Living in Japan

If you don't speak any Japanese at all, you can manage just fine in Japan. Most people in Japan can speak at least some English, and many signs are written in both Japanese and English. While there, you can pick up the language extremely quickly, and just having a fundamental knowledge of words such as Who (dare), What (nani), When (itsu), Where (doko), Why (nande), and How (doyatte) will be quite helpful. Japanese can be difficult for gaijin who have lived in Japan for more than ten years (which is not recommended).

Don't expect things to be just like home, and be open-minded about unfamiliar circumstances. Keeping an open mind is the key to success. Don't order a steak that traveled across an ocean when you can eat excellent seafood that was caught just that day.

Expats usually search for the same thing when they arrive in Japan: how do I find a job? Your advantage is already secured if you know the Japanese language well (from business level upwards). It is not uncommon for larger companies to require business level Japanese skills, as well as a few years of experience in a certain field - much like applying for a job at home. You've already been beaten out by more than half of the other candidates if you have specific skills such as UX design. 

There is a great demand for English-teaching jobs in Japan (which is great for you! ), but it may be difficult to find these jobs if you do not have a deep understanding of Japanese. The possibility of earning money teaching English in any prefecture in Japan exists if you don't care too much about the location or whether the work is public or private. The formal education centers may require certifications like TESOL, etc, but private companies are opening to the public every hour, and most of them will only require you to have a degree. 

Although foreigners may have a choice of banks, Japan Post is the easiest way to open a bank account. Even if the process is not seamless, the steps are fairly straightforward, and if you come across an employee that speaks basic English, then most of your worries should disappear.

It is necessary to find the Japan Post Bank closest to your residence (they have a green sign that says 'JP Bank' instead of just red), proceed to that location with your passport and ID card or health insurance card, and fill out the form for the bank account there. Bring out Google Translate if you need help! Unless otherwise stated, you should be fine if someone spoke some English to you. Sending you a card should take no more than a week. In addition, you will be sent a checkbook where you can record each withdrawal transaction. It will only be possible to withdraw cash from the Japan Post Bank via an ATM.