What Teaching English in Japan is REALLY like

[@takashiifromjapan]

TOKYO GUIDEBOOK takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide

[@sertdert1006]

English is very difficult for us Asian countries because English comes from the Germanic language and is a very rough forest language, that's why Turks learn Japanese faster than anyone else and their pronunciation is close to perfect, real languages ​​are agglutinative languages ​​:) @japonbu has this channel, he is Turkish and married to a Japanese woman, you can talk to him about this issue. PS: Türkiye is not a Middle Eastern country, it is a middle Asian country.

[@BrentColflesh]

Italian woman is about to become the most requested English teacher in Japanese history.

[@DenBoy4]

Well, it's hot, but she's cute tho... It's weird, i always believed it's 2 things impossible to be in the same person. 🐻💤

[@CC39]

She's like the Megan Fox in Transformers 1. Of course now she's absolutely prettier than the current Megan.

[@DangerRussDayZ6533]

@@DenBoy4 wut?

[@MrDusuke]

She is indeed talented, cute and hot 🎉 I hope the best for her!

[@mojoejojo6675]

She's very confident, open and genuine that really adds a lot of weight to her attractiveness.

[@kahashikun]

Sonia's English is as fluent as it gets. The hint of accent doesn't affect understandability at all - it's actually cool to listen to. Shame she had a hard time finding a job as an English teacher since she is not a native speaker.

[@karwashblark7499]

She also *behaves* like an anglophone tbh. If I didnt know better Id think she was American

[@karinneeskens]

@@karwashblark7499 Her accent is kind of a give away though.

[@ManachanJapan]

many japanese believe in passports. so, many companies require a passport from an english-speaking country or the phillipines. they do not care about your english, because with that passport they can tell parents that the teacher is from country XXX

[@charlespatrick8650]

it's a little formal, she'd need to spend a few (more?) years living in the US

[@guang-wen]

Some places outside Japan let non-natives teach if they score high enough on the IELTS or a similar test. She would definitely score high enough if she were to take it.

[@nadesmoke]

7:20 Sonia is such a vibe she can make everyone around her happy so cute 😭😭

[@leftybdm]

I listened to her speak Italian on her insta and I fell even more in love.

[@dextorkenji]

@@leftybdm What is her insta?

[@CocoInKorea]

Patrick teacher! Great seeing you here in this interview. A lot of what you said resonated with me as my experience in Korea was similar.

[@Eligos666]

I did not know that Sonia was teaching English in Japan. She is sooooo lovely and expressive. Anybody would fell for her. She is getting a lot attention though her social media and I am really glad for her. I have to say that she deserves it all because her way to convey the message in each short video is top-notch. Like, I find myself watching her videos even though I know English quite well after nearly decade in UK/USA.

[@SkyHermit]

What is her insta/youtube channel?

[@gianlucaangeli]

@@SkyHermit sonia candy

[@kensuke0]

@@gianlucaangeliThank you so much for the sauce, my friend

[@ChillExpressions]

​@@kensuke0ayo?

[@jasonwong7140]

i didn't know she was so big lol

[@justsayin5110]

The Italian girl is so expressive. I’ve heard that before and now I saw it

[@ruchirj4533]

I really found it fascinating that the Italian English teacher is so animated and Takashii isn't even moving his facial muscle.

[@lazvegaz]

When Sonia said she's a good teacher, I bought it right away. I also taught foreign languages so I could tell when someone said something like that and they showed it nearly effortlessly. It's also partly because I knew someone personally who's very good at doing something so I assumed they would be a good person to teach me about what they did but they were soooo impatient and almost rude, that I would not bother going to them for the same reason anymore. 😂

[@alkriman4182]

Many English speakers and almost all native speakers, although they know how to speak and write, do not understand _why_ they speak and write as they do. They can't explain _why_ a second-language learner's mistakes are incorrect, only _that_ they (think they) are incorrect. That would be one reason why an excellent non-native speaker of English may be better than a native speaker. But a lot of what makes a good teacher is attitude (and energy), as you say.

[@almark6548]

Is Sonia famous?... Everyone in the comments seems to know her.

[@darthwater999]

@@almark6548 yeah I already knew her from instagram

[@HairBilly]

​@@almark6548She's a youtuber. Her name Is like ''Sonia candy'' or something like that

[@gptty]

The teacher is like a movie star and she has the confidence like one.

[@SPISheste]

The 2nd girl definitely has that "teacher gene", it's so obvious when a person has that pedagogical "vibe" lol And *Ganbare Takashii!* The videos gets better every time!

[@_munkykok_]

Subscribed for Japan lessons, got to see a perfect 10 as a bonus. Thanks Takashi, thanks Italy, thanks to all the Gods and the world. 👍👍

[@Gus.Galvao]

Patrick and Stew always fun to watch them. Yeah it is really hard to learn Japanese when you are stuck in the classroom without any support from your school to at least learn the bare minimum to communicate or to build some connexions. I feel very sad for not being able to communicate properly as I do love the culture and I feel like speaking the language is an important way to express gratitude towards the culture you are inserted in. Another thing is whenever we make new friends and they know we teach English automatically they just want to speak in English first because its faster and 2 because they can practice, which is really cool, but also sad cos its actually the only chance we get to have our 10 min convo in Japanese. Another thing is I really wish the government could change the educational system in order to improve our life and the students, and not only that, they allow people to come to Japan due to their passport but they are not even qualified to teach the language. They come here do whatever they want to in a very disturbing and disruptive way and in the end of the way I am looked down for being a gaijin even if I am the good guy. The criteria should be having a diploma plus an ESL/TESOL whatnot certification to have the visa granted.

[@willbren]

"Another thing is whenever we make new friends and they know we teach English automatically they just want to speak in English first because its faster and 2 because they can practice, which is really cool, but also sad cos its actually the only chance we get to have our 10 min convo in Japanese."...This exact same thing happens to me so many times! (I'm also an Eigo teacher here in Japan...) Have you found a way to break this pattern? My Japanese is not conversational, so conversations tend to drift into English, and continue in English...🤔

[@StochasticUniverse]

I mean, you get what you pay for. As the black guy in the video intimated, the pay being offered in Japan is not strong. For contrast, the average ESL teacher in the United States is paid double to triple what's offered by the JET Program...but that comes with actual educator requirements: you have to build your own curriculum and run an entire classroom of 30 kids by yourself, etc. Your kids are given standardized tests and you're accountable for their test results. If your kids underperform consistently, you will be fired. You must attend parent-teacher conferences with parents who might blame you for their kid being a disruptive slacker in class who gets poor grades because he doesn't apply himself, but that's your fault because you're "The Teacher". It's the difference between pro and semi-pro and paid accordingly.

[@Inked_Bee]

Patrick makes the best tiktoks! He's a gem and so talented!

[@JohnKruse]

I'm an American living in N Italy, and would have *NEVER* pegged her as being an Italian. Her whole vibe is SoCal. Nothing like the Italians I know (whether they be from South or North). Her American accent is excellent with just the slightest hints of being off. It's great to see people who can break my expectations.

[@user-qy9rg3nt2l]

Now I want to go to Italy.

[@laslanitasdealgodon]

NON FARLO

[@LetsSeeYourKungFu]

Strategic thumbnail Takashii. Well played 🔥

[@neilpa]

That Italian lady has such a great personality and seems really engaging!

[@centuryfiles9558]

So what I’m learning from the first man (I believe he has a tiktok!) is that you should learn Japanese *before* you come to Japan

[@Spekt3r_808]

9:00 She seems like the perfect English teacher, she doesn't run out of things to say lol

[@richardjblackman]

I have considered teaching english in Japan. This was a really good video. I think the lack of free time and inability to learn Japanese is a big turn off for me. I am glad to hear that it is still rewarding.

[@skvltdmedia]

How did working twice as hard and being paid fast food wages not sunk in before the other cons?

[@jayq1862]

I'm from the US but that Italian girl can teach me English any day!

[@donaldbell6555]

I was impressed with the Italian lass (with a mid Atlantic English accent) who I’m guessing has a big circle of friends given her lovely personality.

[@Espere]

you only notice how good the colour grading/edit is when he forgets it at 11:04, well done

[@PlainKen]

Currently been living in Japan for twelve years. Everything said in these interviews are true. The salary is not what it should be. Especially if you have a family. Trying to study Japanese is difficult unless you have Japanese friends.

[@scwong6349]

I want to learn everything with the Italian teacher 😊

[@latinboy906]

I was born and raised in the USA. The non-native Italian teacher speaks better English than many of my co-workers. Many of whom were also born here or have been here for 20+ years.

[@ArchiesDoujinshi-qv9uu]

Interesting. I fancied becoming an Assistant English Teacher in Japan. Gonna see if there's something covering that.

[@MrGilRoland]

What I learned from this video: if you want your place in the comment section, ask the interviewer if he’s gonna place your interview in a video with an Italian girl teaching English in Japan. If the answer is “yes” by any means don’t even waste your time and say goodbye.

[@kenniandad2081]

I’m born and raised in the U.S. and only speak English, but I would consider moving to Japan to take English lessons from her for sure.

[@CMON75]

I taught English in Nihonbashi for ten years and it was like being a god that most people hated. That's the best way I've found to describe it. I'm glad to be home now.

[@birdsnbees4985]

Thank you for another great video! I am always enjoying them, you ask great questions. I am moving to Tokyo next week on a researcher work visa, and all of your content makes the transition so much easier for me - things that I want to know, things that I never knew I wanted to know. Keep up the good work😊

[@augustclemente2662]

Thank you brother. Awesome vid. Really helps me reconsider again applying for a job in Japan. And becoming an english Teacher. Keep up the good work. You got one like and one subscribe from me. Godspeed.

[@BoomsRiddico4868]

I wanna be taught by that Italian teacher! she seems cool and clued in. Ok so also she is beautiful!

[@thundertower]

Aww i just checked her ig and, no of, or any other sex work degeneracy, no thirst traps. Its so nice to see beautiful women like this who still has integrity.

[@elcarlissimo]

(@9:21) Takashii, "How it started"--I interviewed a hot Italian teacher... "How it's going"-- I'm dating the hot Italian teacher"...🤣

[@musab5khalaf]

I am an English teacher but I will be asking the Italian lady to teach me English again. Jokes aside, it is so obvious that she teaches with passion, wishing her the best.

[@carl5984]

Italian girl has no idea, that everyone loves her because she is gorgeous😂 perfect example of life on easy mode

[@Cosmopavone]

Her beloved brother died when she was 18...talking about life on easy mode about people you don't know...

[@kenhiett5266]

I think she's the most beautiful human I've ever seen.

[@shayneshinkai1772]

Overall, I loved it. Of course there were times of frustration, but it was a great experience.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I wish I had her energy and enthusiasm.

[@PaulWinkle]

Europe here, we want the italian teacher back!

[@PeterDMayr]

The girl from LA. Being pretty has advantages too. Being ugly has disadvantages. Maybe be clear, kind, and honest with men from the start.

[@Freudenfreude111]

What is funny is how the jokes don’t land in interview 2 !

[@ChaiTogether]

This was good 😊💙

[@Creationeer]

Italian lady can teach me anything she wants, she has my full attention 😍

[@LickPersianPussy]

I tried to learn japanese when I lived in hawaii. I had the best teacher and she tried so hard. I feel bad I was so stupid I made her cry.

[@The3rdGunman]

Italian lady is so animated-You know she stands out in Japan, they're so reserved.

[@pgtv7215]

"Italian lady is so animated" ... err shes Italian ;-)

[@joedwyer3297]

​@@pgtv7215say no more🤌🏻

[@globalcharts6072]

The Italian lady will definitely increase my learning motivation. Never miss a class at all!

[@rickeykoga2312]

I'm a native English speaker and I'd fake ESL to get into her class 😅

[@judasthepious1499]

waiting for her to say "please give me coke"

[@HardPass]

LOLOLOL @@rickeykoga2312

[@JoaNYC]

whats her only fans?...

[@tkrdg7885]

The Italian gire ,She sounds kind native English speaker 😂❤🎉

[@timeformore]

I think being a non-native English teacher like her is actually an advantage because she knows what it’s like personally to learn English as a non-native speaker. Kudos to her. She’s right in that being a native language speaker doesn’t make one a good teacher of that language. Her accent is great too. Very easy to understand. Some words even sound like they’re in a perfect accent to me.

[@bennyb.1742]

So true. As a native English speaker who spent half my life in an other country with very low English rates I can relate. We traded language tips all the time and I honestly had difficulty answering a fair amount of questions about some of the more illogical aspects of the English language.

[@goyam2981]

She's very fluent and has almost no accent. I've lived in the US for 20+ years still can't speak like her. 😆

[@pertoor]

I can so relate to this. I'm a native German speaker and whenever my girlfriend from another country asks "what type of word is that" or "what's the grammar rule about..." I'm unable to provide her with a helpful answer. Even looking up German grammar rules in German does not bring up satisfying results. But several of our friends - people who had to learn the language the hard way - know exactly why certain word and sentence structures exist and what the general rules behind it are. So native speakers may be able to speak perfectly, but are typically less able compared to non-natives in explaining the fundamental systematics of the language.

[@maximepxd]

​@@pertoor As a french who spent 6 months+ in germany i can relate 😅 Everytime i asked germans to explain something about the language they were like "well it's very logical" and the thing was actually the opposite of logical to me haha ! (btw when it's really logical it feels weird to french people because you guys have so many different words to describe situations we would describe with only one word in our language ex: ausfahrt / ausgang is only "sortie" in french)

[@carlosandres280]

What do you mean with perfect accent, british?

[@darrylt8502]

When the Italian teacher mention the random and gifts from her students and Takashi said, "Maybe because it's you." I literally LOLed and so glad he said that. That whole interaction between them was funny and wholesome.

[@davidalger5625]

Actually it is common. Part of Japanese culture. I would often got books, sake, and various snacks.

[@szepmiklos-mihaj4160]

Definetly cuz it's her xD

[@nwgverified]

Yeah students gonna have a crush for sure

[@tropingreenhorn]

true facts, she is gorgeous and articulate, I'm sure there were a lot of boys who were crushing on her

[@anthony.catbagan]

It's definitely because "it's her". Like HER.

[@babesababe5885]

The Italian girl has a lot of enthusiasm. When teaching, enthusiasm is contagious, it’s a superpower.

[@colinjames2469]

Bouncing yes. 🤣

[@liquidsnakex]

The fact that she's smoking hot helps more

[@MidianVGC]

She's the human equivalent of a golden retriever

[@EM-tx3ly]

She will conquer the classroom Like a true Roman

[@SuperBartles]

Exactly what my father (who taught philosophy in universities for 50 years plus) told me when I started teaching I still need a reminder sometimes...

[@springheeljak145]

The woman from Italy speaks great English, almost no accent at all. And she's super energetic and positive, I bet her students love her.

[@1_D333]

the expressive thing is really italian culture.

[@Dflowen]

7:00 yeah... they love her for her "linguistics". Especially how she dresses. Double take* Sign me up.

[@Starstreak170]

Everybody has an accent.

[@ayse4227]

​@@Dfloweneikawas have a dress code she can't wear those to work

[@enanthate]

Her body language is definitely Italian though, like a hand gesture for every word ❤

[@jerryoshea3116]

The Italian Girl's 'English' is excellent ( considering it's not her native Language) And she has a very bubbly animated personality+ some other obvious qualities!!

[@Roofhack]

The Italian woman was speaking both English and Italian.

[@Scruff404]

I wonder what other OBVIOUS qualities you mean 👀

[@jerryoshea3116]

@@Scruff404 Easy on the eye!

[@jerryoshea3116]

@@Scruff404 Easy on the eye!

[@VampiricAlchemyst]

The mighty cross-over of Mr. Patrick and Takashii

[@that_dam_baka]

Who?

[@carolinek8480]

I saw him in the intro and screamed haha, so cool to see him here outside of tik tok!

[@StrollingArtist]

I had the same reaction! Wow! So glad he’s here too

[@sergeantwaffle9938]

​@_that_dam_baka_ the guy with the blue and white shirt, he's really popular on tik tok thats how I know of him

[@That_Grem_Kuro]

Pretty sure that’s actually Baba Ghanoush… 👀

[@Ou8y2k2]

Imagine having an Italian with a master's degree and model looks teach you English. Would you miss a class?

[@Laidengizer011]

She could teach me anything and I'd be there every class.😘💕

[@johnlibonati7807]

It resonated with me when the Italian teacher said it was difficult to learn Japanese because everyone spoke English. I lived in Italy for six months and attended an Italian language school. It was wonderful meeting so many people from all over the world, but everyone resorted to English in order to communicate. I think it took me longer to pick up the language because of this. One thing that really helped was getting a TV and watching Italian television. When I returned home, I thought my skills were basic. I could speak with people, have complete conversations with Italians in Italian, describe situations and understand almost everything, but I felt like I could have been compared to a third or fourth grader in the United States. But, when I took the Italian language exam in college, my counselor asked if I was a native speaker because I aced it. Speaking when you aren’t comfortable is the most important thing I learned to do. People will help you with words and you can communicate even if your vocabulary is still limited.

[@BuxtonHouse]

this is a great comment. thanks for describing. how long was this process of learning Italian?

[@Drusiton]

@@BuxtonHouse About two to three kilometres

[@BuxtonHouse]

@@Drusiton dam thats short

[@Koucis]

Patrick seems like a really down to earth and nice guy. Loved his laugh when trying to speak japanese!

[@hephzibah8854]

You're a very good judge of character. That's a gift.

[@dcp.mccormick6691]

I follow him on insta. He's awesome.

[@MarkHogan994]

That Italian girl is charming as heck.

[@chamade166]

And the African American is not? I think AA is more qualified to teach English than a white person from Italy.

[@robcanad]

I can see why guys would fall for her, but for others she may be a bit over the top. I prefer the more subdued Asian personality.

[@sidy6526]

​@@robcanad True . Some people like quiet women but I like her personality. She has her own charm

[@VoxWodler]

@@robcanad Yeah I don't see myself getting anywhere with her. That English dude got it right. Score a hot Japanese who is devoted to you. I assume that exists.

[@garethdesborough7960]

I’m sure she’s aware 😊

[@MetikalMan]

I love that first guy! Such a great ambassador for US!

[@outofcontextworld]

no one wants to study with a niqa

[@miki1835]

I am a Japanese woman and I go to Eikaiwa school. I really enjoy talking with teachers instead of studying abroad. I really appreciate them because I can communicate with foreigners in English and find cultures I never get just in Japan ! Thank you for teaching and living here ♡

[@JavierPwns]

❤

[@Gnasheress]

Thank you for being our students.

[@davisappletv9931]

I’m a native English speaker (from the USA). Your English is very good! Your comment was well written.

[@yanLi-oc5yl]

Hi I'm wondering if they also want native Chinese teachers teaching Chinese in Eikaiwa school.

[@leinabambino]

This is so sweet!

[@pessumpower]

Damn, I need to go in Japan to study english.

[@LCOF]

“Good morning Miss…unfortunately I don’t speak a word of English. Here are two ripe peaches and an aubergine.”

[@ZoroasterIII]

@@LCOF Get a life kiddo. She's nice and beautiful, no need to give silly comments like this.

[@amafirenze-vi1uh]

With Sonia.

[@itrashcant7947]

@@ZoroasterIIILol it’s kinda cringe seeing ppl being simps 💀

[@francislirios9730]

She’s definitely Italian with all the hand gestures. She talks with her hands. Very wholesome & engaging teacher.

[@darthwater999]

even for the italian standard she is A LOT extrovert 😄

[@dfsdferfsd]

just overacting, forced overaction, Italians are not like that

[@nofurtherwest3474]

wholesome??? 🤣🤣

[@Jamezy316]

@@dfsdferfsd overacting? thats just who she is. Some people are outgoing and fun. Not everyone sucks, some people are bubbly, fun, outgoing. Her personality is great

[@SomberP]

After seeing the Italian teacher suddenly I don’t remember English anymore…

[@bobrichhomemovies]

Me too. I need to go back to class.

[@chazlewis8114]

Not sure if I want to go to Japan or Italy....

[@OrphanHart]

That Italian woman would be an awesome teacher just based on the excitement and energy she showed off here alone for me. Always better to have someone who seems like they love what they're doing and want to be where they are rather than someone who is just going through the motions.

[@leinabambino]

Thank you, Takashi. :) In my view, every profession comes with its advantages and disadvantages, but being a teacher holds a special place in my heart, outweighing any drawbacks. As an educator myself, I've discovered that children often have a lot to teach us and offer valuable experiences. If you enjoy working with kids, I wholeheartedly suggest considering teaching English to children in Japan rather than adults. The connections you form with them can be truly heartwarming. Once again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences. I wish everyone a blessed day. Sending love! -Leina

[@sydneyreigetsu3933]

How specifically do you go about teaching children instead of adults, if you don't mind me asking? Usually when I look into it, the majority of options are for teaching adults.

[@earlysda]

bambino, agreed 100%. Children are great to teach - IF they aren't being forced strongly against their will to learn English.

[@erdrick22]

Leina I saw your nhk episode nice job on that.

[@takashiifromjapan]

Thank you too🙏

[@MrSimon1909]

you are the hot teacher?

[@themightyscottthealmighty545]

Italian girl-I wasn’t used to people giving me things Takahashii-maybe it’s you Brother I was thinking the same exact thing

[@takashiifromjapan]

Thank you for watching! I’m still undecided about what I will do on my second channel. Any idea?

[@JericBrual]

Vlogs!

[@rowbearly6128]

Horror stories from long time foreign residents. I have a million.

[@purpleAiPEy]

id say talk to other people like a podcast. Remember how everyone was commenting when they saw you interview a youtuber they knew? collaborative content is really popular, if you want to grow more

[@BusterBossJR]

Vlogs/travel vlogs!

[@jeffcraig3309]

@@purpleAiPEyI agree, podcasts where takashii speaks japanese can help us foreigners learn japanese faster. Would really like to see something like this or similar

[@stltom6568]

Sonia's English is perfect, and her students also get the added benefit of learning how to speak Italian with their hands, just like Sonia! LOL.

[@kiermanahan]

Bro whats her @

[@Kabeer2004]

@@kiermanahan check the description 🗿🗿🗿

[@gunbutter830]

If every English teacher in Japan looked like that Italian girl, Japan would be fluent English speakers in about 6 months. Also, they would all talk while flailing the hands around.

[@FreezingTheMind]

Half of men secretly learning Japanese to find a japanese woman: also them finding this video: “maybe I wanna start learning Italian…”

[@Skellybr0]

It's not just her prettiness that makes her alluring. The positive energy and enthusiasm are huge, if all teachers had her personality people would like learning more. But obviously she is beautiful xD

[@Daniel-qu2kh]

True as a teacher but perhaps in everyday it's a lot/bit much (for me anyway)

[@KansaiKaiser]

I just finished teaching in Japan for a year and a half. I used it as a way to come to Japan as many do, and I got lucky and have a new job outside of teaching English. Without substantial savings from home, I would not suggest it. My coming was a gamble. Come with goals and rules; mine was to teach for 2 years and if I couldn't find a "way out," I would go back home. If you come and treat it as a year-long holiday, enjoy it. If you want to come and try to build a different/better life, you really have to ask yourself lots of hard questions. The language barrier is so massive; for reference, I have 5 years of work experience in my field with management experience, and it still took me 11 months, 19 recruiter meetings, 437 applications, 36 first interviews, 22 second-stage, and 6 final stage interviews before an offer came in. You're competing with people who can speak Japanese better, or natively, and with a massive talent pool. Entry-level engineering is also really rough; you won't make much more than an ALT's salary while also having to work long hours. This is a breakdown of my old salary. Yearly: 2.2m JPY (most ALT jobs do not pay in August due to summer holidays, and again you don't get paid in March because the school year hasn't started yet.) Monthly: ~200,000 JPY After taxes, rent, phone, utilities, etc., assuming your tax situation is similar to mine, you'll have around 80,000 yen (about 800 USD, super rough) left over in your first year. However, your second year, due to resident taxes, it is lower and closer to 60,000 yen (600 USD). This is absolute poverty wages and not sustainable at all. You are on a timer the minute you take an English teaching job here. The longer you are one, the harder it is to crawl out. It's a race to the bottom of what company will pay you the absolute least. As a dispatch ALT, you are VERY unstable and cannot plan for the future. You get a year-long visa and a year-long contract. You won't know if you have a job renewal until 2 weeks before (sometimes less time) the new school year. I started learning Japanese on the plane here and after a year of constant study, every single hour I was free at work (which as an ALT you have a ton, it's very VERY easy, and anyone who has ever worked previously will have ZERO issues performing. First job, 21-year-old college kids might be overwhelmed at first) and managed to get JLPT N3 level, which is an absolutely abysmal level still. Most jobs require N2 or higher, and the gap between N3 and N2 is going from "I am going to the store tomorrow at 2:30" to "due to the downturn of the Japanese economy during the bubble era..." sort of reading and conversations. That said, I would do it again; it's the most fun job I've had, but the industry is terrible. I have met a wonderful girlfriend and made so many new friends I would never have without taking the leap. Build your career at home and try to get hired in Japan another way; not many people have the will power needed to succeed and transition out of English teaching work in Japan. Don't buy into the "I'll do it to get a visa and get something better," especially with hiring freezes and economic downturns. It's a massive personal risk. If you insist on coming as an English teacher: 1) Learn Japanese now, and actually learn. Don't language roleplay with pointless low-effort apps like Duolingo. Learn Hiragana and Katakana, then give the apps Umi and Bunpro a shot and run through the Genki textbooks. Anki flashcards for kanji. 2) Have lots of money saved up. Minimum 5k USD, ideally more, to give yourself more runway to get a better job. 3) Have a STRONG, well-researched plan. Do not wing it; you are paid less than a conbini employee with a college degree. Enjoy your time here, but also work your ass off for yourself. 4) Be prepared to be disappointed and told "No" lots. If you have any issues at home, you won't fix them by moving to a place where you have 0 support structure. 5) Do not get comfortable with the easiest job on the planet and let yourself just coast by. This isn't a terrible "keep grinding 😤" post; it's actually terrible to get out of. Best of luck. Job searching is hard even when you're a citizen and fluent in the local language; it was even more difficult as an immigrant with barely passable language skills. There's so much more to say, but please do not make the choice lightly to come to Japan as an English teacher because you like Japan, or rather the idea of Japan, without properly thinking it through. I want you to enjoy Japan just as much as I have. If you're serious, wait a few more years with your new degree, work in your field, and transfer over. Remember, even if you learn Japanese to a business level as an ALT but have no other skills, you are just someone who can speak Japanese in a country where everyone else also can.

[@evetei]

Excellent post! 😊

[@gordonbgraham]

The trick is to get a teaching license from a Japanese university in order to become a full-time teacher at a high school or junior high school. The pay is 3 times that of an ALT. However, one needs to become fully literate in Japanese to do so as all courses are in Japanese, including hand-written assignments of which there are many. It took me 15 years to become literate enough to have gotten my teaching degree, but it was well worth it. We have 40 days off a year, bi-annual bonuses and a severance package upon retirement of around $150,000 USD.

[@irule10338]

I'd really like if you broke down (at least your first year ) how you were left with only 80,000 a month....your pay AFTER taxes should be 200,000 (If its not I feel you need to go to a different company, thats the bare minimum). Phone (you can get a good cheap phone plan for like 2500円 a month) and Utilities together should be around 10,000円 and rent (unless you're going way over your bracket which in that case thats on you) should be about 60,000円. Transportation is always covered by company. so 200,000 - (70,000) = 130000円...still low but better than 80000. Unless you have debt back in your home country that is another story. This is all from my personal knowledge living here in Tokyo..... But i'd really like to know how you're left with 80,000円 is 200,000 really not your pay AFTER taxes? I hope you reply :)

[@KansaiKaiser]

@@irule10338 This is after all expenses, budgeting for food. Sorry that wasn't clear. My old take home pay was around 110,000-130,000. After ALL my current expenses, I have 80000 yen leftover on my old salary give or take. This depended on transportation cost for the month due to it being untaxed, and farther schools cost more ofc. (ALT companies don't cover travel they simply don't tax you up to 30000 yen worth of expenses). If you have debt back home, ALT salary is impossible with the weak yen. I am lucky and from the US where at the moment student loan payments are paused. With inflation and such, honestly might be lower I haven't paid much attention but 20000 yen a month on food is doable if you get the discount super market food and eat out minimally. ALT companies do not pay you well, I was on the higher end due to living in the city and its 2.2m JPY a year. There's 0 growth opportunity as an ALT and you will not get any raises, except for maybe a 500 yen (5 dollar) increase a month if you're lucky. Not joking, that was the raise a friend of mine got lol. Due to not getting paid for 2 months of the year, you will make more and have a better career path working at 7/11 than being an ALT.

[@kupajapan]

​​​​@@irule10338depends where you live honestly, in Tokyo I'd say the breakdown on the original post is about right, maybe even under what me and my husband pay. Also 10,000 for all utilities included is just not a thing in 2023, especially with the rose in cost due to the Russian-Ukrainian war. Also the "go to a different company" feels like the responsibility for these companies being put on the teacher. It's sad that with Eikaiwa culture the students pay so much money and the teachers often get pennies. The place I worked at for almost 2 years (one of the big ones, not naming names,) literally paid under minimum wage because the 10 minutes between taught classes they didn't pay you for. Considering classes are only 40minutes, that's 20% of your wage gone. Also in those 10minutes you had to fill out feedback forms, give students and parents feedback verbally, write reports and get ready for you next class/plan what you were going to teach and how. My take home, and I worked full-time, was 180,000-175,000ish after taxes. I also live in Tokyo (because that's where the company placed me, so it wasn't a choice to "go somewhere else").

[@GlitchFairy]

There's something really calming about that first guy. Very well-said and thoughtful answers.

[@cloudicus]

The biggest issue I have with this is that when people talk about English Teacher salaries compared to the average Japanese university graduates, they forget to talk about bonuses. Most English Teachers are contract workers and not paid a bonus (which is up to 3 months salary for Japanese full time employees, often paid twice a year). They're kept in this cycle by mandatory non contract renewal before 5 years too (the legal limit before being permanent becomes mandatory). So there is also rampant discrimination to avoid making foreign teachers permanent. This should be factored in when comparing apples to oranges.

[@bushy9780]

First guy had such a great attitude. I hope he isn't getting overworked though.

[@filipepedro8272]

ofc he is... hes what majority of employers wish

[@fungiuse]

The Italian lady speaks English without an accent (which is rare for Italians).... So, where did she learn English? Lived in USA for a long time? Spoke at home in Italy as daughter of American parents?? I'm curious to know!!

[@frangeesk]

which is rare for Italians, come se fosse una caratteristica tipica nostra. Lo è di tutti coloro che si fermano a un B1/B2. Potrei farti esempi di anglosassoni in italia da secoli che non si tolgono l'accento manco se gli modelli la lingua col bisturi. E comunque sì, ha vissuto negli USA e si sente dall'accento americano.

[@ChristopherCameron]

If you don’t have a crush on the hyperactive italian woman now you’re lying.

[@Calcifurr]

I loved when the first guy he interviewed tried speaking in Japanese and couldn’t so started laughing instead. That was cute and funny. I laughed cause it’s so relatable hahaha

[@MarcoAshford]

You are the only comment here that didn't go thirsty about Italian girl.

[@KalaAltheaBalik]

Japanese language needs a mode change, that Italian lady did it like it was nothing, but for many people it takes a lot to do it suddenly or ever and if you aren't in that mode it just feels embarrashing.

[@I_Love_Water]

@@MarcoAshford i'm really trying to find other comments but it's impossible

[@claudinelauron4490]

I came across his channel in the past... And he really is a good teacher well-loved by his students. ❤ He always tries to communicate which is really great about him ❤

[@Celeste77789]

Getting better and so much more better 💪🏻😎✨ Amazing video once again ❤ Takashi-san you're awesomee!

[@johnymst]

everyone skipped to 6:55

[@judasthepious1499]

just skip to 6:59

[@handroidcool3532]

Your videos are useful to get more information about Japan in English 🙏🏻

[@takashiifromjapan]

Damn that’s a lot of money, thank you!

[@southcoastinventors6583]

@@takashiifromjapan Wish it was in the US :(

[@korruptnovellst4751]

Is that 2500 or 25?

[@AwZ420]

You can easly tell that Sonia is Italian by how she is talkin with her Hands lol 😂

[@tropingreenhorn]

Sonia is so expressive and articulate, and also stunning. I'm sure many people wanted to study with her she seems awesome

[@sunnyday6906]

I always love when italian talks lol her hand gestures are so expressive 😄

[@nayhem]

Watched quite a bit of Craig Ferguson back in the day. She's delightfully 🖐tuttsi frutsi 👋 all over the place.

[@supers0nic77]

🤌🤌🤌

[@NemoMangelk]

The Italian lady is insanely attractive.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I'm a native English speaker. I believe the Italian teacher speaks better than me.

[@SoniaCandy]

❤❤❤

[@Santiago_Handle]

@@SoniaCandy Aha! Italian teacher spotted in the comments! I'm subscribing to your channel now!

[@seasurf5801]

Damn where does she teach English? I need English lessons

[@yongwoo1020]

Even though I am a native English speaker, I feel the need to take English lessons from this remarkable Italian English teacher.

[@markfoy4340]

The italian teacher is amazing with her energy and so positive. Cute girl

[@vast634]

Ok, so that's one of the mysterious 10 out of 10, when ranking women.

[@luke_stout]

Hi Takashi, can you interview doctors in Japan? And maybe if there is a foreign one? (I think they are rare because I’m becoming a doctor next year and the process is hard to transfer to Japan). What is their life like? What do they like about health care in Japan vs for example America?

[@manubishe]

upvote on that one

[@gamebred6995]

Many tests to adjust

[@nyanayuki]

7:00 The Italian lady embodies the liveliness one needs to teach English. Often, students need that kind of charm to be learn actively or be motivated. And I love how she stresses out this fact: If you're a native (English speaker), it doesn't mean you're a good teacher. So thank you! She even motivates other English teachers 💛🥺 But the first guy, the one who expressed his difficulties in learning or using Japanese because it's not allowed in his school, I felt that. It actually helps some group of learners to give them an example in Japanese so they understand the exact feeling or emotion of the word/phrase. This was such a wonderful peak into the experiences of English Teachers in Japan. Thank you ,Takashii-san! Recommended your channel to some of my students who wanted to know how foreigners feel about living there as well. 😊

[@kamikoto1558]

yep and it scares me cos im not doung anything computer related so english teaching is probably the only option I have lmao.

[@snakejuce]

First guy was mad cool. He kept it grounded and genuine and showed the reality of it.

[@boomshakarlaka7237]

I’m an English ALT at an international high school and absolutely love my job. Learning Japanese is the hardest part bc of everything they said. Once I established English speaking Japanese friends, it was easier to practice Japanese with them. They also appreciate it because they feel like they’re doing something for me, and our relationship is mutual.

[@leechap3]

I had a very similar experience, except in France. My friends found me a good resource to learn English, and my best moment was the day I suddenly found myself speaking to them, and thinking, in French!

[@BarneyHunter12sBiggestFan]

That 2nd girl was such a vibe, loved her energy

[@pine.studios]

Sonia is probably the most beautiful person I have ever seen & her personality is just overwhelming with joy and she’s just like sunshine on a rainy day.

[@keysersoze5032]

She ain’t fucking u my guy

[@davidl5119]

Were you just born? 😂

[@SantiagoGonzalez-sl5lj]

@@davidl5119I'm 37 and she's definitely in my top 5 of beautiful people

[@SilentHillsJamesSunderland]

Simp….

[@Milan-mh4nc]

go outside more...

[@Thenineoh]

you seriously find the hottest girls for interviews lol