Making the transition from a Japanese working holiday visa to a valid work permit is possible — and can be more straightforward than you might expect.
Things don't always work out as you expect them to, but that needn't be a bad thing...
Is it possible to eat well in Japan with an unadventurous Western palate? How about as a vegetarian? This pizza-loving Brit takes a look at just a few of the options...
Adjusting to life in a new country is undoubtedly tough - when it comes to finding your new comfort zone, how comfortable is too comfortable?
In a country where the appreciation of impermanence is embedded in the culture, it is perhaps to be expected that Japan is a paradise for ephemeral delights.
Having the right people around you can have a significant impact on your experiences, so how can a new arrival go about making friends in Japan?
Trying to study the native language of your new home can be tough, particularly if you are working as an English teacher. But, with an open mind and a little motivation, you can actually find learning and practice opportunities all around you.
What kind of job options available to working holiday visa holders, and how can you go about securing work?
Finding a new home can be daunting at the best of times, and attempting to do so in a country you've just arrived in can present its own set of challenges. Here's how I found accommodation during my first year in Japan.
After arriving in Japan to begin my much-anticipated working holiday, I wonder if perhaps I've made a big mistake.
A personal account of applying for the Japanese working holiday visa from the UK.