Specialist in Humanities Visa

To get the specialist in humanities visa, can I teach something else for at least 3 years (experience) besides English? I plan on teaching TaeKwonDo for 3 years straight. I am not so sure but do I have to teach FULL-TIME in order to qualify for the visa? My Sensei will most likely offer me a part-time job. I just want to make sure if things look correct before I start teaching. By the way, I lack a BA but one of my dreams is to teach TaeKwonDo/kick boxing in Japan and live there. Any information is appreciated. Thanks.

Here is a helpful resource.
Click the link below, and start at Visa Application. Any other questions your local Japan Consulate Office can give you the answers.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/index.html

Thank you. I did a lot of research in the links you gave me, especially MOFA. While searching, I couldn't find the answer for my question. All I need to know is if I have to work full-time for 3 years teaching anything besides English to get the visa. I really appreciate your help.

Your question (= need to teach to get visa?) puzzled me because normally people want visa to work (including teaching), not the other way round...
Typical cases listed in this webpage for example?
http://www.visadaikou.jp/gyomu1-3english.htm

You'll find the conditions required for the status of residence "Specialist in Humanities/International Services" which is under the Working Visa.
You'll find the classifications of visa and status of residence here:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/Visa/04.html#b1a
And the requirements for "Specialist in Humanities/International Services" here:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/Visa/appendix1.html

you definitely don't have to be teaching English to get a humanities visa- it covers a wide range of jobs. The key to getting your visa will be the paperwork submitted by the place that's going to hire you- I believe they have to prove their legitimacy by submitting their financial information, submit a sample of your contract, prove they will be paying you enough to live, sponsoring you etc. I don't think you can get a visa for teaching martial arts part time- it would have to be a full time specialty job, and without a BA it will be more difficult (though you mention a sensei- are you already affiliated with a school in Japan? If so, sometimes you can get the degree requirement waived if you have proof of 10 years of experience in a specialized field).

Specialist in Humanities Status, I believe you need either (1) a bachelor's degree in any field (as educational background) or (2) five or more years of working experience in the relevant field. The "three years" guideline is only applicable to prospective language (for example English) teachers.

This means that you need to have either (1) a bachelor's degree or (2) already five (preferably something closer to ten) years of teaching the sports already outside Japan.

With those conditions, if your potential employer in Japan is interested in hiring you full-time, pays you sufficient to make a living, and is willing to sponsor you for the visa (you cannot apply for it on your own), you might have a chance.

If you are thinking about teaching the sports outside Japan for three years only part-time IN ORDER TO gather work experience to be eligible for a working visa LATER for Japan, I must say that would have to be an extremely reputable, world-renowned institution in Tae Kwon Do. In other words, not very likely. Another thing - I don't know what language is used to teach the art, but do you speak the Japanese language?

I don't quite understand your question, but for anyone to be eligible for a working visa, including Specialist in Humanities Status, I believe you need either (1) a bachelor's degree in any field (as educational background) or (2) five or more years of working experience in the relevant field. The "three years" guideline is only applicable to prospective language (for example English) teachers.

This means that you need to have either (1) a bachelor's degree or (2) already five (preferably something closer to ten) years of teaching the sports already outside Japan.

With those conditions, if your potential employer in Japan is interested in hiring you full-time, pays you sufficient to make a living, and is willing to sponsor you for the visa (you cannot apply for it on your own), you might have a chance.

If you are thinking about teaching the sports outside Japan for three years only part-time IN ORDER TO gather work experience to be eligible for a working visa LATER for Japan, I must say that would have to be an extremely reputable, world-renowned institution in Tae Kwon Do. In other words, not very likely. Another thing - I don't know what language is used to teach the art, but do you speak the Japanese language?

I appreciate your answers people.

AK, I don't speak Japanese yet but I plan on learning it later on.
To make my Q more understandable; First, I am going to teach TKD part-time for 3-4 years in my hometown (USA). I wanted to know if this is enough experience to qualify for the visa. Does that make sense at least?

Anyways, this is what I also found under the skilled labor subject at MOFA:

"A person with at least 3 years' experience in instructing sport (including the period of time spent studying at educational institutions in a foreign country while majoring in the skills concerned and engaging in the sport with remuneration) who is to engage in a job requiring such skills or a person who has ever taken part in Olympic games alike world championships or such international games as a representative player and is to engage in a job requiring such skills concerning the instruction in the sport."

Okay I'm a little bit confused. My bad if I'm asking for a lot of help. Thanks again.

"A person with at least 3 years' experience in instructing sport (including the period of time spent studying at educational institutions in a foreign country while majoring in the skills concerned and engaging in the sport...."

Nonetheless how you may interpret that, in order to secure a visa, in your case, you must have a sponsor/employer in Japan,.. without a sponsor the Japan Consulate will not consider your application for a visa. For all visa (regardless of type) require a sponsor/employer/guarantor.

It is possible, if you are an Olympian or a World Champion, the Ministry of Justice may grant a conditional waiver.

Therefore, above, I will work part time for the next 3 to 4 years teaching will not meet the full time statutory teaching requirements.

Exception are the tourist from U.S. You will be granted 90 days visitor waiver,.. to extend your visit/stay in Japan you must find a employer that will sponsor your worker's visa.

You will get a definitive answer asking the Japan Consulate nearest to you.

OK, so now you are looking at Skilled Labor status.

I was not aware of this condition - I always thought that Skilled Labor was more for "industrial" knowledge/experience. Actually clauses 7 (piloting) and 8 (sports) as well as 9 (winery) are relatively recent additions, I beleive.

As this description on MOFA website suggests, I take it that you need to have truly expert knowledge/experience in that particular field of sport - to the level of participating in international tournaments/Olympic games' level.

Aight things seem to be getting a little bit more clear for me.

Anyways, it is official that I'll start instructing TKD for 3 hours a week for the next 3-4 years. I just found out that this is the maximum amount of hours anyone can work at my local Dojo and my Sensei considers that "full-time" under his business. Anything less than that is considered "part-time" at his Dojo. I am still wondering if this would be enough experience to qualify for the visa. Maybe I should send the Japanese Embassy a call whether I like it or not. You guys have been really helpful, so thanks again.

from what you just said, I don't think that would qualify- skilled labor status is for people who have skills that are exceptional and/or hard to come by in Japan (like the statement above, world-class level training and performance). If you're set on coming to Japan, one option would be to work as an ALT in the public school system and help out with one of the school martial arts clubs- club teachers are usually happy for extra help, it's fun for the kids to have the ALT practicing with them and it's a good chance to practice your Japanese.

But then again, I lack a BA. I doubt I can qualify for the ALT program.