Edward Coe (English)
Financial adviser, 35
The landlords can be very temperamental. They want the rent guaranteed but they are often not specific about their requirements. For example, can a company be guarantor or does it have to be a Japanese citizen? If so, they may need to see evidence of income in excess of half a year's rent.
Gavin Cruickshank, 30
English teacher (U.K.)
I initially had a lot of problems with agencies saying there were very few options because most landlords don't allow foreigners, but I went again with my Japanese friend's parents and suddenly everything changed. I was shown 15 or 20 places and was able to find one that suited me straight away.