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Japan. It’s as good as it sounds. I get a lot of email from aspiring models, asking about how to get started in modeling and acting in Tokyo. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions I get about modeling in the Land of the Rising Sun.

1) How do I find an agent in Japan?

For commercial print work, the process for most agencies is pretty simple. Submit photos, contact the agencies, and register. It’s best if you do a little research beforehand and check out an agency before you register to make sure they have a solid reputation and a history of good work. This is pretty easy to do with a simple website check. The main difference in agency culture is that for foreign models in Japan, you can register with multiple agencies in a small area (remember, Japan is only the geographical size of California). Most U.S. agents wouldn’t be thrilled with this arrangement. The attitude of Japanese agents is that if someone else can get you work, we shouldn’t stop you. Tip #1: Register at as many places as you can.

2) I have a Monday-Friday job. Can I still get work?

Yes, but remember that print modeling is a numbers game. The more times you’re submitted for jobs, the more auditions you’ll get. The more auditions you get, the more jobs you’re likely to book. If you’re strapped to a 9-5 during the week, your opportunity for making auditions and go-sees decreases. That said, there are still a lot of jobs that are direct bookings (no auditions or go-sees) and you can shoot on the weekends. In short, register and let your agents know that your availability is limited. If you’re the right face for the job, you’ll book it.

3) Can I model on a tourist visa?

No, not professionally. Go nuts with creative work for your book, but know that Japan is pretty strict about working there as a foreigner. Getting a “Specialist in Humanities Visa” lets you do work in the advertising field which includes teaching, writing, and modeling. It’s what I have and it’s easy to get.

There is no “working under the table” in the modeling world (at least not in the professional, commercial modeling world). So unfortunately, you can’t legally work in Japan on a tourist visa, and most agencies won’t sign you unless you have a proper foreign residence card. As a tourist, you’re not legally allowed to make money in Japan doing any kind of work. And because a tourist visa is only good for 90 days, you’d be hard-pressed to get settled, get registered with the agencies, scramble to auditions (provided you’re invited) and book real work. I booked a job about three weeks after coming to Japan, but I think that was a serious case of beginner’s luck.

My Advice: If you’re a native English speaker (or fluent in English) visit Japan on a teaching visa: the work is plentiful and the hours are usually audition-friendly. Check here for job listings. Find a teaching job that requires only 20-30 hours of teaching a week and will sponsor your visa, so you have time to pursue your modeling and acting career. You can model on a teaching visa, and if you get a contract and model or act full-time, you can switch to an artist visa (but it’s trickier to get). Teach part-time, and even when you’re not booking or auditioning, you should be networking, getting photos, and learning as much about the industry in Japan as you possibly can.

For a complete guide to visas in Japan, check out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website.

One of my readers is going to Japan next month on a teaching visa to pursue modeling. I can’t wait to hear about her progress and share her story with you. Ganbatte!