Sir

Compared with other countries in Asia, Japan is often described in discouraging terms with respect to foreign researchers working there (see, for example, Naturejobs 4–5, 8 August 2002). I have just completed four years' postdoctoral work in Japan, and agree that it is more difficult for Japan than for the United States or Europe to attract young foreign researchers. This is a great pity, as both the country and its science have a lot to offer postdoctoral fellows.

One of the greatest obstacles is the image that Western scientists have of Japan. At a recent conference, numerous graduate students and postdocs asked me questions about my experience, almost always starting out with whether it is difficult to live there. No, it is not difficult — not least because the financial support provided by institutions such as the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) is very generous.

Two critical elements for a successful stay are the attitudes of the researcher and of the laboratory head. Foreign researchers should develop at least basic Japanese language skills and not expect the lab to burst into English for every detail. Although good speakers may come to the institution, Japan is geographically distant from countries in which most scientific meetings are held, so visiting postdocs should make the most of the grants offered by the JSPS for travel to conferences.

The wonderful time I experienced in Japan was largely due to the supportive nature of the lab I worked in. Frequently, however, one hears stories where this is not the case. If the sensei (lab head) is unenthusiastic or is prejudiced against foreign researchers, conflicts arise. In my view, it is crucial for a researcher to meet his or her prospective lab head before deciding to move.

As PhD graduates rarely have the funds to travel at the end of their studies, a programme (perhaps funded by JSPS) to allow a visit to a prospective lab, with no commitment on either side, would be useful in establishing regular successful working relationships between foreign and Japanese researchers. Preparedness and flexibility are the key to finding success and happiness while working in Japan.