I Speak Japanese

ようこそ! Nice to see you again, Kevin, and welcome to Sushiland!

Glad you made it to your new home, safe and sound!
A solo video presentation does seem strange, but . . .
maybe you could make a life size cardboard cut out of Aaron and put on the sofa next to you, at least giving him a symbolic presence. In turn, Aaron can make one of you to put next to him during his videos.

You offered some more great practical info in this video and look forward to more insights, photos and videos from you as you adjust to your new life on this side of the Pond, Kevin. Everyday brings a surprise for a foreigner living in Japan, you just never know where or when it is going to happen.

Getting colder in Japan now, maybe you could do a video on how Japanese heat themselves and homes with the absence of central heating systems; from handwarmers to kerosene heaters and kotatsu.

Also the seasonal foods and cooking styles found in Japan during the cold months are certainly worth some show-and-tell video. Yummy! Yummy!

“End Of The Year Parties” or “Forget The Year Parties” (bonenkai) Season is now upon us! Let the fun begin! And if we miss not having bonenkai parties in December, there is always New Year`s Party Season (shinnenkai) which runs through January. So much sake, so little time!

Should either of you make it to Himeji (Castle Town) in Kansai sometime, let`s get together for a beer.
I`ll fill your glass with beer and you can fill mine!
Kanpai to you both, Kevin and Aaron! And Happy Holidays to You and Yours!

タロー

I wish I had learned about your blog earlier! I am also from Washington, and visit settle occasionally, It would have been cool to meet up before you guys had left, but unfortunately I just found you guys today, nonetheless I wish you luck on your adventures in japan land!

Thanks for the video it was full of really helpful information especially for me who has never been out the country. I plan on teaching in Japan after I get my degree so im really looking for anything to help me prepare so thanks a whole lot for posting these types of videos…So is the time difference screwing you up hahaha cant wait for my turn lol. cheers and thanks again. (^_^)V

Just want to say you guys are great! Thanks Kevin and Aaron, I will be keeping track of your progress. Have a great crimbo and keep on posting

Thanks guys, for your comments! Taro, thanks a bunch for your suggestions– don’t be surprised if you see something along those lines. Jomann, thanks for the well-wishes. Usagi1pyon and sally, glad you’re enjoying the videos! -Aaron

@Aaron
Thanks Aaron cant wait to see your first video without kevin hope all goes well goodluck (^_^)V

awesome video Kevin. I enjoyed it and looking forward to more from the series

Ahh… sounds complicated, but i guess it’s good for me to find out now then to discover what i have to do and how long it should take.

Other than that gl and have fun kevin!
Kanpai!

Hi Kevin,

Just before you moved, we had moved to Japan, too - from London in October. Now we live in Sapporo, and went through all the process you explained in your video - though my husband entered as a tourist status first, did not mention his real intention at the airport, then applied spouse visa in Sapporo - a bit naughty?.

It was slight nerve racking to submit the visa application initially as we both did not have a job then. But, this is a beauty of the country side, immigration staffs are all super friendly and not so bothered about our job situation. I think they are more focusing on whether we are a genuine couple or not, which we did not have any difficulties to prove as we’ve been married for 11 years. At the end, my husband received his certification within a couple of days and his passport was stamped the following week.

Although I said “the country” Sapporo is, in fact, twice as big as the 2nd biggest city (Birmingham) in UK. So, it’s not so small after all compare to UK standard….

I don’t know where you are in Japan but good luck with your new life and looking forward to your next video.

hey i was thinking that after my 16th birthday on january 22nd 2010 about going to japan. do u think im too young to start this journey? also i self studied myself in japanse for 6 months from basics and i could speak most of japanese and understand it. but im asking for an opinion am do u think the basics can take me through tha life in japan for one year?

That was awesome. I think when it comes to moving or visiting Japan, this kind of information is the stuff I find most useful. The cultural stuff is fun, but you can experience that when you get there. Getting visas, passports, & all of those practical things seem like the hard part for me, so they’re the things I want to know they most about. I also feel like it’s the most under-covered topic. So yeah, don’t be afraid to keep talking about this stuff! Like the Alien Registration card? I didn’t even know you needed one of those. & that you could get a special visa if your spouse is Japanese.

Anyway, another awesome video! It is a little lonely without Aaron though. Maybe you guys could do a live video chat with both of you sometime & all of us can ask you guys questions & we can all kampai.

jamie

Hi Kevin
How great that you are continuing with these podcasts now that you are here in japan. I’m in the Tokyo region and always keen to meet up for a drink. Moved here from the UK with my boyfriend who grew up in Yokohama.
Best wishes,
Joanna

Aaron, Kevin, こんにちわ!
Very useful information on getting a Japanese Visa, Kevin! どうも！どうも！
Many different types of visas and individual immigration situations, for sure.
In your case you were able to get a Spouse Visa, being married to a Japanese national.

To answer questions and get forms check out: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/visa/index.htm.

The way you mentioned, obtaining a Working Visa when living abroad, getting a “Letter of Guarantee” from a Japanese employer and processing it through a local Japanese Embassy or Consulate while in ones home country, is one way to do it. This is the typical situation for someone who secures a job in Japan before arriving there and is the same way I got my Working Visa (Seattle Japanese Consulate) over 20 years ago. But it is not always possible to so easily find a job or Japanese employer while not being in Japan. Japanese employers being reluctant to hire people sight-unseen. Of course this process is all taken care of automatically for someone who enters a Japanese sponsored program like JET or to study at a certified school in Japan.

(It should be noted that Japan does not have the same visa requirements with every country. The rules which apply to Australians having a Working Holiday in Japan may not be the case with Americans, for example.)

It may be difficult to impossible for most people living outside Japan to secure a job in Japan before even getting here. But, I have seen many cases where foreigners (gaijin) enter Japan on a regular “Temporary Visitor’s Visa” (Tourist Visa), travel around Sushiland, see the sights make some friends and connections while doing some job hunting. This is a great way to find out if you really do want to stay in Japan longer than 90 days, and if you do where in Japan you would like to live and work. Once the person secures a job then their Japanese employer will agree to be that persons Guarantor (big legal responsibility) and should aid them in the process of getting their visa.

For more great info Check out: http://www.esljobproject.com/esl_info/visa_japan.html
http://www.thunderguy.com/japan/work-in-japan/work-visa/work-visa-process/
Many more great website dedicated to this topic, too!
Enjoy the Adventure!
がんばってね！

Hello and thank you for another awesome video
I’m going to Osaka, Japan in October and I’m staying there for a year.
What kind of transportation would you recommend to someone who wants to save a little money? How much does it cost to ride the train/subway thingy on an everyday basis?