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 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 and open more career opportunities.

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. Creative and Marketing Roles in Japan

With Japan’s growth as both a travel destination and an economic hub, many companies are now turning their attention to previously untapped markets: global and non-Japanese audiences. Some are expanding their brand presence overseas, while others are adapting their services for foreigners living in Japan, creating demand for skilled professionals who can localize and market effectively in either (or even both!) directions.

As a result, depending on the company, you might see a demand for international talent that can focus on global outreach. Marketing and advertising agencies in Japan like Humble Bunny, which is an expert in helping companies localize for the Japanese market, actively seek bilingual or English-speaking marketers or project managers to help bridge cultural and communication gaps.

3. 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.

4. 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:

• GaijinPot Jobs
• Daijob
• Jobs in Japan

5. 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 corporations may use TypeScript, C++, and SQL.

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

• Japan Dev
• TokyoDev
• Tokyo Tech

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

6. 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.

7. 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, it 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.

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

Designers are also in high-demand jobs in Japan at the moment. Whether it’sa 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.

9. 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 in 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.

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.

FAQ

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

• Japanese Work Culture: How is it Different from the West?
• How to Write a Japanese Resume (Rirekisho): Free PDF Template
• How to Get a Job in Japan as a Foreigner
• Common Japanese Job Interview Questions to Know
• How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese
• How to Quit Your Job in Japan
• How to Exchange Business Cards in Japan: Meishi Koukan

If you are a mid-career professional or higher seeking new opportunities in Japan, bilingual recruitment services can be a valuable resource.

Recruitment agencies in Japan are external firms hired by employers to find the right candidates for their job vacancies. Oftentimes, companies use recruitment agencies rather than internal hiring because it saves them time, resources, and even money. This is because recruitment consultants can filter the right job seekers for specific positions, have a broader network of prospective candidates (meaning they already have a decent database of talent), and are more familiar with the job market and industry trends.

Recruitment consultants handle all of the paperwork and other formalities, and liaise with your new employer to make sure everything is in place for your first day and beyond. They can even negotiate your salary for you and make sure you get the best package out there. Consultants are paid by the employers and receive their fee based on whether they’ve successfully started in a role. This means that, as the prospective candidate, you shouldn’t pay for their services.

But which recruiters are the best in Japan right now? Check out these top bilingual recruitment agencies!

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, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

What is a Bilingual Recruitment Agency?

Bilingual recruitment in Japan refers to hiring professionals who are fluent in both Japanese and another language, typically English, to work in roles that require cross-cultural communication or global business operations.

As more Japanese companies expand globally, and more foreign companies enter the Japanese market, there’s a growing need for professionals who can bridge language and cultural gaps, especially in industries like IT, finance, consulting, and customer support.

Most bilingual roles require business-level Japanese (N2 or N1 on the JLPT) and fluent English. Some positions may accept conversational Japanese (N3) if English is the primary working language.

Why Use a Recruitment Agency in Japan?

Recruitment consultants, especially those based in Tokyo (or big cities in Japan like Osaka), usually possess extensive knowledge of the local market. They’re highly skilled in filtering and sourcing candidates. They will usually collaborate with job seekers to ensure that you are completely well-advised as you move forward in your career.

They will take the time to understand your background, needs, goals, and preferences to match you with the right opportunity. Most of the time, they will guide you through every step of the screening process, too.

In other words, even though they mostly work on behalf of their clients, they can act as your personal career advisor — something you might need when you are making one of the most important decisions in your life.

A thing to keep in mind is that these vacant jobs are less likely to be entry-level and generic, as recruiters are paid to source hard-to-fill jobs. With that said, if you’d like some help in your job search, you can reach out to recruiters to see if they can match you with a job. Most — if not all — of these recruitment firms in Japan use English as their primary language, which makes it even more convenient for English-speaking job seekers to ask for advice and consultations for the right career moves.

Looking for a job hunting site? Check out: 10 Trusted Job Hunting Websites in Japan

1. Robert Walters

Robert Walters is one of the bigger bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan, with offices in Tokyo and Osaka. They specialize in recruitment for permanent, contract, and interim roles across all professional disciplines, including IT, marketing, sales, healthcare, supply chain management, and legal. Robert Walters Japan particularly focuses on permanent and contract recruitment solutions. They work with international clients, ranging from multi-national corporations and Fortune 500s to SMEs and start-ups.

Their teams are divided based on specialized fields to find candidates who are not typically found in the job market. We work with a diverse range of clients around the world.

Website: www.robertwalters.co.jp/en/

2. Michael Page

Michael Page specializes in the recruitment of mid to senior positions for top employers. Their Japan office is divided into three specialized disciplines: recruitment for multinational corporations (gaishi), Japanese corporations (nikkei), and temporary or contract employment. They employ industry specialists who can give you sage advice in your job search and help you find the perfect fit. If you’re an executive or looking for a job higher up on the corporate ladder, then their page PageExecutive might be more your speed. They, too, have extensive resources for improving your job search.

Website: www.michaelpage.co.jp/en

3. Robert Half

Robert Half pioneered specialized recruitment services and provides recruitment solutions for businesses and finance, accounting, financial services, technology, and administrative professionals. Having adapted to the new teleworking trend, they have dedicated some of their operations to assisting job seekers and candidates in finding remote work.

Website: www.roberthalf.jp/en

4. Hays

With over 20 years in Japan and 50 years worldwide, Hays is a reliable and established recruitment consultancy in Japan. This recruitment agency offers “an unrivaled suite of recruitment and workplace solutions”. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you take the next step in your career. They also provide a great number of resources for improving your job interviews in Japan, CVs, and progressing your career.

Website: www.hays.co.jp/en/home

5. Specialized Group

Unlike the other recruitment firms we mentioned, which have branches outside Japan, Specialized Group is a mid-sized recruitment agency based only in Tokyo. They focus on executive search for international businesses in Japan. Their consultants are well-trained and experienced and have good connections with lots of Japanese companies. As a Japanese company themselves, they can provide unique insight into the working culture in Japan.

They cover comprehensive industries, ranging from infrastructure and robots to consumer goods and real estate. Their biggest discipline, however, is in positions related to tech and IT.

Website: www.specialized-group.com/en

6. RGF Professional Recruitment

RGF Professional Recruitment Japan is part of the bilingual recruitment Recruit Group, Asia’s largest recruiting and information service company. They partner with both multinational companies and domestic businesses to provide market-leading bilingual talent for specialist and managerial positions.

The company covers all business sectors, with management teams specializing in various industries. Bilingual professionals in Japan looking to further grow their careers are free to seek advice (and open positions) from their experienced consultants. They’ll want to take the time to understand your background, needs, and goals to accurately match you with the right opportunity.

Website: www.rgf-professional.jp/en/

7. Build+ (Previously Wahl+Case)

Previously operating as Wahl+Case, the recruitment company was acquired by SHIFT in May 2023 and rebranded itself as Build+. Build+ is different from most of the other agencies, as they specialize in the tech industry. Because of their decision to focus on one industry, Build+ is much better at guiding you through the tech world. They work with a lot of recognizable brands like Netflix and Spotify, and a lot of startups. 

Their consultants are very knowledgeable and experienced in the tech industry and are sure to provide you with some valuable insights. They also offer resources that are very relevant to tech positions. 

Website: buildplus.io/

Want more tech-related jobs? Check out: Best IT Job Sites in Japan

8. Cornerstone Recruitment Japan

Although a new recruitment company in Japan (they were established in 2019), Cornerstone Japan has been growing its network of Tokyo-based clients and candidates. Their consultants are experienced in giving both sides access to guidance and expertise on the Tokyo job market.

Cornerstone Recruitment Japan focuses on placing bilingual, mid-career professionals across all sectors. Their retained service is particularly successful for clients with high-profile or critical hiring needs or niche searches. 

Website: www.cornerstone.jp/

9. Morgan McKinley

Morgan McKinley is a very reliable and recognized recruitment agency. They’re a very trusted brand that has provided quality service to both companies and job hunters. They are much more dedicated to providing the human element to their process and will discuss with you both your career plans and goals, as well as provide honest feedback to help you accomplish them. They cover a large number of industries and provide more resources than anywhere else on this list, including top interview questions and salary reviews. 

Website: www.morganmckinley.com/jp

10. JAC

Another major recruitment firm in Japan, JAC Recruitment, primarily focuses on domestic recruitment for Japanese candidates but has expanded significantly over the years. Their JAC International division specializes in search and placement services tailored to professional careers in multinational companies. Additionally, they offer placement services outside Japan, such as global talent sourcing and overseas job opportunities for bilingual professionals.

Website: www.jac-international.jp

Open more doors in Japan by learning Japanese at Coto Academy!

The best way to find a job in Japan is to open up more opportunities, and learning Japanese is key. Improve your chances by mastering Business Japanese at Coto Academy, where we help you confidently navigate the workplace and unlock new career doors.

Get a free level check and course consultation by filling out the contact form below!

Want to work in Japan? Check out our work-related series:

• Japanese Work Culture: How is it Different from The West?
• Introduction to Business Japanese: Keigo
• How to Write a Japanese Resume (Rirekisho): Free PDF Template
• How to Get a Job in Japan as a Foreigner
• Common Japanese Job Interview Questions to Know
• How to Introduce Yourself in Japanese
• How to Quit Your Job in Japan
• 10 Trusted Job Hunting Websites in Japan

FAQ

Now that you have landed a job interview in Japan, you must be wondering what manners you need to know. Understandably, you might be nervous since interviews are when you need to put your best foot forward. So, how should you present yourself in front of your potential employers?

As you may know, Japan places a high value on manners, humility, and understanding of social cues. Just like showcasing your abilities, your impressions of your employers are just as essential. In order to ensure you’re prepared, we have broken down everything you need to know about job interview manners and etiquette in Japan.

Want to boost 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 with clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

How are Japanese job interviews different from other countries?

A Japanese job interview is more formal and structured than in many other countries, emphasizing etiquette, group harmony, long-term commitment, and humility over individual assertiveness or achievements.

Throughout this article, you will probably pick up on many similarities and differences between Japanese interviews and those in your home country. Like everywhere else, in an interview, you want to present the best of who you are and what you can bring. So, that means being respectful, listening well, and giving your interviewers a great impression. 

However, in Japan, the etiquette for job interviews might reflect how Japan’s work culture is different from the West overall. Unlike in countries like the U.S., Japanese interviews have strict etiquette rules, such as knocking exactly three times and using specific phrases when entering, sitting, and leaving. So, to give the best impression, understanding proper etiquette will be essential, such as when to bow, what to say at what time, and even how to enter interview rooms.

What to prepare before your Japanese job interview

Japanese job etiquette starts with preparation, from how to dress and what to bring. Even if the job doesn’t require any Japanese, if you’re interviewing with a Japanese company, you may still need to know Japanese interview manners.

Dressing for your interview in Japan

The dress code for interviews in Japan will depend on the role type, company, and seniority. Sometimes interviewers will explicitly say you can dress casually for the interview. Also tech start-ups tend to boast more causal atmospheres, so a suit won’t hurt but you might be overdressed!

When a dress code is not specified or if you are unsure, as a general rule of thumb, you should always dress formally. That generally means a full suit and dress shirt or blouse. Colors should be muted and not too loud as the formal dress code in Japan should be uniform and not stand out. Below, we go into further detail about the dress code between men and women:

For men, the general dress code is a full suit with darker colors and a dress shirt. 

• Suit jacket and pants with black, blue, or darker colors to be safe. Japanese culture, especially in work, should be about how you fit into the workplace. So wearing colors to stand out is not ideal.
• A nice tie that is also preferably dark and matches your suit. Your tie should also not stand out either, so you may want to opt out of ties with bright colors.
• White or light-colored button-up shirt, shirt should be rather neutral and contrast with the darker colors of your jacket.
• Black or brown shoes, and leather shoes are the most common but non-leather formal shoes are also acceptable.

For women, a full suit with either pants or a nice skirt is considered acceptable 

• Suit Jacket with black, blue, or darker colors. As mentioned earlier, Japanese culture is more about fitting in, especially in a formal setting. So, avoid wearing colors that stand out.

• Light-colored blouse or button-up shirt that won’t contrast with your jacket and pants or skirt.
• Darker-colored skirts or pants. The color should be the same as your jacket.
• Darker colored heels under 5 cm, you don’t want to wear heels that are too high since they generally stand out. 
• Simple and natural make-up is considered professional in Japan. 

What to bring to your Japanese job interview

Oftentimes, you don’t need to bring anything since you probably already sent over documents through email communication. However, just to be safe, keep the following things:

1. Japanese resume or rirekisho since they could ask you to provide your own copy that is up-to-date and keep it for internal records. You probably won’t need to bring your cover letter if you wrote one. 
2. Residence Card, Passport, or some kind of ID, since they may want to check your visa status and also have your official identification for internal processes. If the role needs you to drive, you should also bring your driver’s license to show you are qualified to drive in Japan.
3. Note pad in case you need to take notes or jot down information, which could include important dates, details about the role or company, and anything else you might want to reference.
4. Pen for filling out any documents, paperwork, tests, or taking notes.
5. A professional bag or something to keep documents, business cards, and other things you receive from the interviewer. 
6. A hanko/inkan (signature stamp) if you have one, since Japanese companies may need you to stamp documents. Usually, this will only be necessary for the actual offer contract.

Etiquette for arriving at a Japanese job interview

Etiquette in Japanese interviews is not just about what you do during the interview but also about punctuality and being prepared.

When to arrive at the office

Punctuality is a part of Japanese interview etiquette, so you should try to arrive around 10 to 15 minutes before your interview. If your train or bus is delayed (we know it happens), just let your interviewers, or person of contact, know with a quick message. To be safe you can grab a Densha Chien Shoumeisho (電車遅延証明書), which is a little piece of paper providing evidence that your line was delayed.

A little tip about online interviews in Japan: You should try to be in the online meeting room around 5 minutes before it starts. Punctuality is also taken seriously for online interviews, so it is best to be a little early since being a little late 

Arriving at the interview location

When you arrive at the office, there might be a phone or a receptionist whom you can inform of your name and time of the scheduled interview. You will probably wait briefly in the lobby before being led to a meeting room. 

When entering the interview room, there is a sequence of steps you take to show proper manners:

1. Knock 3 times and wait for a response
2. When entering, say 失礼します(shitsureishimasu) and close the door gently
3. Greet them with a bow and a brief self-introduction はじめまして、__ともうします(hajimemashite __to moushimasu) which means something like, “nice to meet you, my name is __”
4. You will be offered a seat, but before sitting again, say “shitsurei shimasu”
5. Take off your jacket, and if you have a bag, place it somewhere next to you (like another chair), but do not place it on a table. 

Quick Tip: Make sure your phone is on silent mode or turned off! You don’t want the interview to be interrupted by an alarm, an incoming phone call, or anything else your phone might do. It could also come off as rude.

Common Japanese job interview manners

So, now we will go over common etiquette to follow throughout the interview, including posture, language, and brief self-introductions.

Using keigo 

Generally, you should speak in keigo especially if the role you’re applying for requires business-level Japanese. In many cases, teineigo or the desu and masu form is sufficient. However, try to avoid very casual language or overly direct language. 

Like in interviews in other countries, keep general interview etiquette in mind, sound excited to join, and ask questions about the company. Avoid going straight to discussions about salary as this will not give off the best impression. Check out some useful phrases used in Japanese job interviews.

If you want to improve and practice business Japanese, please check out Coto Academy’s Business Japanese Courses.

Body language and posture

You may be nervous during your interview, and that’s okay! Try to relax and be yourself and focus on being sincere and answering each interview question honestly. Don’t overthink. Sit straight and look confident. Here are just a few tips to give off the best impression possible:

1. Avoid crossing your arms and legs 

This could give off a somewhat disrespectful impression.

2. Avoid slouching

This also doesn’t give the best impression. It can make you look like you are not too serious about the company and may even affect your confidence, or at least how it’s portrayed.

3. Maintain eye contact 

You want to give the interviewer your undivided attention and show you are valuing their time.

4. Keep your hands on your lap or above the table if there is one 

You want to avoid putting your hands in your pockets or ending up crossing your arms. There are no specific rules but you don’t want to fall into habits that could unintentionally diminish the impression you want to give.

5. Be sincere and answer honestly

This is probably the most important aspect of the impression you will have on your interviewers. They just want to know if your background and personality will be a good fit for the company. So, let your sincerity take the lead here.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification

There may be times when they speak rather fast or go through something that you didn’t quite catch. People might hesitate to ask to clarify or have the interviewer repeat themselves but don’t worry it’s not rude and it shows your sincere interest in understanding the company better.

7. Be natural! 

This may sound obvious but often we find ourselves overthinking and trying to do everything perfectly. All you’re trying to do is show how you are as a person to work with. So, just be yourself and show that you are sincerely interested in the company.

Introducing yourself during the job interview

You may have introduced yourself earlier in the job interview, but when they ask you to introduce yourself after everyone has settled in, the interview questioning has begun. So, you will need to provide a longer self-introduction that generally includes the following: 

1. Your name and age.
2. When you came to Japan and how long you have been here.
3. Your current university or when you graduated from university. You should also include your major and what you studied. If you already have work experience, you should focus more on the roles you have done.
4. Your most recent work or internship experience.
5. A brief description discussing why you applied for the company.
6. Briefly mention hobbies or something about yourself

For more details about making an amazing self-introduction, read our introduction to jikoshoukai blog!

How to wrap up your job interview in Japan

Even if you’re at the end of your interview, you should not throw all etiquette out the window! Japanese interviews do not end until you walk out the door. So, once the interviewer announces that everything has concluded, you can remain seated and bow, saying ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu). 

Afterward, you will generally follow these customs:

1. They will give you a business card which you must take with both hands and then place neatly in your bag. Exchanging business cards is a serious ordeal in Japan. You can read more about how to exchange meishi here.
2. When you are ready to leave, you can stand up and bow, then you head to the door turn around and bow again saying 失礼します (shitsureishimasu)
3. Close the door quietly after leaving.
4. It is not uncommon for interviewers or receptionists to walk you to the door or elevator, and right before you depart, you can say thank you again, followed by 「失礼します」while bowing.

What questions are they going to ask in Japanese interviews? Find out about key questions you are likely going to be asked in Japanese interviews!

Conclusion: Japanese Interview Etiquette is about Good Impressions

It’s normal to be nervous about doing Japanese job interviews, especially in a foreign country like Japan. Focus on being yourself and highlighting the best parts of you! 

We hope you can use this guide to be aware of common Japanese etiquette to enhance your impression of your potential employers. We know job hunting is already difficult even without the extra rules of interview manners, but as you keep practicing, it’ll become second nature to you!

If you want to practice business Japanese, sign up for Coto’s Business Japanese classes where you do mock interviews and practice speaking Japanese for work!

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