Jobs in Japan

The usual “go-to” for foreigners looking for work abroad in Japan is often the biggest city in the country, Tokyo. While many foreigners assume that they are only able to teach English in Japan, with some Japanese language skills, foreigners can find work in education, business, recruiting, journalism, and entertainment.

Osaka is the one of the most famous culinary destinations in Japan. With cheap and delicious food options, people can find themselves stuffed in food heaven. Culinary connoisseurs can find a variety of jobs in Osaka at local restaurants, cafes, and bars for cooking classes and possible apprenticeships.

Okinawa may surprise some as a location for foreigners to work in Japan. The pristine jade-green waters of Okinawa attract tourists from all over Asia. Individuals looking to work in Japan can find job opportunities utilizing their customer relations skills in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Nara is a tranquil, countryside prefecture that was the former capital of Japan. This is the perfect place for a job-seekers wishing to be immersed in a quaint, historical area while working in Japan. The biggest industry in Nara is tourism, and accordingly, there is a need for foreigners to work in the hospitality industry.

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world. They are leaders in technology, famous for their culinary and traditional arts, and also a country set on improving their English fluency.

Teaching English is by far the biggest industry that foreigners work in Japan. The three main English teaching options include the government-sponsored JET program, corporate companies, and international English schools. All three options help with visas and housing.

Technology is a hugely successful industry in Japan. They are highly praised for their mobile phone technology, automobiles, and electronics. It is home of the international corporations like Panasonic, Sony, Fuji, Nintendo, Toyota, and Honda. Many of these corporations recruit from their international offices outside of Japan.

For those seeking a more Hollywood-type of experience, people can also find themselves working in the entertainment industry. Being from a different cultural background and having a unique physical look, you can find agencies seeking models and actors for advertisement, runways, television shows, and movies.

Average salaries vary greatly depending on the type of position and the location of your work abroad in Japan. Working in the tourism and hospitality industry can earn you an average of $3,000 per month in Tokyo. Working in hostels and hotels often provide a lower salary, but offer you free housing. A typical teaching salary can earn you around $2,300 per month in Osaka. English teaching positions definitely offer enough to get by, but how much you save depends on your saving habits and travel intentions.

Many individuals who work abroad in Japan live in apartments, or tiny apartments sometimes called “rabbit-houses.” Most places require that you pay “key money” and a security deposit. The key money is usually a one-time non-refundable payment of two to three months rent that goes directly to your landlord. While apartment hunting, you might see terms like “1LDK” which are are used to indicate (1: Number of Bedrooms, L: Living Room, D: Dining Room, K: Kitchen).

In order to legally work abroad in Japan, foreigners must obtain a visa—a college degree is required for a work visa, which is necessary for working in Japan. Citizens of certain countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and a few countries in Europe, between 18 and 30 years old can obtain a working holiday visa to work in Japan for up to a year. Citizens of the United States can visit Japan for a period of 90 days or less, during which they can find job opportunities in Japan. If a company that is willing to sponsor your visa, the visa process is very streamlined and not difficult to obtain. Find all of the most up-to-date visa information for working in Japan by contacting your Embassy!

People in Japan often work many hours of unpaid overtime. Being prepared for this work-life imbalance is crucial to understanding Japanese corporate culture. Even though this may be a challenge, you will learn so much by working within a completely unique work culture. The experience you gain will help you in your future career anywhere you go. Insider tip:Using the correct honorific speech, keigo, toward elderly bosses and co-workers demonstrates your respect for them. This concept is very difficult for Western people to grasp and utilize, but it is incredibly important to understand and be aware of when working abroad in Japan.

Japanese people are incredibly accepting of foreigners. They will treat you as a guest to their country and value the specialized experience and skills that you bring. However, even after years of living and working in Japan, you will always be treated as a guest which can be quite alienating. Once in Japan, however, you can take advantage of free Japanese language classes offered at local community centers which may help you connect with your peers. Despite the challenges, working in Japan is a great opportunity to leave your comfort bubble, and learn to live in a new routine.