Category: Blog

皆さん, こんにちは!

When we move to another country, we don’t just face changes in culture and language—we also face changes in our personal relationships. Loneliness can be a big challenge, but building a network of friends makes the experience much more manageable. Today, I want to share my experience with friendship in Japan and some tips for making friends in such a different environment.

💕 The Importance of Friendship When You Emigrate

When we move abroad, it’s normal to feel uncertain about how we’ll make friends. Whether we move nearby or to the other side of the world, the culture and customs are different, and adapting can be challenging.

Loneliness can lead to regret or even the desire to return home, but having a community that shares our language and customs can make the transition much easier.

Before moving to Japan, I spent five months in Mexico. Although my sister was already there, I was worried about not making friends. That’s why, before traveling, I searched for Facebook groups from my city and K-pop fan groups (especially BTS). I made a post and a girl added me to a WhatsApp group. Thanks to that, I met several people, and my experience was much richer and less dependent on my sister.

🌐 Why Having a Community Abroad is Key

Although it’s essential to meet local people, it’s also important to have a support group that shares your language and experiences. This helps:

• Provide emotional support during tough times.
• Share useful information about paperwork and daily life.
• Find company for outings or trips.
• Overcome loneliness and enjoy the experience more.

In my case, meeting other Argentinians with a Working Holiday visa in Japan was crucial. We formed a WhatsApp group that started with 3 or 4 people and eventually grew to 200 members. With the original group—around 20 of us—we’re still in touch and sharing experiences.

These kinds of communities become essential when facing challenges like job hunting, finding a place to live, or simply wanting to share experiences with someone who truly understands.

👘 Expectations vs. Reality: My First Experience with Friendship in Japan

Before coming to Japan, I tried not to build expectations, but I had heard things like:

• It’s hard to make Japanese friends.
• They’re very formal and reserved.
• They don’t say what they really think.
• Plans are always made well in advance.

Some of these things were true, but others weren’t. There are cultural patterns, but also exceptions.

What I Expected vs. What I Found

From the beginning, I had a positive experience. Besides the Argentinian group, I also made Japanese friends—mainly through work.

At first, it was hard to connect with one of them. Every time I invited her to go out after work, she said she couldn’t. I thought maybe she didn’t like me, or was being “tatemae” (what we would call fake in Argentina). But one day, she invited me out for a drink. That’s when I realized she really couldn’t before because she lived far away.

Friendship in Japan was different from what I was used to. In two years, we’ve hung out one-on-one maybe five times, but during those times, we talked a lot, laughed, I taught her Argentine slang, and we even filmed dance videos together.

More than “expectations vs. reality,” it’s about understanding that friendship in Japan can work differently.

How to find a job in Tokyo with Working Holiday Visa?

💬 The Language Challenge: How I Communicated at First

My Japanese friends speak English and have open minds because they’ve lived abroad or have foreign friends. That made communication easier. But if someone only speaks Japanese and isn’t used to dealing with foreigners, it can be harder to connect.

I tried to build a friendship with a girl I had followed on Instagram since 2019. We met up a few times and had fun dancing K-pop, but it didn’t go beyond that. The language barrier kept the relationship superficial.

Tip: If you want to make Japanese friends and immerse yourself in the culture, learning Japanese is key. The more you understand the language, the more doors will open for you. It helps to learn everyday phrases for casual conversation and to show genuine interest in their culture.

✔️ Practical Tips for Building Friendship in Japan

If you want to connect with Japanese people, I recommend:

• Studying Japanese.
• Looking for Japanese people who speak English or have lived abroad.
• Using apps like Meetup to find groups with similar interests or joining language exchange events.
• Being patient and understanding that friendship may develop differently from what you’re used to.
• Participating in local activities like volunteering or festivals to meet people naturally.
• Showing genuine interest in their culture—from food to traditions.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Where to Meet People

• Meetup and language exchange events.
• Work: If you’re on a Working Holiday visa, you’re likely working in restaurants or shops with both Japanese and foreigners. It’s a good starting point, although many of those connections end when someone changes jobs.
• Other apps like Bumble BFF.
• If you enjoy nightlife, you can meet people in bars or clubs.

🌎 The Role of the Latin Community in Japan

Just like in Mexico, I searched for Argentinians with a Working Holiday visa in Japan. We started as a small group and, over time, it became a large community.

With this support network:

• We helped each other.
• Shared useful information about work and life in Japan.
• Organized trips and events together.
• Built bonds that go beyond time and distance.

Some of us even ended up living in the same share house and working together.

Renting in Japan being Foreigner

☮️ Conclusion: My Path to Genuine Friendship in Japan

During my Working Holiday in Japan, I made incredible friendships and lived unforgettable moments. The hardest part was the goodbyes, but those of us who stayed in Tokyo became even closer.

The friendships we make when we move abroad are sometimes temporary, but they leave a powerful mark on our lives. And who knows? Maybe you’ll meet again somewhere in the world!

If you’re planning to come to Japan, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It may take time, but with patience and an open mind, friendships will come when you least expect them. Don’t shut yourself off from the experience!

よろしく,

花ちゃん。

皆さん, こんにちは!

How are you all doing? I hope you’re well!
In this post, I’ve put together a guide with the most important procedures you’ll need to complete during your first days in Japan.

I know — it can feel overwhelming at first, with so many things to take care of. But remember: all the effort is worth it, and you’ll have a whole year ahead to enjoy this amazing adventure that is the Working Holiday in Japan.

Keep reading so you don’t forget anything essential!

Step by Step 📝: How to Register Your Address at the Ward Office in Japan

The very first and most important step is registering your address at the local Ward Office (also known as City Hall) where you’ll be living.

If you’re staying at a hostel, capsule hotel, or something similar during your first days, keep in mind that you won’t be able to register that as your official address. You’ll need to wait until you move into a share house or more permanent housing.

Once you have your official address, simply search “Ward Office” or “City Hall” on Google Maps and head to the nearest one. If you’re lucky, you might find English-speaking staff. If not, no worries — a translation app will do the trick!

Here’s what to do:

• Let them know you want to register your address.
• Ask if there’s someone who speaks English. If not, proceed with a translator.
• You’ll be asked to fill out a form with your personal details and full address. Make sure to include the postal code, prefecture, city, ward, area, block number, building name, and room number. Here’s an example:

160-0004 Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Yotsuya 1-1-1 “Building Name” 101
〒160-0004 東京都新宿区四谷1-1-1 “Building Name” 101

Don’t worry about writing it in kanji — it’s perfectly fine to write it in romaji like in the example above.

Once you’re done, you’ll receive a number. Just wait until you’re called.
When you’re seen, mention that you’re on a Working Holiday Visa and request the pension exemption.

You’ll receive your Zaryu Card with your address officially registered, and you’ll also be enrolled in the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken).

Don’t forget to bring your passport!

➡️ Moving to a different area?
You’ll need to notify the ward office and re-register your new address to update your residency card.

Guide for your first day in Japan

Zaryu Card in Japan 🪪: What You Need to Know About Your Residence Card

So, what’s a Zaryu Card?
It’s basically your ID in Japan. This residence card is issued to foreigners who are staying for more than 90 days and proves your legal status in the country. You’ll need it for many things — from registering at the ward office to getting a job.

It includes:

• Your full name
• Nationality
• Visa type
• Expiration date

Since the Working Holiday Visa is valid for one year, your Zaryu Card will reflect that.

🛬 When you arrive in Japan, mention your Working Holiday Visa at immigration, and you’ll receive your card right at the airport.

National Health Insurance in Japan 🏥: Why You Need It and How to Enroll

When you register your address, you’ll also be required to sign up for the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken).

Even if you already have travel insurance, the national insurance is mandatory, and you must pay a monthly fee.

Why is this so important?

• Medical coverage: It covers most medical costs — hospital visits, medication, emergencies, surgeries, etc. You usually pay only 30%, while the insurance covers 70%.
• Fines: If you don’t enroll, you could face legal penalties.
• Family coverage: If you have dependents, they will also be covered.

If you’re hired by a company, they may provide their own health insurance, in which case you won’t need the national one.

Pension in Japan with a Working Holiday Visa: Do You Need to Pay? 🤔

The Japanese pension system can be intimidating due to its relatively high cost compared to health insurance. But if you’re on a Working Holiday Visa, you can request an exemption and avoid paying it.

What is the pension system?

It’s Japan’s retirement system. If you work for a company, a portion of your salary will go to the pension fund. In case you’re self-employed, you’ll have to pay it directly.

If you decide to stay longer in Japan, you’ll eventually need to start contributing.

My Number Card in Japan 🪪: What It Is and How to Get One

The My Number Card is a personal ID card with a unique number assigned to every resident in Japan. It’s used mainly for tax, social security, and other administrative services.

🧾 What can you do with a My Number Card?

• Access online government services
• Apply for pension, health insurance, tax returns, etc.
• Receive social benefits

Is it mandatory?

No, but the My Number itself is required for various processes. If you want the physical card, you can apply for it at your local ward office or online.
Just fill out a form, upload a recent photo, and wait about two weeks for delivery.

👉 More info on the My Number Card here

🏦 Opening a Bank Account at JP Bank: Best Option for Working Holiday in Japan

Lastly, let’s talk about opening a bank account.

When you first arrive, options can be limited. Many banks require you to have been living in Japan for 3 to 6 months.

In my case, the company I worked for used Mizuho Bank, which required at least 3 months of residence. So my first salaries were paid in cash. Later, my boss helped me open a bank account.

If you’re new to Japan, JP Bank is one of the best choices. They don’t require a minimum stay.

💼 Requirements to open a JP Bank account:

• Japanese address
• Zaryu Card

✅ Advantages:

• Quick and simple process
• Many branches have English-speaking staff
• No maintenance fees and international transfers available

How to find a job in Japan?

Final Thoughts: What You Should Know Before Starting Your Working Holiday in Japan ❗

These procedures might seem long or tedious at first, but trust me — they’re essential to help you get settled and avoid feeling lost during your first days in Japan. Once everything’s done, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy your time in this amazing country!

In upcoming posts, I’ll share personal experiences, recommended places to visit, the Argentine community in Japan, and much more.

Enjoy your adventure!

よろしく,

花ちゃん。

皆さんこんにちは!

In this article, I want to talk about one of the biggest concerns for people who just arrived in Japan: finding a job on a Working Holiday Visa.

Because yes — the Working Holiday Visa is meant for working and vacationing, right? And while you’re in Japan, of course you’ll want to enjoy it all: eating delicious food, visiting museums, going shopping, and a thousand other things! So don’t go anywhere — I’ll tell you everything you need to know.

🌐 Best Websites to Find a Job in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa

The easiest way — and how I and many others I know found our first jobs — is online. Most people start there. Below are the websites that helped me the most, but I’ll also explain why going in person can sometimes be the winning move.

Craigslist Japan

On this site, you can choose to view “all jobs” or filter by what interests you (though I recommend looking at everything). The site is in Japanese, but you can use a translator. Don’t worry — many job listings are in English.

You’ll find all kinds of opportunities here, but it’s important to read everything carefully. If something seems unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions. To apply, just click the icon next to the star and select the mail option.

YOLO

You’ll first need to create a profile and verify it using your Zairyu Card (residence card). You can also add an intro video to make your profile stand out.

You can filter jobs by area, Japanese level, and contract type. Common listings include factories, restaurants, hotels, and security positions.

GaijinPot & Jobs in Japan

These two are quite similar. You can filter by job type, location, and keywords. You’ll need to build a resume directly on these sites, and sometimes a cover letter as well.

A big plus: even if you’re not in Japan yet, you can start job hunting from abroad!

LinkedIn

If you already have a LinkedIn account, use it in Japan too. Update your profile, change the location, and write everything in English. If you know Japanese, that’s a huge plus! Though personally, I found more success using the other sites I mentioned.

Company Websites

If there’s a specific company you’re interested in, just Google the name followed by “careers” or “recruitment.” That should take you directly to the job openings. Another tip is to follow their social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.), as companies often post job ads there.

If there aren’t any current openings, don’t be shy — send them a message expressing your interest in joining their team!

🏢 Going to Hello Work Offices

Personally, I didn’t use this option to find a job in Japan on my Working Holiday, so I can’t say how effective it is.

Tips for your Working Holiday Visa Japan

These are government-run employment offices that help foreigners find jobs. Some locations have English or even Spanish-speaking staff. They’ll ask about your interests and experience, and help connect you with companies for interviews.

🔍 The Value of Applying in Person for a job in Japan

Nowadays it’s easy and comfortable to apply online, but showing up in person can give you an edge. If the hiring manager is there, you can make a great first impression. And at restaurants or food spots, you might get an on-the-spot interview — and even start working immediately!

Chains like McDonald’s and other fast food places are usually easy to get into.

Also, some shops don’t post online — they just put up a sign in the window. So always keep your eyes open while walking around! I suggest carrying a few printed resumes with you. Just be aware that some places will ask for a Japanese resume (Rirekisho). But don’t worry — you can download the format online and use a translator or search for “Rirekisho template.”

📝 Writing a Resume in Japan & Keeping an Open Mind

As I mentioned, for part-time jobs, an English resume is often enough. I made templates on Canva and tailored each one depending on the job.

For example, if I was applying to be a Spanish or English teacher, I didn’t mention my job at an ice cream shop in Argentina — but I did mention it when applying to a cookie store.

When I first arrived in Japan, I focused on finding jobs related to my background. But all my experience was in Spanish, and I had almost none in English or Japanese — which turned out to be a big obstacle. So I opened my mind and started looking for different kinds of work.

Why choose Japan for a Working Holiday?

🇯🇵🗣️ Do You Need to Speak Japanese or English to get a job in Japan?

A common question is: do I need to speak the language to get a job?

The short answer: no — but the better your Japanese, the more job options you’ll have.

As for English, if you don’t speak Japanese, it helps to know at least a little. But I’ve even met people who got jobs only speaking Spanish! Look for Spanish restaurants or behind-the-scenes roles like dishwashing or hotel cleaning, where no customer interaction is needed.

💁🏻‍♀️ My Personal Working Holiday Experience in Japan

During my first month, I took it easy and only applied to writing and social media jobs. I had a few interviews that seemed promising, but something was always missing. My lack of English-language experience was holding me back, so I changed direction.

One day, I went to get ice cream with friends at a cookie shop and saw a “We’re Hiring” sign. I wrote down the email, sent my resume, and soon I had an interview — and they hired me! At the same time, I sent my CV to a restaurant I found on Craigslist. The next day, they called me in for an interview — and I ran into an Argentine friend I had met in Japan! It was such a crazy, happy surprise. They asked me a few questions, offered me the job, and that’s how I started my first job in Tokyo.

Later, a friend offered me another job at a different restaurant. For about a month, I had three jobs at once. Eventually, I had to quit the first one — it paid the least and was the most tiring.

Tips and Benefits of the Working Holiday Visa in Japan

Over time, I kept working at the second restaurant (which ended up getting really popular among Argentinians and Brazilians 😂) and at the cookie shop. Both jobs were flexible and the people were incredibly kind. After a while, the cookie shop offered to sponsor my visa — and I still work there to this day! It’s been nearly two years now, but that’s a story for another blog post.

🎌 Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Working in Japan

To sum up: the Working Holiday Visa is perfect for getting flexible job in Japan, exploring Japan, and soaking in the culture. It’s not ideal if your main goal is to save a lot of money, but if your goal is to enjoy Japan and gain new experiences — it’s absolutely worth it.

Don’t get discouraged if you can’t find your dream job right away. Working in different sectors is also a great experience — and you’ll meet amazing people along the way. What matters most is to try and enjoy every minute of your time in Japan.

In my next post, I’ll talk about the paperwork we all hate: opening a bank account, registering your address, getting health insurance, and more.

よろしく、

花ちゃん。