Fabian wrote:
> I've been offerred a job in Tokyo, but the company says they will not 
> act as a guarantor when I look for an apartment. As I understand it, 
> acting as a guarantor essentially says "this guy has a steady income, 
> can afford to pay the bills, and won't run away on you". So for an 
> employer not to act as guarantor is essentially the same as saying he 
> won't guarantee to pay you every month.

Wrong. You forgot the biggest thing a guarantor says: "If this GAIGIN 
trashes the apartment and/or skips town, I am legally bound to pay for 
the damages and/or rent he didn't pay"

> Am I being paranoid here, or am I wise to avoid this job?

Get an apartment where you won't need a guarantor, or find a guarantor. 
The fact that your employer does not want to take on the responsibility 
of being your guarantor does not reflect poorly on it at all. Ask some 
Japanese who their guarantors are. Most will name a parent or other 
close relative.

- Kevin