Plan to move to Japan next Spring, 1yr language school into full time job

by Zercx on Apr 17, 2026

I’m 29 and I want to experience living in Japan for at least 2 or 3 years. I’ve been to Japan 5 times before, mostly for like 3 week vacations but more recently I was there for 10 weeks for a language program. My Japanese level is about N3 going into N2, definitely enough for simple conversation and getting around on my own. I have about 7 years of experience working in Data Science, I have a Bachelor’s in Math and a Masters in Statistics. And yes, I’ve already considered everything around taking a pay cut and opportunity cost of moving and working in Japan. The truth is I’ve already been able to earn and save way more than I ever thought, and I don’t want to wait around for a ‘perfect opportunity’ to do something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. My current plan is to attend school for at least 1 year starting Spring 2027. While I will attempt to pass N2 this December, in case I don’t I will aim for next July in Japan. Regardless, I hope language school will help accelerate my learning but more importantly catch up my speaking ability. This will also give me an easier time getting into Japan on a student visa and make the job search a lot easier. I am American and native English speaker so I did considering going the teaching route, but considering everything I’ve heard about it, I think prioritizing my Japanese learning would be a better option for me. My goal is that while I’m in school I can search and apply for a job related to Data Science, and hopefully transition into a full time position. I’ve been told that I should try to do this now even if I’m currently outside of Japan, but the truth a lot of what I’ve seen requires candidates to already be in Japan. Also a lot of positions require at least N2 and to conduct the interview in Japanese, and I’m not confident enough to do that right now I’m still giving myself about another year to work, study, and make sure it’s what I want to do, so any advice or feedback is appreciated, thanks!

Comments

by beginswithanx on Apr 17, 2026

Be careful— positions that require people to “already be in Japan” may actually mean that they only want candidates who don’t need visa sponsorship (spouse visa, PR, etc). So even if you were in Japan those jobs may not be available to you as you’d need visa sponsorship.

by Zercx on Apr 18, 2026

I never thought about that, that's good to know, thanks!

by Mean-Leave-6573 on Apr 17, 2026

If the finances are there, why not give it a try? It's a great chance to immerse yourself in Japan for a year. You can support yourself with part-time teaching while you study, and once you pass the N2 or N1, you can start looking for long-term career opportunities whenever you feel ready. You never know where this could lead unless you try. Good luck OP!

by No_Chemical9577 on Apr 18, 2026

Good luck, I heard the N2 applications are gonna be packed since it’s going to be a requirement for some visa types. Everyone is trying to get it atm since it was made a requirement starting last week.

by spshkyros on Apr 18, 2026

Something you should be careful of - many data science jobs require N1/fluent rather than N2. The dispatch company I am working with refused to look at them at all with me because of that. Instead I'm working in AI engineering, which seems happy with N2. I noticed this trend as well when I was looking for ML jobs. Not discouraging you, just be aware that language requirements are field dependent even in adjacent disciplines.

by Zercx on Apr 18, 2026

This is something I noticed as well looking at some DS postings, and honestly it makes sense considering a big part of the job is presenting findings to mangers/customers. I have also started to pivot more towards AI Engineering/MLOps Thanks for the insight!

by nuvati on Apr 18, 2026

Same position as you without masters and the big wallet. Will do the same thing as you have listed here, maybe even aim for the PR for high skilled visa if I liked my 1-3 years lol

by rustytromboneXXx on Apr 18, 2026

Yeah get back to us then pls. You’re probably not one of the very high percent of ppl that can’t do it long term.

by nuvati on Apr 18, 2026

What's with the hate? I'm literally telling him that I am in a "lesser" position than him, but I would still do it. That's my push to him to actually do it.

by capt_tky on Apr 18, 2026

> catch up my speaking ability. This will be key. Doesn't matter if you u pass N2 if you can't have a conversation at that level. Most data related jobs will need N1 at least too, so that's another hurdle. Be wary of any jobs that says "Native level" Japanese too - basically means they want someone who is Japanese but can't say that.

by Die231 on Apr 18, 2026

Transitioning from a student visa to a work visa is actually quite easy and you don’t even need N2 for that, as long as you keep your salary expectations in check that is, average salary in Japan is around ¥300,000 a month, in fact i know people in the same field as you and with more experience and they make even less than that. Don’t use Reddit as a reference, everyone who posts here is a tech bro with VP levels of expertise making over 10mil a year, that is NOT the reality of the Japanese job market.

by Comprehensive_Mud803 on Apr 18, 2026

You might to want to reconsider the financial plan, in light of the current price hike for visas. That said, I’d entirely skip language if you’re N2. There are plenty of opportunities to just change from an existing job into a local company. (And it’s easier when you’re not unemployed and under visa pressure). Then again, you’ll probably be bored by how Japanese companies handle software development and data science. I’d recommend getting into a western company with offices in Japan, otherwise you’ll experience an immense culture shock.

by Massive-Cabinet8386 on Apr 19, 2026

Can you elaborate on how J companies handle software development?

by HalfbakedMethods on Apr 18, 2026

Why do the same as other people when you have: 1) 7 YoE, 2) Some grasp of the language already, 3) money to spare? Language school will prepare you for tests, not give you the skills you need for a corporate job. How about paying for a private tutor instead? With your experience I'll say it makes more sense to use Mid Tenshoku instead to find a job. Good luck.

by LuHamster on Apr 19, 2026

Where are you from at 29 you could get a working holiday visa if your from the right country? Though I assume your American from the way you type?