Becoming a skilled tradesperson opens a variety of doors. Not only does it allow you to pursue gainful employment in a distinguished field, it also makes you a more in-demand professional: someone who has skills and abilities others may not. As a result, you might find that the world is your oyster, and that your skill can take you wherever you want to go—even Japan! That is, of course, if you take the time to go to school and learn that trade in the first place.
Interested in learning a trade in Japan? Even if you’re a native English-speaker, there’s plenty of opportunity to attend a vocational or trade school that aligns with your goals and interests. Whether you’re ready to enter the medical field or you’re pursuing a career as a beautician, you’ll find trade schools for every profession all across Japan.
Here’s a brief guide to what it’s like to go to trade school in Japan if you’re an English speaker.
What is a trade/vocational school?
A trade/vocational school is similar to junior college. It’s a higher-education institution that teaches students the skills and expertise necessary to successfully enter a specific occupation. Most vocational schools are two years in length, but there are some programs of study that range anywhere from one to four years—it all depends on the topic of study. In Japan, graduates who complete two to three years of study often receive the title of “advanced professional.” Specialists can enroll in graduate school, refining their skills even further.
What makes these schools unique is their emphasis on practical learning. Not only do students absorb classroom knowledge relevant to their field of interest, they actually get a chance to practice and apply those learnings in real settings. For example, if you enroll in a culinary vocational school, you might learn the origins of a particular style of cuisine while also preparing dishes to present to your instructor.
The purpose of a trade or vocational school in Japan is to produce graduates who are ready to apply skills as soon as they’re hired for a job. While it’s impossible to teach everything about a vocation in the classroom or through example, Japanese trade schools strive to give graduates a working knowledge of their intended jobs before they apply, so they can hit the ground running once they’re hired.
Do you need to speak Japanese fluently?
While every trade or vocational school has their own requirements and regulations, you do need to know some Japanese to attend most of them. After you’ve finished language school, you’ll find many doors are open to you when it comes to trade schools.
Most schools require passage of the JLPT N2, the second highest level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This is the equivalent of business-level Japanese, one step below native fluency. Many schools that don’t require passage of the JLPT N2 will require passage of a written test at a similar proficiency level.
Don’t fear if you’re not speaking business-level Japanese just yet—it’s possible to achieve this level of Japanese in just one year, even if you’re a complete beginner. Take high-intensity Japanese courses to learn the language quickly, and you’ll be one step closer to entering the vocational program of your choice.
Types of vocational and trade schools in Japan
There’s a full range of vocational and trade schools throughout Japan. Whether you’re ready to enter the IT field or you want to unleash your inner creativity in a career as a manga artist, there’s a trade school in Japan offering a program of study that aligns with your interests and goals.
The great thing about most vocational schools is that you only need an interest and some inkling of ability to be accepted. You’ll quickly find out whether a vocation is right for you. Learning the fundamentals also provide a great forward-looking career trajectory for those who decide to stick with it.
Here’s just a sample of the types of vocational and trade schools you’ll find throughout Japan:
Industry. Japan’s busy industrial sector is looking for workers. From IT to video gaming, railway technology to civil engineering and even electronic technology, there’s no shortage of vocational schools throughout Japan, all teaching students these valuable trades.Japan’s industry trade schools are very similar to United States trades schools in the types of careers they focus on—and many are structured the same way.
Agriculture. Agriculture is a major industry in Japan—especially in the country’s northern prefectures. You’ll find a variety of agricultural trade and vocational programs in Japan, certifying students in the fields of horticulture, landscaping, chemistry and animal husbandry, to name a few. This field is great to explore if you’re a naturalist or enjoy splendor of nature in its various forms.
Medical. There’s a vocational program for professionals in every sector of the medical field, including dentistry, nursing, EMT training, physical therapy, occupational therapy and much more. These are skills that are useful anywhere in the world, and Japan offers some of the best curriculums. This is considered one of the most in-demand vocational focuses in Japan right now, with high demand for willing professionals.
Cosmetic. Cosmetic trade schools are common throughout the world, and it’s no different in Japan. Learners wanting to join the beauty industry have their pick of trade schools, including barbering, makeup, esthetics and more. Japan is known worldwide for having some of the best cosmetic trade schools, and it’s the best place on the planet to learn traditional Japanese makeup techniques, including those used among geisha and kabuki actors (see also ‘The Cultural Significance Of Kabuki: Japanese Heritage And Influence‘).
Education. From childcare to social work, there are several educational and social welfare trade schools in Japan. Many expats studying in Japan can use their native language skills to teach English to Japanese students, but getting teacher’s certification can set your application apart, making you a more attractive candidate. Those who pursue certification through a Japanese trade school will find job offers in high supply.
Commercial. Business is booming in Japan. As one of the world’s top economies, there’s plenty of opportunity in the business world: from accounting and management to travel and tourism. Japanese trade schools equip business-minded professionals with the skills they need to succeed. Be warned, though: you’ll need at least JLPT N2 or higher to succeed in a business-oriented trade school.
Artisanal. The Japanese people appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, making many objects the traditional way. There are trade schools across the country teaching skilled artisans trades like dressmaking, knitting, furniture making, metalworking and many more. An artisanal trade school is also where you can learn the world-renowned art of kintsugi: repairing broken pottery with precious metal joinery.
Culture. Japan features a distinctive culture, thanks to its unique art, fashion and entertainment. There are trade and vocational schools throughout Japan, teaching creative minds the skills they need to further their career in music, broadcasting, theater, photography, video and even manga illustration.Manga illustration, anyone?
A well-developed country, Japan has trade schools for just about any profession you might find yourself interested in. Start by narrowing the focus of exactly what you want to do with your career, then begin to seek out trade and vocational schools in major cities to find a good fit.
How much does trade school in Japan cost?
If you’re interested in enrolling in a Japanese trade school, you’ll need to start thinking about how you plan to pay for tuition. The cost of that tuition can vary significantly depending on the school, the vocation, the city and several other factors. That said, the general range for tuition costs as of 2022 is between 335,000 JPY/year and 1,414,000 JPY/year—roughly $2,400 to $10,100.
It’s important to note that many trade schools require the full cost of tuition upfront. While some schools allow tuition payments throughout the year, it’s not common. It’s also important to note that there are virtually no scholarships or financial aid services for expats or foreigners coming to Japan to learn a trade, so you’ll be responsible for the full cost of tuition. The good news is that, by comparison, Japan’s vocational school costs are some of the lowest in the developed world!
Putting your newly acquired trade to work
Where do you go once you’ve finished vocational school? After you’ve learned the specialized knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your chosen career, you can pursue the job of your choice. In Japan, English speakers often work with recruiting agencies or talent scouts, or scour online job boards to find the perfect match. Many vocational schools will also work to help graduates find gainful employment—it’s a sign of both your readiness for the labor pool and the school’s ability to produce competent graduates.
Vocational training isn’t just a great way to grow your skillset—in many cases, you can leverage your network at school to find the right company for you. Introduce yourself to your colleagues, attend networking events and expand your professional network to hit the ground running and find a great job in Japan. It’s also a good idea to keep a lookout for professional organizations affiliated with your vocational skillset. Become a member and attend networking events to grow your opportunities.
What about technical education?
Trade schools differ from technical schools because of their approach to hands-on learning. As mentioned, it’s the goal of a trade school to get students up-to-speed and familiar with the fundamentals quickly, so they can go into the workforce and become contributing members quickly. This is why trade schools are popular with expats—these individuals are often looking to start earning a living quickly as they plant roots in Japan.
The subjects taught at technical schools tend to overlap those taught at trade schools; however, the classroom learning component tends to go deeper. For example, you might go to a trade school to learn the skills necessary to become a proficient auto mechanic. Similarly, you might go to a technical school to become an automotive engineer. Both professionals understand how a car works; however, one is more about working on the car, while the other is more about designing it.
Getting into a technical school in Japan is more difficult for expats, but not impossible. These schools—collectively known as Kōsen Colleges of Technology—are highly competitive and generally require rigorous study and examination to get into. There are 62 kōsen colleges within the country, scattered throughout Japan’s major cities. They’re roughly equivalent to universities in the United States, with the exception of a five-year graduation track, instead of four.
The benefits of going to trade school in Japan
If you’re planning on moving to Japan, enrolling in a Japanese trade school is one of the best things you can do to give yourself a running start in the country. Here are some of the reasons trade schools are popular with expats, and why it pays to hone your skills in a vocational setting:
Fast-track to employment. As mentioned, vocational schools are often two-year programs (or shorter). They’re one of the fastest ways to acquire a set of in-demand skills and join Japan’s workforce. You’ll emerge from a trade school in a great position to seek gainful employment and establish a career trajectory for yourself in your new country of residence.
Learn the industry (again). Even if you’re coming to Japan with a skill under your belt, attending vocational school is a fantastic way to shift what you know into the context of Japanese culture. Not only will you learn industry differences between countries, you’ll also get a crash course in some of the terms and phrases associated with the vocation you’re re-learning. You might even graduate early!
Learn while you learn. Attending a vocational school is a great opportunity to reinforce what you’re learning at a language school. Most people entering vocational school have JLPT N3 or N2, and are striving for N1 as a way to fully immerse themselves in the culture. Delving into a trade can strengthen your grasp of the language as you put it work every single day.
Raise your income potential. Learning a skill or refining your knowledge of one allows you to explore job opportunities that might not otherwise be available to you as an expat. Many expats teach English, which can make the job market crowded—and limit your earning potential. On the flip side, Japanese employers are seeking skilled workers in numerous fields, and will pay a comfortable living wage for those who demonstrate their abilities. Vocational school can add you to this talent pool.
There are many other advantages that accompany going to trade school in Japan. Above all, you’ll equip yourself with a set of skills that makes you an asset to whatever industry you’re most passionate about—whether that’s landscaping, nursing, accounting, filmmaking or something else entirely!
Examples of trade schools in Japan
Ready to start your search for a trade school in Japan? There are great schools in virtually every major city, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka. Some of the most well-known (in no particular order) include the following:
It’s worth noting that many vocational schools in Japan—including many of the ones listed above—have information for expats and soon-to-be residents about how to enroll, including the materials required and tuition fees. It goes to show how welcoming and accommodating trade schools in Japan are as the country seeks to welcome a younger, more skilled workforce into action.
Don’t forget your student visa!
If you’re planning to apply for a trade school in Japan before officially moving to the country, you’ll need to secure a Student Visa ahead of time. This is easier than it might sound, and there are visa options that accommodate the learning tracks of a trade school—usually two years or less.
Here’s some brief information about how to get a Japan Student Visa and why it’s important if you’re pursuing enrollment in a vocational school.
Provide photocopies of your passport, along with a Certificate of Eligibility and a Letter of Admission into an accredited Japanese vocational school.
Provide previous academic history, as well as proof you can meet financial obligations during your stay in Japan (approximately 2 million Yen per year).
Include a cover letter, discussing the reason for your travel, if possible. If you’re planning to gain a residency permit to live in Japan long-term, make mention of this.
If you’re still unsure of how to secure a Student Visa, you can always reach out to the vocational school you’re enrolling in. They can provide information necessary to secure your visa or direct you to the right resources to facilitate the process.
Want to study your vocation abroad in Japan?
Studying a skilled trade abroad in Japan is a unique experience. You’ll not only enrich your life in terms of the skills you learn for your job or trade, you’ll also be fully immersed in distinctive Japanese culture in your everyday life. Finding the right vocational program or trade school is the first step.
Research your options, start applying for your Student Visa and get ready for an incredible learning experience like no other, in a country that cherishes vocational learning.
