If i was an educated man i would do it, i have always wanted to live or at very least go on a long holiday to either of those countries. If the opportunity arose now i would jump to the chance.

Ive been reading through the rough guide to Japan, if I had to choose itd probably be Hong Kong on the grounds of being an easier transition like Egg says.

Im more drawn to the Japanese culture on the face of things, however im not sure about the practicalities of living in Tokyo, the costs and space involved. Although the more I read about HK it seems thats just as overpopulated and expensive.

I need to find out more details on the jobs I think so I can see where I would be living.

The other worry is the culture of long working hours/work socialising every night. No idea if thats just rumour.

Also this is still very much speculation, Id have to apply and get a job before I could move, just wondering if I should apply at the moment.

Im sure either way youll find there are "western" places which you could survive on, "English supermarkets" and Ye Olde English tavern etc

If youre gonna do that dont both too be honest.

If nothing else can you get a free trip out there to interview / discuss roles etc... could be a worth a punt?

Do you work in FS?

Unless you have more than £80,000 in savings, the chances of you being able to live in Tokyo are practically nil. You should consider Chiba, Osaka or Kobe.

Why do you say that? I have practically 0 savings.

If nothing else can you get a free trip out there to interview / discuss roles etc... could be a worth a punt?
Do you work in FS? quote]

IT within financial services. And I think youre right, might be able to get a free trip for an interview.


Im waiting to here back with more details about the roles.

Unless you have more than £80,000 in savings, the chances of you being able to live in Tokyo are practically nil. You should consider Chiba, Osaka or Kobe.

LOL - its a bit more expensive than London where he already seems to be able to live no you dont need to have £80,000 in savings. A friend of mine at work spent 6 months out there just learning Japanese (not working) and it cost her a few thousand. Weve also got a very small office out there for consultants who service a couple of our Japanese clients - I dont think there is any requirement for them to have 80k in savings - in fact weve certainly sent a recent grad over to Asia and he likely had about 20k of student debt and 0 savings.

If hes going out there to work for a bank then hell likely get a relocation package and will probably be accepting a job paying more than hes currently earning in London. Given that not everyone currently living in Tokyo works for a bank and gets on fine all the same I think hell probably be OK somehow.