Finding a job just about anywhere in the world is often a daunting task, but as a foreigner in Japan, what is the job hunting process like?
Making a living in Japan sounds like a near-impossible task for foreign residents, particularly for those on working holiday visas who are often rejected due to a lack of long-term commitment (I’ve been there!).
However, it’s possible for foreigners to get all kinds of work in Japan, you just have to know where to look! In this guide, I’ll explain how you can secure work in Japan regardless of your Japanese proficiency level.
How To Apply As A Foreigner
There are several websites that are “foreigner-friendly” where you can apply for jobs in Japan based on your level of Japanese. Personally, I’ve had success with YOLO Japan and Guidable Jobs for securing interviews and casual positions with companies.
From my experience, securing a job within your Japanese proficiency category doesn’t always mean the employer can speak English. Still, it does ensure they are happy to have you on board regardless and will use translation tools and other means of communication with you.
Better Japanese = Better Jobs
This is an obvious point, but it truly is the case that your precise level of Japanese-speaking abilities puts you in a specific category of potential jobs you qualify for.
Your Japanese level is typically graded by JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) standards from N5 (the lowest level) to N1 (the highest level). In my case, I passed the N5 exam and am now qualified for jobs within that category, typically ranging from basic cleaning jobs to factory work.
N4 and N3 typically qualify you for customer service roles where basic conversation abilities are required to assist customers and perform basic transactions. Beyond that is the realm of the elites, with N2 allowing you to do just about any job in Japan including corporate and managerial positions and N1 being so advanced that many Japanese natives often struggle to pass the test!
What About Payment?
While hand-in-cash jobs do exist for foreigners, the higher-paying roles typically require that you have a Japanese bank account. My recommendation for foreigners in Japan is to go with Shinsei Bank, as they have the easiest and fastest signup process and plenty of English assistance.
Getting a job as a hotel cleaner is quite easy in Japan, but the challenge is holding out til your pay day! My experience working with two different hotel cleaning companies was the same in that your payment for the month is not sent out until the end of the following month. This is definitely a deal-breaker for many people, but in my case I was short on options.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!