fit blog

Freelancing in Tokyo: Message stays the same

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:04:00 -0600

Two weeks into the new year, my message on this website and in my book remains the same: It's up to you. I still meet people here in Tokyo who seem completely unaware of other job opportunities that they are most likely suitable for, such as voiceovers, editing, commercial/model work, magazine/newspaper writing. It's not a big mystery, folks; it's all there waiting for you if you want to take the time to explore the options. So, again, FIT offers all the information you need to hit the ground running in Tokyo, and if you don't want to read the book, at least check out the Helpful Websites section to see the myriad ways you can interact with this wild 'n crazy city, make your presence known and get going.

I have had my highs and lows as a freelancer here, but I have survived just fine thanks, and I still get a variety of good freelance jobs 18 years into the game. If you put in the time and effort, I strongly believe you can have a successful career as a freelancer in Tokyo, calling the shots and getting what you want. Key words are "time and effort.

Freelancing in Tokyo: it's Up To You

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:03:00 -0600

FIT was written to help people find excellent freelance job opportunities in Tokyo, especially those that do not require specialized or technical skills. Since the 3/11 earthquake and all the insanity that has followed, I have questioned whether FIT continues to have value. That said, I can only share my truth: even now, three years after FIT was released, and after all that has transpired since the quake, I continue to experience almost everything I wrote about on a daily basis.

What does that mean for you? There are still any number of well-paying freelance jobs available. This last week, for example, I worked several music gigs, did a two-day video shoot, edited and proofread articles for a magazine, did a songwriting consultation, and fielded offers for voicework, teaching and singing jobs. Yes, I have been here 18 years; yes, I have contacts. But I can promise you, those contacts would be just as willing to consider hiring a "new face" (as you might be referred to in Japan)... and sometimes instantly. It all depends how you present yourself. I'm going to say with a fair level of confidence that I have presented myself well.

The point is: Take advantage of what I am offering you; very few people have. FIT, both the book and the website, are filled with numerous tips to help you have a successful freelance adventure. And in order to continue to provide you those tips, I have decided to focus more on my own freelance adventure and will only post once a month or so, updating the Helpful Websites page as I go (I use it almost constantly and highly recommend it). In the meantime, if you do decide FIT is for you, and if, in fact, you follow what I outline in my book, I can almost guarantee that you will have a successful experience. Ultimately, though, it's up to you. Meanwhile, I wish everyone happy holidays and a healthy, happy, successful 2012.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Reflections

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:03:00 -0600

Is it that time yet? I'm afraid it is. Another year is nearing an end. It's been a rough one for many of us, with the 3/11 earthquake defining almost every step we've taken since. For those of you who are in Tokyo, it may seem as if nothing at all happened. Everyone still seems to be rushing around, wrapped up in their own private worlds, jabbing at their phones, oblivious to all other realities except the glowing screen in front of their faces.

But for many others, the impact of 3/11 will reverberate for the rest of their lives.

I just want to say today... please keep those people in your thoughts. And maybe, if you can, take a moment from the craziness and ask yourself "what can I do to help?" That may mean volunteering, in ways big or small, donating food, services or money... or creating situations where you yourself spearhead events that can benefit those who may be facing a challenging holiday season.

With the weather getting colder, and the last of the beautiful autumn leaves falling, I just felt a little introspection was in order.

Wishing all of you a healthy, happy holiday season.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Embrace The Day!

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:49:00 -0600

We are fast approaching the end of the year. Everything seems to be speeding up. I don't know if that's because we have built-in clocks telling us to get with the program or if it the sense of urgency has been created by advertising companies. My point is this:

Some people are "looking forward to getting this year over with." And to that I say: Why? Why would you "want to get the year over with"? Is next year automatically going to be better? Is tomorrow automatically going to be better?

I am one of those people who have pegged hopes and dreams on January 1. It is symbolic in every way I can think of. But this year... having seen so much tragedy and disaster and having heard about or witnessed unbelievable acts of cruelty that human beings perpetrate on each other and themselves, I can only say one thing: Embrace the day. We have today, we don't have tomorrow. Shouldn't we make this day the best?

I know this isn't exactly a "Freelancing in Tokyo" blog post... but in another way, it is. Because I see people (and I'm on that list) sometimes trudging through their existences, thinking they "have to" do certain things. And the thing is: No you don't. You can quit your job, you can change your job, you can adjust your life, you can try something new, you can be someone new. But in order to do that, it takes courage. Sometimes I've had that courage, most times not. But when I've had it, I've been able to step up to the plate and get what I want in this country... and I do not speak fluent Japanese and I do not kowtow and accept every situation that is offered to me. I speak up -- and sometimes I get excommunicated for it, but I don't really care.

What I care about is focusing on what I do best and earning a living at doing that. That means being brave and facing fears and really taking giant steps (not baby steps--please, I never want to hear that again from anyone!) towards whatever that goal is.

So... yes, holidays are here. Yes, I want to enjoy them. Yes, this time of year is often filled with stress, sickness, depression. But, and this is all new for me, I do not want to "get through the rest of the year." Because tomorrow isn't promised. So, I embrace today and whatever it offers me -- and whatever I offer it. And I endeavor to choose the best of both.

Living in Tokyo can overwhelm--I know that, I've written about it; I still experience it on a daily basis and sometimes it drives me starkers (I love that word). But I also have beautiful friends and a loving partner and a great place to live and freelance work--enough to give me the time to have made two films and to complete my second screenplay, which I am incredibly proud of. So... next year might be better, but all I know is today so, I'm embracing it... and hoping you are, too.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Remember Who You Are (Were)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:33:00 -0600

I have lived in Japan for 18 years. I have done my best to adapt to all customs, traditions, foods, manners, etc. But there is one thing that I will not give up, which is Thanksgiving Day. I am an American, and, for me at least, Thanksgiving meant family and food, shared in the loving atmosphere of my parents' home.

The November 24 holiday is part of my life, my world, my memories, my emotional well-being and more. It resonates on many levels for me, and I have extremely strong recollections of the majority of Thanksgiving dinners I participated in as a child, all the way through to my adulthood.

The reason I am posting this is: Because any foreigner who comes here will adapt/bend/adjust to Japanese ways, they may willingly, happily or begrudgingly work on Thanksgiving Day. After all, it is not a holiday here. And there are many opportunities to have a turkey dinner at any number of restaurants that cater to Westerners. But for me, it is not a quick dinner (or a long dinner) eaten at a restaurant. It is a time to be spent in my home, with those who mean the most to me, to reflect on all that I have been given, all that I have been allowed to enjoy, a time to reflect on how lucky I am to have what I have. So, I have chosen not to work on this day. I have planned to invite my closest friends to my modest home for a Thanksgiving dinner; I've done this in the past, and it was truly enjoyable. But this year, about 95% of the people I asked are all working. What can I say? That is the idea behind FIT, isn't it? Saying yes, showing up, being there, no matter what?

Well, yes, partly so; and I have said as much in my book and my blog; it is how I achieved a level of success here. But I have noticed something about people who say "yes" to everything, no matter what the day is: there is just the slightest detachment from who they used to be. This is something I sense, not something I know. Others might think I'm nuts (and others might be right), but I get a distinct feeling when I'm around people who agree to work on any date of the year, no matter how special, important or otherwise, that something is missing in their hearts. Again, just an observation.

This is not a condemnation or a criticism. There were many times I worked on Christmas Day here--but I can still remember the first time I did, saying, "What am I doing?"

So, yes, I am in Japan, and yes, Japan has been good to me, and I will not forget that. But I will also not forget who I am and if it means losing 20,000 yen or more so that I can create one day of warmth, love and food to be shared amongst those who are close to me, then so be it. It is part of my culture, my tradition, my world, my fabric. And I do not want to ever forget that. So, on Thanksgiving Day, I will prepare that meal and if I don't have the houseful of guests that my parents had, I will at least have a few close loved ones and that will be enough to help remind me of what the day is supposed to be about--at least as I experienced it in my childhood, and as I would like to experience it for the rest of my life.

Whatever plans you have on that day or any other holiday that you hold special or sacred, I hope you will take a moment out of your life and at least acknowledge the holiday, because there are reasons that we celebrate them, and if we just blow them off, then what is the point?

Freelancing in Tokyo: Support the Foreign Community

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:39:00 -0500

If you are a foreigner living and working in Tokyo (no matter whether you call yourself a gaijin, a gaikokujin, a foreigner, or a non-Japanese), you will most likely, at some point, feel a sense of isolation or loneliness or some great desire to connect with something comforting or familiar. The solution to this, in brief, is to connect to and support the foreign community.

There are any number of ways to do this, whether it be patronizing restaurants, enjoying performances, or participating in classes that are run by members of the foreign community. This is not to suggest that you therefore shut the door on your Japanese life. I encourage you to bring your Japanese spouses or friends with you to any of the aforementioned places. These are simple ways of expanding your network, making new friends, learning more about what's available to you in our incredible town and a way to stay connected, because, again, it's easy to become isolated here, and there's no good reason to allow that to happen.

For me, it has always been an eye-opening experience to see what members of the foreign community can achieve here in Tokyo or anywhere in Japan, knowing the many hurdles they have had to leap over. Today I'll just mention three places that I've personally enjoyed and which you might too:

The Kimono Wine Bar & Grill: This is where we hold our monthly FIT gatherings. Located a few minutes from Nogizaka station on the Chiyoda Line, the Kimono is a charming bistro with absolutely delicious food. Run by entrepreneurs Chris and Lauren Shannon, the Kimono is a great place for lunch, dinner, brunch, wine tastings, meetings, private parties -- the list goes on and on. From the website: "a euro-fusion bistro, with great wines and delicious classic dishes with a twist." Lauren also has a superb catering service, To the Moon and Back, which I have used frequently.

A new restaurant on my fave list is MartiniBurger, run by the talented designer Eliot Bergman. Located a short walk from Kagurazaka station, Tozai Line, MartiniBurger has a cool New York vibe, great burgers, incredible comfort food side dishes and martinis that, I must say, blew my socks off. It also serves the elusive chocolate egg cream soda which is a fun treat for the uninitiated.

The last item for today is an essential one: Laughter. How many times have you had a moment during your day in Tokyo where either you've seen something culturally jarring or charming or incomprehensible, and wished you could share it with someone else who could understand? People who might understand your feelings run the Tokyo Comedy Store, which has a weekly improv show that will definitely get the belly laughs going. I've seen it, I was pulled up from the stage to participate in one of the scripts, and I laughed long and hardy... and I'm sure you will do the same.

This is a short list, I know, but it's a way to get started connecting with members of the foreign community, if you haven't done so, already.
Of course, I can't let this entry end without mentioning my own group, "Freelancing in Tokyo." We have a page on Facebook for quick updates, and you can become a follower on Twitter, as well. FIT has monthly get-togethers at the Kimono Wine Bar where we gather to view unique films made by the West about Japan. This month's offering is James Bond's only film in Japan to date: "You Only Live Twice." See the News page for more info.

Well, I'll let you get on with your freelancing day. I've got tons of stuff on my desk to get to, but I wanted to make sure I touched base with everyone and let them know that there are so many ways to connect and be involved with the foreign community, and what easier entry than through great food and entertainment?

Hope to see you soon!

Freelancing in Tokyo: Saying "Yes"!

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:22:00 -0500

It's been a long time, I know. Where do we start?

Well, how about this: I've been busy doing everything I wrote about in my book. After a long dry spell, I have been rewarded (can't think of a better word) with almost too much work. But the way I've done that is to keep saying "yes."

"Yes" is the operative word, whether you want to do the job or do the audition or take on another assignment. That is how most of us get more than enough work to allow us to finally say "no" -- but until that day comes, if an offer of work comes in and you can't think of a good reason to turn it down other than the fact that you don't feel like doing it, then say yes. It might pay off in ways you can't imagine.

Now... obviously, if you don't want to teach English at 8:00 a.m. at a location that's 90 minutes away from where you live, you're not going to say "yes."

On the other hand... I said yes to jobs like that, too. (Yeah, I did.) What is the importance of taking those jobs?

I think the value is, other than a paycheck, to help you realize who you are, what you really want to do, how you want to spend your time, and how you want to make your money.

I said "yes" to almost everything... and at this point, I am called upon regularly by a small group of people who I know and trust who reward me with enough regular work that I have been able to focus my free time and energies on my creative efforts.

Is this peculiar to being a freelancer in Tokyo? Perhaps not. But one thing I've noticed is: There is a team mentality in Japan. If you become part of that team and you are "here" and you "put in your time" -- that can be rewarded, again, in ways you may not be able to imagine.

So... just keep this thought in the back of your mind and touch base with me and let me know how your "say yes" story has worked out for you.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Working it!

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:05:00 -0500

It's been a long time -- I know. I would apologize, but as I was told by my writing coach: "Don't apologize, don't beg." That advice makes me rethink almost everything I do. So, no apologies, but explanations:

To my amazement, I have been so busy freelancing (and working on my script, see my blog) that I have had time for little else. That's how it's supposed to be here. I have parlayed a few contacts that I have made recently into enough work to survive each month, plus some wonderful people I've either met (or met again) at networking or at social functions have hired me for various voiceover or editing jobs... and... the work keeps coming in and I am not doing anything to get it. Now why is that?

I think it comes with having the right attitude and it also comes with doing the job well, not complaining (too much), and showing up and being professional. I'd say I have a 99.9% batting average with those points and that's why I have more than enough work to keep me busy but still allow me to pursue my bigger dreams, which are producing/directing screenplays/teleplays.

Tokyo and its denizens never fail to amaze me and all I can say is: if you want work, it's there. If you want love; it's there. If you want to make a movie, or an album, or put on a play or open a restaurant or be whoever you thought you couldn't -- all of it is achievable here and except for the language barrier (not for everyone obviously) and what I would call a Byzantine set of rules and regulations... there's nothing to stop you from achieving your dreams.

That's all the energy I have today because I've been following my own advice and I'm out FITting myself into a stupor. So, drop a line, say hello, tell me what you've been up to. I'm out there working, like the rest of you, edging ever closer to the pot of gold at the end of Rainbow Bridge.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Culture Clashes

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:31:00 -0500

Culture clashes. You've heard of them; have you experienced them? In our situation, we specifically refer to the Western experience in Japan. The picture above is a great example. On the left we have McDonald's, which established itself in Japan over 30 years ago. On the right, we have tables of squid drying in the hot summer sun. They seem to be existing peacefully side-by-side. But are they?

Culture clashes are defintely part of any experience when you travel to or decide to live in a country markedly different than your own. Despite the "Westernization" of Japan, Japan is still Japan. In other words, do not make the mistake of making assumptions about things you see or hear. Why is this important for you, the freelancer?

Perhaps the answer to that should be obvious. But I have discovered that for almost every foreign acquaintance I have, those clashes continue, even after lengthy stays in Japan, and even despite the fact that some of those acquaintances speak fluent Japanese.

Although I have covered this "culture clash" in earlier blogs, I believe it bears repeating: Generally speaking, in the Japanese entertainment industry, the amount of payment, the percentage taken by agents, what exactly will be required of you on the job, and the payment date itself all seem to be big mysteries that require the Westerner to go to uncomfortable lengths to solve. Why? I have been told that Japanese do not like to discuss money matters. They also do not like it if you become urusaii (noisy) about them, asking too many questions or making too many demands.

From my viewpoint, why shouldn't you? Your talents are being exploited, sometimes in crude and rude ways. Why shouldn't all your questions be answered immediately? And if they can't be, when can they be?

I have tried both paths in dealing with this issue. The straight-ahead-in-your-face Western way, and the subtle, quiet Japanese way. I find that if you approach things in their way, they might like it better, but you won't find out what you need until sometimes way after the job has been completed. I don't like that style anymore and I do not see the benefit of it.

The Japanese, too, make assumptions about non-Japanese (for the PC crowd out there, if you have a better term, please suggest it). They assume we will fit in, get with the program, put up with unendurable situations without complaint, and work long hours in silence without extra pay. Why? Because that's okay for them?

Japan has given me almost everything I've needed to make myself a better person. It has provided me with unique opportunities, it has made me a better man, it has provided me with a life partner, and it has paid me to do things that I didn't think I could, or wasn't sure I was capable of (a slight difference if you think about it). For those things I am grateful. And I have endeavored to be the way they want me to be, hoping that that will allow for smooth sailing. But ultimately, it doesn't. Because I am not Japanese, nor will I ever be. Yes, I am aware, that is obvious, but if you decide to live here for many years, you will have moments where the Japanese will say to you, "You are like Japanese!"

Well, I can be, if I need to be. But I do not want to forget who I am--and neither should you. Sometimes, even though it may be urusaii, it is important to speak up and be heard. It is important to establish transparency at every point along the way so that there is no confusion. Because there is very, very little to no protection for you, the working foreigner in Japan, if you do not clarify from the get-go all the details about the job you are offered, you might find yourself one day wondering how you got into the situation you're in.

Embrace Japan to the best of your ability, but do not drown in it. I wrote FIT to help others avoid the many, many mistakes I've made (and still sometimes make) trying to set up a life here. I see newbies trying hard to fit in and learning the language. That's great. It's important to do those things--but not at the expense of forgetting that the main reason you are here is that you are bringing something unique to the table; that's why you are being hired in the first place. Think about that and reflect on it. And use that uniqueness in a positive way and perhaps both parties can benefit from it.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Harsh Realities

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:07:00 -0500

Despite the picture of summer sweetness, there are certain harsh realities that any foreigner freelancing in Tokyo needs to be aware of. Specifically: getting paid an appropriate amount and in a timely manner for certain entertainment-related jobs.

I was reminded once again of how cruel certain agents can be in this town. In brief: I agreed to do a one-hour voiceover job for an agent I have worked for on and off for the last 18 years. He has only offered me, at best, one job a year, so obviously he isn't my main source of income. Nonetheless, I have made an effort to maintain pleasant relations with him, despite my feeling that he has never paid me appropriately.

For this particular job I decided, foolishly, not to ask how much I would receive for it as I was only going to record certain previously recorded phrases with newly updated ones. It did not sound complicated, but somehow every job in Tokyo ends up becoming complicated.

Problems began when I casually asked in an email a month after the job, "Could you please tell me what the gyara (guarantee/fee) is?" This email was ignored, completely. I then sent a second email and asked when I would be paid. "The fifh of the third month after whatever date you did the job," came the answer. In other words, you do the job on May 1, you will not get paid until August 5. That seems insane to me, but for voiceover jobs in Tokyo, it is quite common.

No mention of the gyara. Finally, only because another job had come up and he was forced to contact me, only then did he mention that the "people in charge" of the job had "changed departments" and it was "really hard" to get a hold of them." (I wonder if he had ever heard of TELEPHONES.) He added, though, "It won't be much."

I let it go. I stupidly imagined that it would be ¥10,000, which is below the standard rate of ¥15,000/per hour for foreign voiceover talent in Tokyo.

Well, finally, August 5 rolled around, and this is what I got for a job that ended up becoming a big pain: Yes, it was ¥10,000, but, I finally learned, the agent took THIRTY PERCENT (I never knew that!), bringing it down to ¥7,000 yen, from which 10% tax was deducted, bringing it down to ¥6,300, then, the "bank transfer fee" was deducted... leaving me with less than ¥6,200. It was the lowest paying job I've ever done in Japan in 18 years. What a shock.

You may think I'm being petty or foolish to even discuss this. My point is this: I did not follow my own advice and DEMAND to know how much the job was offering before I agreed to do it. I decided to be "Japanese" about it and not be urusai (noisy) about asking about money, since I know it always pains the agents to have to discuss it.

Those days have ended with a big BANG. That won't happen ever again, and it's unlikely that I'll ever work for that agent again. (I said nothing to him... but I could feel the air got chilly between us, even in emails.) What's the lesson for you: DO NOT take any job in Japan doing any kind of "entertainment" work unless you know EXACTLY how much you're going to get paid.

There are plenty of agencies that will tell you upfront and pay you in a timely manner. For those agencies that don't, it's my strong recommendation to cross them off your list.

I'd love to hear others' experiences, because I wrote FIT and created this website in an effort to create community and to help other foreign freelance workers. That's still my hope almost two years in to this, so, if you have any thoughts, please let me know.

Enjoy the rest summer, and when the opportunity arises, SPEAK UP and clarify salaries from the get-go. I know I will from now on.

Freelancing in Tokyo: You have negotiating power!

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:12:00 -0500

It is easy to forget that you, the hungry foreigner, looking for a great freelancing job, actually have negotiating power. You need a job, someone offers it, you take it, end of story.

But not so quick. Here's an example that brought it all back to mind for me:

An "agent" (I use quotes because I am unaware of any legalites by which one becomes a legitimate agent/agency representing foreign talent in Japan) I have worked for over the years contacted me for a voice job. He offered ¥60,000 for the job -- this is his usual offer for what he considers a "substantial" job (meaning that it might be a promotion and/or advertisement for a company/product). He offers that money because he knows that it "sounds" like a lot of money, when in reality there is probably much, much more available--it's just that he's taking the rest of it. How do I know that?

Unlike America (I don't know how it is for other Western countries), where the amount an agent/manager can take from your salary/guarantee is dictated by law (generally somewhere between 10-25%), Japanese agencies will take 40-50%, possibly more. The working foreigner will generally never know how much money is actually being offered for a particular job. This is an unfortunate aspect of working in the Japanese entertainment industry.

At any rate, when I told him I was not available for the date that the job was scheduled for, his offer INSTANTLY zoomed to ¥100,000. Now, why did that happen? My guess is: He felt the company would really like my voice and that we would get the job. It reminded me of when, years ago, when it was much more of an employee's market, it was possible to negotiate a higher fee without too much trouble. Now, it's almost impossible.

The key word is "almost."

Ultimately, I could not do this job because the company was married to a date. (This is unusual, since they usually wait until the last possible second before booking talent and/or a studio.) But what I got out of this experience was a reminder that if you are willing to "lose" the job, you can speak up and ask for more money. You have to play this by ear. If you sense that you are somehow valuable to a particular company/client/agent, then don't be afraid to speak up about what you are worth.

This is not restricted to "voice jobs" -- this is across the board. I have negotiated almost every job I've had in this country. My success rate has been about 50%. It depends on what you are willing to risk. Sometimes we all have to kowtow and take what we are offered. But not always.

One day you will be in a situation where you are offered a job in Tokyo. Initially it will seem like a good offer, but if you think about it for a moment, you will come to the conclusion that the effort required to do the job (including transportation time, waiting time, standing around time, preparation time, schmoozing time, ad nauseam) is simply not worth what is being offered. That's your cue to SPEAK UP.

I know that it is scary to do that in an uncertain economy, but sometimes it has to be done. As I point out in my book, foreign talent is taken total advantage of in Japan (but, actually, so is Japanese talent). There are no unions and everyone is so worried about chasing down their own pot of gold that there is no bonding, no union, no group effort to change things here. Nonetheless...

It is possible to get what you want if you are brave enough to ask for it. Don't always be so willing to accept the first offer. Speak up and get more. The agents are taking much more than their fair share -- why shouldn't you be getting what's appropriate instead of what they are willing to give you?

Freelancing in Tokyo: Being Sick on a Sunday

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:42:00 -0500

For those in the foreign community in Tokyo who are not fluent in Japanese, it is important to remember that when it comes to health issues, we need to reach out and help each other.

In brief, last Sunday I had a terrible sore throat and needed to see a doctor quickly. I did not feel it was an emergency hospital situation, but after I researched my own site, I could not find anything open on Sunday. There may have been something open, but I couldn't find it. I realized the entire section needed an overhaul, and hopefully there will be one soon, with opening hours and phone numbers readily available. While I could not update everything in an instant, I was able to contact my trusted fellow FITters and almost immediately got a number of helpful replies. From one of them I learned that if you type the word healthcare in katakana (ヘルスケア) into your search engine, plus the name of the area you live in and/or the station you live near, it should generate a list of clinics (granted, all of the information was in Japanese). These clinics, many of which are small and only have one doctor, sometimes have Sunday hours. I was fortunate to find one near me that was open on Sunday and even though the doctor on duty did not speak English we managed to communicate and I am on the mend.

The point of this entry is: I designed Freelancing in Tokyo to be a gateway to a comfortable, productive life in Japan, but I cannot do it without your help. Sometimes people get sick on Sundays; what are they supposed to do... wait and hope they get better? The clinic I visited was not ideal, but on the other hand, I suppose it was, because the doctor helped me. And the bottom line is, folks: I am still a foreigner in a foreign country and sometimes, even after 18 years, I often feel like I only have myself to rely on in times of need.

That should not be the case. So, please let me know if you have a doctor, clinic or hospital that you would recommend; yes, preferably where English is spoken, and, yes, where they have Sunday hours. These kind of clinics are of great value when an emergency hospital is not absolutely essential. Please, spread the word and I will do the task of posting the websites if people are willing to take the time and send me the essentials.

Thank you, and お大事に (odaiji ni, or "take care of yourself").

Freelancing in Tokyo: The Art of Self-Promotion

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 22:19:00 -0500

Hello All,

I hope you are enjoying the rainy weather. I'm from California, so the rain is a treat for me. I also enjoy it because I know what's around the corner: hot, hotter and hottest. Get your cool-gel packs now!

Anyway, today's blog is about the art of self-promotion. This topic is vast and if you type it in Google, you'll get 19 million hits. So, I will only touch upon what I think may be of value to you here in Tokyo.

I am amazed that I still meet Westerners that live and work in Tokyo who do not have or do not carry a meishi (business card) with them, nor do they have a simple DIY website. Often they are doing a short list of the jobs available to them in Japan, and they "wonder" how they can get different jobs.

If this description applies to you and/or you are simply trying to figure out how to establish yourself in other industries or make more money doing something that you might really enjoy doing, I encourage you to:

Decide who you are and what you really want to do.
Get yourself a web presence
Get yourself a good business card.
Network, network, network

This seems quite simple, doesn't it? And yet people do not follow through on these steps, the most important of which is Number 1. I understand that for many freelancers in Tokyo, "teaching English" is still one of the main freelance opportunities available to them, and one that can still pay quite well, considering the financial turmoil our world is currently in. But ask yourself: Can you read something aloud clearly? Hmm... I bet you could do voice acting work. Do you have a demo of your voice? Hmm... I wonder if you have a website to put that demo on? Are you engaging, friendly, funny, spontaneous? Can you respond to some simple direction and are you unafraid to "act" in front of a camera? Hmm... I bet you could get TV or film or commercial work as an actor. And if you have a website, you can post your resume with a list of the jobs you've done as an actor or voice actor, if that line of work appeals to you. Do you have a specialty that you can teach? (Ethnic cooking, singing, tap-dancing, etc.) Hmm... I wonder if you have a website where you can promote what you do?

What I'm suggesting above is elementary. I do not mean to insult anyone's intelligence by saying things that people are surely aware of. But what I find is that many people do not take action to follow through on things. They have a vague idea in their head of what they think they might want to do, but get hung up on specifics. In my simple armchair psychology, can I suggest that you "work through" those things and go for what is available here in Tokyo (all of which I describe in detail in my FIT book)? It really isn't that hard to do.

Once you have a web presence and business cards, you have to get "out there" and network. That might include actual networking events, visiting talent agencies in person and registering with them, contacting every single person you know in Tokyo and letting them know you are available for such-and-such work, and following up on every lead, no matter how small or insignificant you might think it is. The rewards: Your hard work at connecting and establishing this network of clients, agents and employers, all outside of your existing comfort zone, will almost certainly see you through any rough patches when:

Your current contract ends.
Your company goes out of business.
Your company starts slashing salaries.

... and situations of this nature.

The advice above is not just for Tokyo. I am only offering it because I have met so many people who do not seem to take advantage of what's available here, and will look at me in amazement when I tell them I am doing a commercial or voice job or even a well-paid editing assignment... all because I went out there and "connected."

Take advantage of the Helpful Websites page and the Helpful Phrases page. Both of them were designed to arm you with tons of knowledge and phrases so you can go out there and get yours.

Time's a wastin'. Get going :)

Freelancing in Tokyo: Getting Paid--Not!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:03:00 -0500

I have never done two blogs in one day, but I have to add to the one I posted earlier.

Hello, Japanese entertainment industry! You want to hire foreigners to appear in your commercials, your TV shows and your films (of course, only as extras or support people; never as stars). But for some reason, you (meaning agencies, agents, production companies, ad nauseam) do not feel any obligation to pay us within a realistic amount of time. Why is that?

Sincerely,

A Foreigner in Japan

Obviously the "industry" is not going to read this letter. I am writing it to express my frustration at yet again being told something at the start, then being told something after the job is completed. Case in point: I was hired as an actor for a one-day shoot on May 30 for a film being produced by a major Japanese film company. Although I was initially told I would be paid at the end of June, June has now become the end of July. This happened because supposedly all the "paperwork" couldn't be "processed" on May 31. My question is: "Why couldn't it have been?"

The amount of money I will supposedly receive will not change my life; but on the other hand, it will help pay my rent. It can also buy me food so I can keep living. And yet... why would that be of any concern to anyone? Obviously, it isn't. Obviously we, as the "talent," are supposed to gratefully stand by and wait until the "company" decides to pay us. Why should I wait two months for something that should be paid in one month?

I had this discussion recently with a popular foreign tarento (talent) in Japan. My story is the tip of the iceberg compared to his. It is not right, but there is no alternative, if you choose to live in Tokyo and work in the entertainment industry. If you make a "stink" about the situation, you are immediately excommunicated and person non-grata. Your resources are few. I know of one woman who did a job for a dance company; she was not paid what she had been promised. So, she went to her kuyakusho (ward office) and she actually managed to get a lawyer to help her, and she got the money she was promised. I admire this kind of determination. This hasn't happened to me yet (not getting paid), but it feels like it because "pay dates" keep getting "extended."

I have decided from here on out I am not doing any more "entertainment" jobs in Japan unless I get the information straight up front in writing from any agent who wants to hire me. That may come in handy one day. Hope it doesn't get to that point.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Pay up, People!

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:56:00 -0500

To those who follow this blog:

I have made every effort to focus on upbeat, positive experiences working in Tokyo as a freelancer. But sometimes I must point out certain harsh realities, specifically related to getting paid by agencies that handle film/TV/voice actors. Those harsh realities include: Not being told how much or when you will get paid for a certain job, and having to send multiple "friendly" reminders to the agent to get them to tell you what they should have told you from the first moment.

I write about these points in detail in my book, but they bear repeating. For reasons that remain inexplicable to me after 18 years of working here, agents, specifically those who handle "voice talent," do not feel any particular obligation to let you know anything unless you get them into the corner of a room and start breathing fire in their faces. Let me qualify that: Not ALL agents or agencies are like this. Again, as I write in my book, some agencies do exactly what you would hope they would: Explain the job in detail, explain how much they are offering for your services, and explain (or already have established) when the payment date will be.

But for those who are, shall we say, a little slippery, I have tried every angle I can think of: friendly faxes, friendly email reminders, friendly phone calls. I have also tried being upfront from the first time they call (Me: "How much do I get paid and when?") to not asking anything as a sign to them that I trust that they will pay me appropriately and in a timely manner. Nothing works, so what's the point? Why should I have to waste time trying to find out this information. I shouldn't. This speaks to a larger problem:

Unlike in America, with numerous professional organizations, such as SAG (Screen Actors Guild), who will ensure your payment in advance before a production company can utilize your creative services, in Japan there is NOTHING. There is no individual, no company, no organization, NOTHING that will protect you if some agent "decides" that your payment will be "delayed" a month or that the "amount" they promised you has to be "adjusted."

So, why do foreign talents put up with this situation? This also speaks to a larger problem, and one that is too vast to cover today. But in essence: As a foreigner working in Tokyo, you will eventually discover that you can get a fair salary for appearing in a Japanese commercial, film or TV show. By fair amount, I mean anything from ¥30,000~300,000 for a day's work. You, the unsuspecting foreigner, hear the distant bells of fame clanging your name. You think to yourself, "Hell, why not? It sounds like fun." Once you get cast (and if you hang around long enough, you will be), you will get a "taste of fame." You will start to think of yourself as an "actor" or "model" or "voiceover artist."

And the reality is: You very well may be one. In this way, Japan gives all foreigners who step up to the plate a unique opportunity to not only explore options they may have never considered otherwise, but also to open doors to their "inner worlds" and discover that they may have talents they never realized they had.

All of this is a good thing, right? Yes, I believe it is.

That said, go ahead and actively pursue these unique opportunities that present themselves to you in Tokyo, but be very, very aware that issues with payment seem to be an ongoing thing. Unless you speak fluent Japanese, have a Japanese spouse, or a Japanese legal assistant that understands the vagaries of the Japanese entertainment business (and that includes doing educational voiceover work, for the purpose of today's blog), you have very little recourse if you encounter a situation which will usually be about the amount of money you should be paid and when you should be paid.

It is not right, it is not fair, but it's the way it is. Foreigners are NOT protected in the Japanese entertainment industry, UNLESS their talents are such that an agency actively pursues them and signs some kind of agreement with them. EVEN THEN, I can assure you, you, the foreign talent, are being royally ripped off, with the agency taking up to 40% of what you bring in to them.

I welcome comments and discussions on this, because as far as I'm concerned there should be a UNION that protects foreign talent. But I don't see that ever happening, which is why I provide numerous helpful phrases in the book and on my site about getting paid on time.

Would love to hear about your experiences, if you feel so inclined to share.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Get Paid On Time!

Fri, 06 May 2011 19:59:00 -0500

For those of you who have read my book, you will be familiar with my comments about "Getting Paid On Time." Because I continue to encounter a strange attitude from certain agents about paying talent on time, I feel I must again write about this issue.

I do occasional work as a voiceover talent, or, as it is referred to in Japan, a "narrator." For reasons that still remain unclear, voiceover agents seem to have issues with explaining how much money they are willing to pay you to do the job and when they will pay you for your services. Why is that? Sadly, after 18 years of living and working in Tokyo, I have no answer. I have discovered that unless I am vigilant (always politely, of course) in "reminding" the agents about paying me in a timely manner, most of them will not do so.

However, I have learned that the less I bother the agents about how much the gyara ("guarantee" or salary, only used for entertainment-related gigs) is, the happier they seem to be. It is a leap of faith on my part to not ask them because, in my Western mind, I have the right to know how much I will be paid in advance and when I will be paid. In fact, I stress in my book that you should clarify these things before doing any entertainment-related job. But since I have worked with the agents in question for many years, I just let it go. They have always paid me, but often not without "reminders" on my part. I do not like to do that, so I am learning, as perhaps you will, that the best way to deal with these situations is like this:

Once a job has been finally "set," you have two options: Do the job "blind" (not knowing how much/when you will get paid) or asking as subtly as possible how much you will get paid and when. Eventually you will get this information. Once you do, send the agent an INVOICE stating exactly what they said the amount and the payment date would be, preferably by fax (some of them won't like that) or a CONFIRMATION EMAIL, including the text from their email with the important information in it, so that there is no "confusion" about the amounts/dates. Is this a waste of time? Yes. But since many of these agents are running their own shows with only an occasional assistant, they can get "sidetracked" or "forgetful." Is it done on purpose? Probably not. But why should you have to wait one day longer to get paid (considering salaries for voice jobs are not paid for up to three months after the recording date)? You shouldn't.

Yesterday I had to contact three different agents to "clarify" amounts and payment dates. This is irritating, frustrating and unprofessional... but sometimes that is how it is here. There are agents who do what you think they should: immediately clarify your payment amount and when you will be paid. But I find this type of agent is rare and it is more likely that I have to stay on top them if I want to be paid in a timely manner. Some of you may think this way of working is insane or a big waste of time. Well, some of you might be right; on the other hand, sometimes the pay for a voice job can be a fairly large amount of money for what amounts to a fairly short amount of time. This is why so many "foreign talents" play this game in Tokyo, because it can be lucrative.

Anyway, keep your wits about you, always confirm in writing (and let's face it, these days, "writing" means by email) what your payment will be and when it will be received, and, if you don't receive it in time, don't panic; just gently "nudge" the agent along until they can "remember" to make a deposit.

If there's any good news, I have always been paid for every job I have been offered as a voice talent. I hope it will be the same for you.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Starting Over Again

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:44:00 -0500

I am sitting in a gorgeous house in Irvine, California where I have been staying for the last three weeks. I needed to get away from Tokyo and get some perspective on my life in light of the events that took place on March 11, 2011. I have been extremely fortunate to have wonderful friends who have allowed me to "decompress." It has really helped.

I stayed in Japan during the worst of what followed March 11, despite pleas from friends and family to "get out." I thought long and hard about whether I was doing the right thing by staying in Japan. I was trying to make sense out of the insanity that ensued, most of it fanned into flames by the Western media, particularly CNN, which just loved running "Nuclear Meltdown" promos as often as they could (similar to their other onslaught of hysteria with "Weapons of Mass Destruction").

I felt like I was living in a country going through a siege and that nothing made any sense as all of us who lived there, Japanese and "non-Japanese," tried to make sense of things anyway, marching forward because what else could we do? We could not and cannot evacuate an entire country.

Finally the "noise" got to be too much and I took a break. It was a good decision.

At any rate, without covering territory that has been covered in spades elsewhere, somehow Tokyo is still running, people are still living and working and moving forward the best they cab. It is not the same and, for me, will never be the same again. But it is still "my Tokyo," and I will return on April 27 and start over again. I will not literally be "starting over" again, but my perspective has certainly changed and I hope I can share some of my observations with you as time goes by.

So... where does FIT fit into all of this? I met with my writing mentor, Ellen Sandler, in Los Angeles, and she reminded me that my book "Freelancing in Tokyo" still had value, because it was a great "starting point" for anyone who has interest in coming to Tokyo to test the waters. I felt inspired and encouraged by this comment, in light of all that's happened. So, to anyone who may be reading this, still intrigued by what Tokyo has to offer, remember that "Freelancing in Tokyo" was designed to be your first friend and still has tons of valuable information, including contact numbers, essential phrases, "been-there-done-that" job descriptions, and much, much more.

The point is: whether you are in Tokyo, returning to Tokyo, or still thinking of going to Tokyo, just keep in mind that my book and website can be of benefit, sometimes great benefit. I use them as resources myself, and they will come in handy now that I'm picking up the pieces and getting on with my life. And remember: Please do not hesitate to join us at our monthly events, which have restarted as of this month. It is my belief that we all need each other and that we can all help each other get where we want to go. If Tokyo is on your map, then I hope FIT will be on it, as well.

Thank you for dropping in and hope to meet you or see you again soon.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Post-quake (or not)

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:42:00 -0500

I felt like I needed to see a calming image, and what could be more gentle than two cups of green tea and a plate of kuzumochi?

It has now been a little over a month since the March 11, 2011 earthquake in Tokyo. And yet... it may as well still be March 11 for all the "aftershocks" that have followed. How can one live in this way? It is almost impossible.

I personally stayed until April 5. I decided I had to take a break from the "aftershocks" (I put quotes around them because they didn't feel like "aftershocks" to me, they felt like full-out earthquakes). At Narita Airport on April 5 there was yet another earthquake. I felt like a plane had hit the building. And then two days after arriving in my hometown of L.A., more quakes hit Japan. For me there are really only three places to live: Japan, Southern California or Hawaii. All have their "relationship" with Mother Nature. I am planning on returning to Tokyo on April 27.

But... how does one proceed intelligently? I don't know anymore. I guess with extreme caution and armed with as much information as one can get.

My thoughts are with anyone who is living through this on a daily basis. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Learning How to Gaman

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:26:00 -0500

As most of you know, a major earthquake hit Japan on March 11. For those of us living in Tokyo, things are changing moment by moment. This is a difficult time for many and the focus of FIT in the coming months will be about surviving and keeping people aware of what's happening here and how I have handled challenging situations having to do with my jobs. That is the best way for me to share with you what is going on, by making it personal.

But for today, I will be brief. I have received many helpful links to info about the earthquake and earthquake-related information and I will put them on the helpful websites page.

In the meantime, for those of you who do not know this Japanese word, allow me to introduce gaman. Gaman means to persevere, to endure, to put up with difficult situations. And I have to say, the Japanese know how to do so, and to do it well. This is a difficult time for anyone who is living in Japan, whether they were born here or came here for work, or decided to stay for love or friendship. Everyone in this country will be asked to make sacrifices. I personally do not see the situation getting better for Japan for months. In Tokyo it is not so bad yet, but that could all change. So for now, we are, as I like to say, gaman-ing. And it is no longer about being Japanese or being a Westerner, or whatever country or race or religion you come from or are or belong to: We as human beings must work together to help each other and care for each other and feed each other and try to love and understand each other. And in the midst of doing so, we may face more difficulties or tragedies or things beyond our scope. And having the ability to gaman might come in handy right about now.

So, if you are here in Tokyo or know someone who is, please reach out to each other and support each other in whatever way you can.

Freelancing in Tokyo: Taking Care of Business

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:17:00 -0600

As freelancers, we can "call the shots" with our careers, but at the same time, we must be vigilant about "following through" with our clients, making sure we get paid on time and filing away each receipt so that when it comes time to file taxes, the sailing will be smooth.

That said, I received a link from a lady named Kimberly Lee that may be of benefit to anyone who has taken the freelancing path. It's called 29 Financial Articles Every Freelancer Must Read, and I think it's worth looking at. Tax time is just around the corner, and, I, for one, appreciate any extra help or tips or advice.

There was a wonderful time in Tokyo when a foreign resident could take his W2s and receipts and go to an office where there were English-speaking tax consultants who would help ready everything to be filed. Those days are gone and many of us who live here struggle with the forms, even though they are sent to us in English. I personally go to my ward tax office with a Japanese friend and we, along with hundreds of other Japanese people, wait patiently till we can get the attention of one of the "experts" who answer all our questions and make sure the forms are filled out right. This service is free, but it's only in Japanese.

If any of you Tokyo freelancers have tips on how to make life easier for us fellow FITters during tax season, please take a moment and drop me a line. I'll be glad to share any helpful links.

And for anyone who might be interested, this entry's photo is of me being embraced by Godzilla in front of the Toho movie studio. I auditioned to be in feature film. I'm not holding my breath; the best part of the day was getting to pose with Godzilla! Now, if only I had him by my side when I went to the tax office, I'm sure I'd get someone's attention right away!