As a couple who have lived in various locations in Japan, we are very aware of the obstacles people face when trying to emigrate here or experience living and working here for any amount of time. That’s why we have put together this blog to help you overcome those challenges without all the headaches they caused us.
One of the big issues for people looking to move to Japan is finding employment opportunities. Despite Japan having a vast economy, the range of employment opportunities for English speakers is sparse. This is not to say it is non-existent, and for those willing to work and learn, there are numerous roles that can help people get into the country, find visa sponsorships, and take their first steps to happy and successful lives in the country.
What opportunities are available to foreigners in Japan?
Teaching a Foreign Language
This is perhaps the most popular choice for foreigners looking to come to Japan to work. There are multiple ways that people can find employment by teaching a foreign language, including eikawa (conversation schools), cram schools, public schools, or universities.
To be eligible to apply for most of these positions, the minimum requirements tend to be a native or near-native proficiency in the language, a bachelor’s degree, and a clean criminal record.
These positions vary from foreign language instructors at private conversational schools, cram schools or kindergartens to Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) in the national school system or university lecturers.
If you are interested in finding work as a foreign language teacher in Japan, you can find more information on our other post.
Be mindful that some of the positions in public schools and universities may not be available to teachers looking to teach languages other than English as they are not included in the country’s curriculum.
Another option for people looking to jump straight into a new language teaching career in Japan is the JET programme (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme). This is run by the Japanese government and a great way to enter the EFL scene in Japan as an ALT. You can find more information on this option via this link.
Sales and Recruitment Consultancy Roles
For those that are interested in recruitment or sales positions, there are a number of large recruitment firms specialising in finding foreign talent and placing them in suitable positions in Japanese companies.
Although some of these positions require some Japanese language skill, there are those that use only English.
Most of these positions are located in Tokyo or Osaka, where the companies have large headquarters. People working in these fields can expect to earn 4-6M yen, more than the average English teacher. This can increase with the commission.
If these positions interest you, consider some of these companies in your search.
IT Specialists
With the growing need for I.T. professionals, engineers, and designers, there is a wealth of opportunities available to tech-savvy foreigners in Japan.
Most of these jobs don’t require any Japanese language proficiency and can be found via many of the job searching links at the bottom of this post.
The average salary for I.T. professionals in Tokyo at the moment is between 4 and 6M yen.
Translator / Interpreter / Proofreader
It goes without saying that to be a translator or interpreter in Japan you will need to have a very high standard of Japanese. But, these positions are not only for those translating/interpreting between Japanese and English; there is a demand for other languages, too.
Many of these positions are in the gaming industry, where game localisation is required. There are also positions with streaming services to provide accurate subtitles for content.
Freelance work is also available for those looking to work in these fields. Businesses often require assistance with visiting workers or clients and written work, including contracts and correspondence.
Seasonal Employment Opportunities
For those interested in the great outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities in seasonal resorts throughout Japan. Working in ski areas in the winter or tropical islands in the summer can be great ways to meet people and use hospitality and catering experience in some spectacular locations.
