careermapJapan is one of the most popular destinations in the world for foreigners seeking new career opportunities. With its advanced technology, clean environment, strong economy, rich culture, and expanding labour needs, Japan offers thousands of job opportunities for skilled workers, students, and English speakers. But getting a job in Japan requires proper preparation, understanding of the visa system, and knowledge of the industries that hire foreigners.
This comprehensive guide explains how to get a job in Japan, covering everything from visa types, job search methods, qualifications, cultural expectations, and the easiest ways to secure employment. Whether you’re a recent graduate, experienced professional, or someone moving abroad, this guide will help you navigate Japan’s job market confidently.
Why Foreigners Want to Work in Japan
Japan continues to attract international talent due to:
• Strong job stability
• High-quality working environment
• Growing need for foreign workers
• Advanced technology and innovation
• Safe cities and modern infrastructure
• High salaries in skilled industries
• Opportunities for long-term residency
Japan’s labour shortage has made the government expand visa options, making it easier for foreigners to work legally.
Understand the Requirements to Work in Japan
Getting a job in Japan starts with knowing the basic requirements.
✔ You need a valid work visa
Tourist visas do not allow employment.
✔ Your employer must sponsor your visa
Most foreigners must secure a job before applying for a work visa.
✔ You must meet educational or skill qualifications
Typically:
- A bachelor’s degree, or
- Several years of relevant work experience
✔ Some roles require Japanese language skills
Not all, but many do.
Best Work Visas You Can Apply for in Japan
Different jobs require different visa categories. Choosing the correct one is essential.
1. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa
One of the most common work visas for foreigners.
Ideal for jobs in:
- IT and software
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Sales
- Finance
- International business
- Hospitality management
Visa Duration: 1–5 years
Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
2. Instructor or Teaching Visa
Used mostly for foreign English teachers.
Works for:
- ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)
- Private English schools (Eikaiwa)
- International schools
Requirement: Bachelor’s degree (any field)
3. Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW)
Designed for labour-shortage industries. No degree required.
Covers:
- Food service
- Elderly care
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Cleaning
- Fisheries
Requirement:
- Skills exam
- Basic Japanese test (JLPT N4 or higher)
4. Highly Skilled Professional Visa
For experts in tech, business, and research.
Benefits:
- Fast-track permanent residency
- Work flexibility
- Bring family easily
5. Business Manager Visa
For entrepreneurs and foreign investors.
Used for:
- Starting a company in Japan
- Managing a business
- Opening a branch office
Find the Right Job for Your Skills
Many industries hire foreigners actively. Below are the most accessible and high-demand job categories.
Easiest Jobs for Foreigners in Japan
1. English Teacher (Most Common for English Speakers)
Salary: ¥250,000 – ¥320,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Easy
Japan hires thousands of English teachers yearly. Programs like JET and private language schools provide training and visa sponsorship.
2. IT & Technology Jobs
Salary: ¥300,000 – ¥700,000+ per month
Difficulty Level: Easy–Medium
Japan needs foreign tech talent due to ongoing digital transformation.
In-Demand Roles:
- Software engineers
- Cybersecurity analysts
- Data scientists
- AI specialists
Many IT companies operate in English.
3. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs
Salary: ¥180,000 – ¥260,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Easy
Japan’s tourism boom creates jobs in:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Resorts
- Travel agencies
No degree required for many roles.
4. Factory & Warehouse Jobs
Salary: ¥190,000 – ¥280,000
Difficulty Level: Very Easy
High demand in:
- Electronics
- Automotive
- Food production
- Packaging
SSW visa makes entry simple.
5. Caregiving Jobs
Salary: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000
Difficulty Level: Easy
Japan desperately needs caregivers. Offers stable, long-term career options.
Where to Find Jobs in Japan
Use job sites that are friendly to foreign applicants.
Top Job Boards for Foreigners
- GaijinPot Jobs
- Jobs in Japan
- Daijob
- CareerCross
- LinkedIn Japan
- Indeed Japan
- Hello Work (Government site)
Recruitment Agencies
- Robert Walters Japan
- Hays Japan
- Michael Page Japan
- Pasona Global
These agencies specialise in skilled foreign professionals.
How to Apply for a Job in Japan (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare a Japanese-Style Resume
Japan uses two resumes:
• Rirekisho — Formal, traditional resume
• Shokumu-keirekisho — Detailed professional CV
Step 2: Apply to Foreign-Friendly Companies
International companies and global Japanese corporations are more open to hiring foreigners.
Examples include:
- Rakuten
- SoftBank
- Toyota
- Mitsubishi
- Hitachi
- Fujitsu
- Amazon Japan
Step 3: Prepare for Interviews
Japanese interviews are formal and structured.
Expect:
- Multiple interview rounds
- Behavioural questions
- Polite communication
- Formal dress code
Step 4: Secure a Job Offer
Your employer then applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you need for your visa application.
Step 5: Apply for Your Work Visa
Submit documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Step 6: Move to Japan & Complete Registration
After arriving in Japan:
- Register at City Hall
- Join National Health Insurance
- Open a bank account
- Get your residence card
Salary Expectations in Japan
Salaries vary depending on the job, experience, and location.
| Job Type | Average Monthly Salary |
| English Teacher | ¥250,000 – ¥320,000 |
| IT Specialist | ¥400,000 – ¥700,000 |
| Engineer | ¥350,000 – ¥650,000 |
| Hospitality | ¥180,000 – ¥260,000 |
| Factory Worker | ¥190,000 – ¥280,000 |
| Caregiver | ¥200,000 – ¥300,000 |
| Finance Roles | ¥350,000 – ¥800,000 |
High-demand cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer higher salaries.
Japanese Language Requirements
Not all jobs require Japanese, but most benefit from it.
Jobs requiring no Japanese:
- IT
- ALT / Eikaiwa teachers
- Some hotel/resort positions
- Foreign-owned companies
Jobs requiring basic Japanese:
- Factory roles
- Hospitality
- Retail
Jobs requiring advanced Japanese:
- Office roles
- Government-related work
- Legal and medical professions
Learning Japanese increases job opportunities dramatically.
Best Cities for Job Opportunities in Japan
🇯🇵 Tokyo — Tech, finance, corporate, international companies
🇯🇵 Osaka — Hospitality, retail, manufacturing
🇯🇵 Nagoya — Automotive engineering, logistics
🇯🇵 Fukuoka — Startups and IT
🇯🇵 Sapporo — Tourism and hospitality
Each city offers unique advantages depending on your career path.
How Foreigners Can Stay Long-Term in Japan
If you want to stay longer, here are your options:
• Work visa renewal
• Highly Skilled Professional visa (fast-track residency)
• Permanent residency after 5–10 years
• Spouse visa (if married to a Japanese citizen)
• Business Manager visa (start a business)
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