Media Job in Japan

[lv426]

Hi everyone,

I'm nearing the end of my three year uni media course, and am planning to go to Japan for a year or two afterwards just before xmas. I thought about just doing the usual thing gaijin tend to do, and teach English. But I would love to do camera work or editing, as I have a lot of experience in both. Do any of you know how easy it would be to find a job like this, or have any useful links or leads?

I have been studying Japanese for a couple of years, but I'm not exactly fluent. However, I want to spend this time in Japan to try to get to grips with the language too.

Thanks guys.

[epigene]

If you conduct a search here in Jref on jobs in Japan (not only in the media business), you will see that the first and foremost requirement for getting a job is Japanese proficiency.

Especially in the media where communication is vital, the demand for proficiency is advanced--not only the ability to engage in everyday conversation but proficiency as a professional working in a Japanese-only environment (i.e., speaking, listening, reading & writing). This isn't going to happen in one or two years, unless you're exceptionally gifted in foreign languages.

This means that you should be concentrating on your Japanese language studies when you are here, and probably at the same time making human connections with people in the field to gain an understanding on the "actual" requirements for a media job and exploring into future employment possibilities.

HTH!

[Glenski]

Look into internships or transfers from foreign companies with branches here (you qualify for an intracompany transfer visa after working for them a year).

Otherwise, I side with epigene about the language requirements.

[lv426]

Thats kinda what I thought, but when I told some Japanese friends at my uni that I was gonna try and teach English in Japan for a couple of years. They all said that I should try and get a media job instead, and that my some what basic Japanese should not hold me back?

[Glenski]

"Some what"? I hope that was a typo. Far too many foreigners come here to teach English and can't use it properly themselves.

Help me to understand something. A few years ago you wanted to come and teach English here, right? You realize that you need a degree or 3 years of experience to get a work visa, don't you? In your case (British), you might qualify for a working holiday visa if you are between 18 and 30, and that lets you do most any job FT or PT. You have two 6-month consecutive stints for that.

You might want to look into that and see what you can pick up while you are here, just to gain experience in media, but otherwise epigene's remarks on language deficiency are spot on, I believe. Imagine a Japanese coming to the UK and wanting to do the work you want, but can't read, write, or speak the language well.

[lv426]

I'm sorry... no that wasnt a typo. I'm well aware that if you go to another country they are going to expect you know their language, which is why I was asking here. Trying to double check, as it seemed a little strange to me. But I have heard of certain western media companies setting up in Japan, and in that case then being able to talk perfect Japanese might not be quite so important.
And in any case, if aload of Japanese people recomend me to look into it then I dont see the harm. Anyway, I was just wodering if anyone had any leads on where to look.

[Glenski]

Go to www.daijob.com/en and contact Terrie Lloyd after you have read the relevant articles he has written on the subject.

And in any case, if aload of Japanese people recomend me to look into it then I dont see the harm.Only if that load knows visa regulations, too. Most don't. You have to take the initiative here in learning about immigration rules, because most Japanese will only think about normal hiring practices, not those required for us foreigners.

I have heard of certain western media companies setting up in Japan, and in that case then being able to talk perfect Japanese might not be quite so important.There are plenty of foreign companies here in many fields, including branches of foreign offices. That doesn't mean the language in the office here is 100% non-Japanese. You may still have to deal with Japanese staff in many capacities. Again, the onus is on your to research who has branches here and what the language requirements in the office are.

[lv426]

Thanks Glenski, that makes sense. I have heard of certain English teaching programs that hire foreigners will often sort ur visa out for u, however with something like this I thought it might be a little more complicated.

[Glenski]

An employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa must supply certain documentation with your visa application. Either he or you can bring the complete set of documents to immigration. Other than that, "programs" or businesses/schools/etc. don't always know what is required of them, and they certainly are not always up to date on procedures with immigration.

Getting your foot in the door with teaching is probably one of two straightforward approaches to your situation. The other is to get a working holiday visa, if you are eligible. With the WHV, you can do almost any type of job, FT or PT, not just teach English. I don't know of any camera or editing work, other than proofreading (which is very competitive), but I'm sure you can realize the necessity of knowing enough Japanese to get by in daily business operations. With the WHV, you have the flexibility of coming here practically immediately and shopping around. I highly recommend continuing your research first, though, so you have a better handle on what you may face when you touch Japanese soil. After all, the WHV is good for only a year.

[dblbstrd]

I know this isn't terribly informative but hopefully it is at least encouraging.

During the previous time I came to Japan long term (about 3, 3.5 years ago), in Tokyo/Yokohama I met a gentleman from Mexico who was doing some camera work and had been doing so for quite some time. I believe he was married to a Japanese woman if I remember correctly, so I don't suppose the visa thing was such an issue for him.
But at least it means that it's possible to get that sort of work as a foreigner. His Japanese was certainly proficient/functional, but not necessarily outstanding. If you are going to be here teaching English first, I'd say that if you are successful in working up your Japanese (university courses for exchange students are very very good for this if you can get into one, in my opinion that'd get you up to a sufficient level) and you get your foot in the right door, it's entirely possible.
Best of luck to you!

[Glenski]

Anyone married to a Japanese has an easier time, yes, simply because the spouse visa lets one do any sort of work (short of being a politician here). It is not a "gold card", though. If you want a non-teaching job, you are going to need a fair amount of Japanese in most cases regardless of the spouse visa. The SV suggests to employers that you intend to stay here long than the next guy on a work visa. That's about all. Networking, showing portfolios, etc. are equally important (if not more so) than just having a SV, and I suspect your Mexican acquaintance had those.

[dblbstrd]

I agree, Glenski.
Making contacts and having something to show for what you've done can be quite rewarding.

Making the connections with people is probably a bit easier to do if you're already in Japan, so there's nothing to lose by coming for a while and staying on the lookout.

[mr.sumo.snr]

The OP is a UKlander so the WHV is an option. That's got to be his best bet if he wants the freedom to enter and 'test the waters'. Otherwise, try the JET program, learn the language, network extensively and something might happen. Your never know who you might end up teaching privately.

I wish I'd come here straight after uni in 1989 instead of wasting five years of my life in London. The monthly JET salary even then would have been almost double what I was making when I quit the UK.

It's repeated in these forums so much that it should be a permanent sticky: come here to teach, move on to something else.

[lv426]

Hi guys, thanks for all the post. Havent been able to check back for a while as I've just come to the end of uni and its been very hectic, moving back home tomorow. I should probably mention that I have been going out with a Japanese girl for almost 2 years now, shes moved back so thats part of the reason I want to go, but I was always planning to anyway. But any way, being that she lives in Tokyo its very important that I'm there too, if not close by.
I'm gonna be looking into this alot more now, and planning to go just before or after this xmas comming. I have had a look at teaching job availible, and there are quite alot with a varing degree of qualifications needed. If I go down the teaching rout how easy is it to extend your visa after 1 year?
I have to admit that I know next to nothing about japanese visas, something which I really need to look into. Actually getting a bit worried about it all, as I dont know how easy they are to get or how long they take after applying?
I have heard that some of the teaching jobs can be a bit time consuming, while I think I have seen others which alow you to chose how much u want to work? So hopefully that should alow a little freedom, ie to shop around for a job more fitting for my skills. Thanks again guys, sorry if its a little muddled but its quite late over here...

[Glenski]

Don't go just before Xmas. Nobody hires then. Even after Xmas, I wouldn't expect offices to be considering new hires until late Jan. or mid Feb. earliest. Your problems for media jobs are lack of Japanese language (major), contacts (extremely major), and lack of experience (pretty high on the list).

I have had a look at teaching job availible, and there are quite alot with a varing degree of qualifications needed. If I go down the teaching rout how easy is it to extend your visa after 1 year?If your employer wants you, no problem at all. Otherwise, start looking for a new employer 3 months before your contract ends. Qualifications are dirt minimum. BA degree in any field.

I have to admit that I know next to nothing about japanese visas, something which I really need to look into. Actually getting a bit worried about it all, as I dont know how easy they are to get or how long they take after applying?Initial visa takes 4-8 weeks. You can apply in Japan or outside. Not all employers sponsor them.

I have heard that some of the teaching jobs can be a bit time consuming, while I think I have seen others which alow you to chose how much u want to work?You're "qualified" for entry level work: ALT for a lousy dispatch agency, or conversation school (eikaiwa) instructor. The former works 9 to 5, usually Mon to Fri. The latter works noonish to 9pm any day of the week. The former gets zero to 60% pay when school is not in session. The latter usually provides housing (which you still have to pay for, but at least it is furnished for you), while the former does not.

I have no idea who you mean that gives you freedom to choose how much you work. Sounds like PT work, which does not offer visa sponsorship. Names?

Yes, you can try for a WHV, but it'll cost you 20% in taxes, and it's good only for a year max. Not all employers like them nor do they realize you can actually work FT on them. But at least you don't have a long wait to get the WHV, don't need a sponsor, and don't need a degree.

[lv426]

Hi Glenski, do you mean they wont be hiring for teaching either just before xmas or after? So with just my BA I would be qualified for entry level teaching, which sounds quite demanding or unflexible. If I try and take one of those special teaching course before I go I guess that would widen my options, or maybe make things a bit more flexible?
The WHV doesnt sound too good, so I'll probably go for the regular one. I will have to start looking into it soon ish.
I havent got the link to the work I found that gives you flexible hours, after I get home I will try and find it and post the link. Thanks once again.

[Glenski]

Winter break may be 1-3 weeks long, depending on the employer. So, yes, just before and just after New Year's (not Xmas, people work on Xmas here!), don't expect companies or schools to be considering new hires. They are more concerned with cleaning the offices, tidying up the books, and doing the parties before/after New Year's.

So with just my BA I would be qualified for entry level teaching, which sounds quite demanding or unflexible.Depends. Some places have teachers working 8 lessons a day with 5-10 minutes off in between. Some have 2-4 lessons a day. Some let you plan everything, while others have a strict format you must follow. Some make you stay in the building when you are not teaching, while others let you go. Flexible? Some employers allow shift swapping, others don't.

Demanding? It's not that hard work. You don't need any credentials, but you SHOULD know something about the English language. You should also learn how to give lessons and make the students do most (80%) of the talking. If that is too hard, consider another line of work. Many come here thinking it's all chat, chat, chat, but it's a real job.

If I try and take one of those special teaching course before I go I guess that would widen my options, or maybe make things a bit more flexible?Nobody's going to be "more flexible", certainly if you have such a certificate. In fact, most employers don't even require one, and some are afraid to hire people who have them (thinking such teachers will change the format the school uses)! If you are terribly uncomfortable with teaching EFL and/or want to pursue this as a career, get the certificate and training, of course. Just don't expect it to open doors at the entry level.

[lv426]

Ok so from the sounds of what your saying, taking any extra course wouldnt really be of too much benefit, especially as I'm going to be using it as a foot in the door. I will try and get in contact with some companes soon. I have tried looking for the website I origonally mentioned, but cant find it at the mo.

[lv426]

I had a look at the UK Japanese Embassy website and it all looks fairly straight forward so far, just need to print out an application form, fill it out and take it too them. However there’s the Certificate of Eligibility which I need to get someone to do in Japan, I was just wondering, it says you can get an employer or Spouse to apply for you. I'm not married, but I was wondering if it was possible to get my fiancée to apply for me?

[Glenski]

C'mon. Fiancee/fiance and spouse are not the same. You know what you have to do. Just do it. No spouse? Gotta rely on an employer.

[lv426]

I know their not the same, thats why I was asking. Ok so Employer it is then, thanks.

[lv426]

Ok, did some more digging... I found a couple job sites, and was quite interested in this one

http://www.tefljobsinjapan.com/vacancies/index.php?PHPSESSID=91d9adbdda4329b468f75e02553677 43

as it teaches British English. But then I realized that you must have a Celta qualification to apply, which to be honest has thrown me quite a bit...
I know there are some jobs out there which say you just need a BA to apply, but there are so many of them its hard to know which are the good ones? Is it really necessary to have a Celta qualification to get a reasonable teaching job in Japan? Baring in mind that it’s not my aspiration to be a full time teacher, I would like to shop around for a media oriented job, but I don’t mind teaching for a year or so. Celta seems like something you would take if you wanted to make a career out of teaching. Thanks.

[Glenski]

I realized that you must have a Celta qualification to apply, which to be honest has thrown me quite a bit...
I know there are some jobs out there which say you just need a BA to apply, but there are so many of them its hard to know which are the good ones?Look for ones that appeal to you from the surface description. Give us the names, and we'll try to help. Realize there are thousands of eikaiwas out there, so we may not know them all, but the real scummy ones are quite well-known. Also, I'd say post your inquiries on a teaching forum, not JREF (sorry, mods). A good teaching forum to check is www.eslcafe.com/discussion .

Is it really necessary to have a Celta qualification to get a reasonable teaching job in Japan?No.

Celta seems like something you would take if you wanted to make a career out of teaching. Yes, or if you wanted a couple of years and have absolutely no confidence in your current abilities, or if you just want to cover the bases and be able to apply for nearly all openings. In your case, I wouldn't recommend getting it.

[lv426]

Thanks again Glenski, thats put my mind at rest. I'll have a look for some suitible candidates, and post back here. I'll also check out that leaning forum as well.

[lv426]

I've done some more research now, and had a look at that forum that you suggested. The two main companies that I have looked at now are AEON and Berlitz, neither of which require and extra teaching courses to be undertaken. AEON sounds ok, but Berlitz sounds a bit more flexible. I can’t remember if it was AEON or SHANE that said that you have to get a flight with them, in a group. If at all possible I would like to make my own way to Japan, and have at least a couple of days to catch up before diving into work.
Berlitz sounds as though they allow that, however their interview takes place in Japan. So I don’t quite understand how you go about getting a visa as you need a sponsor before you do that?

Are these both reliable teaching schools, or are there some better ones I should be looking at?

[lv426]

ECC also sounds interesting.

[Glenski]

To get a visa, you must first be eligible for it. Then, you must have an employer who is willing to sponsor you for it. So, interview and get hired.

Once those 2 hurdles are overcome, you apply with paperwork from you and the employer.

Berlitz is an international language company. Haven't you heard of it?
AEON is considered one of the top chain language schools in Japan. ECC, too.
None of these 3 is without its faults, but you could do far worse.

[lv426]

Yeah, so if I went with Berlitz then even though they would do the interview in Japan they should sponsor me before I come over? I have honestly never heard of Berlitz, my fiancée suggested them and AEON.
As for AEON and ECC, it sounds like AEON pays quite well but is a bit ridged. But ECC is a bit more flexible, although not quite as well paid. Berlitz also sounds a bit more flexible as well. I guess the safest bet is to apply to all three of them, as there’s no guarantee that any of them will accept me.
Thanks again.

[Glenski]

Yes, your best bet is to apply for all of them and perhaps even more. There is no guarantee that anyone will interview or hire you, despite the fact that many people say such places take anyone with a pulse. Yes, some of the people they hire can barely fog a mirror, but not all, and many people are turned down for various reasons.

AEON and ECC are ranked by some as roughly the same. You might end up with a bad branch manager for either one, but that's life everywhere. One thing to know about AEON is that they provide housing like so many conversation schools, but if you choose not to take it and you find something on your own, you still have to pay for their provided housing!

ECC pays 252,000 yen/month before taxes. You are scheduled to work 29.5 hours/week, which technically makes you a part-time worker in the eyes of the government, so ECC is not obligated to copay for your health insurance premiums or to put you on a pension plan, and you will have to do those on your own.

AEON pays 270,000 yen/month with possible increases after a year. "Ridged"??? Do you mean rigid? How so?

[lv426]

When I mean ridged, maybe I'm using the wrong word. I mean in the way it seems like they hold your had from take off and at arrival, for example they say they have someone meet you at the airport and take you to a branch. If at all possible I really want to make my own way over, and spend a couple days with my girl friend before getting stuck into work. But it doesnt sound like they would alow this? I think Berlitz may.