Mastering Japan: Your Essential Guide to Moving Abroad
It is never easy to move to a foreign country. You need to do research, find a job, get a visa, find an apartment, the right moving company, and more. When moving to Japan, you will also have to learn the Japanese language. All this can seem overwhelming at first.
That is why, regardless of the will they have to move, so many people give up before they even try to do something about it. If you are determined to move to the Land of the Rising Sun, Etc Expo will try to give you a hand with this comprehensive guide.
Learn about your new country as much as you can
When you start dreaming about moving overseas, the first thing that you have to do is to learn about the country that you are moving to. This is especially true when you are moving to Japan. Japanese culture is so specific and different from what you are used to.
Learn about local customs, traditions, food, socializing, and other things that make a society. Of course, the easiest way to do it is by watching online videos, reading blogs and forums, and talking to people who have experienced it. Naturally, if it is possible you should organize a trip to Japan as well. It is the best way to feel the atmosphere and see whether things are as you imagined them to be.
Organizing an international relocation to Japan is a time-consuming task
Once you learn everything there is to know about Japanese culture and the way of life, you can start working on your relocation. However, before you begin you should be aware that it takes a lot of time to organize a smooth relocation to Japan. Finding a job, gathering your documentation, sorting your moving inventory, hiring a moving company, and packing could take you more than a month.
Therefore, if you want to do everything properly, it is important to start dealing with this as soon as you make your final decision to move.
Before moving to Japan you will need to get a visa
Your first step is to find out how to get a visa. Of course, this depends on many factors. The most important factor is the color of your passport. Japan has different requirements for citizens of different countries. Also, depending on whether you are asking for permanent or temporary residence and the type of work you will be doing, Japan offers more than 30 different types of work permit visas. Because the easiest way to relocate to Japan is through work, you will probably need to find a job before you apply.
To become eligible for a work permit you need to find a job
As we already mentioned, the preparation process for your Japan relocation could last more than a month. You will mostly feel that when you start searching for a job. Japanese companies prefer to hire local workers, mostly because of the language barrier.
Even though they mostly speak English, business is conducted in Japanese. Therefore, learning the Japanese language is the easiest and fastest way to get a job and become eligible for a visa.
Hire a real estate agent to find you a home
Before you move to the Land of the Rising Sun, you need to secure a home. Unfortunately, without Japanese language skills and an insider who will give you a hand, finding an apartment in Japan can be complicated. If your employer cannot help you, your best solution is to hire a local real estate agent to find you a matching property.
Find a reliable moving company in Japan
Once you secured a job and a home, it is time to start organizing your relocation. Of course, one of the first things that you need to do is find a reliable Japanese moving company that will assist you during your move. Kokusai Express Japan, for example, is one of the top-rated and most recommended international moving companies in Japan.
They are capable of performing all types of international moving and logistics tasks. No matter whether you are moving with a suitcase or you are shipping your entire household, they will be at your disposal throughout your relocation. If you do not want to spend days searching for the right kind of movers, hire Kokusai Express Japan.
Prepare your moving inventory
Before you book the best movers, however, you need to sort out your moving inventory. You should figure out which items you would like to transport to Japan, and which you would like to get rid of. Moreover, before you schedule your movers, you also need to figure out which moving services you will need.
For example, if you have a few suitcases of clothes, and a box with books, you will need movers just to transport your items to Japan. If, on the other hand, you plan to move your entire household, you might want to consider packing and unpacking services, furniture disassembling, piano moving, storage, or even junk removal. Nevertheless, you need to know where you will need help before you hire a moving company.
Moving can be expensive if you decide to hire a full moving service
The thing that you also need to watch out for is the costs. Moving internationally is not cheap, especially if you decide to hire full moving services. The full moving service is the most convenient way to move, but it is also very expensive.
If you want to lower your moving costs, you will need to put in some effort. This means packing on your own, disassembling your own furniture, gathering used boxes for packing, etc. Still, there’s another thing that you need to watch out for. Hidden moving costs are what some moving companies might try to charge you. Be careful and make sure you understand your contract before signing.
Moving to Japan is not simple
When you are moving to Japan, preparation will take at least a few months. The biggest obstacles are learning the language and finding a job. It is not at all a simple endeavor. But, if you really want it, are patient, and do things step-by-step, anything is possible.
