Jacqui moved from New Zealand to Japan more than ten years ago to work, and fell in love with the country and the man who would eventually become her husband. Now she's living near Osaka, raising their children. Read her story, one of a housewife living a normal life with her family, except that she is doing it in a foreign country. Would-be expats with children might learn some helpful things from Jacqui's story.

Jacqui Miyabayashi

-Where were you born?
New Zealand

-In which country and city are you living now?
Japan, just out of Osaka

-Are you living alone or with your family?
With husband and two children, aged one and six

-How long have you been living in Japan?
Eleven years

-What is your age?
35

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Japan?
24 years old, wanting to travel, heard about work in Japan for good money. Decided to "stopover" for six months on my way to Europe. I loved it so much here I didn't stay in Europe. Instead I returned and stayed here! I met my husband here and the rest is history.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Working Holiday Visa:

At the time you needed a large sum of money to get a working holiday visa. You needed to be able to prove that you could support yourself whilst travelling. I have no idea what the procedure is now. It wasn't hard but the application process was complicated and you had to fill in the forms very carefully. I know now that Japan is very bureaucratic - you have to dot all your I s and cross all your T s.

Now I am a Spouse Visa Holder. I will never be a citizen but I could apply for Permanent Residency. I just haven't got around to it yet.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
I had a policy from my bank when I first arrived. Then I joined an expats scheme. It wasn't hard but it was expensive. It is compulsory in Japan if you are working. Most employers have a scheme and there is a National Health Plan administered by the government. My advice is to research this thoroughly as it takes a huge chunk out of your salary.

-How do you make your living in Japan? Do you have any type of income generated?
I'm just a housewife these days. I worked in the ESL field for a number of years. I've done teaching, teacher training, curiculum development, recruiting.

I arrived in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa. I had a friend who introduced me to the head of HR in one of the larger English Language schools in Osaka. I was interviewed and employed on the spot. I had a university degree, language experience and good work experience. I hadn't taught ESL before but it was easy to pick up.

You'll need a simple resume, one page is sufficient for a lot of places. References are good especially if they can be verified by email. You need to present yourself professionally. Japan is conservative so casual business wear is only just starting to catch on, they call it "cool biz". For an interview it's suits, dark and a tie. Dark suit and professional attire for women as well.

-Do you speak Japanese and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I do speak some Japanese now. When I arrived I spoke none despite having learned at school a few years prior. It wasn't a problem for the most part. The company I worked for had an excellent HR department that arranged bank accounts, tax numbers and other paperwork. They also helped people find apartments, buy train passes and get mobile phones.

The transportation system is excellent in the cities. All the signs are in English as well as Japanese.

If you really get stuck, often someone will help you. People are friendly if you look like you are in need. Their English is very basic and you most definitely cannot assume anyone speaks English. Try to learn a few phrases before you come.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Yes, I miss home. But with Skype and other cheap telephone calling plans, email, the Internet and blogs it's easy to stay in touch. I travel home at least once every year although it's getting harder now that I have two children.

I have broadband Internet and cable TV. I read the news online and I subscribe to one of several newspapers in English.

I belong to several online groups and regularly meet other foreigners here, particularly mothers with children. Being a mother in a foreign country is very isolating. A lot of issues such as health and education are tough to understand or deal with so it's very necessary to have a support network in place in the country you live in.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I am trying to develop a business that I can run from home. I still trying to pinpoint my skills. I feel like many mothers everywhere - fulfilled by parenting but also wanting more. I am reluctant to put my children into daycare due to the language issues (I want them to have a strong base in English before they go through Japanese public school). I will not be returning to work outside the home for some years yet.

We are looking forward to spending Christmas in the sun. We have a short trip planned to Guam. It's only 3 hours away which makes it quite do-able with young kids.

We're also hoping to spend the summer in New Zealand catching up with family and friends there. Plus I will need to shop, shop, shop. It's hard to find clothes that fit here in Japan especially if you are tall like I am.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We built our own house last year. It cost more than you could dream, land prices are high in Japan. We're very fortunate to have a large garden and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. It's the lifestyle I am accustomed to being from New Zealand. We had to move out of the city to be able to achieve this lifestyle.

-What is the cost of living in Japan?
Average to high. Some things are cheap. Other things are expensive. It's possible to live on less.

-What do you think about the Japanese?
When you first arrive in Japan you feel like everyone is looking at you. You stick out like a sore thumb. You really have to get used to it quickly and try not to mind. I never notice anymore that I am one of the few foreign people living around here. I'm just a mother with her kids doing the same as everyone else. I am treated as such for the most part.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Japan?
The clothes are small!

The summer is HOT. The winter is COLD.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Japan?
If you're coming as a family do all that you can to develop a support network. Use the internet to really scour out resources.

If you are coming to teach, research your company well and go with the company that offers the most support. You'll need plenty of money to see you through the first couple of months.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Japan?
My blog is http://bloomingnihon.blogspot.com

It's all about my life here as I try to find my place - Bloom Where I am Planted.