Hello
Ever since I was a toddler I have been infatuated with japan and wanted to live in Tokyo however a lengthy period of bad behaviour in my teens and twentys led to multiple convictions for theft and violence and as such I fear my dreams may have to remain as such despite having settled down and learned to behave in an appropriate fashion. Will I EVER be able to go through with my goal ?

For holiday - yes. To live & work there, very unlikely.

What work would you be looking for in Tokyo?

I'm currently studying as a vehicle engineer. I was intending to make this transition in approximately 6 to 10 years depending on my financial circumstances. Will this help ?

Yes - that will help. I would suggest joining one of the Japanese car manufacturers in the UK, then working your way to a inter-company transfer (I spent almost two years working in Osaka, transferred there by my company at the time - thus my user name - okonomiyaki is a Kansai dish)

I never even thought of that. I really appreciate your advice. Ill definitely be taking steps in that direction. Thank you

This is indeed good advice: go to Japan as an intra-company transfer. Especially if you are an engineer this could be a possible route. Working for a large Japanese company (e.g. car manufacturer) helps; it is a bit more difficult if you work for a small/tiny Japanese company though. Remember that it is the company which will apply at the immigration department for a permit for you, so you need to make sure that the company sees value in you and in you being in Japan.
In anticipation of this it could make sense for you to visit Japan a few times as tourist, to better understand the country, inhabitants and their culture.

I really appreciate all the advice. I've been learning little bits of japanese language online and will continue to do so as well as visiting as a tourist a few times before the final transition. Thank you very much everyone

You might also look to see if you can have your record (at least as a teenager) expunged. Tht' possible in some countries though perhp there is no possibility in the UK, or if the subsequent "bad behavior" makes it unlikely.

Hi all

can anyone talk to me about living to Japan. Just like the original poster I want to me to Japan. I’ve got a masters and English citizenship. I want to make some friend that live in Japan that can talk to me about there experiences.

thanks