I think that if the person you seem to be now is the same years down the line, you'll have more important things to worry about than whether you'll have fun living in a particular country for an extended length of time. Most likely your question will be moot by then, with the criteria that seem to inform its current framing. If not...

@vix86, my understanding is that western companies in Japan tend to follow Japanese work culture, or somewhat of a hybrid. They still primarily employ Japanese employees. It would be interesting to hear from someone with experience from those companies.

vix86 Wrote:

fifo_thekid Wrote:

thecite Wrote:So you're on the undergrad scholarship?
Not knowing much Japanese would certainly be an obstacle to having a good time in Japan, but I'm sure you'll manage. You've only been there a few months and already have a girlfriend. 手が早いじゃん（笑）

I'm on a 1year researcher scholarship, then 2 years Master's scholarship
After that I'm planning to extend to Phd

I'm actually very curious since you are there on the Monbusho (the graduate one too), did you go via university recommendation or did you do the whole "apply to consulate/embassy->test->interview." I had been seriously considering trying to get it but after posting around I considered against it as I think I would of had a difficult time convincing them to give me it. What is your field of study?

I came through the embassy, but I don't recommend that u try that way coz it's very hard to do.

tokyostyle Wrote:

vix86 Wrote:How well does this translate over to western companies though, especially in the IT field. Because companies like microsoft, google, oracle, yahoo, apple, etc. all have branches and positions in Japan. Do they lean more toward having a western environment or are they infected with the Japanese work culture.

Microsoft, Google, and Apple are all very American style companies. Everyone I know that works at those places enjoy their jobs and they generally work sensible hours. I know people in other industries who work for western companies also have decent working hours. Unfortunately, even among foreigners, these kind of work environments are still the minority.

Oh!
That's a wonderful advice that I'll forever try keeping in my mind

$1= 77.955

Unless a person pushes a wheel-barrel full of money to the airport, moving to Japan from America is getting more difficult every week that passes. I am glad I am already here.

Regarding the issues with women in japan, I saw a girl wearing a 'I love geeks' t-shirt the other day. Seems like there is hope for everyone, including me.