The global economy may seem uncertain at times, so perhaps you’re thinking of working in Japan instead and starting a career abroad. But how is Japan’s economy? Does it make sense for a foreigner to move to Japan for work? Would you need Japanese language skills? 

Right now, the Japanese government offers several visa types that allow foreigners to seek employment, ranging from the highly coveted artist visa to the temporary working holiday visa. However, entering Japan’s job market as a foreigner is still often easier said than done. Between cultural differences, language barriers, and visa requirements, the path to employment can feel overwhelming. So, what does it really take to build a successful career in Japan? Here’s everything you need to know before you get started — or land in Japan. 

Japan’s Economy: Should Foreigners Work in Japan?

With so many new policy changes and a surge in inbound tourism in Japan, Japan seems to be the next best place for people to work. But uncertainty might be the new buzzword in these trying times, and Japan is no exception. 

For example, you might be familiar with Japan’s aging crisis, leading to labor shortages, along with a weak yen and lackluster economic growth. But let’s see how true some of these claims are and how they might affect you. 

Japan’s Economy is Growing

According to Deloitte and the OECD, Japan is experiencing positive economic growth, though there are some challenges ahead.

Is Inflation in Japan a Bad Thing?

After years of deflation — meaning wages were not increasing, consumers were not spending, and businesses struggled (hired, paid, and invested less) — Japan’s economy is finally experiencing inflation. 

Although inflation is usually portrayed as s bad thing, in Japan’s context, it might be necessary to stimulate growth since an increase in wages and prices jump-starts economic activity. Households with higher incomes are willing to spend more, leading businesses to make higher profits. In return, they invest more. 

Basically, businesses, governments, and households are spending and investing more, all signs of a healthier, growing economy. 

So why does this matter to you? This should mean more companies are willing to hire and pay you more. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Well, not so fast. Too much inflation might be a problem, especially when it’s driven by only one or two sectors. In Japan’s case, food and energy prices are driving inflation and are rising more than wages can keep up with. 

However, food and energy prices should be easing even more this year. Additionally, the yen is finally showing signs of getting stronger.

How Does Low Yen And Wages Affect Me?

A lot of people are taking advantage of the weakening yen to travel to Japan. If you’re coming from the U.S. and most of Europe, the weaker yen means you will get more value when you convert your savings from U.S. dollars or Euros. However, you might be thinking that making a Japanese wage will not be enough, given that wages are on average lower and the yen is worth relatively less. 

While the yen is noticeably stronger than the last fiscal year, there is no getting around the fact that it is weaker. But if you are gonna work and live here, you will enjoy a much lower cost of living. 

The average rent in Japan, the cost of eating out, health insurance costs, and overall living expenses in the U.S. are much higher compared to Japan. Overall, the daily cost of living in Japan is much lower, and you can afford a comfortable way of life without needing to spend as much. 

Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Study in Japan?

Why Are There More Foreign Employees in Japan?

You’ve probably heard about Japan’s aging population. Over the years, this demographic shift has led companies to hire more foreign employees. Key industries are experiencing significant labor shortages, and businesses are increasingly looking overseas to fill the gap. You can see this by looking at the growing bilingual recruitment agencies in Japan.

Because of this, Japan released new work visas, allowing a broader scope of workers to live in Japan. What are these key working visas?

1. Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

In 2014, the Japanese government stipulated a comprehensive working visa called Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa  (技術・人文知識・国際業務), also called “Gijinkoku”. It allows work encompassing most white-collar jobs and is one of the most common foreign worker visas. 

If you’re planning to work in Japan as a developer or get hired from overseas, you’ll most likely use this type of visa.

2. Specialized Skilled Worker Visa

In 2019, Japan released the Specialized Skilled Worker Visa that will allow any worker with certain skills to work in fields such as manufacturing, automotive, nursing, shipbuilding, accommodation, and more. It’s a wide, encompassing visa that allows workers with certain occupational skills to work in Japan immediately. 

It also allows an easy route from the technical intern training visa to obtain a work visa after the internship is complete.

These visas were created to legally allow a wide range of foreign workers to be employed in Japan and make it easier for companies to hire these workers. Workers from Vietnam, China, and other Asian countries form the majority of skilled laborers across Japan’s key sectors. 

If you are thinking about moving to Japan, read our guide on how to get a working visa to live in Japan.

What is the Average Salary in Japan?

The average salary in Japan will depend on your experience, career, location, and relative position in the company. In Tokyo, the average starting salary is around ¥3 million annually ($20,700~) while the average salary for mid-level employees could be around ¥4.5 million ($31,000). Senior-level roles could reach around ¥6-7 million ($41,000 – $48,000).

What Forms Of Employment Are Available in Japan?

English teaching is often seen as an easy way in, usually just needing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree and little to no Japanese. But these days, there are other job opportunities popping up too.

Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of a global perspective, which is why they are eager to hire foreigners across a variety of sectors, including customer service, sales, marketing, creative fields, and travel. There’s also a growing demand for foreign talent in IT and engineering, with job sites specifically focusing on tech roles in Japan.

The good news is that there are opportunities to work in Japan, but it largely depends on your skills and Japanese abilities. Before that, you might want to get familiar with how to job hunt in Japan and write a Japanese resume. 

Do You Need Japanese to Work in Japan?

Whether or not you need Japanese — and to what extent — depends on your skills, background, and career path. In general, you might get more career opportunities in Japan by having JLPT certifications.

Read More: Do You Need JLPT to Work in Japan?

Working in Japan Without Much Japanese

In the past, many companies required foreigners to have JLPT N1 to be hired, but now, more companies are lowering their Japanese language requirements to JLPT N2 or JLPT N3.

This is true especially for professionals with skills in tech, such as developers. For example, Rakuten’s main operating language is English due to the number of foreign IT specialists.

Here are some common jobs in Japan that may not need much Japanese:

1. English teacher or ALT

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa or Instructor visa

English teaching can consist of assistant instructors, private tutors, head teachers, and more. You can be hired by either Japanese public schools or private organizations.

• Required: Native or fluent English, Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
• Sometimes required: English teaching certificate, background in education

2. Recruiter

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

There’s a high demand for recruiters who can find talent fluent in both English and Japanese. As a result, many recruitment companies prioritize English proficiency over Japanese skills.

• Required: Fluent English, Bachelor’s degree, communication and presentation skills
• Sometimes required: Some Japanese, experience in sales, or knowledge of certain industries

Read More: Jobs in Japan Besides English Teaching

3. Developer, Programmer, or Tech-related Roles

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

IT specialists and data scientists can work in virtually any industry since companies always need software, web development, or someone who can run statistical analyses. More often than not, Japanese is not necessary. In recent years, too, many companies are willing to hire applicants from overseas locations. 

• Required: Relevant programming skills such as Python, SQL, C++, etc. Technical skills such as math, statistics, and computer science
• Sometimes required: Some Japanese for internal communication

4. Marketing

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

Many marketing agencies and Japanese companies targeting foreigners living in Japan or trying to sell overseas need talent with foreign language abilities. Some marketing jobs in Japan do require a high level of Japanese proficiency, but this depends on the position and company you are applying for. 

• Required: Relevant marketing experience
• Sometimes required: Degree in related field

5. Travel industry (Inbound)

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

Inbound tourism is a booming industry in Japan. Travel companies need someone who can speak English or the language of their target audience to help plan itineraries and take guests on guided tours.

• Required: Fluency in English or target language, communication and planning skills
• Sometimes required: Some Japanese skills 

6. Creative Roles

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

Creative roles such as web designers, illustrators, graphic designers, animators (2D, 3D), videographers, and more are in high demand across Japanese companies. 

Beyond art and entertainment, organizations of a variety of industries need creatives for advertising, making content, establishing brand assets, and much more.

• Required: Usually a degree in a creative field, a creative portfolio (showing all your past projects), proficiency in creative tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite) 
• Sometimes Required: Exposure to creative projects, some Japanese, depending on the role

Roles in Japan That Require High Japanese Skills

If you can speak Japanese, your job opportunities in Japan expand significantly. Even in roles where high-level proficiency isn’t required, knowing Japanese is highly valued. It will not only make your work life smoother but also help you stand out as a candidate when you are interviewing with your prospective employers. 

Here are some popular roles for foreigners who can speak Japanese:

1. Consultant

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

Many international and domestic companies hiring for client-facing positions will require a high level of Japanese proficiency since the role largely involves solving complex problems, writing emails in Japanese, and drafting documents. 

• Required: Fluent to native-level Japanese or client-facing experience
• Sometimes required: Business analysis skills, industry experience

2. Finance and banking

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

Oftentimes, banks and finance companies need bilinguals to communicate to clients and stakeholders in Japan and overseas. Roles in the companies can vary, but generally are involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial planning and analysis, investment banking, asset management, brokerage, accounting, and more

• Required: Fluent to native-level Japanese, educational background in finance or banking, customer services (depending on role)
• Sometimes required: Credentials or training in finance/accounting, training program experience, internship experience

3. Travel Industry (Outbound)

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

For those in the outbound tourism industry or working with travel companies catering to Japanese audiences, Japanese proficiency is essential. The travel and tourism sector offers a range of roles, from marketing and creative positions to travel consulting and planning.

• Required: Business Japanese, customer service skills (if a travel consultant)
• Sometimes required: Travel industry experience, local knowledge of regional locations, knowledge of different airline policies, or travel insurance.

4. Translation

Visa type: Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services Visa 

Translating or interpreting is a high-demand position if you are bilingual in Japanese and English or another language. These roles can be used in just about every industry, from interpreting for interviews to localizing Japanese materials to global markets and vice versa.

• Required: Fluency in Japanese and English or the target language. Background or specialized skills in linguistics and interpreting.
• Sometimes required: Degree in a language subject or language interpretation

Is Working in Japan Right for You?

We have established that Japan is hiring! Can you find the right types of roles for you? Is work culture different here?

No matter which career path you choose, adapting to Japanese business culture is part of the charm. Even if your role doesn’t involve interacting with Japanese clients directly, you’ll still communicate with Japanese colleagues regularly.

Roles like English teaching may be one of the most common positions without any need for Japanese. Just like any teaching role in your home country, teaching in Japan requires skills in classroom management, education, child behavior, and a plethora of teaching methods. If you are passionate about educating, English teaching would fit perfectly.

Foreigners can also pivot into sales-oriented roles in Japan, which can be popular due to their flexibility in Japanese language requirements. These roles can come with higher stress and pressure to meet performance indicators. If you thrive in fast-paced, high-stress environments, then you are likely a fit for these types of roles.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Japan

Advantages of working in Japan could include:

• Lower cost of living so high salaries are not required for a comfortable way of life
• Relatively more on the job training so entry-level jobs don’t always require degrees in the exact same field as the role 
• Lots of Japanese national holidays
• Relatively stable career, Japanese companies will hire for the long-term and labor law makes it difficult to fire

Disadvantages of working in Japan could include:

• Lower salaries relative to other countries
• Work-life balance is not always prioritized: overtime is common, less paid-time off (usually 10 days), and employees face difficulty getting their requested time-off approved
• Corporate structure can be rigid and hierarchical leaving little room for flexibility or new ideas.

How to Adapt to the Japanese Work Culture

Even if you land the perfect job for you in Japan, navigating the work culture and unique business customs can prove to be a challenge. Japanese companies tend to be more risk-averse, hire and train on-site, and be strict about using keigo. 

The good news is that in recent years, Japanese companies have become more aware of cultural differences. Teams are becoming more international and adapting to accommodate people of all backgrounds. The variety of perspectives is bringing change from within companies, creating more flexible management styles, remote work policies, and better benefits! 

Conclusion

Japan is hiring more foreigners than ever before, and despite some economic uncertainties, now is as good a time as any to apply. Don’t be afraid to explore new waters and reach your goals of living in Japan.

Boost Your Chances of Getting a Job in Japan by Learning Japanese!

Whether you’re already working in Japan and want to communicate better with your team, or you’re just starting your job hunt, learning Japanese can open more doors for your career.

Coto Academy offers tailored business Japanese lessons in Tokyo, designed to help you speak confidently at work. With intermediate to advanced lessons available on weekends and evenings, our flexible schedule is perfect for working professionals looking to fit language study into their routine.

Want to relocate to Japan but don’t speak the language yet? Study in Japan for one year through our free study abroad service Coto School Finder and find your dream job!

FAQ

What is the average salary in Japan?

In Tokyo, the average starting salary is around ¥3 million annually ($20,700~) while the average salary for mid-level employees could be around ¥4.5 million ($31,000). Senior-level roles could reach around ¥6-7 million ($41,000 – $48,000).

Can foreigners work in Japan?

Yes, foreigners can work in Japan with the appropriate visa and qualifications in various sectors.

What work is in demand in Japan?

There is a high demand for professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, teaching English, and hospitality.

Can I get a job in Japan if I only speak English?

Yes, many international companies, teaching positions, and tech roles in Japan hire English speakers.

Can you make a high salary in Japan?

It is possible to make a high salary in Japan, especially if you work for a larger global company. They may be more likely to pay wages that meet standards outside of Japan. However, be aware that you will be required to pay Japanese income taxes, which can be as high as 45% in the highest income bracket.

How to apply for a job in Japan?

To apply for a job in Japan, you typically need a valid work visa, which you can obtain through an employer offering a position; you can apply through job boards, recruitment agencies, or directly with companies that sponsor foreign workers.

Can I work in Japan without a degree?

Yes, you can work in Japan without a degree, especially in fields like hospitality, construction, or certain types of manual labor, but many professional jobs (like in IT, finance, and engineering) usually require a degree or relevant qualifications.