Blog

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.

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.

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."  

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:

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. 

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.

Hello All,

Sorry for the long delay. I've been involved in the post-production of two short films I produced, one of which I directed. I had no idea how it would evaporate almost all my time. But I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, hence today's entry.

Hey everyone! Perhaps... just perhaps... summer is beginning to fade? Let's hope so; this heat has been deadly!

This has been a tough summer for me and most of my colleagues. Budgets have been slashed, jobs have been cut, things have definitely changed. And yet I still believe Tokyo is a great place to "reinvent" yourself. It may take more work and time because of language and cultural "adjustments." But it is possible to thrive here if you are willing to put the effort into carving out your own unique niche.