Career situation...

[frownsarefun]

I`m seeking some general opinions and advice - even some `what would you do` type of scenarios, as I am feeling rather burned out lately.

I`ve worked in the U.S. music industry my entire professional career - UMG and Sony (labels), WMA and IMG (agencies) and for the last 8 years, as a tour manager to major label recording artists. I moved to Japan 2 years ago after getting married and though my Japanese level is basic at best, there wasn`t any carry-over onto my work because regardless of which countries I travel to on tour, everything is contracted and advanced in English and 9 out of 10 times, we are granted a handler to fill in any language gaps.

But I have been wondering lately, due mostly to the headaches involved with a job that entails 100% travel for work on very grueling schedules - is it outside the realm of possibility or reason that a company, such as Creativeman or Smash (for example), who are industry leaders in their field of concert booking/promotion and do a big lump of their business with foreign bands (and by relation...foreign, english-only speaking labels, booking agencies, management companies and tour managers), would be able to see someone such as myself with close to 18 years experience as a viable option and allow me to trade off my experience vs. japanese language skills. I could understand `no` if these two exampled companies did not use English in their offices at all, but they have to in order to deal with the influx of production and contractual dealings with their foreign business associates. Just wondering if this seems like something I could possibly try to finesse into a starting point for work or if it seemed out of the question.

I`m not looking to get out of the music industry. Actually, like it or not, I feel like it would be my only chance in hell of finding a non-touring job, since my Japanese skills are lacking profusely. My only bargaining chip is my experience.

Curious what you think. Obviously I need to start learning Japanese ASAP (like 2 years ago minimum) - but apart from that...

[ieruun]

18 years of experience with some of the big names. Impressive. Why not give it a try?

If you're unsure aim for JLPT N1.

Most of the advice you get are from frustrated and jealous english teachers. So take it with a grain of salt.

[Wonky]

Not sure what kind of job you are thinking of but unless you are working with a lot of foreigners you will need Japanese, I assume.

[smokey242]

With 18 years experience, it would no doubt count for a lot, even with a lack of Japanese skills. Obviously lack of Japanese skills will work against you. I have met quite a few people who have worked in the music industry in Japan (some related with Smash and Creativeman) and one thing that I heard is many of them speak very good English. For Enlgish speaking roles, they, as many companies, seem to prefer native Japanese who speak fluent English, which is understandable.

As the above poster said though, why not give it a try. Nothing to lose, and even if you can just make a few connections, it might help down the track if it doesn't work out straight away.

[Guru]

The big question is if the US music industry experiences can be profitably transferred to the J-markets. I don't watch Japanese media at all as I stick with Internet media, podcast and internet radio. But, most of J-entertainment industry is only suitable for Japanese domestic market consumption. Most of foreign markets just don't understand and appreciate J-entertainment, except for uncensored J-porn.

[blacksunshine]

My part-time job during college was in the music industry here. Labels will do almost all of their work in Japanese, however I'd look into something with promoters if I were you. A few of the big names that mostly bring out acts from overseas well occasionally have a team member or two on the international team who's Japanese is mid-level -- although getting to be at least conversational would probably be a good thing so you can communicate with the rest of the company somewhat.

[GarrisonFord]

Can I get a job with you?