Foreigner wanting to be a hairstylist in Tokyo? How to make it happen?

"They are not racist and as a asian and a person who loves Japan am offended. If japanese are racist, then Amercians are racist against middle-easterns, mexians, and asians. Not to mention the whole world is racist towards Americans, and (insert whole history essay on racism)." LOL---you are offended as an Asian? Why? Do you think you have some special bond with the Japanese? LOL. The feeling is NOT mutual, I can guarantee you that. This is what happens when you watch anime and read comic books to understand the real world. Japan is a cool place, but saying there aren't serious issues is a lie, and saying that the reality offends you is typical for a person who learns about the world through media made for an 8 year old girl. So you watched a bunch of anime, and that's why you are a genius? The truth offends you? Then maybe you should stick to comic books, buddy. I suppose Americans can be racist. Japanese are too, but not all, thankfully. When it comes to institutionalized racism, the Japanese have us beat. So I guess you don't see this in Pokemon or Naruto or whatever, but when grown-ups try to rent an apartment (or even a parking space for gods sake) the issue of race and nationality come up--and being a foreigner will get you barred from many of the things that would fall under "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". (note that I'm not saying this idealized version is perfect in the USA either) Do you look Japanese? If so, maybe the cops won't stop you on your bicycle every day and ask to see your gaijin card, or for the bike registration. Have fun in Tokyo. And why not google the democratically elected governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara. He loves the Chinese. And keep in mind that he was elected by the good citizens of Tokyo, which is kind of an implicit agreement with the things he has said in the past. As for the question.---Go to Japan, learn the language at a language school, and then go to a technical college for hairstylists. There is at least one in every major city in Japan. If you make an effort, you can learn the language, and the staff at these language schools use their connections and help you a lot transfer into college or finding jobs. You would first need Japanese, and don't forget that you would also need to be personable, as some people enjoy chatting with their stylist about their lives while getting hair done. And you need to be over here to get an idea as to what kind of style is popular. And knowing English is Good--despite what that other little moron said, there are tons of foreigners in most bigger cities--Filipinos, Indonesians, Koreans, Chinese, Africans, not to mention English speakers, and a lot of them are dying for a hairstylist who can communicate with them. Lots of people come on here with crazy dreams about being a doctor and starting a hospital in Tokyo, or becoming an ice skater/sumo wrestler, etc, but I think your goal is quite easy to accomplish if you put a little bit of effort into it.

Simple. You need a four year degree to qualify for a work visa. Plus a job offer before you get there. The employer has to sponsor the employee. Most Japanese women won't go to a non-Japanese hair stylist. It's not because they're racist, but because they don't feel comfortable being with a non-Japanese in such a close situation. Japan is 98%+ Japanese. Many Japanese have never even had any contact with an American. You would need native level Japanese to talk to these ladys. Plus you would have to read and right as well. Sorry, it's just not a good idea.

I think your on the right path. When you goto college try to focus on how Japanese people talk hair.. I know there's alot of slang in English hair salons and I know that Japanese people will have the same stance. I would recommend working in the industry in your country so you can build a portfolio on the hairstyles you've done. This will give your japanese employer a chance to see your work visually instead of your word. Your best bet is to get a working holiday visa and save enough money to survive for 3 months. You'll have to type your resume in Japanese because a majority of hair salons in Japan will only speak/read english. Then just start hitting the pavement. Just like every other job, your going to have to work hard to find work, you'll have to work specially hard to find work in Japan. It's great that you can speak spanish, you could try a city called Hamaazu? Hamamutzu? it's in between Tokyo and Nagoya. They have a BIG spanish/Portuguese community there. Wish you the best of luck!!!! Hope this Helps

First off, I would like to say I have not achieved both our goals of living in Japan. So the information I give you is not of a person who made the dream but one with the dream in the making. So please take this into consideration before reading. Working more than 1 job is NOT the right idea. Its like saying, "If I fall, i'll just get back up." How about NOT falling and NOT having to get back up. You should go in with your head up high. Also, you don't need to live in Tokyo to be a hair stylist in Tokyo. Most people travel to Tokyo everyday by train/subway and it takes no more than 10-15 minutes with public transportation. Living outside is cheaper, less crowded and its not a long trip to get to "work". Work visa's I'm not quite sure, calling someone from the government that has connections with Japanese embassies is the way to go. They consider hiring people who are good. In fact, a lot of "foreigners" (I call them people) make a lot of money just because they're foreigners. Some do because theyre good but there are also some that make it big since they're of a different country/skin color/accent. Yes you can make your way around any city with just walking. The time is the issue. You don't need to walk since there is public transportation. Stations in Tokyo are close so you can get off at the station closest to your destination. The license is something you need to get cleared up by a professional or a person who has experience not online. Online is the worst source of information (other than mine!). Stop. Just stop. Stop thinking about foreigners and being a foreigner. Its ridiculous to think they're racist. Just be good at what you do and good things will come to you. Your question about paying more if you know more languages (other than japanese) is ridiculous. Why would a tourist go into a salon to get a hair cut while on vacation. That is a bonus but I doubt it relates to your skills in hair or salon. If you cant speak japanese no matter how good you are, if you don't understand the costumers style or what they want, it doesn't matter, now does it? If you do everything well - If life was that easy, right? I highly, no.. i'm TELLING you that basic japanese is not enough. I dont need to tell a salon person how many technical words they use and how hard it is. Try that in a different language. Now try that but getting a job in a Japanese salon in texas (I know thats not existent but imagine) Now try that in a different country. Yeah, you need way more than basic. Im sure you have done the research, who hasn't? Numbers don't seem big until you have to pay them off. They are not racist and as a asian and a person who loves Japan am offended. If japanese are racist, then Amercians are racist against middle-easterns, mexians, and asians. Not to mention the whole world is racist towards Americans, and (insert whole history essay on racism). You love everything about Japanese culture (music, art, etc) but you don't like anime/manga. Wait a second, I thought anime and manga was art.. Its not going to happen.. as easily as you might think. Sure there are foreigners there, sure theres people. But the percentage is low and the percentage of success is low. Consider winning the lottery. There are people that win but its so low. Luckily for you, you can increase your chances in this game of luck rather than a set percentage like the lottery. How do you know its not a dream and the hardships. You're 16. You are bilingual. Interesting. Im quad-lingual? English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish and basic Japanese. Though I consider spanish and japanese mixed since they're both basic to mid level. Im sure you are determined and if you aren't in tears by the end of reading this, then you are one step closer to your dream. I am not discouraging you. We both have the same goals of going to Japan and living there, but its a tough road and thats what im trying to convey to you. You can ask, "How do you know?" its because im not just some kid off the street. I know tons of people, personal friends who are in Japan right now and I know how hard it is. I've studied the culture so much that when I get there, the excitement will probably die out fast. Long story short, i appreciate you reading my answer as much as me reading yours. If you are mad at me, just take 2 things away from my answer. 1) They aren't racist. Thats racist to believe so. 2) Its harder than you think, and I know you say you know its hard but if it was "hard" then it'll be hell x1000 when you start the journey. Good luck. And by the way, im 17. By the way, please visit my website. I run a website that's dedicated to Japanese Pop Culture. This covers anime, manga, games, music, fashion, and more. Please check it out and suggest it to your friends if you like it :) Don't forget to bookmark us and visit us everyday too! http://www.michaeltang.net Thanks~

1. You would be a liability as many Japanese customers would avoid the salon if they saw a foreigner working there. If they were asked to explain their avoidance they say, "Oh, I thought it was a salon for foreigners..." either way, the salon owner would lose a large percentage of their business. 2. Near native level language ability is required for any job which requires contact with the general public. No allowances will be made for your inability to speak Japanese in a workplace. 3. You would not be able to get a visa to work as hairstylist in Japan. You would need to work illegally. 4. Your Texas credentials would not be transferable. Work experience never trumps credentials. If you want credentials pass the JLPT level one test and apply at a beauty school. You won't be able to work while going to school so make sure you save enough to live for a few years in Tokyo. Upon graduation from beauty school you can go on back to Texas because you don't have a visa to work in Japan and you are not Japanese (see #1 above). You love everything about Japanese culture? How about how Japanese culture views you. Do you love that as well?

I don't know the salon business, but visas are generally given when a position requires special skills, and locals cannot fill the position. I would assume that you'd have to speak some basic Japanese in order to have a good shot working in a salon there, even if they cater to non-Japanese clients. Either way, it seems best if you gain some salon experience in the US, before heading to Japan. Not sure where you live, but if you're in the LA or NYC areas, you could strike a chat with Japanese hairstylists to ask some questions. Tokyo is huge. You can't walk everywhere, but the train and bus system there is very efficient and easy to use. With an average income working in a salon, you could live in Tokyo. You won't be rich, but could live on a budget. Apartments outside of Tokyo proper are affordable, although very small. Gambatte!