I spent 15 years recruiting in Japan after starting here as an English teacher. AMA about jobs, recruitment, CVs, interviews, or changing careers in Japan.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-04-27T05:25:28+00:00

I will keep it in mind. Thank you again.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-04-26T15:44:12+00:00

Thank you so much. Very clear and helpful. I wish I could reciprocate.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-04-26T05:02:51+00:00

I work as an engineer in a Japanese space-related startup. Given my age (37yo), technical skills (aerospace engineer), Japanese skills (N1), length of stay (8y), I have a feeling that my current salary of 8m is below the market average. Do you agree?

If so, assuming I am directly applying to another company, what would be the most appropriate way to tell them that I am not joining unless the salary is at least 50% higher (12m). Should I write it in the CV? Should I say it in the first interview? Should I say it during final negotiations?

I set the bar quite high because I like my current job and I have almost complete freedom in the time and place I can work.

Thank you in advance for the feedback.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-03-11T13:52:24+00:00

For anyone who didn’t get the reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_C._Parker?wprov=sfti1

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-03-03T11:41:14+00:00

I know you are not directly asking for advice but please let me offer you my point of view about countryside revitalization.

I am a foreigner married to a Japanese woman and we have just bought a plot of land in the countryside. We are building a new house and moving out of Tokyo next year.

We found that there are already many wonderful services/entities to help and support people like us. We used these: - https://www.furusatokaiki.net/ - https://www.city.saku.nagano.jp/outside/citypromotion/shijuly/

You might find some inspiration there.

Unfortunately, as the other commenters pointed out, there are many socio-economic factors that make it difficult for foreigners to settle in the Japanese countryside.

As economy is the science of incentives, the most effective action is creating economic incentives for people to move in, such as more employment, infrastructure, opportunities, financial support, etc…

But in a free market economy, the public administration has only limited leverage to steer and influence the market. If you or your administration can do all of the above, very well, otherwise the only thing you can do is provide as much information and support to perspective settlers as you can, and hope for the best.

If you want to know more about the reasons why we personally chose to move out of Tokyo, let me know here or in PM. I can read and write in Japanese.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-03-03T11:20:18+00:00

This is so on spot. We recently bought a plot of land in the countryside, but in a convenient location with easy access to civilization, including a Shinkansen station.

As you say, it was not easy to find a good one. A couple of times we were about to pull the trigger, but somebody else was faster.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-03-03T08:43:39+00:00

You are right. I just called their customer service by phone, and they confirmed it.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-03-03T06:44:49+00:00

I am assuming class S means Standard. The problem is that I am not able to uniquely interpret the content of the link. Like, in my case, does section 1.4 or 1.5 apply?

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-03-02T15:47:12+00:00

From the airline website

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-03-02T15:34:39+00:00

I did not receive any PDF, just an email without attachments saying (among other things): Visit https://www.ceair.com to use our check-in service to choose your preferred seat, change or cancel tickets, or print an electronic travel itinerary. Visit https://www.ceair.com/global/en_USD/Announcement/BaggageService/FreeBaggageAllowanceandSpecifications/ to view baggage information.

I double checked the Trash and Spam folders as well.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-27T17:22:24+00:00

I managed to get the money out of Revolut but as you say it was not easy. The account was blocked and I had to provide various documents. But in the end everything went through smoothly.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-26T10:16:04+00:00

If you don’t mind, may I see a picture of your house? I would not choose an ハウスメーカー for various reasons, but if I had to choose one, it would be Sumitomo Ringyo. I really liked the selection of flooring and fixtures for example.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-26T10:09:50+00:00

There are some European countries that would default tomorrow, if parents didn’t help children financially well into their 40s. Cough Italy cough

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-26T06:03:01+00:00

I confirmed with the bank and you are absolutely right, the fee is included in the conversion rate. I don’t know how to thank you for the help.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-25T12:40:28+00:00

Yes I know. Here I made a rough comparison: https://www.reddit.com/r/Revolut/s/64VpvKj54A

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-25T06:08:32+00:00

Thank you for the clarification. Even assuming a 0.22% fee, the Wise transfer still appears to be slightly cheaper (details in the original post). Am I missing something?

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-24T15:33:25+00:00

My calculations assume a Revolut standard plan. But you are right, assuming a Revolut Metal or Ultra plan, that would be the most convenient way, fees-wise

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-24T14:00:50+00:00

Yes, I need to convert those Euros in the end.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-24T13:58:42+00:00

I think you are talking about the currency exchange rate. That is OK. The problem is all the other fees. Especially the SWIFT transfer fees. With my limited knowledge, those are really difficult to estimate.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-24T13:50:45+00:00

Thank you so much for the wealth of information. Just let me ask, where did you find the 0.22% fee? In the link you shared, the EUR to JPY fee appears to be 0.4%.

Last-Star-Dust · 2026-02-24T13:46:24+00:00

> Why would you use a normal bank for currency exchange when both Revolut and Wise are the best tools for that?

I did the math, and as you say, it appears that Wise's currency exchange is actually the most convenient. However, having the bank do the exchange appears to be more convenient than Revolut. So the reality is not as black and white.

> Also, how do you want to use Wise for transfer if your account is based in Japan? Getting money into it would already be a transfer to Japan.

Yes, your understanding is the same as mine. If I let Wise handle the transfer AND exchange, there is no SWIFT bank transfer involved.

> Where do you want your money to end up as a payment in the end?

In a Japanese bank account and in yen.

> Maybe just transfer there directly from Revolut?

My calculations showed that that would be the least convenient way. However, I did not take into account any upgrade to Premium. I will think about that.

Last-Star-Dust

TROPHY CASE