4 Ways To Work & Live In Japan As A Foreigner

If you’re interested in the Far East, you might be thinking, how can I work in Japan? 

With its startling blend of tradition, culture and technology, Japan is becoming a popular destination for expats. As a major business hub, there are numerous job opportunities for foreigners in Japan. Would you like to live in Japan?

Why TEFL is best for Japan job opportunities

Many of the big-name companies send their employees to work in their offices in Japan. If you’re not relocating for your company, you’ll need Japanese proficiency to find working opportunities in Japan. 

The exception to this is teaching English as a Foreign Language. This is why teaching English in Japan is such a popular occupation for foreigners wanting job opportunities in Japan. Positions abound for TEFL teachers not only in Tokyo but in more traditional cities, too. 

Teaching salaries are competitive. Accommodation is often provided. While it’s relatively simple to find a teaching vacancy in Japan, many TEFL teachers opt to teach through one of the many government programmes. These programmes place you in a teaching position, organise your visa, and make your flight arrangements. They’ll even meet you at the airport!

Government programmes include:

• Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
• Interac, and
• Westgate.

TEFL teachers in Japan earn approximately Y250,000 – Y600,000 ($1,800 – $4,400) a month. 

Read more: Teach English in Japan

Requirements to work abroad in Japan

A work visa is required to work in Japan. There are more than 30 different types of work visas available, including a Working Holiday Visa and the new Specified Skills Worker Visa. The length of time you’re allowed to work is dependent on the specific visa; durations range from 3 months to 5 years.

In order to work in Japan, you need to be issued a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). This is the first step to applying for a Japanese visa (unless you’re transferring to a Japanese office of a stock-exchange-listed company). For all work visas, you also need an offer of employment from a Japanese employer. Some visas require a degree.

What cities in Japan should you move to?

If you’re looking for English-speaking jobs, you’ll want to look at Tokyo, Osaka, Kanagawa, Bin and Shinagawa.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the commercial hub of the country. It is one of the most populated cities in the world, with a population of over 14 million. Tokyo is about as big-city as big cities can get, with easily accessible and convenient public transport, great amenities, diverse options for eating out and entertainment, skyscrapers and open, green spaces. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, but also one of the most expensive. 

Tokyo has the most work opportunities for English speakers in Japan. 

Read more: Teach English in Tokyo

Osaka

Osaka can be considered Tokyo’s little brother. Still a commercial hub, it’s not as big or crowded as the capital. Osaka is world-renowned for its food. 

As Osaka is less developed than other, bigger cities, English proficiency is not as widespread. Because of this, job opportunities here are better suited to foreigners who can speak Japanese.

Kyoto

Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan. Some of the best spots to view the famous cherry blossoms in bloom are in Kyoto. 

Jobs for foreigners in Kyoto are generally in tourism and hospitality.

Do you need to speak Japanese to work in Japan?

English proficiency in Japan is overall low. Jobs in multinational companies can be suitable for English-speakers but on the whole jobs in Japanese companies require a high level of Japanese. 

English is not needed to teach English in Japan.

Salaries, benefits and cost of living in Japan

Japan has a bad reputation for a seriously tough work ethic. The government has been actively trying to enable a better work-life balance for the workforce. A recent law stipulates that workers in Japan can work a maximum of 40 hours a week, with 12 hours of over-time. 

Workers are given 10 days of holiday a year at a minimum, with an additional 16 public holidays.

Additional benefits include:

• A contribution to a pension
• Worker’s compensation
• Unemployment insurance
• Health insurance
• Maternity, caregiver and childcare leave

What types of jobs are popular in Japan?

Some of the world’s biggest names in technology and manufacturing – such as Panasonic, Sony and Toyota – call Japan home. Because of this, jobs in manufacturing, IT and electronics are readily available. Other widespread industries include agriculture, banking and tourism.

English teacher

English teaching jobs are available in public schools, language centres and universities. English is highly valued in Japan so teaching English in Japan is a prestigious job. Because of this, a degree is required and teaching experience is preferred. A TEFL qualification is non-negotiable.

Teaching contracts can be for a semester or a year. Many TEFL teachers come to Japan to teach through a government programme, such as JET or Interac. Teaching salaries are competitive and accommodation may be provided. 

Hospitality jobs

Japan’s tourism industry is massive. There are many job opportunities for foreigners in the hospitality industry in positions dealing with foreigners i.e. English-speakers. 

Digital nomad

Digital nomads have the benefit of being able to work from anywhere. Remote work such as in the creative industry, IT and design, and education, can be accomplished wherever there is a stable internet connection.

Japan has reliable, secure internet, as well as digital nomad-friendly cafes and communal work spaces. Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa allows you to work remotely in Japan for up to six months. 

Read more: The Digital Nomad Visa: A Ticket To Your Best Life

There you have it! If you’re considering working in Asia, maybe Japan is the option you’ve been looking for. 

Ready to work abroad in Japan?

For the quickest and easiest route to working abroad and live in Japan as a foreigner, do a TEFL course and swap your sandwiches for sushi!