Looking for Jobs in Japan as a Foreigner: Your Best Guide

This guide sheds light on popular jobs for foreigners in Japan. Including sectors like education, teach English in Japan, as well as positions in technology, healthcare and hospitality, which are high in demand. If you are living in Japan or looking to move to Japan, you should check this out.

In 2019, Japan started its visa type of “Special Skilled Worker (SSW).” This is because Japan is currently experiencing an economic labor shortage. Thus, Japan will accept around 820,000 foreign skilled workers between 2024 and 2029.

If you’re interested in learning more about working in Japan, check out our survival guides to Japan’s toxic work culture.

1. Popular Jobs in Japan for Foreigners

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Japan's tech industry failed to build its software industry, but chose to focus on hardware instead. Before 2012, Japanese companies saw programming as a low priority and paid their employees low salaries. However, since 2020, Japan’s tech industry has been playing catch-up.

Today, IT professionals are in high demand in Japan due to the low number of skilled workers available. This has meant that software engineering has become the largest job in demand for foreign workers.

Positions range from:

• mobile app development,
• web development,
• cyber security engineer,
• data analyst,
• project management,
• IT consulting

Be aware that IT recruitment has been reported to be highly competitive. Companies are looking for highly skilled and experienced candidates.

Do IT positions require Japanese language skills?

• Startups do not usually require Japanese language ability.
• Many large Japanese corporations with a large number of employees will require business level Japanese (between JPTL N3 and N2 level). In this type of company, you must communicate with other native Japanese IT engineers.

Average IT salaries for foreigners in Japan:

• IT engineer in Japan is around JP¥45,00,000 (around US$29, 500) per year.
• IT manager in Japan is around JP¥9,500,000 (around US$62, 200) per year.
  
  

Engineering is another sector where foreigners can find growing employment opportunities in Japan. The demand for skilled engineers spans across electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering.

Foreign engineers often find positions in Japan's leading industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics, with opportunities for career advancement and high earning potential.

Do Engineering positions require Japanese language skills?

• Knowledge of the Japanese language may be required for some companies.
• Japanese companies that expect Japanese language proficiency, will want JPLT N2.

Average Engineering for foreigners in Japan:

• The average salary for an engineer in Japan is around JP¥7.07 million (around US$46,300) per year.
  

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) remains a primary job choice for foreigners in Japan. Traditionally, it was the easiest way to get a Japanese work visa.

Opportunities for teaching in Japan range from:

• English language instructors (eikaiwa company),
• private tutoring,
• assistant language teacher (ALT/ JET program),
• teacher in public schools and private institutions,
• university tutor/lecturer.

The requirements for an English teacher include:

A bachelor's degree, a high level of English, and a no criminal record. Position as a teacher usually require certifications and teaching experience.

Teaching jobs at the university level usually require a minimum of a master’s degree. Although I have seen some people get a university contract with just bachelor’s degree.

Recommended for ALT workers:

Also, if you are planning to work as an ALT, be aware that you might not make a lot of money. I would recommend learn about:

• Japanese cost of living
• Surviving in Japan on $2,000 a month

Does an English Teaching position require Japanese language skills?

• In the past, English teachers were not expected to speak Japanese.
• High schools are now looking for Japanese-speaking foreign staff to take up permanent positions.
• Teachers or lectures who work in tertiary education positions are expected to have a sufficient level of Japanese to be able to communicate with Japanese office staff members.

Average English teachers salaries for foreigners in Japan:

Ten years ago, it would have been unusual to see a foreigner working in Japan’s service industry. But, these days, there are many employment opportunities for foreigners in Japan’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Staff demand has reportedly led to an increase in wages in this sector.

Roles such as waiters, bartenders, hotel staff, and even convenience store positions. Due to the rise of tourism in Japan, fluency in languages other than Japanese is an asset. The positions available often depend on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, impacting potential earnings.

Despite the growth of AI, Japanese companies are still seeking people to fill many of these jobs.

For those fluent in Japanese and other languages, careers in translation and interpreting are still viable. This field offers flexibility and diversity, as professionals can work across various industries that require localization services.

The role of a translator or interpreter involves not only language skills. It also requires a deep understanding of culture to make sure there is accurate communication.

2. The Average Salary in Japan for Foreigners

Exploring the highest paying jobs in Japan reveals a variety of roles across different sectors that not only offer substantial financial rewards but also provide opportunities for career growth. Here are some of the top professions for foreigners seeking lucrative employment in Japan:

1. Banker – Average Salary: ¥11,210K
2. Doctor – Average Salary: ¥10,069K
3. Mechanic – Average Salary: ¥7,119K
4. Risk Analyst – Average Salary: ¥6,401K
5. Business Analyst – Average Salary: ¥6,015K
6. IT Professional – Average Salary: ¥5,881K
7. Sales & Marketing – Average Salary: ¥5,669K
8. Engineer – Average Salary: ¥5,095K
9. Recruitment – Average Salary: ¥4,280K
10. Customer Service – Average Salary: ¥3,883K
11. English Teacher – Average Salary: ¥2,994K

Additionally, specialized roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Attorney, and Dentist also command high salaries, with monthly earnings ranging from ¥1,020,000 to ¥1,290,000.

3. Full-Time vs Part-Time Jobs in Japan for Foreigners

In Japan, the ability to work either full-time or part-time depends on your Japanese visa status. Foreign nationals must have the appropriate work permit. What jobs you can take depends on your visa type. For example, someone on a student visa is restricted to the type of work they can do.

Part-time jobs in Japan, especially for students, are often entry-level positions that do not offer salaries as high as full-time positions. Part-time positions are perfect for people staying on a Japanese Working Holiday Visa.

Students are permitted to work part-time only if it does not negatively impact their studies, with strict limitations on the number of hours they can work per week. Additionally, certain types of work, particularly in the adult entertainment industry, are prohibited for students.

Those holding a tourist visa are not allowed to earn income in Japan at all.

Part-time opportunities vary, from hospitality roles such as waitstaff, to teaching English or other languages, where pay rates can range from ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 per hour.

Other common part-time jobs include roles in convenience stores, clothing retailers, and grocery markets, which require Japanese language skills. These jobs pay typically around ¥1,000 to ¥1,800 per hour.

The availability of these jobs can provide a practical pathway for foreigners to gain work experience in Japan while accommodating their schedule or language proficiency level.

4. Steps to Find a Job in Japan as a Foreigner

Understanding the job market in Japan and the types of jobs available for foreigners is crucial. It's important to look into industries and companies that actively hire international talent.

Popular online job boards include:

• GaijinPot - A wide range of job advertisements for foreigners in Japan
• Daijob.com - A wide range of job advertisements for foreigners in Japan
• JREC-IN - Teaching positions in higher education
• Japan Dev - Software engineer jobs for foreigners in Japan
• TokyoDev - Software engineer jobs for foreigners in Japan (mostly focused on Tokyo)
• Indeed Japan - A wide range of job advertisements in Japanese language
• LinkedIn - A wide range of job advertisements. People report mixed results.

These can be an effective way to search for job openings that match your skills and experience. Creating profiles and applying directly through these platforms can significantly increase your visibility to potential employers.

Tailoring your resume to the Japanese job market is essential. Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience. Consider translating your resume into Japanese to accommodate local hiring practices.

In Japan, you typically need to prepare two resumes:

The 職務経歴書 (shokumukeirekisho)

This is a more detailed document that focuses specifically on the applicant's professional experience and skills.

The 履歴書 (rirekisho)

A traditional resume but follows a highly standardized format. Key characteristics include:

Ensure that your resume adheres to the Japanese standards. This might include a chronological order of your full employment history. Also, most companies will want you to complete your CV in Japanese. This will be put on your official record after you are hired.

Preparing for common interview questions and familiarizing yourself with Japanese business etiquette is vital. Practice your responses and be ready to discuss your background and fit for the role.

When interviewing for a job, it is best to speak in keigo (the honorific form of Japanese), and practice answering typical Japanese interview questions. Be aware of the key vocabulary during interviews and ensure your behavior and presentation align with Japanese cultural expectations.

5. Work Requirements for Foreigners in Japan

Japanese language proficiency significantly enhances job prospects in Japan. For most professional roles, especially in business and technical fields, a minimum of N2 level on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is often required, although some companies may accept N3 for less demanding roles.

Higher proficiency levels, such as N1, are preferred for roles that require extensive interaction in Japanese. Understanding and passing the JLPT can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

A bachelor's degree is generally the minimum educational requirement for obtaining a work visa in Japan. In some cases, extensive relevant work experience (approximately 10 years) may substitute for the lack of a formal university degree.

Fields such as engineering and healthcare require specific qualifications and certifications. For teaching positions, while some may not require formal qualifications, securing a direct-hire position often depends on the specific educational board's requirements.

When applying for a work visa, applicants need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents. These include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, a detailed resume, academic and professional certificates, and an employment agreement.

The application process also involves submitting these documents along with the COE to demonstrate the candidate's eligibility and qualifications for the intended position. For specific visas like the SSV1, points from a skills exam and a language test score are also necessary.

By meeting these requirements and preparing thoroughly, foreigners can navigate the complexities of the Japanese job market and increase their chances of securing employment in Japan.

FAQs

What are the typical careers available to foreigners in Japan?
In Japan, foreigners often find employment as English teachers, which is one of the most common roles due to the demand for teaching English as a second language (ESL). Other prevalent jobs include positions in the service industry, IT sector, and engineering. Additionally, roles such as translators or interpreters are also popular. Foreigners looking to work in Japan should conduct thorough research, seek job opportunities online, and prepare their resumes accordingly.

Which Japanese company is highly recommended for foreigners to work at?
Toyota is highly favored among non-Japanese workers and ranks as the top company for foreigners to work for in Japan. Following Toyota, Rakuten Group, Inc. is also a popular choice, known for its diverse services like "Rakuten Ichiba" and "Rakuten Pay." Other notable mentions include companies in the gaming and entertainment sectors, such as Capcom Co., Ltd.

What are some of the highest paying jobs for foreigners in Japan?
Some of the highest paying jobs in Japan for foreigners include positions as risk analysts, with an average salary of approximately ¥6,401K, and business analysts, who earn about ¥6,015K on average. IT professionals also make a good income with an average salary of ¥5,881K. Other lucrative roles include those in marketing and sales, engineering, recruitment, customer service, and English teaching, with salaries ranging from around ¥2,994K to ¥5,669K.

How challenging is it for a foreigner to secure employment in Japan?
Securing a job in Japan as a foreigner can be quite challenging, especially for junior or entry-level positions if you lack proficiency in Japanese. It is generally advisable for foreigners to have at least three years of experience before applying for jobs in Japan. Additionally, learning Japanese is recommended not only for professional reasons but also to facilitate easier living in the country.

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