Japan is the Place to Be: Career, Thrive & Life Guide
My Journey: From the Streets of Indore to the Heart of Tokyo
My name is Akash Gautam, but many of you know me as “Indori in Japan.” That name isn’t just a brand; it’s my story. I grew up in a lower-middle-class family in Indore, a city I love, famous for its incredible food and vibrant community. My path wasn’t easy. I wasn’t a perfect student—in fact, I struggled with subjects like math. The dream of living and working abroad, especially in a country as advanced and unique as Japan, felt distant, almost impossible.
But a dream is a powerful thing. I was captivated by Japan: its culture, its technology, its way of life. I knew that if I wanted to make it there, I couldn’t just wish for it. I had to build a strategy. So, I made a choice. I dedicated myself to learning the Japanese language, I navigated the complex processes, and I made the move. Today, I live and work in Tokyo, and I’ve had the privilege of personally counselling over 500 Indian students and professionals on how to achieve their own Japan dream.
I see the same fears and questions I once had in the eyes of so many aspirants. You see the incredible opportunities Japan offers—a safe society, amazing career prospects, a rich culture—but you’re stopped by a wall of “hows.” How do I get a visa? How much money do I need? How can I find a job without speaking fluent Japanese? You look at official government sites like MOFA or Japan Travel, and you get facts, but not guidance. You get rules, but not a roadmap.
I wrote “Japan is the Place to Be“ to be that roadmap. After more than a year of writing, I poured every piece of knowledge, every hard-won lesson, and every insight from my counselling sessions into one place. My goal is simple: to replace your fear with a clear, actionable plan, and to show you that if a regular guy from Indore can do it, so can you.
Why I Wrote This Book: Your All-in-One Guide
I wrote this book because I believe that no one should have to abandon their dream because the path seems too confusing. I wanted to create the single, comprehensive resource I wish I had when I was starting out. This book is designed to be your trusted companion, taking you step-by-step through the entire process.
Here’s a look at what I’ve packed inside to make your journey a success:
A. Building Your Foundation: Visas, Finances, and Scholarships
Before you can enjoy Japan, you need to get there legally and be financially secure. This is often the most stressful part, so I’ve broken it down completely.
- Visas Explained: I provide a clear guide to the different types of Japanese visas for students and professionals, cutting through the confusing jargon you’ll find on official sites.
- Mastering Your Money: I give you detailed breakdowns of the real cost of living in Japan—rent, groceries, utilities, everything. I even include a cost comparison with the USA to give you a clear financial picture. My goal is for you to budget with confidence.
Unlocking Scholarships: For students, I’ve compiled extensive information on major scholarships like MEXT and those from JASSO, saving you countless hours of research.
B. Launching Your Career: A Blueprint for the Japanese Job Market
A job is the main reason most people move. I don’t just give you generic advice; I give you a specific blueprint for the Japanese market, especially for Indian professionals.
- High-Demand Industries: I dive deep into the sectors that are actively hiring foreigners, like IT, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, so you can see exactly where your skills fit.
- Practical Job-Hunting Tools: I show you exactly how to optimise your LinkedIn profile to attract Japanese recruiters and provide a list of recruitment companies that specialise in helping foreigners find jobs. This isn’t just about well-known paths like the JET Programme, which is fantastic but not for everyone; this is about building a long-term corporate career.
- Understanding the Workplace: I prepare you for the nuances of the Japanese work environment. Success isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about understanding the culture of punctuality, consensus-building, and respect that defines professional life in Japan.
C. Cracking the Language Code: My Realistic Study Plan
The Japanese language can feel like a mountain. I’m not going to tell you it’s easy, but I will give you a realistic and structured strategy to conquer it. I’ve laid out a complete roadmap to take you from a total beginner (JLPT N5) to an advanced speaker (JLPT N1). There are amazing free resources online, like the Yoisho Academy, but without a plan, they can be overwhelming. My book provides that plan—the study system that helps you master grammar, memorise kanji, and pass the exams.
D. Living Like a Local: Culture, Daily Life, and Thriving
Moving is about more than a job; it’s about building a life. I’ve filled the book with the practical and cultural knowledge you need to feel at home.
- Cultural Etiquette: I cover the unwritten rules of daily life that will help you navigate social situations with ease and respect.
- Advice for Indians: I’ve included specific tips that I know are important for our community, like a guide to finding great vegetarian food options in Japan—something that can be a real challenge if you don’t know where to look.
- Explore Your New Home: I also include travel itineraries to encourage you to see all that Japan has to offer, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. My goal is for you to not just work in Japan, but to truly live there. This book and my blog,
indoriinjapan.com, work together to give you both the foundational knowledge and ongoing tips for your new life.
More Than My Story: Voices from Our Community
Perhaps the most important part of this book isn’t my voice—it’s the chorus of voices from other Indians who are already living and thriving in Japan. I knew this book couldn’t just be about my journey. To give you true confidence, I needed to show you that success in Japan comes in many forms.
Inside, you’ll find the personal stories and advice of IT professionals, students on scholarships, entrepreneurs, and more. They share their real-world experiences, their challenges, and their triumphs. This isn’t just inspiration; it’s proof. It shows you that no matter your background or profession, there is a path for you. It transforms the book from an instruction manual into a conversation with a community of friends and mentors who are here to support you.
My Promise to You: This is Just the Beginning
When you get “Japan is the Place to Be“, you’re not just buying a book. You’re joining an ecosystem of support that I have built to help you at every stage of your journey.
It starts with the free, detailed articles on my blog. When you’re ready to get serious, this book gives you the complete, structured plan. And for those who need it, I offer affordable Japanese courses and personal counselling to provide tailored guidance.1
My commitment is to your success. I want to give you the tools, the knowledge, and the confidence to make an informed decision and turn your dream into reality.
This journey is one of the biggest you will ever take. Don’t leave it to chance. This book is the first, most important investment you can make in your future. It is the guide I wish I had, and it is my sincere effort to ensure your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun is a resounding success.
✍️ Bonus: Need Help Starting?
✅ Job hunting tips and real listings for foreigners in Japan
✅ Visa guidance made simple—no confusing search
✅ Resume & cover letter templates (Japanese & English formats)
✅ Life in Japan explained — from rent to ramen
✅ Travel guides & city recommendations for every kind of explorer
✅ Work culture insights to help you adjust and thrive
2 thoughts on “Why I Believe Japan is the Place to Be: A Message from Akash”
hey bhai I am a BSc in Computer Science student of 2022. My problem is that I have a gap of 3-4 years in my career because I was trying to pursue my career in music. But my family told me to look for a good job. And my dream was that if I want to do a job, I should do it in Japan and not in India. Is it still possible for me to get a job with a gap of 3-4 years?
Hey man career gap in Japan is considered a extremely huge red flag and if you don’t have a valid reason for it they would simply not even look at your resume and at your case having a 3-4 year gap for music is brutal it means no Japanese company would ever hire you as even a 1 year gap for foreigners is questioned and 3-4 year gap for music means just forget about Japan.