Hi! My husband and I are planning to move to Sapporo, Japan from Canada next year with our soon to be born baby.
A bit about us:
I am Japanese, born and raised, and moved to Canada 13 years ago. I speak fluent Japanese and English. My husband is Canadian (Caucasian if it matters at all), speaks English and very basic Japanese. We are both in our early 30s.
My career is mostly in education, early years to middle school. My husband has a horticulture diploma, experience in landscaping, greenhouse and some outdoor farming. For the past couple of years he has been working in tech related field. We will both need to find jobs there, but I'm mostly wanting to ask about my husband's situation.
My mom lives in Sapporo so we will live with her once we move. We have some savings so I'm not too worried about my husband's visa or our survival for a year or so.
Because I have been away from Japan for so long and feel out of touch (big time) , I would love to ask for tips and questions to those who have moved to Japan.
-just in general, what are some preparations that were helpful for you or you wish you had done before moving there?
-What are some good course to take or skills to gain for my husband while we are still in Canada to make job hunting somewhat easier? If it's English teaching related, which course do you recommend? ( there are so many TESOL and other courses.....!)
-anything else we need to know? Things you were surprised or didn't know? Life? Custom? Tax implication? (I'll prob have to ask int. accountant for this but if you have any experience pls share!)
I have been away from Japan for so long and with my husband being Canadian, I'd appreciate all the perspectives! Thank you in advance.