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seeking work or advice on working in Japan

ewolpin

Hello all,

I am currently looking for work in Japan. I have compiled a list of firms that I am interested in but am still searching for more firms to apply to. I have 3 years experience with architectural firms and a Masters of Architecture. I have a very basic understanding of Japanese and can pick out certain words but cannot have much of a conversation yet. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on applying for work in Japan or which firms to apply to. As well, I am looking for foreign firms which may have a Tokyo branch office or firms which do International work as there may be a higher chance of them hiring me.

Thanks, Eli

 
Nov 28, 06 10:28 pm
karchitect

Sounds like someone has a Japanese girlfriend.....
If you cannot speak Japanese, it will be very difficult for you to find work in Japan.

Nov 29, 06 10:31 pm  · 
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ewolpin

Thanks for the comments kark. I guess I did not say that I was specifically looking for positive and constructive advice. I do speak four languages, and have worked in foreign firms which do not speak english before. I am well aware of the issues regarding working in Japan. What I was looking for was to make connections and perhaps some direction from those who have done this before. I do know of people who have done this before but not directly.

Nov 30, 06 8:00 am  · 
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karchitect

Sorry to not be able to offer better advice - I wish I could. I have worked for six years in Japan and have studied Japanese for twelve years. Many people have asked me how they can get a job like mine in Japan, and the best way I can help is to be honest.

If you don't speak the language or know the culture well enough, it can be extremely difficult. What was it like working in a firm where you were unable to communicate with anyone? "picking out certain words" won't really help you. My knowledge of the language was invaluable to me and I really can't think of how I would manage to work there by communicating in gestures or being unable to read anything. The work environment in Japan can be very high pressure, very high stress - colleagues won't want to pull out their dictionaries to try and ask you a question. Well, maybe at first, but it will get really old, really quick. Understand that you have to be bringing something very special to them in order for them to accomodate you. -- or maybe you're half-price??! I've known some Americans working in Japanese firms who are so unhappy because they aren't given any responsibility, yet for some reason they refuse to learn the language...

I really don't want to discourage you, so don't take my remarks as such. This is just my experience. Working in Japan was tough, but one of the best experiences I ever had, so if you can make it through and find an English-friendly firm, that would be great for you.
In general , Japanese people shy away from risk. Hiring a foreigner and sponsoring a visa and all that, is a big risk. Some may see no reason to go through all that when there are plenty of talented architects in the country who speak the language, know how office culture works and don't need visa sponsorship. They need a really strong reason why to hire you. Please don't think I'm telling you that you don't have that 'something special', but I'm just saying in general, from my experience.

However, if you do have a connection - someone who can vouch for you, that might be an opening. Think back to any of your teachers or colleagues who may know someone there that can make a phonecall. You might be surprised at the power of "kone" - connections in Japan, but this will have to be someone who knows you well.

I think Jump also works in Japan - see if you can track him down in the forum and get his opinion.

Ganbatte!

Nov 30, 06 9:03 pm  · 
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ya i live in tokyo and have been in japan for much of the past 15 years.

language is an issue, especially if you want to do anything important. in my case i am married to a japanese so not so hard to get a job. i was lucky and first hired even with low language skills (cuz of good connection) and learned to speak read and write on the job in an office with 0 english. now i work for myself and am back in school in tokyo, so my situation is not so normal.

the foreigners i know who work here are rather unique individuals, or have jobs through connections from my current uni...an introduction is incredibly important here if you want to have a job with the bigshots (unless you are really really amazing; i know for instance that ito turns down very talented people on a regualr basis). on the other hand introductions of that type are not common because the introducer will have to take responsibility for your actions thereafter...which means you have to be amazingly talented, or on good terms with someone that knows the office manager for sejima, etc...

anyway, while not impossible to get a job i think also not easy.

japanese is btw not anything like the romance languages and dealing with the culture differences is not always an easy thing to do. the hours are hell, the pay is low, and the chances are quite high that you will not get responsibity for doing more than make models...

on the other hand if you can get in to an office and don't mind the above the work can be rewarding, expecially in one of the international design-y firms.

luck

Dec 1, 06 8:00 am  · 
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Abel Oner Office

Most places in Japan do their hiring in the springtime and hiring can be pretty quiet until then.

Dec 1, 06 3:25 pm  · 
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snooker

I would suggest you find a bar, and buy a bottle to hold behind the bar so you can visit the place very often until you get a job.

Dec 1, 06 7:41 pm  · 
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mdler

If a bunch of business men ask you out for some bukkake, bring goggels

Dec 1, 06 8:03 pm  · 
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