Has anyone ever worked for Disney Tokyo before?

[bibliobihullabaloo]

I'm thinking of auditioning to be a face character for the 30th anniversary and have so many questions! Has anyone else ever worked there before? Did you enjoy your experience?

I know going will be a culture shock, but I used to live in Thailand so I'm not too concerned about that having already experienced it. I am, however, concerned about finding friends. Is there a good English speaking community? Do I need to be able to speak Japanese?

What is the housing situation like?

Sorry for having so many questions. If you have answers to any one of them I would be grateful!

[luckyone]

I think there should be some members able to help you,

in my case I am going to study in Japan soon (tokyo to be precise), I know there are many people who speak english and you should be able to go on your daily life with basic japanese, but why not learn it? it will make things a little easier, since not many japanese speak english

In my case I am going to be in a student dorm (well, maybe not all the time since I will study my degree there for four years, so I will eventually move out), but what I know it is expensive, expect to pay about 500 dlls monthly at least. In your case you will earn the necessary money to afford a place, so I don't think you should worry.

I arrive to Japan in September and I plan to go to Disney frequently with an annual pass, so don't hesitate to contact me by pm

[DreamSweetsLove]

You would be living in Shin-Urayasu at E-village which has a really good location and is close o the station. The city is really foreigner friendly and very easy to live in. you shouldn't have any trouble meeting people because besides being housed together with other CM's there is a large expat community. You can look into UFRA with has a monthly letter on city events in English if you are interested or the newsletter is also available at the station.

[RescueTheDay]

Working for TDR is a great experience. The 12-14 month contract is a bit long, but you'll really enjoy your time. The housing is provided for you in a complex with all the other foreign performers out on contract. Don't worry about knowing Japanese before hand since the job doesn't require it. You'll have no issue making friends because you'll become friends with your cast.

Worry about the audition first though. They will go over everything in detail before any jobs are offered.

[haileybrooke]

K know i may have a few fact mixed up, but last year wasn't E-Village pretty damaged from the earthquakes? I cant really find much info on it as everything is in japanese, but i did find this youtube video...
E-Village Part 1 - YouTube

I'm going to face auditions for TDR in September

[DreamSweetsLove]

K know i may have a few fact mixed up, but last year wasn't E-Village pretty damaged from the earthquakes? I cant really find much info on it as everything is in japanese, but i did find this youtube video...
E-Village Part 1 - YouTube

I'm going to face auditions for TDR in September

Shin-Urayasu in general was pretty damaged by the earthquake but looks much better now (close to normal) and repairs are ongoing. The city is trying to see if it can prevent liquefaction in the future but we just have to wait and see if it works. E-village is perfectly fine now and cast have been living there. Good luck on your auditions both of you!

[bibliobihullabaloo]

Thank you all so much for the information! Haileybrooke, where are you auditioning?

[haileybrooke]

In North Hollywood. They hold auditions there sometimes.. Hbu??

[bibliobihullabaloo]

I'm auditioning in Orlando.

[Ladygirl]

Sorry to intrude on the conversation, but I'll be auditioning in Orlando as well! I'm extremely nervous, but I hope I do well (it'll be my first audition). Best of luck to the both of you!

[bibliobihullabaloo]

Well, maybe I'll see you there!

[mratigan]

maybe some day

[Fukai]

Good luck to all of you. The Japanese idolize the face characters to a degree beyond anything seen in the United States.

[haileybrooke]

ohh good luck then! your auditions before mine so maybe you could give me a little bit of a lowdown on how it goes don't be nervous it will most likely be just some simple character/parade dance etc.

[Ladygirl]

So I went to the Orlando Tokyo audition today, didn't make it past the first round There was a huge turnout, a little over 200 people. The choreography is definitely harder than what they use at the WDW and DL auditions, many people were having difficulties. Be ready, it's fast.
I'll definitely be trying again though! I got to meet some nice people, and the judges were kind and happy.
I wish they could have told people what to improve on, although it seems unrealistic. I kind of want to know if they'll never ever choose me because of something I can't change (my face :P)