How to Get a Job in Japan
Foreigners are a minority in the workforce (less than 2% by most accounts), and you will be stepping into a work culture with very rigid expectations if you teach English in Japan.
Requirements
While no prior teaching experience is required, most schools and programs will require a four-year college diploma, which can be obtained through TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification.
Resources
The JET Program, one of the largest organizations for people looking to teach in Japan, has a job board where we post new opportunities every day. Businesses are providing better support than ever to foreign workers by providing assistance with housing, childcare, and language study.
Requirements
Some IT, software development, and other technology-related jobs don’t require business-level or fluent Japanese, but they do require a strong working knowledge of the terminology used in those fields.
Resources
CareerCross has job boards, salary guides, resume tips, and other resources for bilingual job seekers confident in English and Japanese. Be sure to note the specifics for each job, including the required level of Japanese. Some jobs may require that you already live in Japan or a specific city. Interviews will most likely take place online through Skype or another video chat tool.
Is it hard to get a job in Japan as a foreigner?
Jobs in Japan for foreigners can be difficult to come by, and employment opportunities in Japan don’t always jump out at you; however, once you learn more about the job market here, it becomes much easier and more straightforward.
Can a US citizen live and work in Japan?
The Japanese government controls visas for U.S. citizens wishing to travel, study, or work in Japan; U.S. citizens without a work visa are unable to work in Japan. Here are some useful links: VISA/Residing in Japan by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Can a US citizen move to Japan?
In general, there are no legal barriers to expats owning a home in Japan; however, expats who do not have Japanese citizenship or a permanent residency visa, nor who are married to a Japanese citizen, should be aware that purchasing a home will be difficult.
What job is in demand in Japan?
Sales managers, salespersons, and sales representatives are in high demand in Japan, and the Japanese prefer to hire foreigners to provide these services. Furthermore, marketing jobs in Japan can pay up to 4.90 million yen.
What jobs pay well in Japan?
Top Paying Jobs in Japan for Foreigners (Ranking)
- Business Analyst.
- Investment Banking.
- IT Professional.
- Service Staff.
- English Teacher.
- Recruitment Consultant.
- Engineer.
- Marketing and Sales.
- Business Analyst.
Is it hard to find work in Japan?
Finding a job in Japan can be more difficult than in your home country because the job you want isn’t in demand, or you have some skills the company wants but not all of them. It might not be the sales or marketing position you want, but it’s something.
Can I move to Japan without a job?
If you don’t have a job lined up, you can try your luck with a tourist visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Many people who relocate to Tokyo do so in the hopes of finding work and obtaining a work visa before their initial visa period expires.
Can I live in Japan permanently?
The standard rule for obtaining a Permanent Resident Visa is to have lived in Japan for ten years in a row, but it is now possible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa if an applicant can demonstrate that he or she scored 70 points on this Point Calculation Table at the time of application and that he or she has been in Japan for at least ten years.
Is it expensive to live in Japan?
Japan is known for its high living costs, particularly in Tokyo, which consistently ranks among the world’s top ten most expensive cities. As in most major cities around the world, rent accounts for a large portion of living costs in Japan, followed by car ownership and transportation.
Is moving to Japan worth it?
Yes, now is a great time to move to Japan; Japanese society is very polite – and a wonderful place to live; in fact, there are a large number of Indians living in Japan, many of whom have PR or have taken citizenship, and many of whom own businesses.
Can I live in Japan without knowing Japanese?
It is possible to work in Japan without knowing the language, but your options will be limited; many people use this job as a safe place to stay for one or two years before returning to their home countries, or as a stepping stone to their next career in Japan.
How hard is it to immigrate to Japan?
Japan has made it difficult for foreigners to settle in the country by imposing complex tax structures, such as a high inheritance tax that applies to even short-term foreign residents, prompting some to wonder whether they should stay in the country for more than a decade.
What is the most common job in Japan?
“Craftsman, mining, manufacturing, and construction workers and laborers” were the largest group, accounting for 19.31 million people or 30.1% of all employed people in Japan aged 15 and up, followed by “Clerical and related workers,” with 12.12 million people or 18.9%, and “Sales workers,” with 9.5 million people or 14.8%.
Can I live in Japan as a foreigner?
It’s entirely possible to end up in a small town with little or no Japanese ability, a small population of foreigners, and neighbors or residents who aren’t used to outsiders. My advice to those considering a move to Japan is to think about why you want to live here.
How do I start living in Japan?
- Step 1: Determine the legal requirements for moving to Japan.
- Step 2: Determine whether you can afford the cost of living in Japan.
- Step 3: Establish your finances in Japan.
- Step 4: Find a job and begin working in Japan.
- Step 5: Find a place to live in Japan.