Changing jobs used to be stigmatised in Japan. The goal was to secure work with a good company and stay there until retirement, gradually inching your way up the corporate ladder. Such sentiments linger on, but changing jobs is now more socially acceptable, and the norm for foreigners. Moving companies is relatively easy. A company cannot ban you from working elsewhere and you can keep your visa – just make sure that your new employer is willing to renew it when it expires. If your former employer guaranteed your apartment, ask whether your new company will be prepared to take over the guarantee.