouldn't achieve citizenship, but I still asked, like anyone would. My only concern was of getting any sort of job, and that has now been cleared up for me, so that part of the conversation is over.

I'm a peculiar person in the fact that I never had any aspirations to do anything more in my life other than simple jobs, because I don't really want to live in a middle-class life. Also, this is unrelated to the aspirations, but I was one of those people in school where the American education system didn't work for me at all. I know I'm a very intelligent person, as everyone tells me so (sorry for sounding vain), but you know...it's hard to explain. Where I'm getting with this is that even if I had the money, no college would ever want to take me, and honestly, even if I did get into a university so that I could move to Japan, I don't want to spend at that money and all that time just to get a normal unskilled job. Don't take this as me whining at you, asking for more magic solutions without a higher education, I understand everything about the process now and now have different plans. Maybe one day if I really feel like it, if I feel like making my own business and it's actually a success, I might go to college and if I still feel like it then, I may go to Japan.

But anyway, thank you for all the information. If I have any more questions, interests, or curiosities, I'll be sure to ask again

Thanks.

[Crane]

Originally Posted by SHAD0W

Sure? I may be wrong, but your impression of Japan seems a bit.. "kawaii 13 year old dream" if you ask me?

Surely, if you knew the language, you'd be more aware of the answers to your questions above..? Just my opinion.

I'm not fluent but I know far more than enough to get by in daily life.

I don't see how my questions are irrational, though. They were mostly just about the technicalities of getting a visa and what average of rent would cost.

[SHAD0W]

Sorry, its just that ive seen a similar thing plastered around here 1000's of times and I was worried you were going to be added to the list of weirdo's that reside here. Thank god you're not

EDIT:

Originally Posted by Orandagirl

Hello,

I had a Question..

How can someone come to live in Japan?
I mean you have to pay for the trip,your home,food etc.. but how do have that money?

I really want to go to Japan before I die. My parents won't let me
If someone knows a cheaper way to go to Japan please let me hear it!

Thank you! ^.^

AHA! there we go! See what I mean?