Moving to Japan, or stuck in a job here? Leave with your route and a written action plan.
16 years in Japan · Network engineer · Former JET ALT
A 45-minute 1:1 Recon call to pick the way in that fits your career, budget, Japanese level and timeline. If Japan isn't right for you, I'll say so.
Normally $120. Free for the next 5 people, in exchange for an honest review.
45 minutes over video. No payment for the 5 free spots.
Three things you leave with
- A route that fits you45 minutes, live, on your career, budget, Japanese level and timeline. Teaching, IT, working holiday, or something else.
- A written summary and action planSent after the call, so you know what to do first, second and third.
- A follow-upOne follow-up email, plus a short check-in call afterward.
What happened after the call
A few people I've worked with, in their own words. I've kept it to first names and initials so they stay private.
The call itself was great. He actually takes the time to understand your situation, and since he's changed careers himself, the advice feels realistic and specific instead of one generic option like just negotiate or just find a new job. The follow-up PDF with the summary and action plan is what makes the session actionable afterward, not just a good conversation in the moment.
She came in to talk through a raise and a possible move out of database support. She left with homework and a written action plan.
- Starting point
- Database support
- Session
- Recon
- Japanese
- JLPT N1
- Goal
- Salary negotiation, then a move out of database support
- Status
- Staying put until the timing's right, with a salary plan in the meantime. In progress.
Una W. · Database Support · Tokyo
It was great having someone to bounce ideas off. I ended up with an offer from a digital marketing agency, but it was good knowing I had the IT roles as a fallback the whole time.
He had a CS degree but wanted out of straight IT work. While on a working holiday visa, he used the calls to test a move into marketing and got the offer 7 months in.
- Starting point
- CS degree, working holiday visa
- Session
- Early calls (Recon)
- Japanese
- JLPT N4
- Timeline
- 7 months to an offer
- Outcome
- Digital marketing agency
Aaron G. · Working Holiday → Digital Marketing · Tokyo
I was stuck in entry-level IT. Having someone listen, help me plan, and push me to aim higher made the difference. I got my PMP and switched to project management.
He had the CS degree and was still on the helpdesk after 10 years. What he was missing was a plan. He went for the PMP and moved into project management 4 months later.
- Starting point
- BSc Computer Science, 10 years IT helpdesk
- Session
- Early calls (Recon)
- Japanese
- Around N3 level (no test)
- Timeline
- 4 months to a career change
- Outcome
- Project management role
Mahmoud A. · IT Helpdesk → Project Management
Who this isn't for
THIS ISN'T FOR YOU IF:
- You're expecting this to move fast. Most of these paths run in months, not weeks
- You need official immigration or visa advice. That's a job for a licensed 行政書士 (visa specialist) or an immigration lawyer, not me
- You're curious about Japan in the abstract, not planning to live and work here
- You want someone to do the whole thing for you. I'll walk you through it, but I won't do it for you
Questions
What does it cost?
Nothing, for the next 5 people. In return I ask for an honest review afterward, good or bad. After that, the Recon call goes back to $120.
How long is it?
45 minutes over video. After the call you get a written summary and action plan, one follow-up email, and a short check-in call.
What should I prepare?
Nothing formal. Have a rough idea of where you are now (job, visa or country), your Japanese level, your budget and timeline, and the one or two questions you most want answered. A resume helps if you have one.
5 free spots. Book yours.
45 minutes · written action plan · honest review in return