Ask John: How Difficult is it for an American to Live in Japan?

Question:
In your opinion, would you recommend it to be wise for an American to live and work in Japan? I’m wondering because I would really like to, but I hear the racism presented towards Americans is just too much to bear.

Answer:
Based on what little I know of contemporary Japanese culture and society, which I’ll admit is “little,” I think the racism of Japanese society toward foreigners and especially westerners may be a bit exaggerated. Everyone’s heard tales of Japanese restaurants or bars that don’t allow Americans, old Japanese men that refuse to sit next to Americans, the difficulty of foreign companies and small investors to break into the Japanese commercial market, and so on. But in my personal, limited experience and knowledge, Japan is hardly the terrible, cruel hearted and unfriendly place many Americans imagine it to be.

However, due to practical considerations, the suitability of an American living and working in Japan may be a moot point. Japan, a country the size of California, is currently home to an estimated 125,000,000 people. That’s almost four times California’s estimated July 1, 2003 population of 35,484,453 residents as determined by the US census. Furthermore, unlike the American “melting pot,” nearly all of Japan’s residents are Japanese, and according to Japan Guide, more than half of Japan’s non-Japanese residents are Korean. That doesn’t leave much room for Westerners. And based on those statistics, Japan’s immigration board simply doesn’t want more foreigners entering and living in the country because Japan is already statically overcrowded as is. Furthermore, introducing foreigners who don’t know the language or culture or customs into the overwhelmingly Japanese nation introduces conflicts and inconveniences to both native residents and the emigrating foreigners. So part of Japan’s unwillingness to accept foreigners isn’t based on racism. It’s based on statistical necessity and simple practicality.

Peter Payne, the founder of American anime retail company J-List, and Scott T. Hards, president of Japanese model and toy retail company Hobby Link Japan, are excellent examples of Americans that successfully live and work in Japan. These two men are evidence that it’s not impossible for an American to achieve a successful and fulfilling permanent residence in Japan. However, two examples amidst a hundred million don’t pose very strong odds. Based on conversations I’ve had with knowledgeable sources, the Japanese movie industry is a avenue into Japan for Americans. But you’ll need experience and contacts in the American movie industry to be able to find employment at Japanese studios like Pony Canyon, Gaga Communications and Toho Productions. Teaching English in Japan is also a traditionally popular means of finding residence and employment in Japan. But recently, with the explosion of interest in Japanese culture among Americans, competition for opportunities to teach English in Japan is steep and available positions few. And typically English language instruction jobs in Japan are temporary and don’t lead to long-term or permanent residence. The computer industry is also always a viable option. Experienced and invaluable, extensively certified computer technicians are always need in Japan considering how much of the nation relies on technology and computers. And finally, although I’m not trying to suggest a life of vice to anyone, I’d be irresponsible not to mention one of the traditionally recognized easiest ways to find employment and residence in Japan- the sex industry. Attractive young American college age women have known for years that there’s easy money to be made as a Japanese bar hostess in the Ginza. But once again, these sort of jobs rarely last for more than a year or two and rarely lead to permanent residence.

If you’re seriously determined to live and work in Japan, don’t let tall tales and rumors scare you away. Doubtlessly you’re bound to encounter some resistance and racism, but such is virtually inevitable from any country in which you’re a foreigner. Actually securing employment and residence in Japan is notoriously difficult for an American in large part because of Japanese labor and emigration laws. And earning Japanese citizenship without being born in Japan is practically impossible. And finally, as has been confirmed elsewhere by other writers, the possibilities for an average American to find employment and residence in Japan’s anime industry are slim; however, as Justin Leach, animator for Production IG proves, not impossible.

If you’re specifically dreaming of overcoming Japanese cultural and legal hurdles and standing up to potential Japanese racism in pursuit of a job in Japan’s anime industry, you may find this article, from Animators Unite, about Mr. Leach’s experience and advice for prospective Americans in Japan’s anime industry, very informative.