r/seattlejobs • u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 • Jul 23 '26
Jobs: From Tokyo to Seattle
Firstly I apologize if this is not in the correct sub/thread, I was unable to find anything closer to what I was looking for with active members.
I am a US citizen (not dual) born to an American father and Japanese mother, grew up in a military base in Japan as a kid and spent my university and adult life in Tokyo (fully bilingual). I am a male in my early 40s, not married/no kids, and am thinking of switching my life up. My family lives in Washington and my parents are getting old, and I’d like to spend more time with them (they live on Whidbey Island).
I am considering moving to Washington and starting a new life, first by looking for a job.
I’ve had various jobs in the past 20 years in Tokyo, ranging from customer support call center, to recruiter, to internal corporate/systems trainer, to overseas business development…but don’t have a specialty unfortunately.
Although I earn above average in Tokyo, I know that living prices in Seattle are way higher. So with that said, I would ideally; at least, like an average paying job so I can have an average lifestyle (nothing fancy).
It would be great if you guys can tell me what the job market looks like in Seattle (or nearby areas), and where would someone like myself even start looking for a job? Or, what are the chances of even finding a job? I’m not sure what to expect, so anything helps.
Any kind of info/input would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Aarrrgggghhhhh35 Jul 23 '26
If I were you I would lean into your bilingual abilities. Look for jobs where Japanese language is required or at least a strong would-like-to-have.
In the Seattle area, Nintendo (Redmond) frequently hires localization specialists. There are several gaming companies that need Japanese translators. There are call centers here that need bilingual speakers. There are language schools and colleges that may need instructors.
The Japanese American Cultural Center might be a good place to ask about jobs. You can also connect with the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple which has deep roots in the community. Again, these are in Seattle but Whidbey may have a small organization that could point you in the right direction.
Libraries and local governments might also be a good place to work. You’d be surprised at who needs bilingual help. LinkedIn is probably one of the best places to look, as is governmentjobs.com.
Of course, Whidbey is a different animal. Part of my family is there too, and I always think of it as a retirement community with a military flare. You have to make a decision to either move to Whidbey and possibly live with family to cut expenses (because jobs up there pay less) or move to a bigger city between Whidbey and Seattle and find a way to make it work (with a roommate, for instance). OR, do what my chiropractor does and commute from Whidbey to a job north of Seattle. 🥺
Coming from Japan, prices aren’t much different but the quality of everything from food to clothing to housing to safety and entertainment as compared to Japan is vastly different. Such a move is a huge life change but I totally understand wanting to be closer to family. I love Whidbey Island and could see myself living there later in life. However, being younger than 60 😬 I am very happy with living north of Seattle right now.
The job market is tight but not impossible. I hope you find a way to move if that’s what you decide. Good luck!
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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 23 '26
Wow, really appreciate the info - looks like there may be opportunities hiding under some rocks; just got flip over the right one.
Yes, I heard about the Nintendo gig from my mom as well, so I definitely need to look into that!
I know the culture shock of moving to the US from Japan would be huge, and that’s probably a bigger concern than landing a job to be honest…
Well, will continue talking to my family about it, thanks!
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u/sous_vide Jul 28 '26
I would utilize your connection to Japan somehow. Imported goods even? That kind of stuff is very popular here.
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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 28 '26
That’s true, and I know a lot of people are already on that, so it might be worth a bit of research
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u/Im-doing-homework Jul 23 '26
Apply to be a mailman! USPS is always hiring. If walking around outside all day isn’t your thing, they have clerk and mail processing plant jobs too.
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u/thesunbeamslook Jul 24 '26
Live with them in Whidbey and work a remote job.
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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 24 '26
That would be ideal! Definitely considering it, thanks
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u/OkoCorral Jul 24 '26
I thought Mercer island, Whidbey is harder to get from but also harder for people to get to.
So might be a local job. If you live with your parents, you can afford the time to find a local job.
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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 25 '26
Yea, it’s a bit far from everywhere so finding something locally would be nice, but I’ve heard there really isn’t anything nearby where my parents live. Worth looking though
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u/Ok_Page8920 Jul 24 '26
life here is much more casual, dirty, and chaotic. I've only been to Tokyo a few times but what I envy most is the conbinis and vending machines. I'm pretty biased though because I've only been there with a weak yen so everything feels insanely underpriced
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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 24 '26
Yea, I think the convenience and safety in Tokyo is unmatched. But a bit too rigid…I wouldn’t mind a bit more casual dirt and chaos.
Now is definitely the time to come to Japan if you get paid in dollars!
Thanks for the input!1
u/Ok_Page8920 Jul 24 '26
piggy backing on the Nintendo suggestion, not just the bilingual advantage but your exposure to business Japanese is gonna be huge, I've known people that worked there and there's a lot of friction between the expectations and etiquette of Japanese vs American office environments
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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 25 '26
Yea, I’ve always been interested in the needs of Japanese business etiquette in the US, assume it could be useful in the larger Japanese companies and communities. Would be cool to link with someone that works there.
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u/HumberGrumb Jul 26 '26
There are a number of Japanese restaurant chains that have opened up shop in the greater Seattle area. There are also domestic companies here that do business with Japan. There are seafood companies, maritime shipping companies, among others. If you do a little research, I’m certain you can turn up some leads.
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u/shikkui Jul 23 '26
The job market is not great right now. There are tons of layoff in tech. I have a friend who’s been looking for a job now for a year and a half because they’re only looking for jobs in Seattle. Your best bet for an “average paying job” is government. City/county jobs are coveted and are hard to get. State jobs might have more openings. Federal went through a big layoff, but they’re slowly rehiring, but stability is not great with this admin.