Whether you’re a Japan enthusiast or simply seeking adventure in a new country, getting a job in Japan may be the key to your new life!
Living in Japan for 3 years was an adventure full of challenges and discovery. From taking on freelance writing gigs to working as a hotel cleaner and later as a front desk receptionist, I’ve had quite the rollercoaster of different work situations in Japan. Each job I landed happened in a totally different manner, so there’s certainly more than one way of getting a job in Japan. Below, I’ll share the different approaches I took and how they got my foot in the door of Japan’s workforce!
Get There First!
If you’re entitled to a Working Holiday Visa or something of the sort that allows you to stay in Japan on a long-term basis, that can be a great place to start. In my experience, the process of landing casual work in Japan was much easier when I was actually in the country and able to attend interviews in person.
Furthermore, if you can sort out your long-term accommodation in advance, you’ll be more likely to land a job as the company will have no doubts about your living circumstances. It may be a good idea to save up enough money for a few months of rental accommodation before coming to Japan. Alternatively, you can look into saving up and buying an old house in Japan at the lowest prices!
Use “Gaijin” Job Boards!
Whether you’re the type of foreigner who speaks Japanese like a local or is still learning basic hiragana, “gaijin” job boards such as YOLO Japan or Guidable Jobs can be a great place to start your job search. These platforms secured me interviews for labor jobs such as hotel cleaning and factory work, and even allowed me to land my first part-time role. You can filter your search based on your Japanese proficiency level and apply for jobs with a vast spectrum of salary rates and skill requirements.
Enrol in Programs
One of the most well-known and perhaps easiest career paths for foreigners living in Japan is to become an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher).
These roles typically have no requirements for Japanese proficiency as all you are required to do is speak English with the students.
Programs such as JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) are renown as the best option for landing teaching positions in Japan, typically offering the best pay and accommodation packages.
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!