I am looking to go to Japan to teach English for two years. Have you done this, and what was it like?

It’s the chance of a lifetime! I took an assignment there and really enjoyed it. I was not teaching English however. (I’m an Engineer.)
On the negative side: you will be poor, won’t understand what is going on, and will miss your friends. On the positive side, your life will be enriched, you’ll know more about the world, and you will make new friends.
I’d do it in a heartbeat!
If you do it, you’ll learn about Lupin.

My daughter taught English in Vietnam and loved it. I’m sure Japan will be way more expensive, but you will also probably get paid more.

You go! I only went on the other side of town to teach school. Never left Kansas! Sounds sooo exciting!

If you are not looking for something lucrative and for a cool experience, then go for it. I know at least a half dozen people who have gone… they have all enjoyed it in their own way.

Here’s something I came across dated 4/20/09:

I have been teaching here in Tokyo for 32 years. I started at a high school, got a master’s in TESOL and now I’m a full professor and have been for many years. The Japanese encourage ex-businessmen and those with experience in other fields than education to become educators. The thing that worries educators here is the declining number of students. Many universities like mine are now recruiting students from other Asian countries and they are also opening universities to older students. I have a nice lady in one freshman class who is 69. I suggest that teachers who are seeking an overseas job try Vietnam. It is like Japan was 30 years ago: they desperately need foreign professionals (not volunteers, but people who are qualified in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second of Other Language.) Asian students are wonderful to teach; the Confucian background of the people stresses respect and good behavior. Students are eager and work hard to learn. This is true of almost every Asian country, but Vietnam is a great chance for educational explorers. Japan is full-up and salaries have declined, so it’s not a good choice—jobs are scarce.