Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about living in Japan, how we got a work visa in Japan, finding houses in Japan, and what the heck those multi-legged critters in our house are.
*Last update: April 24, 2024
Visas, Citizenship, and Work Questions
What nationality are you and your partner Jesse?
We are both Canadian.
Are you a Japanese?
No. In addition, neither of us is eligible for the “Child / Spouse of Japanese National” visa (which is applicable for those who have a parent with Japanese citizenship) nor the “Long Term Resident” visa (applicable for those with a grandparent with Japanese citizenship, or if your spouse is a child or grandchild of a Japanese citizen).
How do you finance your rural life in Japan?
We both work for Japan-based companies — I for a company that allows me to work remotely (as with their other employees), and he for a business here.
What kind of visa do you have?
We both have the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, which is outlined here on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
This visa covers a variety of job descriptions, from teachers, copywriters, translators, animal trainers, and doctors to midwives and dental hygienists. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website is technically the official resource for Japanese visas, I’ve personally found their website challenging to navigate, with minimal information about the visa job descriptions and requirements.
The application forms for changing visa status and visa renewals (applicable for those with already valid visas) provide a good breakdown of what job descriptions are actually covered in this visa (check page 6 on this change of status pdf as an example) and basic information needed to complete the form.
*Please note that what I’ve referred to is based on my personal visa renewal experience and may not apply to you. Please seek legal advice for more details on how to complete your application, submit a renewal or extension of stay application, or apply for a visa for the first time.
How did you get your visa?
We obtained our first visas through our Japan-based employers, who applied for our CEO (Certificate of Eligibility) and work visas for teaching English. This was crucial for setting up our lives in Japan, from securing a reference for our first apartment to buying a car and opening a bank account during our first years.
For subsequent visa renewals, we sought legal assistance from an immigration lawyer who is also known as an administrative scrivener or gyouseishoshi (行政書士) who are qualified to prepare legal documents on administrative matters such as immigration.
In fact, if I were to give you only one piece of advice on visas, I highly encourage you to speak with a lawyer or paralegal with experience in Japanese immigration laws and visa applications, especially if you’re planning on changing jobs or switching visas.
They have been an invaluable resource for my residency concerns in Japan and have helped me navigate the complex visa requirements.
Is there a retirement visa?
No. Be sure to check out the work or long-term visa information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or third-party resources online for the full list of visas.
What kind of visa do I need to get a craft job in Japan?
Based on our experience, it is likely that you will need an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa to legally work in Japan if you want to perform craft work. While the Cultural Activities visa is an option, it does not permit you to earn an income from your craft during the validity of your visa. Additionally, you can only apply for part-time work unrelated to your craft, subject to permission from immigration. Therefore, you must obtain a valid work visa to make a legal income from your craft.
What is Jesse’s story on acquiring a visa to work as a blacksmith?
Jesse initially came to Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the JET program under an Instructor visa. During his stay, he researched and visited various blacksmith shops in Japan, networking and making himself known.
Eventually, he found a workshop where he currently works. Initially, he took two trips to the shop and attended classes at the workshop. He eventually secured an apprenticeship, and his Instructor visa was switched to a Cultural Activities visa, valid for one year.
This one year was crucial in proving his worth to the workshop and demonstrating his professional blacksmithing skills. He also built up his credit as a valuable asset to the company, which was later used to argue for his current work visa.
Jesse made English an essential part of his job by offering blacksmithing courses in English to inbound tourists, supporting his Japanese-speaking blacksmith master. His seven years of professional blacksmithing experience, graduation certificate in the relevant field, and references from different employers were essential in building a visa application form for his Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa to Japanese immigration.
If you are interested in pursuing a craft in Japan and want to apply for a work visa, you need a shop or employer willing to sponsor your visa. A Cultural Activities Visa is a viable way to gain experience in a craft in Japan. However, you need sufficient savings beforehand (a year’s worth of income, typically the length of the first cultural visa). Also, keep in mind that you are not permitted to earn an income through the craft you are learning and can only apply for part-time work in an unrelated field with approval from immigration.
To obtain a work visa that allows you to earn an income from your craft, you must prove that you have the necessary technical skills, relevant education, and professional experience in that field. You must also demonstrate why a Japanese professional cannot fill this position. Jesse’s English skills were instrumental in securing his position as a blacksmith teacher, as he could offer English courses to inbound tourists.
In summary, proving relevant experience and history to immigration authorities is crucial to provide concrete evidence of your professional and technical abilities in your field, along with references to work relating to the area of your expertise.
What kind of visa should I get, and can you help me get one?
I am not qualified to provide legal advice on Japan’s immigration laws. I highly encourage you to speak to an immigration lawyer (per above) who can provide better legal insight into which visa may pertain to your situation. If you’ve managed to find a work sponsor (employer in Japan), they may also be able to provide information regarding application forms, a Certificate of Eligibility (required for those without a valid visa), and more.
Japanese Language and Community Questions
How did you choose the town and prefecture you’re living in?
Work brought us to Kochi.
Are you fluent in Japanese, and if not, do you find that a barrier?
I have a conversational level of Japanese that allows me to handle everyday tasks such as shopping, ordering coffee, asking for directions, and engaging in small talk with my neighbors. My partner also has a basic understanding of the language.
Living in the countryside without the ability to speak Japanese can be challenging since it can limit one’s ability to participate in the community and communicate with neighbors. However, I believe that a friendly smile, kindness, and even a jar of handmade pickles can go a long way, even when our language skills are lacking. 🙂’speaking
We often hear about communities in country Japan being close-minded and not necessarily open to welcoming young families (foreign or Japanese) who want to settle in their community. In your opinion, what do you think is the most important thing to do to be part of the community and not feel excluded?
Honestly, I think it came down to plain ol’ luck. We have always been very fortunate in the community we’ve settled into, both here and in other small communities in Japan. However, I also know people who have had much more challenging experiences, and to no fault of their own.
For us, there are a lot of things we do to show our earnestness to being a part of the community. We enjoy helping out with yard work, sharing our garden produce, and saying hello to our neighbors. It’s a bonus that my Jesse and I are here together, as it seems to make people more comfortable and trusting of us.
We’ve come to feel quite at home in the community, even though we may never fully blend in. The people here have been incredibly welcoming, inviting us to join them in community events and festivals, and even including us in the monthly newsletter circulation. We appreciate this kindness and always try to be respectful and considerate in return, never wanting to impose on anyone.
Camera Equipment Questions
What camera do you use for your videos?
When I first started making YouTube videos, I used the Fujifilm TX20 as my camera. However, I have since upgraded to the Fujifilm TX5. I still use the same 18-55mm kit lens that came with my first camera. I also like to mix in footage from my iPhone 12 from time to time.
House Questions
Do you need to be a Japanese resident to buy a house in Japan?
No, you do not. However, remember that you’ll need a valid visa (such as a work visa, cultural, spousal, dependents, etc.) or permanent residency (PR) to be allowed to stay longer than the 3-6 month period allowed by a visitor visa.
Did you buy your house?
No, we are renting our Japanese house.
How did you buy your house?
We have not purchased our house.
Did you rent the property through a realtor or just you?
We agreed directly with the homeowners without involving any real estate agents. We were even introduced to them because we had someone already living here who could vouch for us. It’s definitely a more personal approach than going through a rental company, but it has drawbacks. Ideally, if you can, it would be great if someone could create a proper contract that clearly outlines responsibilities and repairs to safeguard your stay, especially if you have long-term plans to stick around.
Did the property owners want you to rent for a fixed amount and time, or was it open-ended?
Our agreement with the house owners was open-ended and quite informal in the beginning since we didn’t have a clear idea of how long we would be staying in the house. I think the owners were also surprised that people were interested in living in the house. We agreed to rent the house, set up gas, electricity, water, wi-fi, and do general maintenance, and promised to generally leave them alone without burdening them with too many responsibilities.
This arrangement might not be appealing to everyone, especially those with long-term plans for a house. However, it’s working out fine for us at the moment. That is until we realize our own long-term house plans.
Was there any consideration given to the property’s proximity to trains?
Not really, because we have a car. If we didn’t, our decision on where to live would definitely depend on the availability of nearby public transportation options.
Do you have internet?
Yes. We have an internet package and router from a local internet provider.
How is the internet out there?
It’s great!
Can you help me find a house to buy?
Sorry! I have no real-life experience finding or purchasing a house in Japan.
Do you take overnight guests or volunteers at your house?
No. We completely understand your interest in our experiences in Japan, and we appreciate your support and enthusiasm! However, we hope you understand that our home is still our private home, and we value our privacy when we’re not on camera.
We are happy to answer any questions online to the best of our ability, but we kindly decline all in-person requests. Thank you for your kindness and consideration.
Creepy Crawlies
Is your house haunted?
Only with spiders and the occasional tanuki.
What are those spiders in your videos?
Huntsmen spiders. Good for keeping pesky critters (like cockroaches) away!
Are the spiders poisonous?
Nope.
How can you live with those spiders? Aren’t you scared?
We have become accustomed to their visits and now consider them friendly guests.
What nationality are you and your partner Jesse?
We are both Canadian.
Are you a Japanese citizen?
No. We are both Canadians. In addition, neither of us is eligible for the “Child / Spouse of Japanese National” visa (which is applicable for those who have a parent with Japanese citizenship) nor the “Long Term Resident” visa (applicable for those with a grandparent with Japanese citizenship, or if your spouse is a child or grandchild of a Japanese citizen).
How do you finance your rural life in Japan?
We both work for Japan-based companies — I for a company that allows me to work remotely (as with their other employees), and he for a business here.
What kind of visa do you have?
We both have the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, outlined here on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
This visa covers a variety of job descriptions, from teachers, copywriters, translators, animal trainers, and doctors, to midwives and dental hygienists. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website is technically the official resource for Japanese visas, I’ve personally found their website challenging to navigate, with minimal information about the visa job descriptions and requirements.
The application forms to change visa status and visa renewals (applicable for those with already valid visas) has a good breakdown of what job descriptions are actually covered in this visa (check page 6 on this change of status pdf as an example), as well as basic information needed to complete your application form.
*Please note that what I’ve referred is based on my personal visa renewal experience and may not be applicable to you. Please seek legal advice for more details on how to complete your application, submit a renewal, extension of stay application, or applying for a visa for the first time.
How did you get your visa?
We obtained our first visas through our Japan-based employers, who applied for our CEO (Certificate of Eligibility) and work visas for teaching English. This was crucial for setting up our lives in Japan, from securing a reference for our first apartment to buying a car and opening a bank account during our first years.
For subsequent visa renewals, we sought legal assistance from an immigration lawyer who is also known as an administrative scrivener or gyouseishoshi (行政書士) who are qualified to prepare legal documents on administrative matters such as immigration.
In fact, if I were to give you only one piece of advice on visas, I highly encourage you to speak with a lawyer or paralegal with experience in Japanese immigration laws and visa applications, especially if you’re planning on changing jobs or switching visas. They have been an invaluable resource for my residency concerns in Japan and have helped me navigate the complex visa requirements.
I’ve been searching for crafts jobs in Japan, but I’m not sure what I would need to get a work visa in this field. What is Jesse’s story on acquiring a visa to work as a blacksmith?
If you’re interested in applying for a work visa to pursue a craft in Japan, you first need a shop willing to sponsor your work visa. Next, you must prove to immigration while applying for your visa that you possess a unique skill not readily available among Japanese professionals.
Jesse, for instance, has made English an essential part of his job by offering blacksmithing courses in English to support his Japanese-speaking blacksmith master. He wears multiple hats there, working as both a blacksmith and an instructor.
If you’re a foreigner with unique abilities, such as fluency in English or another relevant language, or possess specialized skills, it’s worthwhile to explore jobs that value those abilities. Don’t forget to visually demonstrate your crafting skills to immigration authorities, as it’s crucial to provide concrete evidence instead of relying on hearsay. References and relevant education is helpful.
Although getting a job like this might not be easy, it’s not impossible. Jesse, for example, spent over seven years building his blacksmithing portfolio before coming to Japan, taught English for three years while searching for this opportunity, and went through a non-paid period while on a one-year cultural visa before switching to his current work visa.
All of his hard work ultimately led him to this moment, using his experience to convince immigration that he was the perfect fit for the specific position and visa he had applied for. I might not have all the answers, especially if you explore different visa options, however, I would recommend using this as a starting point for you.
What kind of visa should I get, and can you help me get one?
I am not qualified to provide legal advice on Japan’s immigration laws, and I highly encourage you to speak to an immigration lawyer (per above) who can provide better legal insight into which visa may pertain to your situation. If you’ve managed to find a work sponsor (employer in Japan), they may also be able to provide information regarding application forms, a Certificate of Eligibility (required for those without a valid visa), and more.
★ Tip
You may have already glanced at the work or long-term visa information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or third-party resources online, but sitting down and really reading through the requirements for each visa option can be an eye-opening and insightful start to your visa journey. I’ve spent hours reading the details of each visa option before as I sought comprehensive advice and instruction from an immigration paralegal. I’d recommend that you do the same.
Japanese Language and Community Questions
How did you choose the town and prefecture you’re living in?
Work brought us to Kochi.
Are you fluent in Japanese, and if not, do you find that a barrier?
I have a conversational level of Japanese that allows me to handle everyday tasks such as shopping, ordering coffee, asking for directions, and engaging in small talk with my neighbors. My partner also has a basic understanding of the language.
Living in the countryside without the ability to speak Japanese can be challenging since it can limit one’s ability to participate in the community and communicate with neighbors. However, I believe that a friendly smile, kindness, and even a jar of handmade pickles can go a long way, even when our language skills are lacking. 🙂’
What do you think is the most important thing to do to be part of the community?
We often hear about communities in country Japan being close-minded and not necessarily open to welcoming young families (foreign or Japanese) who want to settle in their community, but you don’t seem to have that issue. In your opinion, what do you think is the most important thing to do to be part of the community and not feel excluded?
Youtube commentor
Honestly, I think it came come down to plain ol’ luck. We have always been very fortunate when it comes to the community we’ve settled into, both here and in other small communities in Japan. However, I also know people who have had much more challenging experiences, and to no fault their own.
For us, there are a lot of things we do to show our earnestness to being a part of the community, such as cutting down their weeds, sharing our produce, and initiating hellos. It’s also incredibly helpful that we are here are a couple. In general, I think people trust us more and give us more credibility as being “normal.”
We may never be completely a part of the community, but we’re ok with that. We’re not strangers here anymore, and most have tried to include us in the community, from community events and festivals to including us the monthly newsletter circulation, and we are very grateful for that. So we do our best to be respectful and considerate and never feel we’re imposing on anyone.
Camera Equipment Questions
What camera do you use for your videos?
I use a FujiFilm TX20 camera with an 18-55mm kit lens. Occasionally, I also include footage from my iPhone 12.
House Questions
Do you need to be a Japanese resident to buy a house in Japan?
No, you do not. However, remember that you’ll need a valid visa (such as a work visa, cultural, spousal, dependents, etc.) or permanent residency (PR) to be allowed to stay longer than the 3-6 month period allowed by a visitor visa.
Did you buy your house?
No, we are renting our Japanese house.
How did you buy your house?
We have not purchased our house.
Did you rent the property through a realtor or just you?
We made an agreement directly with the homeowners without involving any real estate agents. The reason we were even introduced to them was because we had someone already living here who could vouch for us. It’s definitely a more personal approach compared to going through a rental company, but it does have its drawbacks. Ideally, if you can, it would be great if there was someone who could create a proper contract that clearly outlines responsibilities and repairs to safeguard your stay, especially if you have long-term plans to stick around.
Did the property owners want you to rent for a fixed amount and time, or was it open-ended?
Our agreement with the house owners was open-ended and quite informal in the beginning since we didn’t have a clear idea of how long we would be staying in the house. I think the owners were also surprised that people were interested in living in the house. We agreed to rent the house, set up gas, electricity, water, wi-fi, and do general maintenance, and promised to generally leave them alone without burdening them with too many responsibilities.
This arrangement might not be appealing to everyone, especially those with long-term plans for a house. However, it’s working out fine for us at the moment. That is until we realize our own long-term house plans.
Was there any consideration given to the property’s proximity to trains?
Not really, because we have a car. If we didn’t, our decision on where to live would definitely depend on the availability of nearby public transportation options.
Do you have internet?
Yes. We have an internet package and router from a local internet provider.
Is your house haunted?
Only with spiders.
Can you help me find a house to buy?
Sorry! I have no real-life experience finding or purchasing a house in Japan.
Do you offer house tours, take overnight guests, or volunteers at your house?
No. We appreciate the opportunity to share our experiences in Japan with like-minded people worldwide. However, please be aware that this is still our private home, and we value our privacy when off-camera. We are happy to answer any questions online to the best of our ability, but we kindly decline all in-person requests. Thank you for understanding.
Can’t find your question in the FAQ?
Submit your questions in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer and update the FAQs as soon as I can. 👇
Did you find the FAQ helpful?
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Are you (both) fluent In Japanese and if not do you find that a barrier?
Good question! I’ve answered your question above. Hope that helps!
Do both you and your partner speak Japanese? How long did it take before you were comfortable enough with the language to be able to start life in the countryside?
Hi there, I answered your first question above in the FAQ. As for the latter question, we both worked as English teachers for three years before we moved to the countryside. We learned a lot about living in Japan, where we had more support in renting, buying a car, and opening a bank account in those three years.
Please disregard if this question is too personal/invasive, but how do you finance your rural life in Japan? My partner and I would love to do this one day (we are Australians), but are not sure how to survive financially, given the rural location (other than sustaining our work in Australia remotely). Thanks so much!
Hi Minami, thank you for your comment! We both work for Japan-based companies — I for a company that allows me to work remotely (as with their other employees) and he for a business here.
Because we have Japanese companies sponsoring our visas, it has allowed us to stay for longer term (longer than a visitor visa for example). So, while you could continue to work remotely for your client/businesses in Australia, you’ll be limited to the 3-6 month tourist visa per year if you don’t have a Japanese company sponsoring you. Hope that helps!
Ig: Kai.Art
Do you or your partner have supplemental income for all the renovation costs / tools etc.? American citizen with Japanese spouse researching if this could be a viable life decision. Thank you and I appreciate your videos very much!
– Kevin
Hello Kevin, thank you for your comment. I have addressed a portion of your question in the FAQ section above, but I will provide a quick answer here as well. Both my partner and I work for Japanese companies to support our daily expenses and minor renovations. That being said, we don’t have any supplemental income, and are only able to perform small, incremental fixes to our house.
To be honest, if you wanted to do a proper overhaul and makeover of a house, you’d likely need savings (or a well-paying job) to complete them in a reasonable amount of time.
I wish you the best of luck!
Hi. I know you mention you do a lot of gardening and you seem to have a rice field. How large is the block of land you own and what does it feature?
Greetings Ayoo, none of the rice fields are part of our property and are either managed or owned by locals. It is important to note that we are renting this property and do not own it. The property is approximately 200-250 square meters, including two small garden plots and the house. If you are interested, my second video on gardening (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMnjBAj4P80&t=290s) offers a brief overview of what is included on our property. I hope this information is useful!
Hi Mika, how did you choose the town and prefecture you’re living in? Was it because of Kochi’s specific culture and traditions, the people, or the climate? I’ve heard Shikoku people are warmer due to the more pleasant weather—do you feel this is true? Maybe we have to speak Japanese to notice such a difference!
Hi Luke,
Work brought us to Kochi, but the people are certainly a good enough reason to come here! Our experiences living in Japan have always been in southern Japan — first on Kyushu, and now on Shikoku, and we’ve always encountered friendly, warm people during our stay. That being said, I’ve also met plenty of friendly people in other parts of Japan as well, so I wouldn’t say this friendly nature is restricted to Shikoku. Hope that helps!
I adore your videos! I’m wondering, what camera do you use for them? Your shots are lovely.
Hello Candice! Thank you for your kind comment! To answer your question, I use a FujiFilm TX20 camera with an 18-55mm kit lens. Occasionally, I also include footage from my iPhone 12.
Last month you posted a video about using wood to heat your bathtub water, is it possible to use bamboo to do this instead?
Hi Anon, while bamboo has a higher burning temperature, using bamboo to heat up a bath wouldn’t be effective due to the large amount required.
Hello Mika.
New subscriber to your channel. Awesome. How or do you receive snail mail?
Hi MissTasha, thank you for your comment!
I do receive mail. Japanese post workers have these great scooters to scale some of those narrow country roads. 😉
I really enjoy watching your videos and reading your stories here.
When you moved to Kochi, was any consideration given to the property’s proximity to trains?
Also, when you entered into the agreement to rent the property was this through a realtor or just you and your partner…and finally, did the property owners want you to rent for a fixed amount and time or was it open ended?
Hi Eric, thank you for your comment! I’ve added and answered your questions in the FAQ above. Let me know if that answers your questions!
Post more frequently about the rural life in Japan,
is that too much to ask for!!
🙂
and your videos are really peaceful to watch, keep on!!
Hello,
Thank you for your beautiful videos. I live in Burnaby, Canada. These videos hit home emotionally because when I was a kid (age 6-14) used to spend almost every summer and winter in the Wakayama countryside at my aunts, uncles and cousins. We had a Kishu-ken dog named Ponta as well, swam in the local watering hole and helped with gardening chores.
Hello- During winter, the home looks very cold given the lack of insulation. Besides the wood burning stove, do you heat the home with portable heaters? Do you live there full time? In one of your videos, you could really see Pancake’s breath in the home!
Hi Kirk, yes, we live here full time.
Thank you fo such a wonderful channel. Japan and its culture is fascinating, though you have mentioned that you and Jesse are Canadians, Mika are you parents originally from Japan (sorry do not mean to pry) ? You seem to assimilate very well into their society
Hi Brad, no, my parents are not originally from Japan. I try my best to assimilate, but I am still very much a foreigner here, stumbling through as best as I can. 🙃