Introduction
Japan is one of the world’s most advanced and successful economies, and it has long been a popular destination for people seeking employment opportunities abroad. In recent years, there has been an influx of foreign workers into the country as employers have sought to fill labour shortages and take advantage of new skills and knowledge. But what is the most common job for foreigners in Japan?
Job Opportunities for Foreign Workers in Japan
There are a variety of job opportunities available to foreigners in Japan, ranging from English teaching to technical and professional roles. The Japanese government has also introduced a number of visa programs designed to make it easier for foreigners to work in the country. These include the Working Holiday Visa, which allows people from certain countries to stay in Japan for up to six months while working part-time jobs; and the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which allows foreign nationals to gain experience in their field by working at Japanese companies.
The Most Popular Jobs for Foreigners in Japan
English teaching is by far the most popular job among foreigners living and working in Japan. Many English teachers come from abroad on the Working Holiday Visa or other short-term visas, while others come with more permanent work visas such as the Highly Skilled Professional Visa or Permanent Residency Visa. English teaching jobs offer a good salary and flexible hours, making them attractive to many foreign workers.
English Teaching Jobs in Japan
English teaching jobs are available at private language schools (eikaiwa) as well as public schools throughout Japan. Private language schools usually require teachers with native-level English proficiency, but some schools may accept non-native speakers if they have a high level of fluency. Public school positions typically require either a Bachelor’s degree or TEFL/TESOL certification along with native-level fluency in English.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
Working Holiday Visas in Japan
The Working Holiday Visa program allows citizens from certain countries (including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, France and Germany) to stay in Japan for up to six months while working part-time jobs such as English teaching or hospitality work. This program is an attractive option for those looking for short-term employment opportunities while exploring all that Japan has to offer.
Technical and Professional Jobs in Japan
For those looking for more technical or professional roles, there are a variety of options available depending on your qualifications and experience level. The Highly Skilled Professional Visa program is designed specifically for highly skilled professionals such as engineers, scientists and IT professionals who can demonstrate their expertise through qualifications or experience gained outside of Japan. There are also other types of work visas available depending on your specific needs including business manager visas, artist visas and religious worker visas.
Unskilled or Part-Time Work in Japan
For those without specific qualifications or experience, there are still plenty of options available including part-time hospitality work such as serving at restaurants or bars; factory work; construction; retail; cleaning; babysitting; home help; tutoring; fruit picking; market research; event staffing; modelling etc.. Most unskilled positions do not require any Japanese language ability but having some basic conversational skills can be beneficial when applying for these types of jobs.
Working Conditions and Benefits for Foreigners in Japan
The working conditions and benefits offered by employers vary depending on the type of job you are doing but generally speaking you can expect competitive wages with overtime pay where applicable as well as health insurance coverage (which must be provided by employers). There may also be additional benefits such as housing assistance or transportation allowances depending on your employer’s policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different job opportunities available to foreigners living and working in Japan ranging from unskilled part-time work through to highly skilled professional roles requiring extensive qualifications or experience gained outside of the country. The most popular job among foreigners is undoubtedly English teaching but there are plenty of other options available depending on your skillset and desired length of stay.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
Is it easy to get a job in Japan as a foreigner?
It is not possible to get a job in Japan without a degree but it is really difficult. A regular work visa requires an undergraduate degree that translates into a four-year degree in the United States. The language of the field. Most jobs in Japan require a high level of Japanese.
Can US citizens work in Japan?
U.S. citizens without a work visa cannot work in Japan. Here are some useful links: Visas/Residents of Japan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Can I realistically move to Japan?
Yes. You can immigrate to Japan from the US. You must apply for the appropriate visa for your situation at the Japanese embassy or consulate closest to your home.
Are foreigners paid well in Japan?
Although most people in Japan pay well for foreigners especially if you have a lot of experience entering a more specialized field usually requires a higher salary.
Can I get a job in Japan if I don’t speak Japanese?
Can I work in Japan without knowing Japanese? The short answer is yes but its not that simple. You can get a job even if you dont speak Japanese and that job doesnt have to be an English teacher. Your options are limited but mostly depend on your skills and current job market trends.
What is the lowest paying job in Japan?
Waiters
Waiters earn the lowest salary in Japanese society.

