declan_murphy@hotmail.com wrote:
> MonkeyBoy wrote:
> > I'm all set visa-wise and secure enough financially to coast for at
> > least several months if need be.
>
> What is several? I would normally suggest having enough funds to
> support yourself for at least 6 months, but then I'm more conservative
> than most. When I stopped being a regular employee (1999), I thought I
> had enough funds to last for over 2 years. But shit really does happen.
> Initially I was OK, but then I increased my overhead. At one stage in
> 2001-2002 my net monthly income was minus 560,000 for nearly 18 months.
> White eyed terror.
>
> > My question to you guys is, any advice on who I can consult in terms of
> > taxes and such?  I'm looking for the names of actual people/companies
> > (bilingual preferrably).   Offhand, before I proceed even considering
> > this seriously, how much, percentage-wise, should I factor into paying
> > into taxes, unemployment, healthcare, etc.?  (Just in general figures).
>
> For the first bit, seriously consider joining either a foreign chamber
> of commerce (I don't know your nationality, but if Tokyo area then Nth
> America, the EU, Australasia are covered) and the local chamber of
> commerce (probably Japanese only, so only relevant if your language
> skills are up to scratch - skip them if not). Even if they don't lead
> to any business contacts, the CofC's are very good for getting answers
> to all the above questions and introductions.

Thanks for the info.  I'm going to look into the foreign chamber of
commerce.

Regards,

MB