OK, I am 62 years old and am interested in teaching English in Japan, but I have some odd questions about my particular case. I have a BA in English and several graduate degrees, but am now retired and on disability, so money is not a problem. But, in a way, it is the problem. Is it at all possible to teach in Japan in exchange for housing expenses only, instead of for a salary? If so, how would this be best addressed with a prospective employer? I ask this because my disability status has a maximum amount that I can earn per year. I also know that odd request like this need to be carefully addressed in Japan...as they tend to make one stand out. My disability is a hidden disability, so I have no problems with mobility, or any other symptoms. I am single with no dependents. My financial status is secure, with my retirement and disability payments. Annual net would be around $45,000 USD.

One other issue is about being older and having advanced academic credentials. A Japanese-American friend who has taught in Japan has told me that I could have problems gaining employment because of my advanced training and...well...advanced age. Kind of a senpai-kohai kind of discomfort for the staff.

Sorry if this sounds vague, but I am wondering about the best way to proceed with this venture. Thanks for any and all advice.

Best chance of success would be to just try to (initially) do things the most usual way.
Apply for a job.. and a visa.

Come here and work and do the "normal" style thing while you try to find ways to do your ultimate plan.

Because your plan does not fit in a usual box so is unlikely to be accepted by any of these "must fit in a box" people...

Sorry, that isn't possible...as it would mean forfeiting my disability payment monies. Thank you though. There is a way to do such a thing...it is just a matter of finding the correct approach.

BTW, I am an American, so a working visa is not possible, except as a student.

I have lots of American friends here on "specialist in humanities... " visas which is the visa they usually use for English teachers.

But good luck with your approach.

The toughest thing is that people working in Japan from the US have to secure employment before leaving the US. I wish we had working holiday visas, but, so far, the US and Japan haven't come to agreement on such things. I may talk to the folks in the Los Angeles offices of The Japan Foundation later...to see if they have any sage advice on the matter. The main social problem seems to be that the school operators think that a position teaching English is "below me," and that staff is somewhat uncomfortable with having a "junior" who is so "senior." This is one area that respect for elders actually works against you.

I do have experience working for a Japanese company before though. I worked for Mitsubishi Electronics America back in the 80s...so I do know how to "behave."