Coto School Finder | Study in Japan

Are you a foreigner looking to land your dream job in Japan? If so, you’re not alone. Japan is a popular destination for foreigners seeking employment opportunities, but navigating the job market as a non-native speaker can be a daunting task. The good news is that with the right preparation and guidance, you can increase your chances of success and land your dream job in Japan. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the job market and visa requirements to crafting a winning resume and acing the interview process. We’ll also share tips on how to build your professional network and make the most of your time in Japan.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this guide is your ticket to success in the Japanese job market. So, let’s get started on your journey to landing your dream job in Japan!

It’s more common for people to study Japanese first before searching for a job in Japan. Often times, this means going to a Japanese language school. If you would like to learn Japanese while starting your job search, Coto School Finder can help explore your options and find the right program! Contact us today for free support to come to Japan!

find a job in japan from overseas

Japanese Job Market for Foreigners

Today, foreigners still comprise a relatively small fraction of Japan’s workforce. According to Statista, there were around 1.73 million foreign workers in Japan as of October 2021, with the manufacturing industry being the most important employer of foreign labor. This number equaled just about 2.5% of the total workforce in Japan in 2021.

Nations from East and Southeast Asia, together with China, South Korea, The Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal, account for about 65% of foreigners working in Japan. Most foreigners in Japan live in Tokyo, while Aichi Prefecture and Osaka share the podium as the three main cities with a significant concentration of foreign workers.

In Japan, immigration has long been a taboo topic, with many locals prioritizing ethnic homogeneity over the country’s need to open up and accept more foreign workers. Japan is currently facing an acute labor shortage situation, which can be explained, in part, by Japan’s shrinking and aging population.

In recent times, however, Japan has adopted more open policies regarding foreign workers. In 2019, The country promoted a new category for “specified skilled workers,” which allowed foreigners to find jobs in sectors such as farming, sanitation, and construction, which visas granted for up to five years.

Following the introduction of the new law, high-ranking officials have also mentioned the possibility of allowing foreigners in specific blue-collar jobs to stay indefinitely in the country from the beginning of the 2022 fiscal year, according to a report published by Reuters last year. However, no significant updates about these likely changes have been announced.

What’s certain is that the country needs additional foreign workers. According to a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan will need 6.74 million more foreign workers (four times more than it has today) by 2040. 

On average, according to Statista, monthly wages for full-time workers in Japan amounted to about 307, 400 yen. However, this amount can significantly vary depending on the type of work, experience, and location. Salaries in Tokyo are higher than in the rest of the country.

japan job hunting system

Understanding the Japanese job system

According to Tebiki, an online portal promoted by the Cabinet Secretariat of Japan to provide information to foreigners interested in working in Japan, the local labor market can be broadly divided into two main categories: The mid-career job market and the fresh graduate job market.

Mid-career job market

This type of market compares to most job markets in other countries. Candidates are selected based on their work experience for various job listings.

Fresh graduate job market

This market is relatively unique to Japan. It focuses exclusively on recent university graduates, traditionally recruited simultaneously right after graduation by companies to train them for the new job. This market also includes students that have graduated in the last two or three years. 

This differentiation is crucial for defining your strategy to get a job in Japan. Suppose you are considering your university path and see Japan as a country where you see yourself studying and living for a considerable amount of time. In that case, you might try to complete your bachelor’s in Japan, learn Japanese, and apply after it for a job in the country as a fresh graduate. Doing so will put you into the fresh graduate job market, a category with relatively low requirements for practical skills and work experience.

If you are in the middle of your 20s, 30s, or even 40s, and you are still reading this article, then the fresh graduate job market isn’t for you. However, there are still some opportunities and options for you. What you need to do is to focus on the more competitive mid-career job market.

Japanese Language Proficiency and Its Impact on Job Opportunities

As mentioned earlier, Japanese language proficiency can have a significant impact on your job opportunities in Japan. Many companies in Japan require employees to be fluent in Japanese in order to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues — at least JPT N2. This is particularly true for industries such as finance, marketing, and engineering, where communication is crucial for success.

However, even if your job doesn’t require you to be fluent in Japanese, having some basic language skills can be incredibly beneficial. It can help you navigate daily life in Japan, make new friends, and show your employer that you’re committed to living and working in the country long-term.

If you’re interested in improving your Japanese language skills, you can take classes at a language school in Japan. This might be the best route for those who are looking to work in Japan for a long-time, as it’s more common for foreigners to find employment in Japan when they are already staying here — often times on a student visa. If you would like to know more about this and get help finding the right language school, contact Coto School Finder!

Besides that, you can also learn Japanese online or online resources such as Coto Academy’s Japanese learning blog.

visa application in japan

Visas and Regulations for Working in Japan as a Foreigner

To work full-time in Japan, you need a working visa, which has to be sponsored by your future employer in Japan. To obtain one, you and your employer must submit various documents to prove your eligibility for the job.

There are many types of visas available, depending on the kind of work that you will conduct in the country. One of the most common types of visa is the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” which is a visa that allows applicants to work in different office jobs and is open to applicants who graduated from universities. 

Other types of work visas available in Japan, depending on your job and qualifications, include:

  • Instructor visa
  • Technical Intern Training visa
  • Skilled Labor visa

There are also other types of visas for professors, artists, journalists, or medical services, among others. Visas are given with different durations, three months, one year, three years, or five years. The length of your visa will depend on your contract and your sponsor company.

Securing a company willing to sponsor your visa is perhaps the most challenging part of getting a job in Japan, as companies would usually hire locals, or foreigners already working in the country.  The main reason is that companies generally want to avoid the costs and procedures of sponsoring a new visa.

While not the easiest country to get a job for a foreigner, Japan is opening up. There are now more options than ever when it comes to getting a visa to start your Japanese life, and changing your visa to a work visa is relatively easier than securing a working visa from scratch. If you really want to try your luck and work in Japan, there are many different strategies that you can try.

Popular Industries for Foreign Workers in Japan

As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of industries that offer job opportunities for foreigners in Japan. Some of the most popular industries include engineering, IT (popular IT job sites in Japan here), finance, marketing, and education. In addition, many foreigners find success in niche industries such as fashion, entertainment, and hospitality.

One thing to keep in mind is that some industries may have stricter language requirements than others. For example, if you’re interested in working in marketing, you may need to be fluent in Japanese in order to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues. On the other hand, if you’re interested in teaching English, you may not need to be fluent in Japanese, but it can still be beneficial to have some basic language skills to help you navigate daily life in Japan.

It’s also important to note that some industries may have specific visa requirements for foreign workers. For example, if you’re interested in working as an engineer in Japan, you may need to have a degree in engineering and several years of experience in the field in order to qualify for a visa.

study in a japanese language school

1. Coming to Japan as a language school student and doing job hunting after

Perhaps, this is the most popular option for many out there interested in living in Japan. You’ve finished your Japanese language course, and the usual course of action is to find employment immediately in Japan — or go to a university and get a job after.

The reason why this is the best action is that enrolling in a Japanese language school will allow you to have a student visa in Japan. It is also important to note that from February 2020, graduates from Japanese language schools who already have a university degree from a foreign university, are entitled to continue job hunting in Japan for up to one year after graduation.

In other words, it is wise to consider studying the language before making the big step and moving to Japan.

As a foreigner, you also get a slight advantage of being in Japan in the first place. While there are companies that do overseas hiring, many might prefer to sponsor you when you are already in Japan. 

Living in Japan is the first step in learning more about the Japanese labor market, nurturing business connections, and other contacts that could help you later secure a full-time job.

Check out: Guide to Part-time Jobs in Japan

From February 2020, graduates from Japanese language schools who already have a university degree from a foreign university, are entitled to continue job hunting in Japan for up to one year after graduation.

Enrollment times in Japanese language schools in Japan are usually during January, April, July, and October. Coto School Finder offers an extensive list of accredited Japanese language schools, and we will match you with the one that fits your learning style, long-term plan and lifestyle. 

Japanese requirements can vary from company to company. While there are jobs in Japan with low Japanese language requirements, as a general rule of thumb, Japanese becomes less and less necessary the closer the job is to the management level, in particular, if working at foreign-owned companies.

english teacher in japan

2. Becoming an English teacher in Japan

Another prevalent option to upstart your career in Japan is to get a job as an English conversation teacher or Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) professional. 

English teachers or ALT workers are usually employed across a broad range of schools throughout Japan, from elementary to high school. These jobs are usually reserved for native-level English speakers with bachelor’s degrees. However, people who have lived in English-speaking countries or completed English education courses such as the TEFL/TESOL, in addition to their bachelor’s degree, could also apply for it. Indeed, working in a public school as an ALT could provide a unique window into daily Japanese life, and an opportunity to work abroad.

Yet, while the demand is always high for English education jobs, salaries are sometimes not very competitive, and promotions opportunities are pretty limited. Wages and conditions can also wildly depend on the location of your school and whether you are employed as a direct hire with a city education board or through a dispatch company. The good news is, however, that most language schools will be willing to sponsor your visa application. 

3. Coming to Japan under the JET program

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is an exchange teaching exchange initiative managed by Japan’s different government authorities. Launched in 1987, the program has sent more than 70,000 participants from across the globe to work in Japan in schools, boards of education, and government offices. 

The majority of participants are ALTs, coming both from English-speaking countries, but also, non-English-speaking nations. The program also involves positions for applicants willing to work in Japan as Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), or Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA). For the 2022-2023 edition, the program is accepting participants from 50 countries, including nations such as China, Italy, or Mexico.

On average, JET participants receive about 3.66 million yen in their first year of appointment, up to as much as 3.96 million yen for workers appointed for a consecutive fourth or fifth year. The maximum length of a JET collaboration is five years, but usually, contracts are signed on a one-year basis.

To get more information and apply to the JET program, you need to check with the Japanese Embassy of your country. Also, you can visit the official website of the program here

job hunting for japan foreigners

How to search for job openings in Japan

If you want to try your luck and find a job in Japan the traditional way by applying to open positions, there are many different online portals for job hunting that you can check. LinkedIn, without surprise, is a valuable resource also in Japan. This network is probably the best choice for people looking to get a job, in a mid-level position or upper, in an international company.

Other English-language boards available in Japan, recommended by the Tebiki platform are:

Those who feel confident with their Japanese level can also try to explore Japanese-only online job boards. The most popular are the followings:

You can also visit a job fair if you want to go offline. With the relaxation of measures against COVID, job fairs are coming back to life in 2022. Some job fairs target, in particular, bilingual job seekers (check out 10 trusted job-hunting websites for bilinguals).

The CFN Tokyo Career Forum, held in June and December, and the Daijob Career Fair, held in February, March, and July, are good options. 

Last but not least, you can also try to rely upon a recruiting agency. These agencies are usually free of charge for the job seeker. Still, recruiters are primarily active in the mid-career job market. Some of the most prominent English-speaking recruiting agencies also available in Japan are Micheal Page, Robert Walters, and Morgan McKinley. There are also Japanese recruiting agencies such as Recruit Agent, Pasona Career, and JAC Recruitment, which will help you get a job with a local company.

Building a Strong Resume and Cover Letter for Japanese Employers

When applying for jobs in Japan, it’s important to create a strong resume and cover letter that will catch the attention of Japanese employers. In Japan, the job application process is often more formal than it is in other countries, so it’s important to pay close attention to detail and follow the specific requirements of each company you’re interested in applying to.

One of the first things you can do to make your job application stand out in Japan is to make a good Japanese resume, also known as rirekisho (履歴書). Rirekisho (履歴書) — which translates to “personal history sheet” — is a standardized form used in Japan. It includes personal information, education, work history, and a photograph.

There is also something called shokumukeirekisho (職務経歴書) is a document that focuses specifically on an individual’s work experience and job history. This is typically required for more specialized positions or positions that require a certain level of expertise. A shokumukeirekisho includes details such as the applicant’s job titles, dates of employment, responsibilities and achievements, and any relevant skills or certifications — instead of basic information of the applicant. Learn more about how to create a strong Japanese resume here.

It’s also important to note that Japanese resumes and cover letters may look different from what you’re used to in your home country. In Japan, it’s common to include a photograph of yourself on your resume, as well as personal information such as your age, gender, and marital status. Additionally, Japanese cover letters are often longer and more detailed than cover letters in other countries.

Some tips for creating a strong resume and cover letter include:

  • Use a professional and formal tone in your writing
  • Highlight your relevant skills and experience
  • Tailor your application to the specific requirements of each company
  • Include any relevant certifications or licenses you may have
  • Be honest about your language proficiency and other qualifications

Preparing for Job Interviews in Japan

The job interview process in Japan can be different from what you’re used to in your home country. In Japan, it’s common for interviews to be conducted in a group setting, with multiple interviewers asking questions at once. Additionally, interviews in Japan may be more formal and structured than interviews in other countries.

Some tips for preparing for job interviews in Japan include:

  • Research the company and its culture in advance
  • Dress professionally and conservatively
  • Practice your Japanese language skills
  • Prepare answers to common interview questions
  • Bring copies of your resume and any other relevant documents

It’s also important to note that the interview process in Japan may take longer than it does in other countries. It’s not uncommon for companies in Japan to have multiple rounds of interviews before making a final decision. You might want to check out:

Salary Expectations and Negotiation Tips

Understanding salary expectations and negotiation tips is an important part of the job search process in Japan. In traditional Japanese companies, salary increases and negotiations are based on how many years you’ve worked instead of your professional skills.

This is in Japan, salaries are often based on seniority, rather than merit. It’s important to research salary ranges for your desired job and industry in advance so that you can negotiate effectively.

Some tips for negotiating your salary in Japan include:

  • Research salary ranges for your desired job and industry
  • Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience
  • Consider other benefits such as housing allowances and transportation subsidies
  • Be respectful and professional in your negotiations

It’s also important to note that salaries in Japan may be lower than they are in other countries, especially for entry-level positions. However, the cost of living in Japan is also typically lower than it is in other countries, so it’s important to consider your overall quality of life when negotiating your salary.

Want to study and live in Japan?

Coto School Finder partners with almost 20 of the best Japanese language schools across Japan. We help match you with the right school that fits your needs and goals, apply for a student visa and make sure your admission is easy. Get a free consultation and stay in touch with our coordinators!

Is it hard to get a job in Japan when you're from overseas?

If you have a high-in-demand skill and a high level of Japanese language ability, it’s relatively easy to find a job in Japan.

Does Japanese company hire new graduates from outside Japan?

Generally, companies in Japan have a hiring season for new graduates. You usually need to be a graduating student from a Japanese language school, vocational school o university in Japan.

What are the career options in Japan for foreigners?

Foreigners in Japan work in various fields and careers. The most popular jobs for foreigners in Japan are IT professionals, English teachers, recruiters and translators/interpreters.

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Get Started

With so many things to explore, are you considering living in Japan — perhaps to go to university or work? Enrolling at a Japanese language school might be the perfect option for you, as it will prepare you to get to your next goal.

If you are ready, let Coto School Finder assist you in finding the right program in the city of your choice and applying for a student visa — for free! Contact us by filling out the form!

Contact Us to
Get Started

With so many things to explore, are you considering living in Japan — perhaps to go to university or work? Enrolling at a Japanese language school might be the perfect option for you, as it will prepare you to get to your next goal.

If you are ready, let Coto School Finder assist you in finding the right program in the city of your choice and applying for a student visa — for free! Contact us by filling out the form!