IAMINJAPAN and IMINJAPAN Website
Overview
A project of junior year, which is a demo website that provides information on preparing to move to Japan. It also addresses illegal actions and important considerations to keep in mind before making any decisions. This website is part of a web programming course where we designed the site's interface and coded it by ourselves.
Problem
Japan is a popular travel destination for Thai people. According to statistics, Thai tourists rank sixth among all visitors to Japan, indicating a strong interest in the country. Although the cost of living in Japan is high, many people are attracted to the prospect of working there due to higher salaries, better benefits, and improved living conditions compared to Thailand.
However, Japan is known for its strict laws and regulations. While many aspire to work or live in the country permanently, they often encounter challenges related to documentation and the financial costs of travelling and settling down. In 2018, there were approximately 20,365 Thai workers in Japan, with around 6,860 being illegal immigrants, a number that is expected to continue rising.
Solution
To assist those looking to move to Japan, we have created an informational website aimed at helping them navigate the process correctly and legally. The site also addresses the risks of illegal entry, highlighting unlawful activities to encourage visitors to reconsider their options.
The prefectures featured on the website are Tokyo, Kanagawa, Aichi, and Chiba. They are among those with the highest number of illegal foreign workers while also being in the top 12 prefectures with legal Thai residents.
My Role
Researcher
Graphic Designer
UX/UI Designer
Web Programmer
Coordinator
Tools
Adobe Illustration
Adobe Photoshop
Xcode
Coding : JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Google Workspace
Process
Discovery
Ideation
Design
Conclusion
Duration
3 Weeks
Discovery
Key Takeaways
Mission
To create a website that provides information on preparing for a move to Japan, alongside a website that highlights illegal activities and necessary precautions.
Target Audience
Individuals looking to relocate to Japan who need guidance on preparation and essential information
Job seekers looking for employment opportunities in Japan
Individuals with varying financial resources
Individuals with limited education
The community of illegal immigrants
Research
Information related to the problem and solutions
The creative process began with our group selecting a topic of shared interest, and we settled on "Japan". We researched various intriguing aspects of Japan, including legal and illegal migration, as well as information about in-demand labour in the country.
Reasons Why Thai People want to move to Japan
Beautiful Nature : Japan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Iconic sights such as Mt. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and other beautiful nature are scattered throughout the country, waiting for tourists to explore.
Travel Safety : Japan is considered a relatively safe destination compared to other countries, providing travellers with peace of mind.
Orderliness of Cities : Japanese cities exemplify a strong commitment to cleanliness and order. Homes and buildings are well-maintained, and citizens are disciplined in disposing of garbage properly.
Diverse Seasons : Japan experiences distinct seasons. Winter offers snow, spring brings the blooming of cherry blossoms, and autumn showcases beautiful red leaves across the landscape.
Excellent Transportation System : Japan boasts a highly convenient transportation system, especially its trains. There are various options, including express trains and high-speed trains, making it easy to travel almost anywhere in the country via train, bus, or taxi.
Friendly People : Despite potential language barriers, the service quality in restaurants and other establishments is generally excellent. People on the streets are welcoming, creating a warm atmosphere for visitors.
Delicious Food : Japanese cuisine is known for its rich flavours that appeal to the Thai palate. There is a wide variety of dishes available, differing by region, and even convenience store food looks appetising.
Shopping Opportunities : Japan offers numerous shopping options, including department stores, outlets, and markets. Japanese products are known for their high quality and popularity.
Origin of Manga, Anime, and Other Entertainment Media : Japan is the birthplace of many famous forms of entertainment, such as manga and anime, which are widely loved in Thailand. This cultural familiarity fosters a strong interest in Japan.
Travel Time and Airfare Prices : Flight times to Japan are considerably shorter compared to European destinations, with direct flights taking only 5–6 hours. Additionally, airfare is typically more affordable than flights to Europe, making Japan an attractive option for those looking to travel without going too far or spending too much.
Opportunities for Thai Workers
Japan is currently experiencing a labour shortage due to its ageing population and declining birthrate. As a result, there is a significant demand for foreign workers to help alleviate this issue. Many employers express satisfaction with Thai workers' performance, making them particularly sought after. Thai workers are known for being diligent, obedient, responsible in their tasks, and quick learners. Additionally, Thailand and Japan share similar cultures and traditions, leading to a long-standing positive relationship. The friendly nature of Thai workers often encourages employers to continue hiring them.
According to employment contract certification data from the Labour Office in Japan, the manufacturing sector has the highest demand for Thai workers, followed by the agricultural and construction sectors.
Legal Workers : Most legal Thai workers enjoy living conditions comparable to those of other Japanese employees. They typically have access to accommodation with adequate facilities, welfare benefits, and salaries that meet standards.
Illegal Workers : Many illegal Thai workers, particularly men, are employed in construction and factories, while women often work in snack bars and factories. Their living conditions tend to be less favourable than those of legal workers, as they often have to live in hiding. In large cities with high rents, they may share rooms with several other people. However, some illegal workers, particularly those who have been in Japan for some time, manage to live comfortably and earn more than legal workers due to the avoidance of social security contributions and full income retention. It is noteworthy that a significant number of illegal Thai workers drive cars openly, despite lacking visas or driving licences.
Living Conditions of Thai Workers
Thai workers still face challenges in their Japanese language skills : Foreign workers are required to pass language and professional skills assessments determined by the Japanese government. Those Thai workers committed to learning Japanese may be able to pass these tests. However, statistics indicate that only 60% of Thai candidates pass the Japanese language proficiency test.
Various problems persist for Thai workers : Such as illegal driving, drunk driving, drug use, bullying, and physical assault by coworkers. They may also experience issues such as unmet employment conditions, unpaid wages, excessive deductions from pay cheques for unnecessary expenses, and wages being reduced due to employers citing economic downturns. Some workers may face defection or overstaying their visas.
Problems and Obstacles Faced of Thai Workers
Information related to creativity
Creating a website that provides information about moving to Japan in a way that is easy for the target audience to understand requires concise and clear content. By focusing on essential information that interests the target group, we aim to deliver accurate and quick insights. To achieve this, we have conducted research and compiled relevant details for publication on this website.
Narita International Airport : This is Japan's main airport, located in Chiba Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo. It is approximately an hour away by express train. This airport connects to most destinations worldwide, along with many domestic flights. Therefore, it is often referred to as the gateway to Japan.
Haneda Airport : As Tokyo's primary airport, Haneda initially served mainly domestic flights but has now expanded to accommodate international flights as well. Travellers can reach downtown Tokyo within 30 minutes from the terminal.
Kansai International Airport : This airport caters to tourists visiting the western region of Japan, which includes popular cities like Kyoto and Osaka. It is about 50 minutes away from the bullet train hub of Shin-Osaka Station and 75 minutes from Kyoto Station. The area is rich in cultural and historical sites, including the spiritual locations of Nara and Wakayama. In addition to these major airports, Japan has several other airports spread across the country, from the beautiful northern island of Hokkaido to the industrial city of Nagoya in the centre and the subtropical Okinawa Islands in the south, all welcoming both domestic and international flights.
Going by Plane to Japan
South Korea-Japan International Ferries : There are ferry services operating between cities like Busan in South Korea and Kyushu and Osaka in Japan. Ticket prices vary depending on the duration of the journey. For instance, a high-speed ferry from Hakata to Busan takes about 3–4 hours and costs around 16,000 yen, while a ferry from Kampu to Osaka lasts 12 hours and costs less than 10,000 yen.
China-Japan International Ferry : You can also take a ferry from Shanghai to Japan, which takes about 3 days. This service operates once a week and connects the ports of Osaka and Kobe on Japan's western coast, as well as Nagasaki and Fukuoka on the southern island.
Going by Ship to Japan
Tourism : Thai nationals can travel to Japan for tourism and stay for up to 15 days without a visa.
Short-term Stay : Thai nationals may stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days. During this period, they cannot work or undertake compensated activities. A visa application is required, which should be submitted with the appropriate documents through the visa application centre.
Work and Long-term Residence : Thai nationals can apply for work or long-term residence visas in Japan, subject to different requirements.
Visa Types for Going to Japan
Kanagawa : Located next to Tokyo, with Yokohama as its capital. It also includes attractive destinations such as Kamakura, Yokosuka, and Hakone, all easily accessible from Tokyo by train in under an hour.
Tokyo : Located on Tokyo Bay within the Kanto region of Honshu (Japan's largest island), it is renowned for its trendy shopping areas like Harajuku and Shibuya, as well as the luxury shopping district of Ginza.
Aichi : Located on central Honshu Island, with Nagoya as its capital. It is a leading agricultural prefecture and a centre for Japan's significant forestry industry.
Chiba : Located next to Tokyo, it is famous for housing both of Japan's Disney theme parks. It offers scenic beauty both in urban areas and along the coast, all easily accessible from Tokyo by train in just 40 minutes.
Popular Prefectures for Thai Workers
Ideation
Problem Statements
There are various ways for Thai individuals to move to Japan for work, both legally and illegally. Many Thai people are interested in working abroad, with Japan being a popular option. As a result, there are several questions concerning the process of moving to work in Japan, such as guidelines for relocation, required documents, visa categories, and methods of finding jobs and accommodation. Researching this information has led to several conclusions for creating appropriate media :
Thai workers are in demand in the Japanese labour market, and there are many job opportunities available.
Individuals can choose to move to Japan either legally or illegally. Some Thais opt for illegal employment due to various limitations they face.
There are different types of visas for going to Japan, including Non-working Visas, Working Visas, and Family-related Visas. Each visa type has specific conditions. Some Thais misuse their visas, such as entering Japan on a tourist visa while working illegally.
The prefectures in Japan that are popular among Thai workers include Kanagawa, Tokyo, Aichi, and Chiba, each with its unique characteristics.
Project Name
The website catering to legal immigration is called "IAMINJAPAN" (I am in Japan), while the site focusing on illegal immigration is named "IMINJAPAN". The latter is a play on the words "I am in Japan", with "Im" derived from "Imposter", which means a person who pretends to be someone else or a swindler.
Website Wireframe
Wireframe design serves as a prototype of the interface for each page, outlining the essential information to be included before the actual website development begins. Each page will have specific content as outlined below :
Home : This is the home page where users will find buttons that lead to the different sections of the website.
How to Prepare : This page provides essential information for individuals preparing to move to Japan, including the required documents, travel methods, and job search strategies.
Our Packages : This page details the various packages offered by the agency, allowing users to select the one that best suits their needs.
FAQ : This page addresses common questions and concerns from the target audience, providing clear answers to help alleviate any doubts.
Contact us : This page enables users to fill out their personal information and submit enquiries, allowing the agency to get back to them with further assistance.
The IAMINJAPAN and IMINJAPAN websites feature similar designs. However, the content they offer varies, focusing on both legal and illegal information.
Website User Flow
User Flow 1 : Access the IAMINJAPAN website to explore various pages.
User Flow 2 : Access the IMINJAPAN website to explore various pages.
Design
Style Guide
The colour themes for the websites are bold, primarily featuring blue, pink, and ivory. Blue conveys a sense of stability, pink suggests uncertainty, and ivory offers relaxation.
The IAMINJAPAN website : Addresses legal immigration, uses blue as the main colour and pink as the secondary colour.
The IMINJAPAN website : Addresses illegal immigration, uses pink as the main colour and blue as the secondary colour.
The illustrations used on these websites include images related to travel, tourism, and Japan, predominantly in blue and pink to align with the site's colour themes. We have selected a formal and easily readable font. For the buttons, we designed them by using the secondary colours of each website to ensure they are clearly visible against the main background colour.
Logo Design
Logo Design is inspired by paper planes, symbolising imagination, travel, communication, prototypes, beliefs, and desires. This concept reflects the agency's role as a consultant and seller of starter packages for individuals looking to move to Japan permanently.
The paper aeroplane is shaped like the letter "J", representing "Japan", and features a circle in the centre that resembles the sun from the Japanese flag.
Website Design
Our demo websites consist of 2 platforms : the IAMINJAPAN website, which is legal, and the IMINJAPAN website, which is illegal. Each website has 5 main pages : Home, How to prepare, Our packages, FAQ, and Contact us.
The design features 3 main colours : blue, pink, and ivory. The IAMINJAPAN website (legal) uses blue as the main colour, while the IMINJAPAN website (illegal) uses pink as the main colour, enhanced with Japanese-style images to create a cohesive appearance.
Home : This page design is reminiscent of dining with chopsticks, with round buttons resembling takoyaki scattered throughout the page, allowing users to navigate to other pages.
How to prepare : This page showcases images relevant to the content, such as maps, yen coins, passports, planes, and ships. As users scroll up and down, these elements animate in and out together.
Our packages : This page showcases images relevant to the content, such as tourist spots, toys, products, food, drinks, and fruits of Japan. Similar to the previous page, the elements move in and out as users scroll.
FAQ : This page contains various questions that users can tap to reveal their corresponding answers.
On the IAMINJAPAN (legal) website : The message will state, “We have received all your information. Please wait 2–3 days, we will contact you by email”.
On the IMINJAPAN (illegal) website : The message will state “We have received all your information. Please wait 2–3 days, the subpoena will be sent to your address”.
Additionally, before the form on the IMINJAPAN (illegal) website, there is a section asking users to confirm their intentions. If they change their minds, they can click a button to navigate to the IAMINJAPAN (legal) website.
Contact us : This page features a form for users to enter personal information and relevant details. After pressing send, a notification pop-up will inform the user that their information has been submitted.
The entire website is developed using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, with Bootstrap utilised on every page for organisation, and the cursor has been customised to resemble a paper plane.
Home
Use JavaScript on the loading page before entering the website to implement a blurring effect. Start with the blur value set to 0 and continuously increase it by 1. The condition is, If the blur value exceeds 99, remove the blurring effect.
Use @keyframes command to create various animated objects in CSS. Specify their starting positions as well as their target positions for movement.
How to prepare
Preparation : Use JavaScript addEventListener to create an effect where the content box slides in from the left or right when the mouse moves. Additionally, if the user scrolls out of a designated area, the next content box will slide in alternately from the left and right. Each content box will include icons, subheadings, and descriptions, which can be styled using CSS. The content and images will be structured using HTML.
Travel : In CSS, use the 'position relative' and 'position absolute' properties to arrange elements in the desired layout. Ensure everything is well-organised before adding JavaScript. For visual appeal, adjust the positioning with GSAP to create a background effect that moves forward with the mouse moves. Additionally, when scrolling, GSAP can be activated to move the background along a specified axis. Set the z-index to 10000 to bring the desired image to the forefront, and adjust the y-value in GSAP to 200 so that the background overlaps the water image as the website scrolls down.
Occupation in Japan : Use JavaScript to change the content box when buttons are clicked. Use addEventListener to modify the content box value, incrementing it by +1 or decrementing it by -1 to display different content.
Our packages
Package Description : Use JavaScript GSAP to create dynamic background movement when the mouse moves. When scrolling, GSAP is activated, shifting the background along the specified axes. The background image is assigned a z-index of -100 to position it at the back, ensuring it does not obstruct the content. Additionally, the y-value in GSAP is set to 200, allowing the background to overlap with a water picture in the foreground when scrolling down. We also use JavaScript addEventListener to create an effect where the content box slides in from the left or right when the mouse moves. Additionally, if the user scrolls out of a designated area, the next content box will slide in alternately from the left and right. Each content box will include icons, package name, and package description, which can be styled using CSS. The content and images will be structured using HTML.
Property Details : Use JavaScript to allow the content boxes to change in response when the mouse moves or button clicks. We create a Swiper using GSAP, with additional transition conditions specified in the position and opacity sections of the CSS. Then we use Bootstrap's Font Awesome CSS to incorporate star icons.
FAQ
Use JavaScript to create a content box that can be opened and closed. Use addEventListener to toggle the content box's active state upon clicking. When the content is displayed as a 'block', clicking will hide it by setting its display to 'none'. Conversely, if the content is hidden (set to 'none'), clicking will make it visible again by setting it to 'block'.
Use @keyframes to create various animation objects in CSS, specifying both the starting position and the target position for movement.
Contact us
Lay out a table in HTML by using Bootstrap for effective page layout. Use input fields for data entry and create a dropdown box using the 'select' and 'option' to allow users to choose options.
Use JavaScript to create a pop-up window. Establish conditions that trigger different functions upon clicking, such as displaying the pop-up window when a button is pressed, closing it with an 'X' button, or closing it when clicking outside of the pop-up window.
IAMINJAPAN Website
IMINJAPAN Website
Conclusion
Lessons Learned
Research and Summary of Information : We have researched various topics related to legal requirements in Thailand and Japan, including immigration methods and the hiring of Thai workers in Japan. Each topic contains many details, so it is essential to summarise the information concisely. As a result, careful verification of the information is necessary to avoid any miscommunication. This process helps us discover interesting facts and teaches us how to summarise key points effectively.
Website Creation and Development : We created the website interface and developed the website by ourselves, despite having no prior coding experience. This project allowed us to apply the knowledge we have acquired over time. Throughout the development process, we learnt how to solve problems that arose during our work.
Challenges
Teamwork : This project is part of the Web Programming course and involves collaboration among team members. To ensure everyone learns thoroughly, we agreed that all members would contribute to each section. For instance, during the design of different interfaces, everyone participated in the creation process, including writing the code for the website. Good communication and mutual understanding among team members were crucial for achieving consistent results.
Time and Situational Constraints : Due to time constraints and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, team members were unable to work together in person and instead communicated via the internet. Collaborating and assisting each other required time, patience, and a commitment to understanding one another. Despite these challenges, all members worked effectively together to successfully complete this project.
