With its high-performing economy, unique culture, and intoxicating natural landscape, it’s no surprise that Japan attracts many people from overseas interested in working and settling in the country. If you’re interested in seeking employment in Japan, here’s what you should know to help you find the perfect job.
Requirements to Work in Japan
The first thing you should know is that you will need a work visa in order to come to Japan to get a job. This usually means securing a job offer first. If you are already living in Japan, your residency status will determine what you are able to do. Expats with permanent residency can look for work on the same basis as Japanese nationals. If you have a visa such as a family visa or student visa, you can often apply for jobs, but you’ll need to check your visa conditions to see what the situation is.
If you’re interested in relocating to Japan for work purposes, there are various different types of work visa you can apply for, including:
- General professional work visas
- Highly-skilled professional work visas
- Unpaid intern and volunteering visas
Many Japanese jobs and work visas also require you to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). This is particularly the case for highly-skilled work. However, there are plenty of opportunities for non-Japanese speakers, such as teaching English or working as a tour guide.
If you find a job that needs official qualifications, you may need to get any certificates from overseas translated into Japanese.
Finally, you’ll need a Japanese ID number (My Number) to work legally in Japan. This is a 12-digit number used for purposes such as employment, tax, social security, and health insurance.
Where to Search for a Job in Japan
There are many useful job sites advertising a range of positions in Japan. In-demand sectors include IT, construction, healthcare, and finance. Here are some of the portals to search for latest opportunities:
- CareerCross – jobs for bilingual professionals
- Gaijinpot – good English-language platform for general jobs, especially teaching
- Jobs In Japan – popular expat jobs platform
- HelloWork – public sector jobs, but you usually need reasonably good Japanese language skills
Applying for a Japanese Job
The process for applying for jobs in Japan is relatively similar to that in western countries such as the US or the UK. You’ll typically need to complete an application form and may need to send a resume/CV.
In Japan, the standard CV consists of a professional photo, personal details (e.g. name, address), work experience, and qualifications. Successful applicants are invited to an interview, which may involve completing competency tests. You should wear formal business clothing for this.
Best Cities for Jobs in Japan
- Tokyo – capital city with the best-performing economy, highest number of professional job opportunities, and largest percentage of English speakers
- Osaka – second biggest economy in Japan, with many jobs in sectors including IT and manufacturing
- Kobe – port city with a growing expat community, diverse economy, and many international companies
- Nagoya – one of Japan’s industrial hubs, with a thriving automotive industry and lower living costs compared to other major cities
- Fukuoka – a developing economic zone known for innovation and startup entrepreneurialism
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