Wait until you get back. You want to be available for in-person interviews.

I think you should wait. It won't look too good if you don't respond to their calls in a timely manner also.

What they said. :) Wait until you get back so you a) can answer calls and emails in a timely manner, and b) can be cogent after dealing with jet-lag and such.

Be kind to yourself. a few days will not matter.

However, if you have the time, get your business cards, online resume, and paper resumes done before you go so you immediately can throw yourself into the work without having to stress about the details. Also, if you haven't already done so, be sure to have some way to verify your salary and work history from your old work. ID who will be verifying employment checks for HR after the company closes.

Have fun on your trip, and I hope you quickly find a very happy and profitable new position.

Agree with everyone else. It's tacky to not be available whilst job-hunting. Besides, you're going to be *on vacation*. That means not worrying about if Somebody Important has left a message on your machine while you're eight timezones away and unable to respond. Relax, have fun, splash in puddles, come back and then deal with jobs.

Eh. I doubt recruiters would get back to you right away just because they're lame and take time, but I'm also of the wait camp. Just so you don't stress about it while you're in Japan.

Although... the only problem would be that hiring window is almost over by the time you get back... Not much hiring happening in Dec. Hm, maybe I'd be of the post school of thought after all. Sure, I'll be the devil's advocate. Post. You can always check messages later and apologize for not getting back to them immediately because of personal matters.

You'll be getting back on my birthday. So that's auspicious--or something.

Well, it's convenient at least. That way I remember when your birthday is. (And it reminds me that I need to get your birthday presents sent early. Which is fine, since I wanted to send you one sooner rather than later, so I could gloat without spoiling the surprise.)