*Specialist in Humanities*
In the case of an applicant engaging in a job requiring knowledge of the humanities, he must have graduated from or completed a course at a college or acquired equivalent education majoring in the subject relevant to the knowledge necessary for performing the job concerned, or have at least 10years experience.

*International Services*
In the case of an applicant engaging in services which require specific ways of thought or sensitivity based on experience with foreign culture;

a. The applicant should engage in translation, interpretation, copywriting, instruction in languages, public relations, overseas transactions, fashion or interior design, product development, or other similar work.

b. The applicant must have at least 3 years' experience in the relevant job, except in cases where the applicant who has graduated from college is planning to engage in translation, interpretation or instruction in languages

***

Discuss.

CIRs get specialist in humanities visas and many of them do not have degrees relating to Japanese or anything to do with their actual job.

How did you learn English? Did you learn it at university? If so just print out your transcripts and highlight all of your English courses and try to use that to prove you have the necessary skills.

Hi guys,

Sorry to join this thread with no answers but questions...

If anyone has any hints as to where to seek advice regarding obtaining the above-mentioned type of visa, it would be greatly appreciated. I have over a decade of experience in translation, editing and localisation project management in European countries. It has never involved any Japanese but dozens of other languages, including Chinese and Korean (I don't speak them but know enough to be a successful translation workflow manager working closely with translators, reviewers and terminologists).

My level of *real* Japanese is +/- basic.

Having read the previous posts, I think I may be qualified for the "humanities" visa. The thing is I have no clue where to ask about it to be sure I get *valid* answers.

Thanks in advance for any kind of help!

Efeilliaid

A company has to sponsor you, which means you need a job before you get the visa. It is possible to self sponsor, but only if you already have proof of income over a certain amount in Japan (it's meant for the self-employed). It's pretty much a catch-22.

I work in translation here in JP and I don't think you stand much of a chance of getting a good job in the industry without more Japanese ability. Companies here don't need or want native English speaking coordinators since they can hire Japanese ones for less pay, without the visa hassle, and they'll be able to communicate with Japanese-only staff and clients. You can get a proofing job, but that's probably not what you want.