Getting to Japan...and Staying There

[Schakal]

Sup y'all, I've decided that the goal of my life is to eventually become a Japanese citizen.

My two main reasons for coming to Japan are: I want to hit as much jpoon as possible, straight from the source, and I want to start a new life there. I'm not going to go on an Emo rant, I'll just say I want to get out of here and into an Asian country (Europe & N.A. are out), and my other options that I shall look into if this flops are Hong Kong, Taiwan, and S. Korea...mainland PRC China if all else fails.

I've initiated the research; I've read every thread in the Visa board and checked out the official Japanese sites. I'm still learning, so I'm wondering if any of you (who are presumably in Japan, permanently) can give me a few pointers. I am very determined. Here is my situation:

I'm 17, I was born in Russia but hold Canadian citizenship and speak flawless English. I recently graduated high school (in Feb) and am going to take a 3-year paid co-op program this fall (Computer Software Development and Network Engineering) which nets me an Advanced College Diploma, whatever the fuck that is. If I do it with honours I can complete a 2-month bridging program and study another 8 mo's for a Bachelor's degree in Applied Computer Science. Should I do it?

I'm taking this specific program because I am eligible for work placement in Japan, through the college, if I concurrently take 4 courses of Japanese through night school and get high grades everywhere, and am recommended by faculty. This will most likely be on a temporary work visa; would this whole procedure make it easier for me to gain permanent residence at a later date, somehow?

Also of importance; I have a criminal record. I used to sell/smoke weed and steal shit outta people's cars in high school. I got booked a few times for each. I also have a few drunk in public's on my civil record, however, the pertinent authorities have informed me that both records are wiped completely clean the second I turn 18. I am not reassured in the slightest; I fear some sort of "ghost writing" might remain which could cause insurmountable difficulties for my plans of Japan.

I guess my bottom line query is:
I'm 17 and my high school grades and course selection can get me into any program at almost any University/College. Please offer suggestions in regards to the SAFEST and SUREST way of getting into and staying in Japan; I care not for speed or ease. Please help me refine my action plan or offer completely new suggestions.

How do I get into and stay in Japan?

My contingent backup plan is teaching English but yo, I hear some of those dudes starved.

Thank you all kindly for taking the time to read this. I greatly anticipate and thank you first in advance for any help that you guys might offer me. Good day and good luck in all of your endeavours

[Greji]

[quote="Schakal"]
Also of importance]

Selling dope without a license is hard to get expunged from your record if you were arrested and convicted under that statute, even as a juvenile. That alone will get your visa refused by the J-authorities. You can only get in country if you submit and receive a waiver from the J-government. Do not hold your breath. Waivers take a long time and can be hard to get.

Sorry I can't give you more hope, but it's a fact of life in the land of rice and honey(s).

[CrankyBastard]

I care not for speed or ease. Please help me refine my action plan or offer completely new suggestions.

How do I get into and stay in Japan?

My contingent backup plan is teaching English

'fraid I don't have any advice other than my own experience.

Go to sea, study and work hard.
Get certified Extra master.
Study Japanese.
Find employment with a Japanese shipping company.
Get permanent visa (Japanese Citizenship )
Work your way up to Marine superintendent.
Retire in country.
Regret not having followed your parents advice to find work nearer home.

You did say that you care not for speed or ease but, on second thought, perhaps your contingent backup plan may be the way to go.


PS. Unfortunately, you seem to have contracted YBF, without the benefit of actual physical contact.

[omae mona]

Schakal - If Greji's right (and he usually is, even though he has questionable taste in romantic partners) you have a problem. But if you get past the criminal record problem, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• Permanent residence and citizenship are two different things. Read up on the difference.
• A college degree will significantly increase the employment opportunities available to you and the chances the government will grant a visa.
• Any time in the country continuously on a valid visa will help contribute to the 10 years you normally need to be in Japan to be granted permanent residence.

Now I'm going to tell you something you don't want to hear, and I know you're not going to believe me: you are still young and have no idea what you are doing. Your goal of becoming a Japanese citizen might even be a worse plan than your decision to deal drugs or to engage in theft was. Go to college, get educated, and spend a few years being an adult and experiencing what real life's about, before you decide on a life-changing course.

[Schakal]

Thanks for the replies.

Greji, thanks for the warning man. I won't get my hopes up and will be fully expecting that nothing can be done about that retarded bit of youthful shenaniganery, regardless I'll still contact the police, some legal advice and maybe the Japanese embassy in Toronto about it tomorrow. The peeps at the station DID *assure* me I had nothing to fear, for I explicitly brought up the topic of traveling to other countries. Then again, I'm aware that Japan is very sensitive in regards to crime as they have the lowest crime rate out of any country (that matters) and I'd imagine they'd like to keep it that way. Bureaucratic BS...it's a fucking all-natural, god-made plant...

CrankyBastard, that does sound like solid advice and I respect what you've done. What did it take you, 40 years lmao? Sorry I guess that's my mistake; a plan that will come to fruition within a reasonable time period (5-10 years) would be cool. Also I have no clue what YBF is, but judging from the context I'll assume it's Yellow Fever, and FUCK YEAH. I actually dated a half-Chinese girl for a few weeks about a year back. We did nothing too serious but maybe it's a delayed-blast effect.

Once again thanks! *offers daps*

Omae; I respect elder wisdom even if I do not understand it. However, turning Japanese worse than dealing drugs...hyperbole, surely?

[Taro Toporific]

However, turning Japanese worse than dealing drugs...hyperbole, surely?

"Turning Japanese worse than dealing drugs," is an understatement.]
[*]A university bachelors degree is much better for visa purposes than a 2-3 year "associates" degree
[*]Japanese Permanent Residence is better than citizenship
[*]A sealed juvenile criminal record may be detected by Japanese Immigration during your visa application process because the anti-terrorism records often show "expunged" criminal records
[/LIST]

[prolly]

by chance have you been to this board before and do you have a tattoo of an anchor on your lip?

[FG Lurker]

Being as how your record is in Canada and not the US (I assume anyway) I think there is a good chance that when you turn 18 it will get wiped clean. Checking with a lawyer is not a bad idea, but checking with the Japanese Consulate or Embassy IS a bad idea. Don't go telling them what they probably aren't going to be able to find out on their own (about your record). They won't be able to tell you what happens with your youth record in Canada anyway.

YBF is Yellow Beaver Fever... Most male FGs have it, myself included.

What OM said is very true though... I'm 36, what I thought was going to be "my life" when I was 17 bears no resemblance to the life I live now. I don't think this is uncommon... Go get your degree (you'll need it for a working visa here anyway), and then once you're finished that maybe come here on a Working Holiday Visa for a year and see what you think. Loving Japan (or Asia) and living here are often quite different.

On becoming Japanese, it currently means you would have to give up both your Russian and Canadian passports. Not a very good trade IMO. Getting PR here is perhaps a wiser goal.

[Greji]

(and he usually is, even though he has questionable taste in romantic partners)

You silver tongued son-of-a-gun. I'm no pushover, but I can be made.....

[omae mona]

However, turning Japanese worse than dealing drugs...hyperbole, surely?

Your little crime spree, in the long run, had no consequences for you since you did it prior to age 18. On the other hand, even moving to Japan temporarily, much less doing something extreme like changing your citizenship, will have a much bigger impact on your life than any decision you've probably made so far.

I'm not saying changing citizenship (even in the unlikely event you succeed) will ruin your life. I'm saying you know only a tiny fraction of what you need to know to make that decision. You haven't even set foot in Japan yet, have you?

[Ketou]

[quote="Schakal"]Thanks for the replies.

Greji, thanks for the warning man. I won't get my hopes up and will be fully expecting that nothing can be done about that retarded bit of youthful shenaniganery, regardless I'll still contact the police, some legal advice and maybe the Japanese embassy in Toronto about it tomorrow. The peeps at the station DID *assure* me I had nothing to fear, for I explicitly brought up the topic of traveling to other countries. Then again, I'm aware that Japan is very sensitive in regards to crime as they have the lowest crime rate out of any country (that matters) and I'd imagine they'd like to keep it that way. Bureaucratic BS...it's a fucking all-natural, god-made plant...

CrankyBastard, that does sound like solid advice and I respect what you've done. What did it take you, 40 years lmao? Sorry I guess that's my mistake]

If you are worried about about the Japanese immigration finding out about your wild youth, then ringing the embassy to ask them might not be such a good idea.
The slate will be wiped clean. I sincerely doubt J Immigration will be able to find out....

This will all be a moot point anyway....once you have actually lived here for a few years you will understand. Only total nutters get citizenship, and even they regret it later.

[GomiGirl]

Three words:

WORKING HOLIDAY VISA

As a canadian citizen you can get one very easily and come to Japan. You can work as an English teacher, russian teacher or in macdonalds. You are not supposed to be working in Entertainment or hospitality industries.

Use it to work and travel in your GAP YEAR. Then after you have sown a few oats, go to university. Do something that you are interested in and feel you are good at. If you have something to offer you can work in most countries but only if you have the degree behind you. Having a language is not enough.

[Mike Oxlong]

I think the concept and practice of a gap year is comparatively uncommon in Canada. The English and Aussies I've spoken to seem to know and take advantage of the custom far more that Canucks & Yanks.

[wuchan]

another one of these threads? Is this the wanabe eminem guy?

[kusai Jijii]

by chance have you been to this board before and do you have a tattoo of an anchor on your lip?

Very good!

[Yokohammer]

by chance have you been to this board before and do you have a tattoo of an anchor on your lip?

Don't think so. And it isn't that Parasitius guy either (whatever happened to that freak?).

This one is actually articulate for a change, and seemingly sincere, if a little misguided as to the value of Japanese citizenship. I'd say he deserves a fair shake until such time as he proves himself to be a chain-rattling loony like so many of the others.

[kusai Jijii]

Don't think so. And it isn't that Parasitius guy either (whatever happened to that freak?).

This one is actually articulate for a change, and seemingly sincere, if a little misguided as to the value of Japanese citizenship. I'd say he deserves a fair shake until such time as he proves himself to be a chain-rattling loony like so many of the others.

True enough.

[james]

Don't think so. And it isn't that Parasitius guy either (whatever happened to that freak?).

This one is actually articulate for a change, and seemingly sincere, if a little misguided as to the value of Japanese citizenship. I'd say he deserves a fair shake until such time as he proves himself to be a chain-rattling loony like so many of the others.

articulate, can handle orthography, isn't self-obsessed and doesn't post videos of himself not wearing a shirt. seems like a good kid to me. reading his post though, of course the first thing that jumps out at me is that he's 17..

the things i would tell myself at 17 now if i could..

[omae mona]

seems like a good kid to me.

Sure, if you're not the type of person that likes to leave things of value in your car.

[james]

[prolly]

i have yet to figure out how anybody who doesnt have their shit together at "home" thinks they can do better elsewhere with obstacles such as language and racism against them.

[GomiGirl]

i have yet to figure out how anybody who doesnt have their shit together at "home" thinks they can do better elsewhere with obstacles such as language and racism against them.

Well said..

Wherever I go, there I am

[omae mona]

i have yet to figure out how anybody who doesnt have their shit together at "home" thinks they can do better elsewhere with obstacles such as language and racism against them.

Well said. I am very hesitant to judge the OP since I've never met him in person, but it seems like multiple arrests once you're old enough to know better (and high school is old enough) is a sign of some pretty antisocial personality traits. I doubt they just go away when you turn 18, and I am really sure they don't go away when you move to another country. To the contrary, I think the stress of being in a completely unfamiliar environment brings out the worst in everybody.

So Schakal, even if you are thinking of coming to Japan temporarily, I hope you're very confident that you've grown out of your old habits. All of the offenses you engaged in are going to be treated MUCH more harshly in Japan if you have a relapse. You can end up in prison for a few years for possession of weed (and I ain't even talking about dealing it). Then you'll be deported, and have to start your career from scratch again back home.

So if you find that it's hard to follow rules, then Japan would be at the bottom of my list of countries to live in. They will make your life miserable here.

[kusai Jijii]

To the contrary, I think the stress of being in a completely unfamiliar environment brings out the worst in everybody.

Too true. Before coming to Japan, I was a pretty 'nice' guy. Now I'm a downright CUNT.

[Schakal]

Yo prolly, are you trying to piss me off?

I've been here once a few months ago (stumbled upon it searching for porn) and checked out the J-Babe thread. I didn't make an account or post shit. I'm against the permanent marking of the body, except for earrings on girls, and frankly I think a tattoo on the lip is fucking retarded.

Please explain how I don't have my shit together. I graduated from high school with good grades a semester early, am now searching for a job in landscaping or construction and I'm going to college in a few months. I just wanna fucking get out of here.

Racism is everywhere. I'd rather be given the evil eye by old Japanese farts and denied entry to a few places rather than be called "white boy" by some shitskins from the hellholes of India, who are trying to dress gangsta and act black when they haven't even seen a quarter of the shit I used to do on a regular basis. White people built this fucking country for them to come here and insult us, when they rot back home and come here because they can't build shit?? And we couldn't do a damn thing except swear back else we'd be suspended, expelled and charged.

Everyone who's not White or East Asian, which is the majority here in Toronto, hates or at least harbours some resentment for White people. I feel it and my friends feel it; it's like an almost tangible aura. Even when they're living here and taking advantage of the superior social infrastructure and standards of living thanks to the work of our fathers, instead of decomposing in India or Africa or whatever Punjaba-stan country they should be in. I'd rather take Japanese racism. At least they have something to be racist about.

So please. Millions of Immigrants overcome language barriers and racism everyday to escape from their shitholes, and to me, Toronto is a big shithole right now. I can't talk to any of my neighbours because they don't fucking speak English. I had 2 white chicks in my math class last semester. The rest were veiled. I hate this multiculturalist bullshit; I want to move to somewhere where everyone looks the same, speaks the same, and acts the same, no matter how hypocritical this concept may be.

I am fully aware that Japan is the complete opposite of Canada when it comes to crime. I wouldn't even dream of shoplifting a pencil while I'm there. I'd be a visitor in their country, and if I fucked up, the news would be like "THOSE GODDAMN GAIJIN ARE AT IT AGAIN" so I'd fucking take everyone with me AS WELL as getting my ass deported, so I know how to behave. I heard you can get executed for even possessing a GRAM of marijuana in Singapore, and I bet the rest of Asia is only slightly more lenient. Assuming I get in, I'm not going to fuck around.

Anyways, to all those who contributed real advice, I found it very helpful and I thank all of you sincerely. Thanks. And James, The Sign is one of my favourite songs lmao....(used to get slammed a lot for this in the car with my buddies hahah)

[kusai Jijii]

I'd rather take Japanese racism. At least they have something to be racist about.

Oh really? And what would that be?

[Schakal]

Well, I know for a fact that foreigners commit a disproportionate amount of the crime in Japan, so much so that they're having to fingerprint them. That's no reason to hate a particular individual or be convinced that every foreigner is a criminal, just as I don't hate all Indians or Muslims (my best friend is actually half brown), but I believe generalizations can be made about the collective. Most of the Indian people I know or have met usually act the same, and in a manner that I dislike very much.

So, if the chances of a foreigner committing a crime is greater than that of a Japanese committing the same crime, I think it is natural and completely justified for the Japanese to be distrustful and cautious in general. I don't think it's very polite to show open hostility, but hey, it's their country, they can do whatever the fuck they want, and the foreigner would have to respect that or leave (in my opinion).

So yeah. Their racism is justified because immigrants are committing more crimes in THEIR own country while seemingly bringing little to compensate for it. If I were to go to Japan and be violently racist against all Japanese, then that would be blatantly stupid. Why am I even in the country? Likewise, when third world immigrants come to Canada and disrespect the locals (of which I am not, but my friends are) just because of the skin colour, then I find that completely unacceptable. Alas, I am powerless to change it.

I fail to see how this has any relevance to my aspirations of relocating to Japan, though. I think I made it clear that I got my shit in order and am willing to put up with both racism and language barriers to achieve my goal, and that I want to live in an ethnically homogeneous society.

If any one thinks I'm still a criminal...I'm not. I fucking play Dungeons & Dragons and nerd it up with completely different people now. Make fun of me all you want. Happy?

[prolly]

i'm sorry who are you again? what makes you think my reply ("i have yet to figure out...") was directed at you personally? not everything's about you, man. now kindly fuck off back to your hidey hole and let the people who have at least been to japan talk.

Yo prolly, are you trying to piss me off?

[kusai Jijii]

Well, I know for a fact that foreigners commit a disproportionate amount of the crime in Japan, so much so that they're having to fingerprint them...Make fun of me all you want. Happy?

You are either a fairly good troll or the fucking love-child of AJ and Minihux. The 'fact' you so confidently speak of above pretty much sums up all of your worldly 'experience' and everything you 'know' about Japan.

And dont be put off by Prolly, keep posting. You're great for a laugh. Happy?

[Schakal]

Lol! Allright. Anyways, any further help would be appreciated. Peace