Got My Japan Visa at 50! Here's How...

[@ChaniJapan]

It's never too late to follow your dreams! 🇯🇵 Learn Japanese with me, join now 'Beginners Japanese Course' :www.chanijapan.com/japanese-beginners-alphabet-and-phonics-1 🇯🇵

[@c16621]

She might want to think twice and verify, if she is not Japanese and a Japanese citizen, how she is gonna pay into, and get out, a full Japanese PENSION, as your life is limited as a Gaijin in Japan.

[@c16621]

@O00H576IJ 1. Telling me that something POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA is not my business is dumb as a bag of rocks. You are a M0R0N. 2. In forming people of THE REALITY of FINANCIAL INFO. FOR RETIREMENT IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY is being RESPONSIBLE, and HELPFUL, since the info is from an EXPERIENCED English teacher who has been living in Japan for 31 YEARS, and has at one point OWNED THEIR OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL IN JAPAN. You obviously live in a fantasy world of delusion, and don’t like facts and reality. People like you love ignorance, learned helplessness, and don’t like being prepared when making life changing decisions. 3. You are rude, immature and trash. I have a job - I work for a major JAPANESE auto manufacturer for 4 years - they make the best cars IN THE WORLD (rhymes with FOYOTA). You would NEVER be appropriate to work in ANY Japanese company OR the country, or to live in Japan - you are RUDE, INSULTING, IGNORANT, DELUSIONAL AND TRASH. The Japanese can’t STAND THAT, ROFL. They usually toss people like you out of their country. They hate mannerless trash. Thank you for proving that point with your comment.

[@AceManifold]

Thank you for your wonderful video. I am old (79) and moved last year from Southern California to Nagoya last year. My wife (since 1991) is Japanese and wanted to see more of her mom. We lived in Hokkaido once before when I had a Fulbright Fellowship to learn about Ainu people. I have been fascinated with Japan since I was 16 and discovered Kurosawa movies and sushi. I was also motivated to come because I have become so disappointed with the USA--what it has become politically and as a society. I dread the thought that Japan will follow or be influenced in that direction but feel increasingly reassured this will not be the case the longer I live here. The main thing I want to say is that your video made me feel guilty about being able to stay so easily because my wife is a Japanese citizen. All the immigration paperwork and medical insurance and banking business would have been impossible for me. I speak some Japanese, but not well enough for all that stuff, and I cannot tell you how impressed I am with what you have done. I love the little K cars here and would be camping myself if I were younger. Where we live there is a beautiful cemetery and park (Heiwa Park) and a Buddhist Temple (Nittai Ji) for when I die. PS I am not going to die any time soon and enjoy long bike rides when it's not so hot.

[@Norio1213]

Wonderful. They say 'Where there's a will, there's a way,' which is indeed true.

[@ChaniJapan]

Very true

[@IvanovTchaikonsky]

you are a great woman, should be proud of yourself.

[@ChaniJapan]

Very kind of you 😀 I hope the video will help someone.

[@HankOrionYT]

You're an inspiration.

[@ClaroKirari]

わたしは日本人であなたと同じ年齢ですが、あなたの行動力がとても羨ましいです！私も海外に行くのが夢でしたが叶いませんでした。日本にようこそ🇯🇵

[@Gkimbal]

You’ve seemed to be enjoying your life in Japan, and I’m happy for you. We too moved to Japan when we were about the same age as you. Like you, we renovated our old house ourselves and finally arrived at the peaceful life we are leading now. Since I am Japanese, it’s much easier for me to adjust to a new way of life in Japan. Given that, I respect your challenges and positive attitudes. If you ever travel to Kyushu, please come by. I used to live in Rockhampton for two years. I will continue to enjoy your KZbin videos.

[@ChaniJapan]

I really hope to travel all around Kyushu one day. I will pop in ☕️

[@sailorbella]

so happy to see the language course live! and this video was sooo helpful for someone aspiring to move to japan one day 🍡🌸🎌

[@ChaniJapan]

I hope it helps someone to know that it can take time and a bit of effort to make it happen 😀

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I want to move to Japan more than anything in the whole world. My husband and I are both almost 50 and I know it will be tough with two kids (9 and 10) but you've given me hope!

[@Julieanne-vz4jn]

Thanks for this information. My daughter has just left Japan after 1 year there and is intending to move there permanently in 2 years.

[@ChaniJapan]

That is awesome, hopefully you can go and visit her in Japan 🇯🇵

[@inandaroundofficial]

Nice choice of prefecture.👍😉

[@valli_chenae]

Great perseverance on working on your goal to work and live in Japan!! 👏👏

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you!! 😊

[@VictorioArellano]

I really appreciate your openness around how long you may stay in Japan! Me and my husband moved to Sweden and have lived here for a little over for years. It’s been really only in the last few years have we begun to reframe our thinking around how long we will be here. This has allowed us to enjoy our time here and not get too wrapped up in future planning.

[@ChaniJapan]

I agree with you. I'm glad you are enjoying your time and living each day ♥️

[@spicychashu]

A very level-headed answer to a question often asked of many youtubers based in Japan. Thank you!

[@MissiBoo]

Chani, Millie and Mori 🌳🌳🌳🚐🐾 ready for adventures 👏👏. I can't wait to join you on them. I hope that you have a great stay in Nara 🦌⛩️. I would love to live in Japan but unfortunately, I can't. However, I am planning to visit. Thank you for another excellent video Chani. Hugs to you 🤗 and Millie 😻🫶

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much. Mori was a great choice by everyone 🌳🌳🌳 Nara was nice too. It’s a great little spot to visit.

[@MissiBoo]

@@ChaniJapan It's definitely on my list ❤️

[@angelag1702]

You can if you wish, easiest way is to be as a student or digital norm visa

[@MissiBoo]

@@angelag1702 Thank you for the suggestion 😊

[@Chelle-st5uu]

Thanks Chani..I love Japan..I lived there back in 1997..I met my hubby over there (US Navy) ..I am a kiwi and I was teaching over there..I really want to go back now my sons are older...I worked in Warabi, Shin-Yurigaoka...I worked for Kids World....I fell in love with Japan from the minute my feet hit the ground in Narita Airport ...I lived with my sister before meeting my hubby lol....your info is awesone and very helpful..im 53 and I want to go back and probably going to start the process next year...plus being one of the countries that Japan allows to get working holiday visas im excited...I am a permanent resident of the US right now but still have my NZ citizenship....so long story short..thanks for the info

[@speedmao1]

I love Nara - thank your for capturing the cute deer things here and there

[@ChaniJapan]

Some really nice Nara touches at the hotel 🦌

[@mabuse786]

Great video, Chani, and thank you for sharing this valuable information with your viewers.

[@ChaniJapan]

My pleasure!

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

Chani, thanks for all your informative videos your always on point God bless you.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks Edwin 😀

[@ChrisDragon531]

I'd take a primary school teaching job again! I was an ALT in Japan for a Year (returned to the US to take care of my sick mother), and I loved it. The kids were great! My coworkers were very helpful (then again I think they were comfortable since I already spoke some Japanese)! The job itself was alot of fun. The dispatch company I worked for though... well... wasn't that great. I would LOVE to teach in Japan again, especially Elementary School/Primary School. I just need to get all my own finances in order, so I can move there again.

[@janinesheedy8432]

Thanks Chani! Very interesting video I’m living in Japan vicariously with you 😁

[@lianac7536]

Thanks for putting together such amazing content, love watching your videos ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

You are so welcome!

[@izul_kiki]

Thank you for sharing Chani! This video made me realize that at 35 y.o. i still have the chance to move and hopefully get a job in japan. 🤞

[@ChaniJapan]

You can do it!

[@marylisbon-hathaway3477]

頑張ったねー！ Don’t let negative comments get you down and keep up the good work you do. I’m cheering for you from Yokohama. 😊😊😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!!

[@iaminbetweendays]

Thanks for the cool videos and I wish you all the luck in the world!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much!

[@stephenharris]

Another excellent video. I don't know of anybody else who provides info so useful.

[@ChaniJapan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonsmith6106]

Great tips and interesting to hear the struggle of accepting overseas applicants. Makes the world of difference once you're here when applying. Best of luck for the future applications.

[@joshuasimpson6374]

Thanks friend, good video. Looking at moving to Japan. Not sure when but within the next 3 years. Thank you so much for the info on this video. :) I for one appreciate it.

[@ChaniJapan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christopherrobertson7704]

Thanks for this weeks video 😊

[@masaakishimizu9091]

I admire your perseverance to pursue your desire . I am in my 70’s living in US just about half a century . I left Japan when I was 25 for the second college in a different field , music . I have always interested in different cultures and I am planning to move to Philippines . As I was busy in my working years being a musician I thought retiring in a country less pressured financially would be nice . Although moving back to Japan was a choice I wanted to have one more challenge before I expire also hope to be able to do something nice to their society . I truly enjoyed reading your experience . Thank you !

[@waterwitch8902]

Thank you for going through all that to get a Visa. I'm too old and disabled to do anymore traveling and I love Japan and would have loved to have lived there, but life happens as you know and I didnt get that dream, maybe on my next life😊 Anyway I love your vlogs and look forward to each one. Stay healthy, happy and safe always.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks for watching and I will take you along on my journeys 🩷

[@lenachan_des]

Thank you for sharing your useful information! Your videos always inspire me.😊

[@ChaniJapan]

You are so welcome!

[@babogoose]

I enjoy watching your videos a lot. The stories you're telling are interesting and it's fun watching your travels as well! You're amazing

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you 🩷👋

[@rudalsxv]

I stumbled across your channel recently and find it absolutely interesting and curious. Keep it up!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks, will do! Glad you found the channel 👋

[@jjejet]

Thank you for documenting and sharing your process, it's gold and it helps a lot of us with the same idea as you 🙏

[@ChaniJapan]

You are so welcome!

[@raymonde4272]

Great information and advice Chani 👍🏻

[@roamiblu1833]

Hello!!! Your title just *MADE* me want to watch your video! 🤣🤣 And I am so glad I did. I'm 56 and ever since I watched the Travel Channel segment about Japan, in 2015/2016, I've been wanting to visit this country. And few years after that, I wanted to live there. Here it is, 2024 almost 2025, I'm looking at ways to make it happen. Thank you for all the insight and the links.

[@ChaniJapan]

Wonderful! I hope you can make it happen 🩷

[@tacitusromanus8239]

Thanks for this information, Chani. ❤

[@kuronekogaijin]

Beautiful and inspiring video, thanks..

[@ChaniJapan]

So nice of you

[@simonanderson5241]

I was a student for many years in Japan and loved it - best days of my life, but that was over 20 years ago, and as much fun it was back then - I couldn't do it again now. I think you made the right choice.

[@shoya3612]

おめでとうございます！🎉🎉

[@BrantRaven]

Thank you Chani for another beautiful video

[@ChaniJapan]

My pleasure 😊

[@Mishaschroetter]

Thank you Chani for all those precious information from experience. Those are still difficult to find on the internet. I was searching for a year a job in research in Japan, but Japan seems to be really closed on itself when it is a question of jobs. Now I started to get some contacts from some university that I met in France, where I am living. But it is still very complicated to find an entrance. I am currently learning japanese, maybe that will help me finding a potential job in Japan. Great video! :)

[@ChaniJapan]

I agree, it is really hard. It took me a long time of trying.

[@earlysda]

University jobs are highly sought after. I'd recommend scrounging for a year or so at some other job in Japan while you make connections to land your dream job.

[@Mishaschroetter]

@@earlysda Thank you for this advice, I think it is a good one, I will think about it :)

[@earlysda]

@@Mishaschroetter I interviewed a French man for a job at an English school recently. He was married to a Japanese, but got divorced, and still wanted to stay on in Japan. His background is IT, which pays far better than English schools, but his Japanese level was really too low to get hired. . He was a really nice guy, but his English level wasn't high enough to hire him. I just give this example to give you an idea of what some others are going thru. Myself, I've lived nearly 3 decades in Japan, but can't get a permanent visa, and am planning to leave to be a missionary in some country where people are open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. . Good luck in your endeavors.

[@Mishaschroetter]

I see. I worked for two years in China, I know exactly what you mean about not having the choice of living the life you want in another country. And yes, being an expatriate can be an advantage in another country, but only if your qualifications interest the country you want to live in. That's the struggle, you need to speak the language, which is like having a phd to learn japanese + another speciality like a real pdh or a degree that you can "sell" to this new country. For China and Japan it is hard. Thanks again for sharing your experience. And good luck with your gospel project :)

[@hangswithchristian]

Such a great share on visa information and the process involved Chani! I know that many people out there will find this clear sharing on information so helpful. When you were talking about your visa application and tracking down all of the dates for past visas brought my my own nightmare of going through that process haha Well done mate and keep up the great work! 🙋🏽‍♂🇯🇵

[@livb1063]

Thank you for the information! I love watching your videos!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks 🩷

[@JapinoyFun]

thank for your great advice

[@gzubeck3]

You need a T-shirt that says..."Will work for visa!" In English and Kanji. LOL!

[@ChaniJapan]

That would be a funny shirt to see around town 🤣

[@jackg5321]

Wow, even in Japan going the extra step to network and being the one to reach out unlocks these hidden opportunities. The same in Australia i feel. Good on you!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thinking outside the square can help sometimes!

[@paulinewong5906]

You don't look 50. Always look forward for your video. ❤your kitty

[@ChaniJapan]

Oh thank you! 😽

[@andrewgiang7521]

hey loving the videos! i'm really looking into getting a place in japan so i stumbled upon your channel :). im also from australia so yeah i shall look into how you did it !

[@ChaniJapan]

Awesome!

[@user-re7uh9si9i]

Nice video. Thanks from Osaka.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks for watching!

[@alanmoreno1048]

Thank you soooo much for the tips! I'm also an English teacher and I want to go to Japan and teach there. Keep up the good work Chani

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you 😃

[@mactng8359]

Congrats to your new Japanese visa!

[@tliew5710]

You are such a brave woman.proud of you

[@threeeyedtribe]

Loved this video! 💚

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you!!

[@JeanBaptisteDesJardins]

I have been following your venture from Canada and I am so proud of you! We are of similar age and I can only imagine how that must feel for you! Congratulations! Well deserved.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!

[@B_archaeology]

So glad that you didn't have to go to Plan B to fulfil your Japanese adventures, Chani. Loved this week's content and especially the upclose bonus of sweet Millie. Good on you for never giving up on achieving your dreams!

[@ChaniJapan]

Plan B would have been very expensive 😬

[@wendy6512]

Morning from Northern Ireland ❤ your vlogs

[@ChaniJapan]

Morning ♥️👋

[@whistlebirdproductions6249]

BTW the new camera looks great! always remember to wipe and clean your lens with proper tools before every use! Enjoy!

[@pilarreyes6839]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I admire your resilience. I imagine that being fluent in Japanese was an advantage during your job hunting.

[@ChaniJapan]

I was mostly applying for English teaching jobs that don't require Japanese but it may have helped.

[@cuteandwhimsical]

Your car is so cute! Congratulations on getting your visa :)

[@debbie1247]

Thank you for your Visa backstory. My appreciation for your Japan journey just doubled! Patience and perseverance are necessary to make dreams come true. Does someone check in on Millie while you are away? Pet care while traveling is a big concern for me. 😼

[@ChaniJapan]

I totally worry about Millie while I am away. If I go overnight she stays home. If I go for two nights, my lovely vet will take her. I don't go away much. When the weather cools down I will take Millie with me to pet friendly places to camp. Its really too hot here at the moment to take her anywhere.

[@hedgehoghogtel1694]

When I hit 30, I decided to take a year out and wanted to go off to Israel to volunteer. A voluntary opportunity came up and off I went. To cut a long story short, I ended up living in Israel for approximately 10 years doing different things (voluntary work in guest houses, house sitting, and care work - as well as holidays). It was the best experience of my life. When I returned to the UK aged approximately 40, I always thought I would return, but that door never opened (I'm still waiting, but resigned to the fact that it might never open again; I'm also 55 now and my parents are ageing). I would encourage anyone young and old-ish to take a year out if they can and go off and see the world. It's a great way to learn about cultures and who knows, a door may open for you.

[@ChaniJapan]

Sounds like you had such a memorable time living overseas. 🩷

[@Kirgul]

Best of luck!

[@amyhines4702]

Good info and advice

[@ChaniJapan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yfllll]

I definitely think you’ve prepared yourself for the greatest amount of success in moving to a new country. You researched all your options and prepared very well for it. You uprooting your life, buying an akiya, and living in Japan alone sounds very spontaneous but it’s clear you put a lot of thought into it. You’re fluent in Japanese and been to Japan a number of times. Even though you don’t know if you’ll be there for the rest of your life I’m pretty confident you’ll plan very well for whichever scenario you end up with.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks. I’m hoping to stay for a while 😃😽

[@Hardeep2782]

Hi nice to meet you Chani, I’m living in japan Osaka nice video

[@ChaniJapan]

👋Hi! Thanks for watching. Hope you are surviving the heat 🫠

[@maierkang]

Wow, admire your determination. A lo tof people, including me, would have given up after a year trying. Good on ya

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks. It was a bit painfully slow and annoying at the time 😬

[@Jawnderlust]

Great vid

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you 🩷

[@DavidBrown-hc3rq]

That wood panelling on the car reminds me of National Lampoons Vacation, so it so should be called "Wagon Queen Family Truckster" :)

[@ChaniJapan]

I like it!

[@VirtualHorizonz]

Hard to predict the future, awesome to enjoy your current life. Thats about as best we can do...kanpai 👍

[@ChaniJapan]

Absolutely!! 🍻

[@pablodm9]

Even though I've made up my mind some time ago, the cheer amount of paperwork and the possibility of being denied your visa at anytime is honestly scary

[@ChaniJapan]

Once you have the visa and a job you are fine. I heard renewal isn’t an issue as long as you are employed and a good resident.

[@earlysda]

@@ChaniJapan Chani, true, but remember you are always at the mercy of your employer. If a new principal comes in or more worringly, if your school closes down, you may be in trouble. But yes, as far as Immigration goes, after you get that first visa, renewals are a breeze.

[@fesc22]

Thanks for the videos and your thought process about your future in Japan! Are there any good mexican restaurants in wakayama? If you are ever in Namba area in Osaka, you can go to Saboten for good mexican food! I lived in Osaka for a couple years and liked that place :)

[@ChaniJapan]

There is one. I’ve been cooking a lot of Mexican at home recently. I can get the ingredients at the Aeon mall.

[@RumMonkeyable]

Hope you had a good time at the onsen. It looks lovely. 👍👏❤

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes, thank you. I really love a dip in the onsen. I'm keep to camp but it is a bit hot at the moment 🔥

[@soggymoggytravels]

Take each day as it comes - exactly! You did well to secure what sounds a great teaching position. It's not always easy to get teaching work in Asia as an older applicant.

[@ChaniJapan]

I agree with you there. Older applicants can be looked over. 😃

[@slothsarecool]

Thanks!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much for your support 🩷

[@mazzdacon2134]

Glad to hear you are still contributing to Australian super.

[@Ninsidhe]

Why? You like wasting money? Strange.

[@mazzdacon2134]

@@Ninsidhe Odd comment, women need to have retirement savings too, and the returns on Australian super have been good.

[@le_th_]

Excellent tips for how people can set their expectations for how long this process takes, and how they might go about making the transition.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks 🩷

[@Druzhnik]

Oh oops, only just now watching your most recent video. Ignore my car name suggestion in your previous one! :D Love the name!

[@n1k1george]

Perfect timing. I'll be applying for my COE on Monday and was a bit worried that despite my preparations, if I would be running into any complications. I feel a bit more reassured now,.

[@ChaniJapan]

I think you can manage it. Just keep providing all the documents that are requested and it will be fine. 👋

[@soniachong5787]

Glad for your channel! A lot out there is always because one of their spouse is a Japanese, or they are much younger so I am glad for you!!!! I hope to make Japan my quarterly yearly home so am shopping around. One of the main reason is the camping and the drives around the countryside. We do a 1.5 months yearly now but would like to maximise our 3 months tourist visa. We had a home in Hokkaido for 10 years but sold it but it was more of a young and silly time cause you know romanticised "beautiful snow" but the reality with 6 months of snow was NOT NICE lol. It was in Niseko so we made a profit. Reality checks makes us realised we like cold but only like snow maximum for 1 week! Love love your channel and I bought the Japanese course too!!! Would prefer an extensive one as we get by with simple spoken Japanese.

[@ChaniJapan]

Glad to hear you made a profit in Niseko! Thanks for picking up the course. I will keep adding to it!🩷

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Hi Chani - have you posted a video about what your job is? Maybe that's not something you should share but it would be interesting.

[@ChaniJapan]

I’m teaching English to Japanese kids and adults.

[@vigerminaberrios4116]

I would have Loved to live in Japan I love everything about Japan, how disciplined they are etc, etc take care and be happy ❤

[@galx3788]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I was an ALT for 2 years in my 20s and now I'm in my mid-40s and studying Japanese. It's great to know this option is not out of reach. Sadly Japanese spring doesn't agree with me and my hay-fever so for now I've decided just to make Japan a place to take long holidays and not a place to live.

[@ChaniJapan]

Spring can be a nightmare for some 🤧

[@seamusp5991]

Almost 30K subs - congrats, it’s deserved. Subarashii, desu!! 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you very much!

[@Chiisanabatta]

A third option is a business manager visa, to start a business in Japan (even if it is an online business)! Sadly I do not qualify for any job :( and my Japanese level is too low, so that would be my way to go in a couple years hopefully. Great info by the way! ❤ I’m a new follower and liking ur channel a lot

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ellasi444]

woooow! im getting readyyyy. ))))

[@Sara-vd2sv]

Enjoyed your excellent video!😊 Talking about getting a visa, this is only for young people between the age of 18 and 30 (I assume most viewers here are over 30), but there’s a Working Holiday Visa (up to only one year) for nationals from 30 countries (the U.S. is not included) under bilateral agreements. Australia was the first country that Japan partnered with this visa in 1980! Another way is that if you are single and open to marrying a Japanese, try to find Mr. or Ms. Right. I saw several videos created by couples of Japanese and their foreign spouses. Many of them met online such as through language exchange sites. The oldest couple I saw was they got married in their 50s. On a side note that I found, nationals of 7 countries (Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, UK) can stay without a visa in Japan up to 6 months based on the bilateral agreements.

[@roshanshrestha3836]

I think I'm in love with Millie..❤❤❤. Very informative video. You are an inspiration.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much! Millie is a cutie 😽

[@joffe88]

Hey Chani! I'm a 36 y/old dude from Norway. I'm self-learning japanese usinga a few different methods (duolingo, Genki textbooks and Heisigs Remembering the Kanji) I love to follow your journey in Japan. Your videoes offer great insight and I'm always looking forward to the next one. Thank you! I feel a bit stuck in my japanese language learning journey and I'm not really sure why. Did you ever feel that way when first learning japanese? And do you have any good advice to overcome it?

[@ChaniJapan]

It is like a rollercoaster. There are continual ups and downs in learning Japanese. It is challenging and there are so many exceptions to the rules that it is frustrating. But as you keep going, things slowly come together.

[@AliiSparkle]

This was a good, straight-forward video! I'm new here, did you say which area of Australia you're from? Gold Coast for me 🏖

[@ChaniJapan]

Brisbane! We are neighbours 😀

[@David-mo8rl]

Thanks for your video. Very inspiring. Could I ask which companies you applied to directly?

[@ChaniJapan]

So many! I don't even remember now. But I looked up on google maps to find companies in areas that I was interested in living and went from there.

[@peterhume6631]

Thanks for the great video with useful information. Just wondering if when you directly contacted the English language schools, did you do this in Japanese or English?

[@ChaniJapan]

I only contacted them in English.

[@veetors]

Nice video, first off I am shocked to learn she is 50 years old, I thought over a decade younger. Anyway I am retired here in Japan and am a temporary resident with a right to work. Even though I have been coming here since 1983 my Japanese language skills are not anywhere close enough to be considered for any type of work. Without having a Japanese wife for over 20 years I couldn’t get by here for more than a fews days without her helping me navigate everything.

[@ChaniJapan]

It will be an adventure. Enjoy it!

[@dealman3312]

I’ve seen your van outfit from the factory with 1. Rear seat and third row face to face seating with table in middle , plus sink / shower 2. Rear seat and third row folds down to bed, passenger front seat becomes table Amazing what you can do with these little guys

[@ChaniJapan]

I bought a magazine with all the different layouts you can have. Very amazing.

[@johnjoyce]

Long time ago when I went through this. (50 next year myself) but I can say it’s never too soon to apply for a PR and it is all plus no minus. I too think about my parents aging. Fortunately my brother is near them.

[@windmill1965]

There's another way of getting a visa for Japan. If you work for a company that has an office or subsidiary in Japan you could ask your company to transfer you into their Japanese operations. In that case your company can apply for an "intra-company transferee" visa. That's how I got there. Same as Chani my visa was each time granted and renewed for three years. During my twelfth year I requested a PR visa instead and was granted that (I was told that immigration uses a ten year stay as one of their internal guidelines).

[@katewardle8032]

Interesting video, very informative. It’s amazing how much you have done in less than a year and a half. You may be in the honeymoon phase possibly but I would say that would be in the first 6-12 month period. Then again if you are busy with work, house, garden, local friends, visitors from Oz, Millie, sightseeing, camping and KZbin then who has time for a honeymoon phase?! 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

I hope so!

[@theBzbzbee]

When Chani provides hostess and tourist service in Japan, I will be the first one to come!

[@kosanmr2]

congrats on mori!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks. I’m really happy it got the highest vote. 🌳

[@scottisitt]

If you do end up going back to Australia to retire, make sure you have a local (likely one of your co-workers) in Japan agree to assist you in getting your Japanese pension. Unless things have changed, you can only get 80% yourself and will need a guarantor (aforementioned local) to get you the remaining 20%. I know that’s a ways off, but just something to be aware of ahead of time. Really cool to hear your story. I’d taught English in Japan (also high school) in the early 2000’s. It was a really great experience. I taught in South Korea afterwards and am currently teaching in China. In spite of my experience teaching overseas, even I’ve gotten nervous of late making big moves as I fast approach 50. So, just all the more impressive what you’ve done. Don’t forget that SE Asia is a viable option for retirement. For you it would be closer to Australia than Japan and cheaper than both. And your sons might be more inclined to visit you there. 😁

[@ChaniJapan]

I love your suggestions. Thank you so much. I will keep the pension info in the back of my mind if I do leave one day. Sounds like you’ve had so many adventures!!!

[@scottisitt]

@@ChaniJapan No problem. 🙂 As for my, “adventures,” Japan and Taiwan could be described that way. Korea and mainland China were more a result of failures to anchor myself back in the US. 😅 Still, I’m glad I’ve continued to have opportunities to do this. They’ve all been enjoyable experiences.