Many foreigners are drawn to the idea of working in Japan, largely because of the many opportunities the country offers in a diverse array of fields. There’s also a thriving expat community in Japan that can make settling, living and working there much easier.
For most, the idea of living in Japan starts with a single question: what will you do for work? Finding employment is a natural first step in making your dream of living in Japan a reality. And, thankfully, there are several ways to get a job in Japan from overseas, so the biggest question mark in relocating is already taken care of before you pull up roots.
It’s entirely possible to secure a great job in Japan before your feet even meet Japanese soil. Here’s what you need to know about getting a job overseas, and how you can give yourself peace of mind in your employment situation from Day 1 in Japan.
Make sure you get your JLPT
No matter what industry you want to work in, you’ll want to get Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) certification before you arrive in the country. It’s not required, but it’s something that’ll instantly put you on the right track to finding gainful employment.
Many employers—especially those in the business sector—require JLPT certification for candidates. If you’re looking to get into tech or the trades, N3 level is what you should strive for. If you’re interested in a white-collar job, you won’t typically qualify without N2 or N1—the highest level of Japanese language proficiency for foreigners, reflecting a near-native understanding of both written and verbal Japanese.
While there are some jobs that require only a basic understanding of written and verbal Japanese—corresponding to JLPT levels N5 and N4—these are usually for English-speaking positions such as language teachers. Again, JLPT isn’t required, but it can give you the edge in finding a position versus someone who might not have this documented proficiency.
Boost your résumé with credentials
Whenever you go to apply for a new job, it’s always a good idea to give your résumé a second look, and to update it according to the experience you’ve gained since you last used it to acquire a job. This is especially important when applying for a job in Japan. You need to prove that, not only do you have a strong skillset, but also that your skills are worth hiring from abroad!
Here are a few tips for sprucing up your CV before you begin prospecting jobs in Japan:
Make sure your employment history is current and that your skill positions are accompanied by a record of your expected job duties.
List out your membership organizations and specific certifications you’ve achieved that are relevant to your industry or job. Show that you’re current on memberships.
List your educational background, including the degree(s) you obtained and when you graduated. Some overseas employers may even ask you for an accompanying transcript.
If you’ve passed any level of the JLPT or have any level of Japanese language proficiency, make sure you list it! This will be a big asset in your favor.
Japanese résumés tend to be a little different than Western résumés in that they omit several items: an objective section, hobbies or extracurriculars, and any mention of references. These items simply aren’t relevant to Japanese employers, which means you can exclude them from your CV. Instead, fill the extra space with your accolades, achievements and relevant learnings.
Top jobs to apply for before moving to Japan
While there are jobs for expats looking for work in any kind of industry in Japan, there are some specific sectors that make it easy for foreigners to secure positions before they even arrive in the country. Some of the top jobs for expats include:
Teaching English
The Japanese people are eager to learn English, so it should come as no surprise that there’s incredible demand for native English speakers to teach the language to kids and adults alike. Typically, you need to hold a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification to secure an English teaching job, but the specific credentials you need vary from school to school. Many expats can apply from their home country and obtain a working visa sponsorship, and moving expenses are often covered by your employer. Teaching English in Japan is rewarding, not just in a financial sense—you get to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Japanese people.
IT and Tech
The IT industry is booming in Japan, and Japanese companies are eagerly hiring anyone with the skills and expertise to hit the ground running—and foreigners are welcome to apply. Most companies are looking for experienced programmers who have knowledge of a wide variety of programming languages. In addition to the basics like JavaScript, HTML and CSS, it also helps to have a deep understanding of advanced languages like Python, C#, Ruby and more. Note that while these are more lucrative positions and easier to apply for from abroad, they’re also likely to have some barriers such as JLPT certification or certificates from recognized tech agencies.
Translation
A wide range of economic sectors in Japan are searching for native English-speaking translators, from the car development industry to entertainment (i.e., manga, video games, anime subtitles and more). You can apply directly to commercial companies in Japan, but it’s often easier to work with translation agencies. These companies provide translation services for other companies or private use, and they’re made up of teams of professional translators who translate to and from various languages. It’s extremely easy to find translation services online, demonstrate your ability and secure a position before you ever even set foot in the country.
Sales and marketing
In Japan’s dynamic business environment, companies are always hiring foreigners to tap into globalized expertise. Many international businesses are on the hunt for qualified salespeople to join their teams. These positions always require a conversational knowledge of Japanese, so obtaining your JLPT (N2 or N1) is a must. Keep in mind, it’s not just about knowing the language—it’s also about understanding cultural norms and differences, and how to bridge these gaps through thoughtful sales and marketing.
Engineering
There’s a huge demand for engineers in Japan—after all, the country is the world’s third-largest economy. If you have the education and technical skills, finding work as an engineer requires dedication, but can be highly rewarding. Again, these jobs require a high-level understanding of the Japanese language, and JLPT N3 certification or better is often a requirement. The good news is that there are many job recruiters in Japan whose sole objective is to bring talent into the country. If you have the skillset they’re looking for and the credentials to back it up, you could have a job upon arrival.
The key in all these jobs is being able to connect with recruiters and employers online, and proving your qualifications through either demonstration or by merit. There’s no reason to wait until you land in the country to begin prospecting work— technology levels the playing field so you can apply now and start later, after you’re relocated.
Consider visa and immigration policies
It’s no secret Japan needs workers. So much so, that the government is actively looking for foreigners to move to the country and join the workforce on a long-term basis. Before you work in Japan, though, you need to hold a valid Japan Work Visa.
There are three general types of Japan Work visas, and it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with the one that best-applies to your situation. Here’s a quick breakdown:
The regular Japan Work Visa, issued for professionals in a wide range of fields, from artists to college professors. It’s what most people will apply for outside of skilled tradespeople or those coming to the country for academic purposes.
The Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa is awarded through a point-based system. Workers who hold this visa can stay in the country longer and enjoy more benefits than those who hold a regular Work Visa.
The Japan Working Holiday Visa is provided for foreign nationals who have Working Holiday agreements with the Japanese government. Very few people will apply for this visa.
Long thought to be closed off to immigration, Japan’s outlook and policies are shifting. Recently, the country even extended stays for skilled blue-collar workers, allowing them to remain in the country indefinitely. It’s a testament not only to Japan’s surging need for qualified employees, but also of its growing acceptance of foreign workers.
If you possess employable skills and can demonstrate them, your odds of obtaining a Japan Work Visa are good. Here again, it’s good to work with recruiters whenever possible, who can help you determine what those qualifications are and help you apply for the correct visa.
Also, keep in mind that your visa may include certain stipulations about the employment you hold. For example, you might be required to maintain a position in a specific industry or maintain annual income above a certain level for your visa to remain valid. Get familiar with these criteria at the time you apply for your visa and always keep them in mind—especially if you’re thinking about changing your career after you’ve settled in Japan.
Resources to help expats find employment
Ready to start the job hunt and find rewarding employment in Japan? There are several online resources at your disposal to help you better-understand Japan’s labor market and browse through open positions you might be qualified for.
If you’re looking to score a great-paying job before you move to Japan, check out the wealth of job postings and information at the following sites:
Keep in mind that these are just a handful of the most popular sites—they’re especially friendly to foreign workers looking for a job in Japan from overseas. There are also plenty of recruitment firms that specifically welcome foreign workers, and many franchise organizations that welcome overseas talent even above native Japanese citizens (usually English teaching franchises).
Keep in mind that applying for jobs can be different depending on where and how you choose to toss your hat into the employment ring. Recruiters will do much of the work in getting your résumé in front of the right people. Applying directly through a job board may require you to use an application system or send your credentials to a third party. Take a moment to understand the portal you’re using, to ensure you’re submitting your online application the right way!
Working with a recruiter to get a job in Japan
If you’re intent on finding a job in Japan, your best bet is often to connect with a recruiter—particularly one that offers services for expats and English-speaking professionals. In Japan, recruiters hold the keys to many opportunities and they often work on behalf of partner companies to search out and place talent for specific positions. They’ll help you get your foot in the door.
Here are a few of the most reputable recruiting firms in Japan that work with expats and foreign nationals looking for employment in Japan:
These agencies aren’t just friendly to expats—they also cover a wide range of industries that make it possible for expats to find employment in the field they specialize in. Whether you’re an engineer or a gourmet chef, these agencies and others will assess your skills and help you find a position that’s a great use of your talents—and something you’ll appreciate doing in Japan!
Tap into the local expat network
Japan is home to a large and growing number of expats. In cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama and Sapporo, there are thriving, active expat communities on the ground, ready to welcome transplants. These communities are also very useful before you move to Japan, and can help you tap into local job opportunities to secure a position while you’re still overseas.
There’s a dual benefit to working with an expat community to secure employment. First, you’ll engage with a thriving community before you actually get to Japan, which can make settling smoother once you arrive. Second, they’ll help connect you to job resources that have a higher rate of higher for English speakers—or, at the very least, can help you get your name in the system for other qualified positions.
The old adage says, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” And while it’s important to have the skills to pay the bills if you’re looking for a job in Japan, it doesn’t hurt to have a helping hand from a friendly expat who has been in your shoes before.
Part-time vs. full-time employment
Did you know that not everyone in Japan works “full-time?” While the 40-hour workweek might be standard in the United States, it can vary in Japan. Some high-level business professionals will find themselves putting in long hours and extra days, while some professionals are more akin to part-time work. It really depends on the position and the industry. It’s smart to get familiar with your industry before you begin applying for jobs in Japan from overseas.
That said, it’s more than likely you’ll find yourself in a position to apply for a full-time job—especially if you’re coming to Japan in pursuit of a skilled trade or institutional position. However, if you’re coming abroad with a spouse or partner who doesn’t have a work visa, they might be restricted in how many hours they can work or what positions they can hold if they do get a job.
Finally, you’ll also need to consider your standard of living. If you’re hired to work for a Japanese company and are entering the country as a resident, you’ll likely need to make enough to cover the cost of food, rent and other essential expenses. This usually means a full-time job—unless you can maintain two part-time positions, such as an IT professional and an English tutor.
Find a job before you move
Japan needs workers now, and there’s never been a better time for foreigners looking to move to the country for rewarding employment. The best part? You can start looking and get a job in Japan from overseas, before you uproot yourself and become a resident. Whether it’s scouring job boards, working with a recruiter or tapping into a thriving expat community, opportunities abound for U.S. workers looking for gainful employment in Japan.
Ready to further your career, all while immersing yourself in all the unique sights, sounds and flavors Japanese culture has to offer? Start working toward the highest JLPT level you can achieve and find your ideal job before you move to Japan, so you can hit the ground running and make the most of an exciting opportunity. There’s a fruitful career just waiting for you—all you need to do is start applying.
