What are the options for foreigners looking for work in Japan?

There may be an increase in international work opportunities in Japan shortly since the government is thinking of relaxing the employment prohibitions on non-citizens.

Read More: Foreigner friendly Jobs across Japan

But even with this fresh support from the government, it’s still frequently easier said than done for foreigners looking to get a job in Japan. Even before you can find a job, there are a lot of factors to take into account, and the process might be daunting. It is for this reason that preparation is key.

So where even do you start? That’s where this manual comes in handy.

It covers all the information foreigners need to obtain employment in Japan, whether they want to teach English or work as software developers.

I’ll go over the most popular jobs and the prerequisites for working in Japan as a foreign worker. Additionally, there are a number of helpful hints that will enable you to begin going right away.

So without further ado, let’s get started.

The Most Popular Foreigner Jobs in Japan

There is always something for everyone in Japan’s labor market, which is the largest of any nation. Nonetheless, foreigners who are looking for work in Japan tend to choose certain industries over others since they appear to be the most successful in them.

Having stated that, the following are the most popular positions for foreigners in Japan:

English Instructor

For foreigners employed in Japan, one of the most popular employment options is teaching English as a second language (ESL). Not only may you tutor privately, but depending on your qualifications, you can also teach in public or private schools.

A bachelor’s degree, native or near-native English fluency, and a clean criminal background are often the minimal qualifications for English teaching positions in Japan. Possessing certificates and expertise in teaching might also be advantageous.

Even if there is greater competition in the market these days, it may still be worthwhile to look into because, according to Glassdoor statistics, the national average monthly salary for English instructors in Japan is about ¥351,000.

Naturally, the precise salary range for English teachers varies based on the school and level of expertise.

That being said, the JET Program might be a great place to start if you’re interested in teaching English in Japan.

Service Staff

Another common career choice for foreigners is working in the hospitality and tourist sectors. After all, speaking and understanding several languages is valued in these professions.

Additionally, there are many of alternatives to pick from, including cafés, restaurants, and hotels and resorts. The pay itself, however, is determined by the position for which you are qualified.

For instance, according to statistics from Salary Expert, a hotel manager might make up to ¥13.5M annually. On the other hand, the average yearly salary for a hotel concierge in Japan is merely ¥3.41M.

The issue of where you work is another. Businesses that are close to busy regions or tourist destinations are more likely to employ foreign workers in order to serve a wider range of clientele.

To operate in these fields, you will, nevertheless, require a strong command of the Japanese language, at least at the N3 to N2 level. You’ll also need to provide documentation of your abilities, which is typically in the form of test scores and certifications.