jj_457@yahoo.com wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've been working in Japan for 2 years now, but my current job is
> ending.  I've been offered a new job starting this summer at a
company
> in Tokyo (I'm an electrical engineer).  The contract is basically a 1
> year contract (with probable renewal) for 300,000 yen a month.  The
> company will pay no living expenses, no taxes, no health care, etc.
> Also, there is no bonus.

This is becoming more common. You would basically be in a similar
position to a contractor, responsible for paying your own taxes,
insurance etc, possibly even invoicing the company for your 'salary'
(and being responsible for keeping track of sales taxes etc). You would
be free to take on additional employment and so on, provided/assuming
you had the time. I can't imagine saving much though, and if I was in
the same situation would prefer to look for alternatives.

Main problem (if you take on the job) might be with the visa renewal.
It is fairly easy to obtain a visa extension (renewal or with change of
status) through self sponsorship, but you need to have at a minimum a
contract with a Japan based company or organization, that has at least
3 months left on it at the time of application at your local
immigration bureau.

> Compared to jobs in the similar jobs in the U.S. (where I'm from),
the
> salary is extremely low, but as I would like to stay in Japan, I'm
> thinking about taking it.

Assuming you have enough savings to last at least a few months, I'd
look elsewhere for a while. Your current visa would have at least
another 12 months or so to run?