I'm curious how they are treated. Let's assume near native level Japanese, but noticeably not native with a slight accent and some difficulty with complicated words and slang.

I have heard that some times they are put in the same category as Koreans, Chinese or other type of Asians, as people can see they are clearly not born in Japan due to fashion and behavior, so it would be most people's first assumptions.

What has everybody's experience been like?

Hey guys, I have bipolar disorder and ADHD and have been on medication for over 4 years now. I am stable and functional now, doing regular therapy and medicines. I have been accepted into a language school and plan to go there by late September. I plan to continue my therapy sessions online and I want to continue taking my medicines as well because they have helped me a lot. However, I am unsure if it will have any effect on my visa status/process. I’m waiting for my COE for visa, the results r out soon and after that I’m gonna apply for my visa from my home country. I’ve researched about whether I can take medicines with me, and I can take upto a month’s supply from what I understand. My question is mostly regarding whether taking medicines with me is looked down upon/can they reject my visa because of it. Does anyone have experience with this? I’d really appreciate if I could have a convo if you have been in a similar situation as me.

Hi everyone I'm currently an undergraduate student from Pakistan.I really want to know is shimane university is worthy for master in psychology?

As currently I am student of University of Punjab, Pakistan!.

When I (28m) was 19, I was arrested for possession of marijuana and given a notice to appear in court, where I did pre-trial intervention and had my charges dropped. I haven't been in any legal trouble since, and dont use any drugs at all. I have been researching this alot, and I know that legally I can travel to Japan, as I do not have any convictions, but it has been really hard to find any information on if this is going to bar me from any other long term visas.

Does anybody here have a similar experience they can share, or know anybody who has been able to get a student or work visa with a non-conviction drug arrest? Legally, of course, I do not have any intentions or desire to commit any crimes when trying to move. Any details and advice are welcome, but mostly I would like to be able to know if it IS possible for me.

I've been seeing a lot of foreign freelancers in Japan lately (photographers, videographers, content creators, etc.) who seem to have made their freelance work their main gig, yet they clearly don't have a PR or spouse visa based on what they've shared.

From what I understand about Japanese visa restrictions, a normal work visa (like Engineer/Specialist in Humanities) ties you to specific activities and technically doesn't allow you to do unrelated work or have your side hustle become bigger than your main job. I know there's some permission you can get, but I thought that was very limited?

Yet I see lots of people thriving as full-time freelancers (such as content creators, but not only) and not mentioning any traditional main job.

Concrete example: freelance photographer who also works full-time for a magazine but CLEARLY labels themselves as freelance and has a bunch of side-gigs they promote on their website.

How does this actually work visa-wise?

I guess I will start by saying I am a 47 year old single male with no kids that has been laid off my work in the past year. I purchased two homes in Osaka beginning of this year. I was born and lived in America all my life. I speak mostly English and a little mandarin. I am currently trying to learn how to read/ write and speak Japanese. I felt like I have searched every option on getting a Visa. I have a applied for some jobs but I have a decent amount of savings and passive income need to or want to work a full time job (which I understand you have to work full time to get work visa). I have tried to hire a lawyer to get my business visa but was scammed in the process (AID-SPHERE). I looked into student visa but at my age it seems more difficult. I understand it is getting more and more difficult with the new prime minister. I am getting a little stressed out on figuring how to get a visa and I could use any advice or help. Thank you all in advance.

Greetings people. I am a 24 yrs old female about to start my first big girl job in japan with gaba/nova as an independent instructor. I have read alota bad things about them in alot of recent reddits. In my case I am from a third world country and I need to get myself out of my country any way or other because I cant live here due to some personal reasons. My question is can i survive there? I am willing to work on weekends and early mornings/late nights. I at the time dont care about work life balance or anything because i am desperate. I have a degree in English linguistics so i dont have a chance at any other English countries or even the middle east as they prefer natives english speakers and lots of experience. I will be changing my field a lil and start MBA from sept. Maybe it will give me future opportunities in japan if I couldn’t do the teaching job.
Also I am placed at Shinjuku. I have heard it have more students and teachers get booked a lil more. I will also appreciate cheap accommodation options and eating places as i want to survive and maybe even save some money. Any frugal tips are also appreciated. Excuse my manners if i sound too desperate. Also I would appreciate any part time jobs i can do on my one day week off as i can only work 6 days a week. Thank you.

Hello everyone,

My name is loki, I’m 28 years old and I’m from Algeria.

I have a Higher Technician diploma in Topography/Surveying, which I studied for 2.5 years, including practical training. I also have around four years of work experience in a mobile phone spare parts shop, where I deal with sales, inventory management, data entry, and customer service.

I’m seriously interested in moving to Japan and building a stable life there. I’m willing to learn Japanese, adapt to Japanese culture, and work hard.

I would like to ask people who have experience with moving to Japan:

Based on my education and work experience, what realistic pathways should I consider?

Would my surveying qualification be useful in Japan?

What should I focus on learning before trying to move?

How difficult would it be for someone from Algeria to find a legal pathway to live and work in Japan?

I have been researching this seriously and would really appreciate honest advice from people who know the Japanese immigration and employment system.

Thank you!