Guide to Work: Japan

Japan has a strong presence in the fields of business, higher education, media, fashion, and culture, becoming a big trendsetter in the world. Japan has been a popular destination to work for graduates seeking a unique cultural experience.

With the third largest economy, working in one of Japan’s growing industry sectors could get your career off to a strong start. The Japanese government run several initiatives to attract and retain foreign workers, but you will always need a visa to live and work there. There is a strong emphasis on group harmony and cooperation in Japanese workplaces.

Whilst your working environment will depend on the industry and company, this aspect of Japanese culture and custom that might affect you wherever you work. Open plan offices are normal and many companies encourage professional discussions during work. You will likely need to have a strong grasp of Japanese before applying for work, but there are also many opportunities to take language courses once you arrive.

Find out more about working in Japan at PROSPECTS.

Working visa requirements

As a non-native citizen looking to work in Japan you will need a visa. However, the type of working visa you need depends on the length of your stay and the nature of the employment you’ll be undertaking. You will likely need an employer secured with a permanent or fixed-term position, so you can apply for a highly skilled professional working visa.

Before you can put forward a visa application, you’re expected to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, issued by Japan’s Ministry of Justice. Your sponsor (employer) should contact their local immigration office and make the application on your behalf. Only with a Certificate of Eligibility can you apply for a work or long-term stay visa through your country’s Japanese embassy.

The categories covered by the highly skilled professional working visa include:

  • artist – photographer, artist, sculptor.
  • business manager – director, owner.
  • engineer/specialist in humanities/international services – copywriter, designer, foreign language teacher, IT engineer.
  • instructor – high school teacher.
  • intra-company transferee – worker from a global company with a Japanese branch.
  • journalist – editor, cameraperson, newspaper journalist.
  • professor – university professor or assistant.
  • researcher – investigator, institute researcher.

If you are unsuccessful in your job search, there are organisations available to help you find temporary work and secure a one-year working holiday visa in Japan.

  • Find out if you are eligible for BUNAC’s Work Japan programme, which can support you to work in Japan for up to 12 months. The program provides support in converting your CV into Japanese and finding a job, as well as the opportunity to learn Japanese.
Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Provides advice on risks of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for countries in Japan, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the relevant Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates.

Job searching links

As with many places, it is easiest to find a job in Japan if you can secure a secondment from a company in your own country. However you can apply for job online or through recruitment agencies. Please be aware that to apply for jobs, your CV should ideally be translated into Japanese and may require a different format than you may be used to. Job interviews in Japan are strict, and formal and follow set protocols. It’s therefore important to be aware of what’s expected:

  • you must dress conservatively and formally
  • you knock on the door three times before entering the room and shouldn’t sit down until you’re told to
  • you may be expected to bow before sitting down
  • a candidate’s personality is often viewed just as highly as their skills and qualifications
  • the interview could last for an hour to an hour-and-a-half
  • it’s possible you’ll be questioned by  a large panel of native Japanese speakers.
Useful contacts:
Recruitment Agencies:
Job boards and networking sites:
  • CareerCross
  • Daijob.com
  • GaijinPot Jobs
  • Glassdoor – English-speaking jobs in Japan
  • Jobs In Japan
  • Tokyo Connections
  • WeXpats Jobs
  • Jobs in Japan – lists jobs in Japan and provides information about Japanese companies. You can also look at their blog, which includes careers advice articles.
  • GaijinPot Jobs – posts jobs which can be applied for overseas (including from the UK) and those which ‘accept any level of Japanese’.
  • CareerCross – has job listings in Japan for bilingual (Japanese and English) speakers, as well as information for non-Japanese people living and working in the country.
  • TEFL – includes job vacancies for those looking to teach English in Japan.
  • BUNAC – its Work Japan programme provides employment opportunities which last up to a year and organises activities like language lessons for you to attend while you’re in Japan.
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