Want to learn more about holidays in Japan? Our Japanese vocabulary on Holiday cheat sheet contains holidays from the second half of the year from July to December.

The pronunciation and meaning of the words are all included, and example sentences are also provided as references on how to use them.

Fun fact: Did you know that there is a holiday on the day of the emperor’s birthday? This means that the date of the holiday changes accordingly to the birthdays of the different emperors.

If you haven’t check them out, head to part one of our Japanese holiday vocabulary cheat sheet to find out when it currently is.

Holiday 休日(きゅうじつ) / 祝日(しゅくじつ)

七月 (しちがつ Shichigatsu)

Holidays in July

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
七夕たなばた tanabataStar Festival
海の日うみ  ひ umi no hiMarine Day

八月 (はちがつ Hachigatsu)

Holidays in August

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
お盆ぼん obonObon
山の日やま  ひ yama no hiMountain Day

九月 (くがつ Kugatsu)

Holidays in September

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
敬老の日けいろう  ひ keirō no hiRespect for the Aged Day
秋分の日しゅうぶん ひ shūbun no hiAutumn Equinox Day

十月 (じゅうがつ Jūgatsu)

Holiday in October

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
体育の日たいいく  ひ taiiku no hiHealth and Sports Day

十一月 (じゅういちがつ Jūichigatsu)

Holidays in November

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
文化の日ぶんか  ひ bunka no hiCulture Day
七五三しちごさん sichi go sanSeven-Five-Three
勤労感謝の日きんろうかんしゃ ひ kinrō kansha no hiLabor Thanksgiving Day

十二月 (じゅうにがつ Jūnigatsu)

Holidays in December

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
クリスマスkurisumasuChristmas
大晦日おおみそか ōmisokaNew Year’s Eve

Example Sentences

Now let us find out how to apply the vocabulary learnt in sentences!

Example 1:

By saying: ‘七五三とは、7歳、5歳、3歳の子どもの成長を祝う行事だ。

Pronunciation: Sichi go san towa, nanasai, gosai, sansai no kodomo no seichō wo iwau gyōji da.

It means: ‘Sichi go san is a festival celebrating the growth of seven, five, and three years olds.‘

Example 2:

By saying: ‘7月第3月曜日海の日だ。

Pronunciation: Sichigatsu no daisan getsuyōbi wa umi no hi da.

It means: ‘The third Monday of June is Marine Day.’

Interested in Holidays in Japan? Check out this Japanese Vocabulary on Holiday cheat sheet to learn about the different holidays occurring from January to June!

Holidays happen all year round in Japan, and in this blog, we have classified them accordingly to the different months they take place in.

As this cheat sheet includes holidays from the first half of the year, for those in the second half of the year please refer to cheat sheet two.

Holiday 休日(きゅうじつ) / 祝日(しゅくじつ)

1月 (いちがつ Ichigatsu)

Holidays in January

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
正月しょうがつ shōgatsuNew Years
成人の日せいじん ひ seijin no hiComing of Age Day

2月 (にがつ Nigatsu)

Holidays in February

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
節分せつぶん setsubunBeginning of spring
建国記念日けんこくきねんび kenkoku kinen biNational Foundation Day
天皇の誕生日てんのう たんじょうび tennō no tanjōbiEmperor’s Birthday

3月 (さんがつ Sangatsu)

Holidays in March

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
ひな祭りまつ hina matsuriDoll’s Festival
春分の日しゅんぶん ひ shunbun no hiSpring Equinox Day

4月 (しがつ Shigatsu)

Holiday in April

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
昭和の日しょうわ ひ shōwa no hiShowa Day

5月 (ごがつ Gogatsu)

Holidays in May

JapanesePronunciationMeaning
憲法記念日けんぽうきねんび kenpō kinen biConstitution Day
みどりの日ひ midori no hiGreenery Day
こどもの日ひ kodomo no hiChildren’s Day

6月 (ろくがつ Rokugatsu)

Month of June

There is no holiday in June. Instead, Japan experiences a long period of rainy weather, known as rainy season.

Japanese: 梅雨

Pronunciation: つ ゆ tsuyu

Meaning: Rainy Season

Example Sentences

Here are examples on how to use the vocabulary learnt in sentences!

Example 1:

By saying: ‘5月の上旬は祝日がたくさんあるため、ゴールデンウィークとも言われる。

Pronunciation: Gogatsu no jōjun wa shukujitsu ga takusan aru tame, gōruden wīku tomo iwareru.

It means: ‘Because the beginning of May has many holidays, it is also called Golden Week.’

Example 2:

By saying: ‘正月に食べる料理と言えば、お雑煮おせちだ。

Pronunciation: Shōgatsu ni taberu ryōri to ieba, ozōni to osechi da.

It means: ‘A common meal to eat on New Years is ozōni and osechi.’

Live in Japan long enough, and you’ll eventually need to open a bank account. Sooner or later, withdrawing money, using the ATM — or even investing — in Japan will be a difficult task if you’re not familiar with the right Japanese words.

In this cheat sheet, we will list some of the most common Japanese bank vocabulary. We included vocabulary that will help you in banks as well as ATMs in Japan.

What you need to know about banks in Japan

Visiting a bank in Japan, like anywhere else, can be difficult. You’re dealing with a new set of regulations and procedures. It’s easy to be at loss. While more people are shifting to mobile payments in Japan, the nation is still a cash-based society.

Thankfully, you don’t need to become a permanent resident in Japan to have a bank account, as long as you hold a residence card. Most banks also do not require a minimum deposit amount to open an account and have low-interest fees.

There are a wide variety of banks located all over Japan from commercial banks with branches in Tokyo. This includes HSBC and Bank of America. Popular domestic banks are Japan Post Bank and Shinsei Bank. Domestic banks, in particular, require a proficient level of Japanese and money in order to open an account.

Even so, there are many banks out there in Japan with staff that are highly skilled in English. Especially in big cities like Tokyo, you don’t need to worry about the language barrier. Still, it can be good to learn at least the more common Japanese vocabulary before heading to a bank!

Interested in finance and cryptocurrency? Check out our article on crypto in Japan for related vocabulary.

Eligibility to open a Japanese bank account :

  1. Must have been living in Japan for at least 6 Months prior with a valid address
  2. Must have your Japanese residence card (Zairyu)

1. Japan Post Bank

Japan Post (ゆうちょ銀行) is one of the most popular Japanese banks for foreigners. It is also the bank with the largest number of ATMs located all over Japan. Japan Post has branches located in many parts of Japan with many of their staff having great English-speaking ability.

Visit the Japan Post website for more information about their services.

2. SMBC Prestia

SMBC Prestia Bank offers services in both Japanese and English and is great for those who are still honing their Japanese-speaking skills. They allow you to deposit your savings in 17 foreign currencies.

Visit the SMBC Prestia Bank website for more information about their services.

3. Shinsei Bank

Shinsei Bank is probably the bank with the most number of foreign customers as they are highly regarded for their friendly and efficient service. You can apply for a Shinsei Bank account if you’ve been resident in Japan for 6 months, or are currently employed in Japan.

Visit the Shinsei Bank website for more information about their services.

Japanese bank vocabulary

Banks in Japan are open 9:00 to 15:00 (JST), and are closed on weekends and national holidays. ATMs on the other hand have longer operating hours, with an increasing number of ATMs being open 24 Hours.

Kanji HiraganaPronunciation Meaning Example Sentence
銀行ぎんこうginkouBank 今日は銀行に向かっています
Kyō wa ginkōu ni mukatte imasu
I am heading to the bank today
銀行員 ぎんこういん ginkouinBank Clerk銀行員は本当に親切です
Ginkōin wa hontōni shinsetsudesu
The bank clerk ​are really helpful
受付うけつけuketsukeInformation Desk 受付にカードを取りに来てください。
uketsuke ni kaado o tori ni kite kudasai.
Please come to information desk and get your card.
番号札ばんごうふだbangou fudaNumbered Ticket47番の番号札をお持ちのお客様、3番の窓口までお越しください。
47-Ban no bangō-satsu o o-mochi no okyakusama, 3-ban no madoguchi made okoshi kudasai.
If you have a 47th numbered ticket, please come to the 3rd window.
窓口まどぐちmadoguchiTeller Window 初診の受付は一番窓口です。
Shoshin no uketsuke wa ichiban madoguchidesu.
Registration for the first visit is at Counter No.1.
預金よきんyokinDeposit 預金したいのですが。
Yokin shitai nodesuga.
I want to deposit some money.
返済へんさいhensaiRepayment クレジットカードの負債は毎月返済しておいた方がいい。
Kurejittokādo no fusai wa maitsuki hensai shite oita kata ga ī.
It makes sense to pay off your credit card balance every month.
両替りょうがえryougaeMoney Exchangeこれをドルに両替してください。
Kore o doru ni ryōgae shite kudasai.
Please change this to dollars.
貸し金庫 かしきんこkashi kinkoSafe Deposit Box 貸し金庫はありますか。
Kashi kinko wa arimasu ka.
Do you have safety deposit boxes?
クレジットカード クレジットカードkurejittokādoCredit Card 私はクレジットカードを取りたいと思う
Watashi wa kurejittokādo o toritai to omou
I want to get a credit card.
送金そうきんsoukinRemittanceフランスへの送金の仕方を教えて欲しいんですが。
Furansu e no sōkin no shikata o oshiete hoshī ndesuga.
I’d like to know how to send money to France.
利子りしrishiInterest (Bank)この貸付金は高い利子をとられることになっている。
Kono kashitsuke-kin wa takai rishi o tora reru koto ni natte iru.
This loan will carry very heavy interest.
投資とうしtōshiInvestment 銀行にお金を投資するにはどうすればよいですか?
Ginkō ni okane o tōshi suru ni wa dōsureba yoidesu ka?
How can I invest my money in the bank?
ローンローンro-nLoan 銀行ローンを借りたい
Ginkō rōn o karitai
I want to take a bank loan
借金しゃっきんshakkinDebt必要なら借金を今お返ししましょう
Hitsuyōnara, shakkin o ima okaeshi shimashou.
If it’s necessary to do so, I’ll pay back my loan now.

Japanese vocabulary for visiting an ATM in Japan

ATMs can be widely found across train stations, airports and convenience stores in Japan. From ATMs, you can withdraw, deposit, update your passbook, check your balance, as well as make transfers to another account. Although many of these machines have options for English services, not all do.

Check our more comprehensive guide on how to use an ATM in Japan!

Kanji HiraganaPronunciation Meaning Example Sentence
現金自動預け払い機げんきんじどうあずけばらいきgenkin jidō azukeharaikiAutomatic
Teller Machine (ATM)
現金自動預け払い機は、ATMとも言われている。
Genkinjidōazukeharaiki wa, ATM to mo iwarete iru.
Automatic teller machines are also known as ATMs.
通帳つうちょう tsuchoPassbook/
Bankbook
私は自分の通帳を見たが、幸運にも50ドル余分に入っていた。
Watashi wa jibun no tsūchō o mitaga, kōun’nimo 50-doru yobun ni haitte ita.
I looked at my bank account book, and happily discovered that I had an extra $50!
現金げんきんgenkinCashでは、現金で支払います
Dewa, genkin de shiharaimasu.
I’d like to pay in cash.
引き出し ひきだしhikidashiCash Withdrawal ATM で現金を引き出したい
ATM de genkin o hikidashitai
I want to withdraw cash at the ATM
振替ふりかえfurikaeTransfer (Money)口座振替でも納付できます。
Kōza furikae demo nōfu dekimasu.
Bank transfer payments are also possible.
振込手数料ふりこみてすうりょうfurikomi tesuuryouBank
Transfer Fee
振込手数料はお客様負担となっております。
Furikomi tesūryō wa okyakusama futan to natte orimasu.
Transfer Fees must be paid by the customer.
口座こうざkouzaBank Account 彼は口座に100ドル預けた。
Kare wa kōza ni 100-doru azuketa.
He deposited 100 dollars in his saving account.
暗証番号 あんしょうばんごうanshou
bangou
PIN Number暗証番号を押してください
Anshō bangō o oshite kudasai.
Please input your PIN number.
口座番号こうざばんごうkouza
bangou
Bank
Account Number
口座番号はこれなんだけど
Kōza bangō wa korena ndakedo
This is my account number.
預け入れあずけいれazukeireCash Deposit 貯金口座にお金を預け入れたいです
Chokin kōza ni okane o adzukeiretaidesu
I’d like to deposit money into my checking/saving account.
紙幣しへいshiheiPaper Money 私は10ドル紙幣をなくした。
Watashi wa 10-doru shihei o nakushita.
I lost a ten-dollar note.
残高ざんだかzandakaBalance 私の預金残高はどうなっていますか。
Watashi no yokin zandaka wa dō natte imasu ka.
What’s the balance of my account?
残高照会ざんだかしょうかいzandaka
shoukai
Balance Inquiry ATMで残高照会ができます.
ATM de zandaka shōkai ga dekimasu
You can make a balance inquiry at the ATM
銀行カードキャッシュカードKyasshukādoCash Card/ATM Card後日 銀行 カード、あなたの住所に送られてきます。
Gojitsu kyasshukādo wa, anata no jūsho ni okura rete kimasu.
Cash card will be sent to you later by post.
通帳更新つうちょうこうしんtsucho
koushin
Passbook Update通帳更新するためにATMに向かっています。
Tsūchō o kōshin suru tame ni ATM ni mukatte imasu.
I am heading to the ATM to get my passbook updated.

Download our Japanese Bank Vocabulary Cheatsheet in PDF below!

Useful Japanese phrases you might need when visiting a bank

Become familiar with these useful phrases that you will definitely use when you are visiting a bank!

ATMの機会はどこにありますか?
ATM wa dokoni arimasuka?
Where can I find the ATM machines?
お金を預けたいのですが。
Okane o azuketai nodesuga.
I would like to deposit money.
当座預金口座から下ろしたいです
Tōza yokin kōza kara oroshitaidesu.
I would like to withdraw from my checking account
口座を解約したいです。
Kōza o kaiyaku shitaidesu.
I want to close my account.
普通口座から下ろしたいです。
Futsū kōza kara oroshitaidesu.
I would like to withdraw from my savings account
預金口座を作りたいです
Yokin kōza o tsukuritaidesu
I want to create a deposit account
窓口で話したいのですが。
Madoguchi de hanashitai nodesuga.
I need to speak with a teller
明細のコピーをもらえますか?
Meisai no kopī o moraemasu ka?
May I have a copy of my statement?
送金したいです。
Sōkin shitai desu.
I would like to transfer some money
支払いをしたいです
Shiharai o shitaidesu
I’d like to make a payment.

Want to learn more essential Japanese vocabularies? Check out our cheatsheet summary to avoid getting tongue-tied during your next errand in Japan.

Japanese Bank Vocabulary Related FAQs

Can I invest in crypto in Japan?

Foreigner can invest in crypto in Japan, and you can check the article for related vocabulary for your

What is the bank with the largest atms in Japan?

Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) is one of the most popular and has the largest number of ATMs all around Japan. The office of Japan Post Bank is always located right next to a post office.

How to say withdraw cash in Japanese?

In Japan, 引き出し (hikidashi) means withdraw money from bank account. For example, ATM で現金を引き出したい (I want to withdraw cash at the ATM.

How to say bank balance in Japanese?

残高 (zendaka) means balance in your Japanese bank account. You usually see the two kanji on one of the tabs on your account screen.

For easy access, we’ve compiled 38 Japanese cheat sheets. From visiting the hospital to buying over-the-counter drugs in Japan, daily tasks can be daunting if you’re not equipped with the right Japanese vocabulary.

Navigating them might be hard, but it won’t be once you take a look at our extensive Japanese vocabulary directory.

Click on any of the links to find out more about the article and learn useful Japanese vocabulary in this summary.

If you’re wondering what a cheat sheet is and what it does or how does it help, fret not. A cheat sheet is basically where information is categorized and noted down in a concise manner.

The compiled information is easy to absorb and is especially helpful for people learning Japanese.

Anytime you are not confident in a specific topic, a cheat sheet is always there for easy reference to refresh your memory, and also aids in self-quizzes.

Japanese Learning
Japanese Cheat Sheet for Beginner
Japanese Particle Cheat Sheet
Life in Japan
Apartment Hunting in Japan (Part 1)
Apartment Hunting in Japan (Part 2)
Apartment Hunting in Japan (Part 3)
Japanese Hospital Vocabulary (Part 1)
Japanese Hospital Vocabulary (Part 2)
Pharmacy in Japan Vocabulary (Part 1)
Pharmacy in Japan Vocabulary (Part 2)
Department Store in Japan Vocabulary
Post Office in Japan Vocabulary (Part 1)
Post Office in Japan Vocabulary (Part 2)
Signs in Japanese
Japanese Culture
Japanese Festival Vocabulary (Part 1)
Japanese Festival Vocabulary (Part 2)
Japanese Holiday Vocabulary (Part 1)
Japanese Holiday Vocabulary (Part 2)
Japanese Religion Vocabulary (Part 1)
Japanese Religion Vocabulary (Part 2)
Japanese Education Vocabulary (Part 1)
Japanese Education Vocabulary (Part 2)
Food in Japan
Vegetable Vocabulary
Fruits Vocabulary
Seafood Vocabulary
Japanese Nutritional Label
Food Description in Japanese
Ramen Vocabulary
Travelling in Japan
Japanese Airport Vocabulary (Part 1)
Japanese Airport Vocabulary (Part 2)
Japanese Airport Vocabulary (Part 3)
Japanese Vehicle Vocabulary (Part 1)
Japanese Vehicle Vocabulary (Part 2)
Hotel in Japan Vocabulary (Part 1)
Hotel in Japan Vocabulary (Part 2)
Nature in Japan
Body Parts and Anatomy (Part 1)
Body Parts and Anatomy (Part 2)
Animals in Japanese

Stay tuned for more — we have all the plans to expand our Japanese vocabulary cheat sheet summary and collection for you.

Learn the “Real” Japanese Language and Culture. Take a Free Level Assessment and Consultation with Coto

Teaching Japanese to children can be a fun and rewarding experience. Starting early and using engaging methods can help your child develop a strong foundation in the language. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you teach Japanese effectively.

Start Early and Make It Fun

Introduce Japanese early: Expose children to Japanese sounds, words, and phrases from a young age.

Make it enjoyable: Use games, songs, and stories to make learning Japanese fun and engaging.

Create a language-rich environment: Surround your child with Japanese materials, such as books, toys, and music. 

Involve the whole family: Encourage other family members to learn Japanese with your child and speak Japanese at home.

Focus on Vocabulary and Phrases

Start with basic words: Teach essential vocabulary like colors, numbers, animals, and family members. Here are some blogs you can consider!

Introduce common phrases: Teach simple phrases like “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you,” and “please.”

  • こんにちは konnichiwa – hello
  • さよなら sayonara – goodbye
  • ありがとうございます arigatougozaimasu – thank you
  • おねがいします onegaishimasu – please
  • ください kudasai – please

Use visuals: Use flashcards, pictures, and real-life objects to help children associate words with meaning.

Teach cultural context: Explain the cultural significance of Japanese words and phrases.

Incorporate Games and Activities

Play games: Incorporate games like Charades, Pictionary, and Simon Says to practice vocabulary and phrases. Also, read our blog on Video Games to Learn Japanese: The most fun & easiest way to know what game suits Japanese language learning!

Sing songs: Teach Japanese songs to help children learn pronunciation and vocabulary in a fun way. Here are 10 Best Karaoke Songs to Learn Japanese that you can also take a look at.

Read stories: Read Japanese children’s books to introduce new vocabulary and cultural concepts. Read our blog on Ehon (絵本): 8 Fun Japanese Picture Books for Kids to learn what we recommend.

Create a language learning corner: In your home, set up a special area where your child can practice Japanese.

Use Technology

Language learning apps: Utilize language learning apps designed for children to practice vocabulary and grammar. An app like Duolingo is an excellent example of a fun language learning experience. Here is another blog on Japanese learning apps: Top 30 Apps to Learn Japanese, so you can look at what’s available there!

Online resources: Explore online resources like YouTube channels and websites offering Japanese lessons to kids. We also have a YouTube channel that teaches Japanese! Check it out here!

Watch Japanese media: Show your child Japanese cartoons, anime, and TV shows with subtitles. Some famous anime to look for are Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia!

Encourage Practice and Repetition

Daily practice: Encourage children to practice Japanese daily, even if it’s just for a short time.

Repetition: Repeat words and phrases frequently to reinforce learning.

Set realistic goals: Establish achievable goals for your child’s language learning.

Cultural Immersion

Introduce Japanese culture: Teach children about Japanese customs, traditions, and holidays.

Expose them to Japanese media: Show them Japanese movies, anime, and TV shows.

Visit Japanese cultural events: Attend festivals, fairs, and language exchange events.

Find a Qualified Teacher

Consider hiring a tutor: A qualified Japanese teacher can provide personalized instruction and guidance.

Join a language class: Enroll your child in a Japanese language class for children. Coto Japanese Academy is rolling out its annual kids’ course in the winter and spring of 2025! Our kid’s course aims to teach Japanese in a fun and active way. Each week, we have Japanese language learning along with field trips and DIY crafts! The Winter course will be held in our “Minato” school, and the spring course will be held in our “Yokohama” school!

Interested? Check out more information down below:

Find a language exchange partner: Connect with a native Japanese speaker interested in learning English.

Useful Japanese Vocabulary and Phrases

Greetings

  • おはようございます ohayo gozaimasu (good morning)
  • こんにちは konnichiwa (hello)
  • こんばんは konbanwa (good evening)

Numbers

  • いち ichi (one)
  • ni (two)
  • さん san (three)
  • よん yon (four)
  • go (five)

Colors

  • あかい akai (red)
  • あおい aoi (blue)
  • しろい shiroi (white)
  • くろい kuroi (black)

Animals

  • いぬ inu (dog)
  • ねこ neko (cat)
  • うさぎ usagi (rabbit)
  • くま kuma (bear)

Family members

  • おかあさん o-kāsan (mother)
  • おとうさん o-tōsan (father)
  • あに ani (older brother)
  • いもうと imōto (younger sister)

Remember, the key to teaching Japanese to kids is to make it enjoyable and engaging. With patience, creativity, and consistent practice, your child can develop a strong foundation in the language.

You Might Be Wondering…

How can I help my child remember Japanese vocabulary?

Use flashcards, repetition, and associate words with images or personal experiences.

Is it important for children to learn Japanese pronunciation correctly from the beginning?

Yes, good pronunciation is essential for effective communication. Practice with native speakers or use language learning apps that focus on pronunciation.

What are some fun activities to do with my child to practice Japanese?

Play games, sing songs, watch Japanese cartoons or movies, and cook Japanese food together.

Anyone hoping to see the monarchy and the inner-grounds of the Imperial Palace simultaneously should plan a visit for February 23 — the Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日 or “Tenno Tanjoubi”) — which is always a public holiday.

First-timers in Tokyo usually have a list of “must-sees”, which along with Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji, but don’t forget to include the home of Japan’s royal family, the Imperial Palace.

Emperor Akihito is the 125th emperor of Japan, and he has been the head of Japan’s monarchy since his father, Emperor Showa, passed away in 1989.

He and his family primarily reside within the Tokyo Imperial Palace (known in Japanese as kokyo), which has been the main home of the royal family since the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

His successor, Emperor Naruhito’s birthday is on February 23. Since 2020, that date has become the Emperor’s Birthday. This year, since his birthday falls on Sunday, the National Holiday will be observed on Monday, February 24th 2025.

History of the Emperor’s Birthday

The public holiday associated with the emperor’s birthday is a product of Japan’s post-war constitution.

It was originally connected to April 29 (the birthday of Emperor Showa) but it moved to December 23 when Emperor Akihito succeeded him. Funnily enough, though, April 29 has remained a public holiday, albeit under a different name.

Which Era is Japan in Now?

The time period in which an emperor reign is assigned a specific era, for example, the Showa era and Meiji era, are among the most recent.

Did you also know that the Showa era had its very own holiday known as Showa Day? Well, with that out of the way, Emperor Akihito’s reign is also often referred to as the Heisei (平成) Era, of which “Heisei” means “achieving peace”.

Since 2019, the current Japanese calendar is Reiwa Era. The kanji is written as “令和”, which means “beautiful harmony”.

Japan’s Unique Monarchy

The Japanese word for the emperor is Tenno (天皇), which literally means “heavenly sovereign”. This fitting description corresponds well to the myth of Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu, who was thought to have been a descendant of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu.

Although Emperor Jimmu’s connection to the sun may be ambiguous, the duration of Japan’s monarchy isn’t. The Imperial Family is regarded as the world’s oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, reigning for over 1500 years.

Their crest and official seal is a 16-petaled chrysanthemum (kiku) which can be found on the front cover of Japanese passports as well as the ¥50 coin.

However, in Japan’s case, the name for the head of the monarch is merely a difference of titles, making the function more similar to the Queen of the United Kingdom.

After WWII, the emperor relinquished governmental power and political engagement, becoming “the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people”.

King vs. Emperor?

Most of us are pretty familiar with the terms, king and queen, but out of all 43 countries with a monarchy, Japan is the only country to have an emperor and empress.

So, what is the difference between the two? An emperor can be thought of as the “king of kings”, whilst an empress is the “queen of queens”.

It follows that historically, emperors and empresses would possess more power than kings and queens. However, in Japan’s case, the name for the head of the monarch is merely a difference of titles, making the function more similar to the Queen of the United Kingdom.

How is the Emperor’s Birthday Celebrated?

The best place to celebrate this holiday is in Tokyo. Every year, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, along with other family members, appear at the palace balcony to welcome tens of thousands of people to the Imperial Palace grounds.

In turn, the monarchy is greeted by their waving visitors with Japanese flags, before they are ushered into the building for a tour of the inner grounds.
 
Want to find out more about Coto Japanese Academy? Try taking a look at the various Japanese Language Courses we offer!
 

Are you interested in learning more about the Japanese language and culture? Check out our full time and part time courses!


Are you looking to become a digital nomad in Japan? Do you want to explore the world’s third-largest economy while having access to incredible technology, culture, and cuisine? Working remotely can be a great way of experiencing all that Japan has to offer. In this blog post, we’ll show you how it’s done by providing tips on preparation and creating successful strategies for living & working as a digital nomad in Japan. Whether you’re just getting started or have been wanting to make your international dreams come true for years, these actionable steps will give you the insight necessary for making an informed decision about life in Japan!

Table of Contents

What is a Digital Nomad and What are Examples of Work They do?

How Many Digital Nomads are in Japan?

Does Japan Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

Alternative Visa Options for Digital Nomads

Types of Work Visas 

The Working Holiday Visa

Finding Affordable Housing that Fits Your Needs

The Benefits of Learning Japanese in Japan

Why Study with Coto Academy?

Conclusion

What is a Digital Nomad and What are Examples of Work They do?

Different from an office worker, a digital nomad is far more flexible | Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash

A digital nomad is a person who uses technology to work remotely while having the freedom to travel and explore. They have a location-independent lifestyle and just need reliable internet and a device to work. One example of a digital nomad’s work is freelance writing. With just a laptop and Wi-Fi connection, one can write articles, blog posts, and social media content for clients based anywhere in the world. Digital Nomads can also be teachers, SEO specialists, web designers, and virtual assistants who manage social media campaigns, email marketing campaigns, create graphics, and analyze data without ever stepping foot in an office. 

The possibilities are endless for those who choose to live the digital nomad lifestyle. But have you heard of digital nomads in Japan?

How Many Digital Nomads are in Japan?

It’s hard to find an exact number on how many digital nomads are in Japan. Official numbers might be hard to track because the Japanese government does not offer a digital nomad visa. However, no need to fret! There are a few visa options for digital nomads, so keep reading to find out what they are.  

Does Japan Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

Unfortunately, the concept of a digital nomad is still uncommon in Japan | Photo by Persnickety Prints on Unsplash

Regrettably, as of 2023, Japan hasn’t rolled out the red carpet with a dedicated digital nomad visa. It seems the concept of sipping sake under Sakura while typing away on your laptop hasn’t quite caught on with the Japanese government yet. But not all hope is lost!

Word on the street (and by “street”, we mean credible news outlets) is that Japan is contemplating a special visa for globe-trotting remote workers. No one really knows when it will be available.

While we wait for this digital nomad visa to materialize, there are other options to explore. After all, experiencing Japan isn’t just about cherry blossoms and bullet trains; it’s also about finding ways to navigate the complex maze of bureaucracy to get things done.

Alternative Visa Options for Digital Nomads

As far as short-term options, Japan offers a 90-day visa to tourists from various countries. If this option is not accessible or ideal for you, another option could be a work visa if you’re eligible and want to stay longer than 90 days.

Types of Work Visas 

Fret not, there are still other visa options! | Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash

If you do white-collar work that’s not tech-related, the most suitable visa for you may be the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Studies Visa. This visa is typically for technicians and white-collar professionals, so it covers a broad range of foreigners in Japan. Some job titles included under this visa are English teacher, Interpreter, Designer, Salesperson, and Business Manager.

The Engineering Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSPV) in Japan are both designed for foreign professionals to work in the country, but they have some key differences in terms of eligibility, benefits, and restrictions.

The Engineering Visa is specifically for those who plan to engage in services that require skills or knowledge pertinent to physical science, engineering, or other natural science fields. This visa category is often used by software engineers and other tech professionals. The primary advantage of this visa is that it’s not tied to a specific employer, meaning you can change jobs without needing to alter your visa status.

If you are aiming for an even longer stay, HSPV might be the best fit for you! | Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash

On the other hand, the Highly Skilled Professional Visa is a more exclusive category. It’s issued through a point-based system to foreigners who meet certain criteria like having an annual income of at least 3 million yen. Points are given based on factors like academic background, professional experience, salary, age, and language proficiency. Further, the HSPV is connected to the company you work for. However, the HSPV has several advantages over the Engineering Visa. For instance, it allows for a longer duration of stay, easier procedures for inviting relatives, permission for the spouse to work, and the possibility of permanent residency. Furthermore, the HSPV even allows for an indefinite stay as long as the scope of work falls under the designated categories. Note that you generally need at least a Bachelor’s degree to be approved for these visas.

So, the main difference boils down to this: the Engineering Visa is more job-specific and offers greater flexibility with employment, while the HSPV  is more exclusive, offers broader benefits, and can potentially lead to permanent residency in Japan. 

If you still don’t feel like these visa options are suitable for you, there is one more type of visa that could be a possibility. It’s a working holiday visa.

The Working Holiday Visa

For the Digital Nomad, this could be your way to continue your Journey in Japan. | Photo by Peggy Anke on Unsplash

The Working Holiday Visa in Japan is a special type of visa that allows young people from certain countries to live and work in Japan for up to one year. The primary purpose of the visit should be to holiday in Japan, but visa holders are allowed to work part-time to supplement their travel funds.

Applicants must be citizens of countries that have a mutual agreement with Japan for the Working Holiday Programs. This includes countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom among many others.  

There are some limitations to this visa as well. One is the age restriction, with the minimum being 18 and the maximum being 30 years of age. For some countries, the maximum is younger than that. Secondly, you cannot work at places like bars, clubs, and gambling establishments. 

You can read more information on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs site and in this Coto blog article from February 2023. Application procedures can usually be on the aforementioned site or on websites of the Embassies or Consulates-General of Japan in your country/region. 

Lastly, you need to prove you have sufficient funds. This differs from country to country, and I don’t believe the government gives any exact figures. To get an idea, your best bet may be to search on Google and in forums like Reddit.           

Finding Affordable Housing that Fits Your Needs

Another part you should consider is housing as a Digital Nomad. | Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash

As a digital nomad, finding the perfect place to live can be a challenge. If you’re looking to settle down in Japan, it’s important to consider your needs and lifestyle. Do you need a quiet space to work or do you prefer a more communal living situation? Are you looking for a minimalist apartment or a more spacious room to store your gear? Luckily, Japan offers a wide range of housing options. But the process can be bureaucratic and tedious. For a stay of 90 days or less, you can do a search for Sakura House, Tokyo Vacation House, or Tokhouse among others. For help finding affordable housing in Tokyo and Yokohama, check out this article. We also have three cheat sheets of Japanese vocabulary and expressions related to apartment hunting. You can find the first cheat sheet here.

Conversely, seeing as much of Japan as possible may be your objective, in which case AirBnB would be worth checking out. Traveling around Japan as a digital nomad is an adventure that blends the wonders of ancient traditions with the excitement of modern technology. The country’s unique blend of history and innovation creates an environment that is both stimulating and inspiring, making it an ideal destination for those who work remotely and crave cultural immersion.

However, no matter if you decide to stay in one place or move around, Japan is a country in which learning some of the language and a little about the culture go a long way.

The Benefits of Learning Japanese in Japan

Having some skill in Japanese might help you in your Digital Nomad journey| Photo by Leio McLaren on Unsplash

To many visitors’ surprise, Japan is still very much a country where most people do not speak English. So learning Japanese while living or working in Japan as a digital nomad can offer numerous benefits:

Enhanced Communication: Understanding Japanese will allow you to communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients, and local residents. This can lead to better working relationships, friendships, and a more fulfilling social life.

Networking: In the same vein as the first point, speaking Japanese can help you build relationships with people outside of your immediate circle, providing opportunities for networking as well as personal and professional growth.

Professional Opportunities: Many places of work prefer employees who can speak Japanese. This even goes with the IT industry, which is more progressive in certain aspects as compared to some others. Being able to understand the language can make you stand out and open up more job opportunities.

Cultural Understanding: From reading historical signs at sites at museums to listening to stories being told by knowledgeable Japanese nationals, learning Japanese can help you better understand and appreciate the country’s rich history and culture. This can enhance your overall experience in Japan.

Independence and Confidence: Being able to navigate daily activities such as shopping, dining, paying bills, or using public transportation without assistance can increase your independence and confidence.

Personal Fulfillment: Learning a new language and accomplishing some or all of the aforementioned points can be a rewarding personal achievement.

Learning Japanese in Japan is particularly special due to the total immersion aspect—you’re completely surrounded by the language and culture here. Now you may be asking how or where can you learn Japanese?  Well, one popular option once you touch down in Japan is a Japanese language academy. There are a lot of Japanese Language Academies to choose from. Of course, we would recommend you check out the classes we have to offer at Coto Academy!

Why Study with Coto Academy?

At Coto Academy, we focus on communicative skills and Japanese that’s actually useful in everyday interactions. Some classes even take you out to use your Japanese in authentic environments.

We offer one-on-one courses in addition to group lessons, virtual lessons, and cultural courses. We have two brick-and-mortar locations. The original school is in Iidabashi, and the newest location is a stone’s throw from the famous Shibuya Scramble!  That means you can have Japanese class and then hop on over to Udagawacho with your friends and practice using the Japanese you’ve learned. We are very active on social media platforms like TikTok and IG, where we post fun language tips and entertainment. Coto Academy even has a comedy show every once in a while that teachers and students can come to watch or sign up to perform in!

Conclusion

Do you think Japan suits the digital nomad life? | Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash

In conclusion, Japan offers a unique and enriching experience for digital nomads. Whether you’re navigating the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or finding inspiration in the serene landscapes of rural areas, it’s an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. Although Japan doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, several other visas are available that can facilitate a short or long-term stay in the country. As you prepare to embark on your digital nomad journey here, thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making will be your keys to success. Embrace the adventure, let Japan inspire your work and life, and remember that Coto Academy is here to support your journey through language and culture support!

Kimono is so widely known that the word itself has become a part of the English language. From the very heart of Japanese culture, this iconic garment was worn on a daily basis in 19th-century Japan. Its beginnings can be traced back over a thousand years, to the Heian period (794–1185), from what was known as the kosode, the thought to be a precursor of the kimono. 

There are so many different variations when it comes to kimonos. In this article, we will break down seven common types you are likely to hear about in Japan especially if you decide to book a kimono experience or even purchase your own!

When Do We Wear a Kimono?

Nowadays the number of people that can be seen in kimonos in day-to-day life has drastically reduced across the nation as the number of people that know how to wear kimono continues to decline. But rather than a daily attire, for many Japanese people kimono is reserved for special occasions such as seijin no hi, the coming of age ceremony, where young adults celebrate turning 20, and for other big occasions such as kekkonshiki, wedding ceremonies, and even little children wear kimono for shichi go san (七五三), a celebration to mark the rite of passage for ages 3 (san), 5 (go) and 7 (shichi). And although the kimono is not seen on the bustling streets of Tokyo as it once was a century ago, it is still an integral and treasured part of Japanese culture.   

What is the Difference Between Yukata and Kimono?

Compared to yukata, kimono is considered more formal. There are many different types of kimono for different occasions whereas yukata is worn to casual events such as summer firework festivals and onsens. At some hotels and onsens, you can borrow a yukata to walk around the grounds, they are trendy at onsen resorts as they are easy to take on and off. A distinctive difference between yukata and kimono is that yukata are much thinner than kimono and hence why they are popular in summer for casual festivities.

The Different Parts of Kimono and Yukata:

kimono vocabulary
Kimono PartsMeaningExplanation
Tabi (足袋)Socks for kimonoTabi are socks that separate your big toe from your little toes which allow you to wear zori shoes that are traditionally worn with a kimono. Tabi nowadays can be purchased almost anywhere, however, tabi that are worn for formal occasions and photo shoots have a slightly harder bottom so the shape of your toes doesn’t show through. 
Obi (帯)Sash/ beltThere are many different variations of obi, some plain, some patterned, some with different widths and you can even get accessories to decorate your obi. It is important to note that some obi is more formal or casual than others to choose carefully depending on the type of kimono you wear or if you wear a yukata.
Zouri (草履)Kimono shoesZori is the most appropriate shoe to wear with a kimono and go best with tabi. For formal occasions, zori is white in color but you can also find colored zori like gold which is becoming popular to match the gold in many kimonos.  
Geta (下駄)Yukata shoesThese shoes are often made from wood and are slightly raised off the ground with two platforms. Geta goes best with yukata as they are more casual compared to zori.
Haneri (半衿)UnderlayerThis is a long underlayer that goes on before the kimono to prevent the kimono from becoming dirty and to protect it.

Seven Different Types of Kimono

1. Houmongi (訪問着): The Visiting Kimono

Houmongi translates to “visiting garment” and is considered semi-formal attire. The first two kanji, houmon (訪問), means visit and the last kanji () means garment. As the name suggests this kimono is often worn to outings such as tea ceremonies or the theater but it can also be worn to a friend’s wedding.

It is particularly popular in the summer months thanks to the thin comfortable silk and bright translucent colors. In summer you may find these kimonos feature autumn grasses to welcome the next season. As the temperature drops into autumn, autumn houmongi may have another layer such as wool to keep out the cold. In contrast to the summer houmongi these kimonos have darker hues with themes of oranges and reds running through to complement the autumn leaves. 

2. Furisode (振袖): Swinging Sleeves

Furisode literally translates to “swinging sleeves” and is the most formal kimono for unmarried women. A defining characteristic of the furisode is the long sleeves that sweep down from either arm. The long sleeves of the furisode were initially used to attract a love interest hence why they are worn by unmarried women.

It is further said that women could swing these long elegant sleeves around them to ward off evil and also cast good luck upon themselves and the people around them. The second kanji in furisode is for sleeves (袖) and is very useful to know as it is seen in clothing stores across Japan to indicate when shirts have short or long sleeves. You can look for nagasode (長袖) for long sleeves, hansode (半袖) for half/ short sleeves and sodenashi (袖なし) for no sleeves.

seijn no hi kimono

These kimonos are considered formal attire and represent high status. In fact, in the Edo period (1603 – 1867) it was expected that young women must wear furisode and they could even be refused entry through one of the borders without it.

Furisode can be bright in color and are often chosen by unmarried women to wear to wedding ceremonies. These kimonos can also be seen on seijin no hi, a national holiday otherwise known as the coming of age ceremony that takes place every year on the second Monday of January to celebrate those who just turned twenty. Furisode are worn in a wide variety of colors by the young girls and often with fur shawls to keep warm on the day of the ceremony. 

Despite furisode mainly being for unmarried women, there is one type of furisode that is called Hiki-furisode (引き振袖) which has very long sleeves that sweep the floor and it is one of the colored kimonos that brides can choose at their wedding ceremony. 

3. Tomesode (留袖): The Evening Dress of Kimonos

Tomesode is comparable to the evening dress of kimonos, it is the most formal attire for married women. This kimono is very elegant and can easily be identified by the pattern which is solely towards the bottom of the kimono, giving a modest yet beautiful finish. Compared to furisode the sleeves of tomesode are much shorter and more practical to move in. 

There are two types of tomesode, the iro-tomesode which means one with color and the kuro tomesode which means a black tomesode. The black tomesode is worn by married women who are family members of the bride and groom at wedding ceremonies. Black is a common color to see worn by guests at Japanese weddings as it allows the bride to stand out in all white. 

4. Haori (羽織): Kimono Overcoats

Once worn to battle as overcoats to keep warm, haori can now be seen in hotels and ryokans that offer yukatas to borrow, here the haori serves as an overcoat. They are an essential item if strolling between onsens in the mountains such as Kusatsu! 

5. Hakama (袴): Kimono Pants

Hakama offers a different style to kimono, rather than a dress, it is a pants-like garment. When wearing a kimono it is difficult to take big steps as the fabric is wrapped tightly around you. Hakama on the other hand, is more loose fitting and therefore easier to move around in. It was initially worn by men so that they could ride horses and move with more freedom. 

The formal kimono worn by men, monpuku, is a black haori coupled with striped hakama and are worn at wedding ceremonies by the groom with their family crest printed on the haori. Hakama are also worn by women, called miko, that work at Shinto shrines. They wear traditional white kimonos with bright scarlet hakama. Hakama is further worn by those that practice martial arts such as Aikido, but this black hakama is only given after achieving a high level. It is also worn by calligraphers and in traditional card game tournaments called hyaku nin isshu.

6. Shiromuku (白無垢): Pure White Bridal Kimono

Shiromuku is a traditional Japanese wedding kimono that is completely white including the obi and all the different layers. The Shiromuku was originally worn by brides at weddings of samurai families but since then it has become the bridal kimono for traditional Shinto weddings across Japan. White in Japan is the color of the sun and it represents purity and cleanliness, it further symbolizes how the bride will now take on the groom’s family colors and it is common for the bride to have an outfit change after the ceremony to a colored kimono such as iro-uchikake or hiki-furisode

Items that Accompany Shiromuku:

  • Tsuno-kakushi (角隠し) is a wig that is commonly worn with the shiromuku kimono on the wedding day and legend believes that this wig is to hide the horns of the bride which symbolizes jealousy and ego. By covering the horns it is said she will become an obedient wife. 
  • An alternative headpiece is the wata-boushi (綿帽子), an all-white hat that arches up and covers the bride’s face from the sides. Originally this headpiece was worn to keep away dust and keep warm but it has since taken on a role similar to the western veil as it keeps the bride’s face hidden from everyone except the groom until they are wed. 
  • Hakoseko (筥迫) is a traditional accessory usually made from fabric that carries auspicious items such as incense, lip crimson and a mirror. This is now purely decorative but still used as an essential part of the shiromuku tucked into the obi.

7. Iro-Uchikake (色打掛): Colorful Formal Kimono 

The iro-uchikake is usually worn at wedding ceremonies after the shiromuku to symbolize taking on the groom’s family colors. The outer layer of the shiromuku is replaced with the iro-uchikake so it is a seamless switch. This kimono, however, can weigh more than 5kg!

Embellished with traditional symbols, and silk lined with a gorgeous padded hem, these kimonos shout nobility and elegance. Their origins date back to the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333) when they were donned by the women of the samurai elite. Then during the Edo period, it became popular amongst aristocrats and merchants. Today the iro-uchikake is not only seen at wedding ceremonies but also on stage during performances and for other formal occasions. For weddings red, black and gold are the most popular but these kimonos can be found in a whole range of colors. 

Kimono Symbols and Their Meanings

You might notice that the kimono comes with a variety of beautiful, intricate motifs. These motifs can be interpreted in many ways. In Japan, people generally decide which kimono to wear according to the implicit meanings of their patterns, colors, and seasons.

Pattern or symbolEnglishMeaning
Botan (牡丹)PeoniesReferred to as king of flowers, peonies are a symbol of good fortune, nobility and ageless beauty.
Tsuru (鶴)CranesBelieved to live for a thousand years and inhabit the land of the immortals, cranes symbolize longevity and good fortune. A pair foretells a happy marriage. 
Ume (梅)Plum blossomsThe first blossom of spring, the plum blossom is the flower of peace, a protective charm that symbolizes longevity, renewal and perseverance. 
Yama (山)MountainsMountains depict sacred places between heaven and earth. If there are birds flying over then it symbolizes overcoming life’s challenges. 
Matsu (松)Pine TreeAssociated with the new year and winter, pine trees symbolize longevity, steadfastness and wisdom. 

If you are interested in learning more about kimono you can undertake a professional kimono course called omenjyo to acquire a license where you learn how to wear a kimono properly by yourself. Or you can opt for a kimono experience and be dressed by a professional with hair and makeup, a great way to practice some new vocabulary. 

Want to learn Japanese for cultural immersion?

It’s never too late to start your Japanese learning journey. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced learner, Coto Academy can provide the right lesson plan that suits your style, long-term goal — and schedule!

Take flexible lessons in Tokyo, Yokohama or online. Wondering what’s the best course? We offer a free Japanese-level check and course consultation!

What's the difference between kimono and yukata?

Compared to yukata, kimono is considered more formal. There are many different types of kimono for different occasions whereas yukata is worn to casual events such as summer firework festivals and onsens.

Is kimono worn by men or women?

Today, Kimonos are most often worn by women, and on special occasions.

What are the common motifs in a kimono?

Kimono feature beautiful and often elaborate patterns depicting plants, animals, and more — all of them with special names and meanings. Popular motifs include peonies, cranes, plum blossoms and mountains.

What are the common colors in a kimono?

Green is a popular color in a kimono because it represents new beginnings and fortune. White (growth), blue (peace) and red (love) are favorite secondary colors.

Winter in Japan means the night arrives faster, but that’s the perfect excuse for a city like Tokyo to wrap millions of colorful, high-jolt LEDs around the trees to chase away the dark. These are otherwise known as winter illuminations.

Altogether, you’ll find the city’s busiest streets transformed into something of a frosty wonderland. There might not be snow or authentic European-style Christmas markets, but what it lacks, Tokyo makes up with its state-of-the-art light displays (some say they outswww.roppongihills.com/enhine the gloom of last year’s pandemic). 

Illuminations typically span between November to December, but they can run as long as February. Here, we’ve highlighted Tokyo’s best winter illuminations — perfect for a romantic stroll or fun meetups with friends. 

Events are subject to change. Please be sure to check websites in case of event cancelations.

Roppongi Keiyazaki-dori Illumination
Image courtesy of Roppongi Hills

Keiyazaki Illumination at Roppongi Hills

Almost all of Tokyo’s opulent, upmarket districts will be competing for the chicest winter illuminations. Safe to say, the city’s largest redevelopment, Roppongi Hills, isn’t messing around too. Stretching over 400 meters along Keiyakizaka Street (and near the shopping center), you’ll find all of the trees breathing into life with shimmering silver-blue lights. Also welcoming is the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Tower. If you stand from the pedestrian bridge, you’ll be in the perfect spot to swallow the whole view of the landmark, plus a four-meter tall Christmas tree adorned with horse-shaped ornaments

When: Until Dec 25 | 5pm-11pm
Admission: Free
Where: Keiyazaki-dori, 6-12 Roppongi, Minato-ku
www.roppongihills.com/en

tokyo midtown illumination snow light globe
Image courtesy of Tokyo Midtown

Tokyo Midtown Christmas 2021

There’s a running theme in Tokyo’s Midtown vibrant illuminations: digitally controlled LEDs, space-like decoration and creative buildups to Christmas. This year, the venue returns with a three-meter tall snow globe and 150 golden-lit trees surrounding the walkway. Still, the highlight of this year is a mysterious Christmas tree erected in the Midtown Garden. Small, numbered gift boxes are added each day to help passersby count down the days left before Santa comes. 

Head to the area before December 12 to watch a special hourly soap bubble installation; white smoke-filled bubbles float around the space as if you’re being inside the snow globe. Better yet, visit their outdoor skating rink for a full-fledged holiday agenda. 

When: Nov 18–Dec 25 | 5pm–11pm
Admission: Free
Where: Tokyo Midtown 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku
tokyomidtown.com

Want to know more about holidays in Japan? Check out our Japanese holiday vocabulary cheat sheet here!
Omohara Christmas Illumination
Image courtesy of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

Omohara Christmas Illumination

A small “forest” deck on the top floor of Tokyu Hands Omotesando, Omohara No Mori brings a gentler side to Tokyo’s winter illumination. The rooftop terrace will be lit with 16,000 LED lights, but they are not at all blinding. In fact, festive coziness is the theme here. You can escape from the looky-loos clogging downtown and bask under the warm colors of the illuminations. Surrounded by the greenery, it will feel like you’re relaxing in a secluded cabin. Afterward, you can go inside the building to do some Christmas shopping. 

When: Nov 19–Dec 25 | 4pm–9pm
Admission: Free
Where: Tokyu Hands Omotesando Harajuku 6F, 4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 

Yokohama Milaight Winter Illumination
Image courtesy of Yokohama Milaight

Yokohama Milaight

One of Yokohama’s biggest winter illuminations starts from Yokohama Station and continues throughout the Minatomirai area. Using LEDs, around 1.5 kilometers worth of area will be basked in blue, gold and white. Don’t forget to take a peek at the Nippon Maru, a former Japanese sailing ship that is now permanently docked in Yokohama harbor. Befitting to the spirit of Christmas, the giant will be lit as well. 

When: Until Feb 13 | 4pm–11pm
Admission: Free
Where: Yokohama Station, 2 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
Ymm21-illumination.jp

Hibiya Magic Time Illumination
Image courtesy of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya

Hibiya Magic Time Illumination

This year, Hibiya’s winter illumination is as magical as it can get. The colors picked for the lights are shades of dawn; every tree has a somewhat different light to create a seamless gradation effect. This is to symbolize the start of a “wonderful tomorrow.” As you soak in the stunning purple, pink and orange lights, you can stop by shops and nibble a few light bites at restaurants dotted along the road.

To get a full view of Tokyo from up high, go to the Park View Garden on the sixth floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. There, a lit-up garden and serene pool of LED buds await. The Hibiya Step Plaza will also be adorned with Christmas trees. 

When: Nov 18–Feb 14 | 5pm–11pm
Admission: Free
Where: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp

Marunouchi Illumination
Image courtesy of Go Tokyo

Marunouchi Illumination

There’s so much more to Tokyo’s elite district than gliding bullet trains (or shinkansen) and its red-bricked station. The Marunouchi Naka-dori street is, to date, one of the classiest illumination spots. The lights are kept simple: a champagne shade as an ode to the area’s stylish disposition. Environmentally efficient LED bulbs are knotted on the trees along the 1.2-kilometer walkway. In the vivid spirit of its 20th anniversary, the Marunouchi Illuminations will expand the light displays to the newly established Tokyo Torch Park. You can marvel at the impressive sight, which is reminiscent of a whimsical dream, from the adjacent Tokyo Torch Terrace.

While most of Tokyo’s winter illuminations start around 5pm, the lights in Marunouchi will switch on from 3pm — which gives anyone more time to shop and dine under the fairy lights. 

When: Until Feb 20 | 3pm–11pm
Admission: Free
Where:
Marunouchi Naka-dori, 2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo Torch Park Harry Potter Illumination
Image courtesy of Tokyo Torch Park

Marunouchi Bright Christmas 2021

The wizarding world of Harry Potter lands on Marunouchi in partnership with Warner Bros Entertainment. During the period, you’ll find Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts-inspired Christmas decorations, including a mini tree at Marunouchi Bric Square that rekindles the story of Harry’s acceptance to Hogwarts. 

On the same venue, you’ll find Tokyo’s largest “tree” that proudly stands about 30 meters tall — although it is technically a grand illumination. Instead of thick green foliage, there hung lit-up banners of the four Hogwarts houses and 3D hologram displays. In the evening, expect an owl flying in and carrying a gift. 

When: Until Feb 20 | 3pm–11pm
Admission: Free
Where: Marunouchi Naka-dori, 2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyotorch.mec.co.jp

Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination
Image courtesy of Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination

Taking the main stage at Tokyo Dome City is the giant champagne-colored Christmas tree that boasts 230,000 LED lights. Surrounding the area are other equally picturesque winter illumination displays. You can start from the LaQua Garden to enter a kaleidoscope-like “milky way” tunnel and meet at the stunning Meets Port Garden.

Taking pictures at winter illuminations is tough. Most of the time, photos don’t do them justice. However, this year, the theme is all about “taking pictures,” so make sure to scour the whole area to discover hidden photo spots. Decorations are made from recycled materials and upcycled waste wood in the spirit of a “green” holiday.

When: Until Feb 28 2022 | 5pm–12am
Admission: Free
Where: Tokyo Dome City, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku
www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/illumination

Yomiuri Land Jewellumination fountain show
Image courtesy of Yomiuri Land

Yomiuri Land Jewellumination

Yomiuri Land lives up to its name. With jewel as the spotlight, Tokyo’s largest amusement park is known to bring gemstone-inspired illumination events. This year, the park is divided into ten spots, each highlighting different themes. 

There’s the 25-meter jewel illumination tower and river lined with blue “sapphires”. In addition to that, you can walk under a rainbow “Diamond Passage” or take an Instagram-worthy picture of the bedazzled square in front of the Yomiuri Land Nittele Hall. Finally, be on the lookout for the fountain show, where you can expect flames and lasers to be synchronized with the music. 

Whn: Until Apr 3 | Until 8:30pm
Admission: Adults ¥1,800 | Junior high and high school students ¥1,500 | Primary school students and younger ¥1,000
Where: Yomiuri Land, 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi-shi
www.yomiuriland.com/jewellumination

Tokyo Mega Illumination
Image courtesy of Tokyo Mega Illumi

Tokyo Mega Illumination

Who knew a horse racing track is a perfect place for a rainbow water fountain and surreal aurora light shows? In its fourth year, the Tokyo City Keiba will team up with Naked Big Book to transform the racecourse into a real-life fairytale world. 

You can explore the 100-meter tunnel filled with cherry blossom illuminations and soak in the luminescent blue projection of waterfalls. As you bathe in the breathtaking aurora light, you’ll eventually be led into a giant luminous tree that is more mystical than it is natural. Finally, you can take photos with real ponies and horses while taking a bite of your horseshoe churros — or see an AR-displayed 3D horse via smartphone. 

When: Nov 20–Apr 10 2022 | 4:30pm–9pm (last entry 8pm)
Admission: Adults ¥1,000 | Primary, junior high and high school students ¥500 (advanced ticket available)
Where: Tokyo City Keiba, 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku
www.tokyomegaillumi.jp

Tokyo Illumination FAQs

When is the Illumination at roppongi?

When: Until Dec 25 | 5pm-11pm. Almost all of Tokyo’s opulent, upmarket districts will be competing for the chicest winter illuminations. Safe to say, the city’s largest redevelopment, Roppongi Hills, isn’t messing around too. Stretching over 400 meters along Keiyakizaka Street (and near the shopping center), you’ll find all of the trees breathing into life with shimmering silver-blue lights. Also welcoming is the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Tower. If you stand from the pedestrian bridge, you’ll be in the perfect spot to swallow the whole view of the landmark, plus a four-meter tall Christmas tree adorned with horse-shaped ornaments

When is illuminations taking place in Tokyo?

Illuminations typically span between November to December, but they can run as long as February. Here, we’ve highlighted Tokyo’s best winter illuminations — perfect for a romantic stroll or fun meetups with friends.

Improving your Japanese skill a part of your New Year’s resolution? Don’t wait. Start learning Japanese with us!

English teaching in Japan is one of the most common jobs for foreigners, but other career fields and roles surprisingly don’t require a high level of Japanese. That said, you do need some level of basic-to-intermediate speaking skills to live comfortably in Japan.

While many jobs in Japan require fluency in Japanese, there are still plenty of opportunities available for non-Japanese speakers. Thanks to Japan’s increasing globalization and demand for international talent, you can now find jobs in industries like tech, hospitality, design, and more where little to no Japanese is required. In this article, we’ll explore 11 jobs you can land in Japan without needing Japanese fluency, and what you’ll need to get started.

Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients and open up new career opportunities!

Can I Really Work in Japan Without Knowing Any Japanese?

The short answer is yes, you can get a job without needing Japanese, and that job doesn’t have to be only an English teacher. 

You might have more limited options, and your opportunities depend largely on your skills and the current job market trend. The IT industry, for example, is one of the largest industries in the Japanese economy. The Japan Times estimated that the country would face a shortage of 600,000 IT-related professionals by 2030. A lot of companies are eager to hire foreign IT workers as a solution. If you have a background or knowledge in tech, recruiters in top companies are willing to hire you from overseas and sponsor your stay in Japan, even if you don’t necessarily have a high level of Japanese language skills.

Recommended: Top 8 IT and Tech Job Sites in Japan 

It’s relatively easy to get accepted as an English teacher, ALT, and eikaiwa teacher if you come from an English-speaking country. There are plenty of opportunities in a lot of industries, even if you only speak English. In fact, a lot of foreigners, who’ve lived here for more than 10 years, can’t speak Japanese. 

There’s a catch, though: you’re closing a lot of doors if you don’t bother to learn at least conversational-level Japanese. Live here long enough, and eventually, you will realize that you can miss out on getting promotions and attractive job offers. 

Even a decent conversational level or the ability to speak Japanese confidently (which is the focus of Coto Academy), can widen your job opportunities. Even if that job doesn’t require Japanese, showing that you are learning will give you a good impression.  

English-speaking Jobs in Japan

English-speaking Jobs in Japan With No Japanese Required

We’ll be covering jobs that fall under the Engineer/Humanities visa, or the 技術/人文知識/国際業務 (gijutsu/jinbun-chishiki/kokusai-gyoumu). Most professional jobs fall under this category because they include fields like human resources, accounting, tech, marketing, and sales. 

What we won’t cover are the jobs under the Specified Skills Visa, or 特定技能ビザ (tokutei ginou bisa). The type of jobs you do on this type of visa are work-related tasks, like construction, automobile maintenance, food service, hospitality and nursing care. We won’t be recommending blue-collar and part-time jobs. 

1. Recruiter and Consultant Job in Japan

A career at an international consulting firm in Japan is attractive to foreigners for a few reasons. Generally, even if you are a fresh graduate,  you will still receive a higher base salary. 

It’s also one of the most popular options for foreigners who want to change their careers. This is because it’s possible to become a recruiter without any prior experience or relevant background. You don’t need a relevant degree like human resources, psychology, or communication, although that’s always a plus point. Instead, hiring managers and recruiting companies decide on the right candidate based on their soft skills: negotiation, strong communication, confidence, and critical thinking. 

Most of all, you don’t need Japanese language ability to be a recruiter. Most of your clients will be bilingual, and most of the consulting firm’s databases are managed in English. In fact, you should be able to speak it well, because negotiations are done in English. 

The life of a consultant is coveted and competitive. Rather than HR, think of recruiters as a sales job. To be a top biller, you need to be able to thrive under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. But it’s extremely rewarding, too. 

The annual starting salary is typically 3.6 million JPY, but the number can go up depending on the size and contract of your company. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include your bonuses yet. If you perform well, you can easily double and triple your income.

Top consulting firms in Japan are Robert Walters, Michael Page and Hays, but you will also find mid to smaller-sized recruitment companies.

You can also be an internal recruiter for global and international companies, so always check the “Careers” page of your dream company. There might be an open position for talent acquisition specialists in Japan.

2. Real Estate Jobs in Japan

To buy a house, invest in a property, or hunt for an apartment, you have to deal with real estate agents and go through rigorous procedures — all in Japanese. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, so there was high demand for English-speaking housing agents. 

Now, a lot of real estate companies provide multilingual support, including English. Some of them exclusively specialize in handling foreign clients. 

There was a high demand for English-speaking housing agents in Japan. In 2020, the country recorded 2.89 million foreigners living here, and a big chunk of them have trouble going to the typical Japanese real estate company. With travel restrictions and borders easing, we can expect a surge of newcomers and returning international residents. 

Now, you can find real estate agencies that specialize in finding an apartment for foreigners, which is where you can come in. Usually, experience in real estate brokerage transactions is preferred, but a lot of companies welcome candidates with relevant experience. 

Another attractive feature is the commission system, too. Top salespeople can earn up to 20 million JPY as compensation.

3. English Teaching Jobs in Japan

The first thing that comes to mind when you put “English” and “jobs in Japan” together is “English teacher”. In order to teach English in Japan, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree, but it doesn’t have to be relevant to education. Teaching certifications, like the TEFL, are preferred but generally not required. 

You can’t group all English teachers the same. 

1. ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

More than half of the English teachers in Japan are ALTs. As an ALT, you’re not in charge of teaching the whole class. Rather, you’re working with the Japanese teacher at the school you’re assigned to. Your role is to become the language instructor and “cultural ambassador”. 

You don’t need any educational license, master’s degree or relevant education degree to be an ALT. 

2. Eikaiwa Teacher

Eikaiwa is an English conversation school, and the students can either be children or adults. The word “Eikaiwa” stems from 英 or “Ei” (English) and 会話 or “Kaiwa” (Conversation). Giant Eikaiwa companies include NOVA, ECC, AEON, Berlitz or Peppy Kids Club

3. Private school or university teacher

Salaries for ALT and Eikawa teachers are decent, but not the best. In terms of a career within the education industry in Japan, becoming a full-time teacher at a private school or university is your best bet to nail a higher salary and better career progression. 

There are over 700 universities in Japan, and some of them have an English learning program. Schools will often require you to have at least a master’s degree in education, alongside TEFL or TESOL, and even prior teaching experience. 

Other than the above, you can become an English teacher for adults or for kindergartens. 

Here are some popular job sites to search for English:

4. IT and Tech Engineer Jobs in Japan

There’s no denying that Japan is facing an IT shortage, so having a background in IT can seriously make you a sought-after candidate. You can find more than 100 programming jobs on job platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor alone, and it’s easy to see why. Japan’s IT industry takes about 3% of the world market, and all companies, regardless if they’re traditional Japanese or international, need web designers, developers, and IT professionals.

Because of this lopsided supply-demand IT job market situation, requirements for the Japanese language are relatively low, sometimes none at all. Startup and unicorn companies like Mercari and Zehitomo hire tech engineers from overseas. Japanese technology group NEC partnered with Persol Career and has provided an app that matches companies in Japan with Indian tech engineers.

Tokyo Dev, one of the leading IT job sites in Japan, did a survey of more than 435 software engineers living in Japan. The average salary is 8.5 million yen per year, which is almost half more than what the average worker in Japan makes (6.2 million yen).

Out of all of them, only a third can speak Japanese fluently, and 80% of these employees use English as the primary language to communicate with their coworkers.

Note that even though there is a big pool of vacant engineering and tech positions, the roles are still coveted. You will need to be adept in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python (all common coding languages), but some corporates may use TypeScript, C++, and SQL.

Here are some popular job sites that are specifically for IT and tech-related roles in Japan:

We’ve created a separate article dedicated to listing the best IT job sites in Japan.

5. Hospitality Jobs in Japan

In 2019 (pre-COVID), Japan recorded 8 million overseas travelers. Urban centers like Tokyo and famous holiday destinations are generally more foreign-friendly. Besides English-speaking Japanese staff, some hotels will have native customer support employees: front desk agents, chefs, PR staff, and general managers. If you can bring relevant experience and background to the table, check out the job listings on Career Cross and Daijob.

Another great way to look for job vacancies is by exploring the career section of each company’s website. Global hotel chains will also do internal transfers or approach prospective candidates themselves.

6. Customer Service Positions in Japan

Responsibilities of a customer service staff include resolving customer queries, recommending solutions, and guiding service users through features and functionalities. To be successful in this role, you should be an excellent communicator. Generally, Japan-based companies favor bilingual customer service, but if you’re a mid-career professional, there are open positions that require little Japanese: supervisors, site directors, managers.

If a company deals with a large volume of foreign customers, they may hire You can find customer service job advertisements in Japan in recruitment agencies like Michael Page, Hays and Robert Walters.

Check out some of the more popular bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan.

7. Graphic, Product, or Creative Designer Career in Japan

Designers are also in high-demand jobs in Japan at the moment. Whether it’s UI/UX specialist, a graphic designer, or a product designer, your main selling point will be your hard skills and portfolio. General requirements include knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator, but some companies may require advanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (depending on the position). You can find more job listings on Google.

8. Study Abroad Staff in Japan

Currently, Japan is restricting the number of foreign students who can enter from their home countries (subject to change). The industry might be in a lull right now, but things are starting to pick back up.

Usually, you can go and live in Japan as a student in two ways: independent application, where you find a university and apply directly, or through an agent. Companies like Coto School Finder help foreign students apply for a school for a Japanese language school and a student visa. Besides that, they provide additional support, like helping you find an apartment or share a house.

Because they are dealing with international students, these agencies are not just looking for English-speaking staff, but native Korean, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Italian student coordinators, too.

Universities in Japan with an English track program — or at least those that deal with a large volume of foreign students — will also hire foreigners to manage their students.

English-speaking Jobs in Japan

Where to Find Jobs in Japan that Don’t Require Japanese

The best chance to get a career in Japan that doesn’t require high Japanese skills is through browsing job posting sites and hiring platforms like LinkedIn, GlassDoor, Jobs in Japan, Career Cross, and GaijinPot Jobs. Check out some of the best foreigner-friendly job hunting sites in Japan for more options.

Besides that, we recommend that you do your own research. Find out about the industry and look for companies that you might like. Visit their website. Most companies have a designated Careers page (“Work with Us”, “Careers”).

If you have more years of experience in your pocket working in a niche industry (like healthcare, automotive, or infrastructure), approach a recruiter. They deal with highly specialized positions that are often mid-career or even at C-levels, so you have a better chance of being matched with a potential job in a top company that is willing to negotiate your terms and salary.

Want to Boost Your Career in Japan? Take Japanese Lessons at Coto Academy

While there are jobs in Japan besides English teaching, your options might still be limited. The best way to boost your career prospects in Japan is by improving your Japanese skills!

Why not take Japanese lessons at Coto Academy and open more doors for your career? With locations in Shibuya, Yokohama, and online, our classes are designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals. Discover how we can help you achieve your Japanese language goals. If you’re unsure where to start, we offer a free Japanese level check to guide you on the right path.

Ready to take the next step?

FAQ

Can I get a job in Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?

Yes, it’s possible to find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese, especially in industries like IT, design, hospitality, and international sales. However, your options may be more limited compared to fluent speakers, and most of these roles are in global companies or startups.

What kind of jobs in Japan don’t require Japanese?

Jobs in tech (like software engineering, UI/UX design), translation/localization (for your native language), content creation, digital marketing, international customer support, and even certain hospitality roles at international hotels may not require Japanese.

Do I need a visa to work in Japan without speaking Japanese?

Yes, you’ll still need a valid work visa. Most companies that hire non-Japanese speakers will sponsor your visa if you meet the job and education requirements. Common visa types include the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.

How can I find jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese?

You can check job boards like Japan Dev, GaijinPot Jobs, Jobs in Japan, and LinkedIn. Filtering for “No Japanese Required” or “English-only” will help narrow down your search.

Where can I study Business Japanese?

You can study Business Japanese with Coto Academy. Coto offers flexible Business Japanese courses designed for working professionals, covering everything from keigo (honorific language) to real-world business situations like meetings, emails, and presentations.

Want to work in Japan? You might like related content like: