Frequently Asked
 Questions

• Q

  What is My Tomodachi Japan (MTJ)?

  A

  My Tomodachi Japan (MTJ) is an advisory service for people who are interested in moving to Japan. MTJ helps you to find a job, a home, and any other Japanese related support you may need during your time in Japan.


• Q

  Where is MTJ located?

  A

  MTJ Headquarters is located in Osaka, Japan. Our services are mostly for people looking to live in the Kansai area of Japan which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.

• Q

  Where in Japan does MTJ provide their services?

  A

  We provide services mainly in the Kansai area of Japan since our headquarters is located there and it’s easier to provide direct support. However, we do have a few clients who live outside of the Kansai Region such as Tokyo. If you are interested in living elsewhere, please feel free to contact us at info@mytomodachijapan.com.

• Q

  Do I need to speak Japanese to live in Japan?

  A

  Not necessarily, of course, it’s better if you do to have an easier time adjusting yourself to the Japanese way of life. Plus, if you are thinking of working in Japan, there are more job opportunities available for you. If you plan to live for a few years in Japan you don’t have to speak Japanese but we highly encourage it if you are thinking of living here long-term.

• Q

  How much do I pay for MTJ services?

  A

  We will discuss price during your interview. If you’re worried about finances, we will try our best to work with you to make moving to Japan a reality. Beyond what you pay us, you will need to pay a visa processing fee. This fee is something you must pay no matter how you get into Japan. You will also need to save some money to pay for housing and other living expenses, and you will need to buy a plane ticket to Japan as well.

• Q

  How much money do I need to save before I move to Japan?

  A

  This depends on where you want to live. We recommend between $3500 and $3800 if you are going to live in a sharehouse, or between $5500 and $8500 if you are going to rent an apartment by yourself. For more information on this subject, check out our article here.
  If you do not have enough money, we will be able to help you out to figure out this problem. Please contact us if you need any financial help.

• Q

  Does MTJ provide me with a visa?

  A

  The Japanese government is ultimately responsible for issuing visas, and they have the authority to deny a visa application. The biggest challenge with getting a visa is finding a company that will sponsor you. Luckily, if you are interested in becoming an English Teacher MTJ can sponsor you. If you are looking to work in Japan as something else, MTJ will do the work of advertising you to potential employers who can sponsor you!

• Q

  Do I get to pick where I want to live?

  A

  Yes, you do! Depending on where your job is, you wouldn’t want to pick a location that is too far away.

• Q

  I want to learn Japanese at a language school and work. Is it possible to do both?

  A

  You can do both as long as you work full-time and attend school part-time. Typically students aren’t allowed to work if they have a student visa.

• Q

  I want to work in Japan but I don’t want to teach English. Do I have other options?

  A

  Yes, you can find employment aside from teaching English. However, your chances of finding a job that’s not teaching English is higher if you can speak Japanese.

• Q

  Do I need to have a college degree to work in Japan?

  A

  Yes, you have to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree or 10 years of experience working in a specific field of work. Otherwise, your chances of finding a job is very limited.

• Q

  When should I arrive in Japan?

  A

  This depends entirely up to you. If you know where you are going to be living, you should plan to arrive 1 month before you start work. This is to get settled in and buy everything you need for your apartment or share house.

• Q

  I don’t know anyone in Japan, is there a way to make friends through MTJ?

  A

  Yes! We have social events with MTJ clients who have also just recently moved to Japan. You will have plenty of opportunities to meet people who are working in Japan.

• Q

  What if I have a question that wasn't answered here?

  A

  Feel free to contact us at info@mytomodachijapan.comfor any other questions or inquiries.

• Q

  What if I only want a part of MTJ’s service rather than everything including visa, housing, and lifestyle support?

  A

  Contact us and we will try to figure out something that works for you!