Most of you who apply for Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) jobs already know a bit about the job involved. As a major step towards improving English language education in Japan, the Japanese government introduced English language instruction from elementary to high schools. An ALT works together with a Japanese teacher to teach English in those schools. These teaching assignments are available in high schools, junior high schools and elementary schools throughout Japan.
This is a question each gaijin asks himself/herself before entering to this land of rising sun (and cutting-edge technology). The biggest hurdle as we gaijin see is the language/communication. However, my general advice would be not to worry too much about it. People are friendly here and most of them can speak at least a few words in English.
Adapting a Japanese lifestyle may seem difficult but as you start living you get adapted to it natuarally. So what are those unique qualities that indicate a person turning towards a Japanese lifestyle? Here are some indications that may make you realize that you are adapting this lifestyle!
The number of foreigners coming to Japan has increased in recent decades. There has been a demand for native language teachers, in particular English teachers for Japanese primary schools and private language schools. There is also a high demand for IT professionals to cater to the demands of IT savvy Japanese companies. The living conditions in Japan are comfortable because of all ultra-modern gadgets and Japan 's super high-density very punctual railway network. However, day to day life in Japan can be different from what some foreigners are accustomed to in their home countries.
A rare tornado tore through the Tsukuba city, about 60 km north of Tokyo, to kill one and injure several around noon on May 6th - the last day of the Golden Week. Many houses were devasted by the passage of the extreme event, which is very rare in time of the year in and around Tokyo.
An ameture video that captures the dance of this giant weather phenomenon:
The Golden Week in Japan (locally known as Ōgon Shūkan or Ōgata Renkyū) is observed between the end of April and begining of May. A series of four holidays closely spaced together and together with the weekends, the Golden Week becomes Japan’s one of the busiest holiday seasons. Many Japanese take paid vacations on the remaining workdays in the week, some companies even close down completely to give their employees the much required vacation time. Flights, trains and hotels are often sales at significantly higher rates at this time. Many Japanese travel to popular destinations in Asia, Guam, Saipan, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vancouver, as well as cities in Europe and Australia.
With the cherry blosoms, the mechanical life in Japan turns to an enchanting one. The general moods in those beautiful parks become very lively with great foods and wines in such Hanami practices. "Hanami" is the traditional festival in Japan said to have started during the Nara Period (710–794) for picnicking under a blooming cherry or plum tree.
Usually in Japanese short poems, tanka and haiku, "flowers" meant "sakura." The practice of enjoying foods and drinks (usually Japanese rice wine called Sake) under the Sakura trees was originally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court. But by the Edo period, it has spread to the common people as well.
I'm a 30 year old male seriously seeking a teaching position in Tokyo. I have a Bachelors Degree of General Studies with a Minor in Business, and a Commerce Diploma. I currently reside in Vancouver, Canada and I would like to relocate to Japan by September.
I can provide a resume upon request and can be reached via email at sbs@sfu.ca.
Sean Sullivan
Looking for part-time teaching jobs in Japan? Teaching English but no qualification? Are you tired of absurd Japanese school/office policies and dress code? Pick your own lesson fee, schedule and location and then students will directly contact you! Register now and make your teaching profile online!
Tesol certified native Speaker with 4 years teaching experience
actively looking to secure an ALT teaching position in the southern
districts of Japan.
As south as Tokyo and further south.
Most of my teaching experience took part in Taiwan with the exception
of one year in Morioka Japan.
The number of foreigners coming to Japan has increased in recent decades. There has been a demand for native language teachers, in particular English teachers for Japanese primary schools and private language schools. There is also a high demand for IT professionals to cater to the demands of IT savvy Japanese companies. The living conditions in Japan are comfortable because of all ultra-modern gadgets and Japan 's super high-density very punctual railway network. However, day to day life in Japan can be different from what some foreigners are accustomed to in their home countries.
The Golden Week in Japan (locally known as Ōgon Shūkan or Ōgata Renkyū) is observed between the end of April and begining of May. A series of four holidays closely spaced together and together with the weekends, the Golden Week becomes Japan’s one of the busiest holiday seasons. Many Japanese take paid vacations on the remaining workdays in the week, some companies even close down completely to give their employees the much required vacation time. Flights, trains and hotels are often sales at significantly higher rates at this time. Many Japanese travel to popular destinations in Asia, Guam, Saipan, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vancouver, as well as cities in Europe and Australia.
With the cherry blosoms, the mechanical life in Japan turns to an enchanting one. The general moods in those beautiful parks become very lively with great foods and wines in such Hanami practices. "Hanami" is the traditional festival in Japan said to have started during the Nara Period (710–794) for picnicking under a blooming cherry or plum tree. 
Looking for part-time teaching jobs in Japan? Teaching English but no qualification? Are you tired of absurd Japanese school/office policies and dress code? Pick your own lesson fee, schedule and location and then students will directly contact you! Register now and make your teaching profile online!