Finding work in Japan as an Expat isn’t just about browsing job boards — it’s about understanding the types of roles available, the qualifications required, and the cultural expectations that come with working here. While teaching English has long been the entry point for many, today there are diverse opportunities in IT, engineering, and even creative fields. This guide will walk you through job search platforms, common positions for international residents in Japan, and the skills you’ll need to stand out.
Job Search Platforms for Expats in Japan
Several online platforms specialize in connecting foreigners with Japanese employers. These are among the most reliable starting points:
| Platform / Resource | What It Offers / Strength | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Journey Japan | A dedicated platform for international IT professionals exploring careers in Japan’s tech industry. Offers guides on job hunting, resumes, interviews, salary trends, and real stories from foreign engineers and product managers working in Japan. | Ideal for tech professionals seeking insider insights, industry trends, and practical guidance on building a career in Japan’s tech scene. |
| Daijob.com | One of the largest bilingual job sites in Japan — many roles require English + Japanese skills. | Good for mid-level roles, corporate, translation, and roles in global companies |
| Work Japan | Jobs for foreigners across industries (part-time, full-time, factory, service) | Especially useful if you’re open to non-IT/non-teaching paths |
| Hataraku Japan | Multilingual recruiting site for foreigners | Helps you apply from overseas too (en.hataraku-japan.jp) |
| YOLO Japan | Focuses on part-time/full-time jobs for foreigners | Good for English teaching or conversational English roles |
| NipponShigoto | Jobs targeted to non-Japanese speakers, from part-time to full-time, with visa support information | Good fallback for non-technical roles |
| EPIC Japan Jobs | Foreign-friendly jobs (teaching, hospitality, remote, etc.) | Good filter options for “no Japanese required” roles |
| Peregre Works | Foreigner-friendly positions in hospitality, factories, logistics, etc. | Useful if you’re open to work outside Tokyo or in non-office settings |
| LoopraJob | Aggregates foreigner-friendly job listings from multiple sources | A “meta” site that surfaces jobs across the market |
Recruiting Companies in Japan
Beyond job boards, recruitment agencies play a major role in connecting foreigners with employers in Japan, especially for corporate and professional careers. These firms often guide you through interviews, negotiate offers, and assist with visa processes.
| Recruiting Company | What It Offers / Strength | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Talisman Corporation | Specializes in bilingual and international recruitment with a strong focus on Japan. Offers executive search, RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing), outplacement and relocation support, and staffing solutions. Known for its network of consultants with real-world industry experience across IT, sales, consulting, and healthcare. | Particularly useful for foreign professionals seeking corporate roles in Japan. Strong bilingual network makes it a good choice if you’re aiming at international companies or specialized industries. Free online registration for job seekers with career advice, job scout services, and career-change tips included. |
| Robert Walters Japan | Specializes in bilingual and foreign professionals, covering finance, IT, sales, and marketing. | Strong presence in Tokyo and Osaka, ideal for mid- to senior-level positions. |
| Hays Japan | Global recruitment firm with roles in technology, finance, engineering, and HR. | Good for career changers seeking international firms and stable employers. |
| Michael Page Japan | Focuses on mid-career professionals in business, law, HR, and consulting. | Well-known for multinational company placements. |
| Spring Professional | A subsidiary of Adecco Group, specializing in finance, sales, and IT roles. | Provides career counseling along with job placements. |
| DISCO Inc. | Runs career forums like CFN (Career Forum Network) for bilinguals and Japanese-English speakers. | Popular among new graduates and bilingual candidates. |
ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) Roles
Teaching English is still the most common pathway for English-speakers who have moved to Japan. As an ALT, you work in public schools supporting Japanese teachers.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree (any field) is usually required, though teaching certificates (like TEFL) are preferred.
Typical Salary: Around ¥250,000 per month (≈ $1,650 USD).
Japanese Proficiency: Not strictly required, but basic Japanese helps with daily school interactions and life outside work.
Common Visa: Instructor Visa: specifically issued for teaching in public schools.
Tips to Improve Your Odds: Apply early through the JET Program or private dispatch companies, highlight any teaching or mentoring experience, and show willingness to work in rural placements where demand is higher. Basic Japanese greetings can also help during interviews with schools.
English Conversation Schools (Eikaiwa)
Private language schools also hire native speakers to teach children, businesspeople, and adults. Work hours are often evenings and weekends.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, plus strong conversational skills.
Typical Salary: ¥220,000 – ¥270,000 per month (≈ $1,450 – $1,800 USD).
Japanese Proficiency: Not necessary, but customer service Japanese is a plus.
Common Visa: Engineering/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa: covers private language instruction and similar roles.
Tips to Improve Your Odds: Show flexibility with working nights and weekends, emphasize customer service skills, and consider completing a TEFL/TESOL certification. Being comfortable teaching both children and adults expands your opportunities.
Software Engineer Roles
Japan’s tech sector is increasingly open to foreign talent, especially in software development.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Companies value portfolios and GitHub contributions.
Typical Salary: ¥5,000,000 – ¥8,000,000 per year (≈ $33,000 – $53,000 USD).
Japanese Proficiency: Many companies accept English, but conversational Japanese improves career growth opportunities.
Common Visa: Engineering/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa: designed for IT and technical specialists.
Tips to Improve Your Odds: Build a strong GitHub portfolio, highlight any experience with in-demand frameworks (like React, Python, or AWS), and target international companies or startups that operate in English. Even if Japanese isn’t required, showing you are studying it will help.
IT Support and Engineering
Beyond software, IT infrastructure and hardware engineering roles are available, especially in multinational corporations.
Qualifications: Technical certifications (Cisco, AWS, CompTIA) can be an advantage.
Typical Salary: ¥4,000,000 – ¥6,000,000 per year (≈ $26,500 – $40,000 USD).
Japanese Proficiency: Often required at a conversational level for support positions, though some companies operate in English internally.
Common Visa: Engineering/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa: used for both IT infrastructure and support professionals.
Tips to Improve Your Odds: Obtain internationally recognized certifications, practice basic Japanese for handling clients or staff, and emphasize any previous experience in troubleshooting or customer-facing roles. Applying to multinational companies with bilingual teams often increases your chances.
Hospitality and Tourism
With Japan continuing to attract international travelers, hotels, resorts, and tourism companies hire foreigners for English-speaking roles.
Qualifications: Customer service or hospitality background preferred.
Typical Salary: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000 per month (≈ $1,350 – $2,000 USD).
Japanese Proficiency: Needed for front-desk and guest service roles. Higher fluency opens management opportunities.
Common Visa: Engineering/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Skilled Labor Visa (for certain hospitality sectors).
Tips to Improve Your Odds: Highlight past hospitality experience, customer service training, or multilingual ability. Employers value candidates who can bridge cultural gaps with international guests. Being open to working in regional tourist hubs (like Hokkaido or Okinawa) also improves your chances.
Business and Corporate Roles
After learning Japanese, many foreign residents transition into marketing, consulting, or finance roles, especially in multinational companies based in Tokyo or Osaka.
Qualifications: Professional background, relevant degree, and often prior international work experience.
Typical Salary: Varies widely, but mid-career professionals can expect ¥6,000,000 – ¥10,000,000 annually (≈ $40,000 – $66,000 USD).
Japanese Proficiency: Usually required at a business level (JLPT N2 or N1).
Common Visa: Engineering/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa or Intra-company Transferee Visa (if moving within the same global company).
Tips to Improve Your Odds: Attain JLPT N2 or N1 certification, build networking connections through chambers of commerce or professional associations, and emphasize your international experience. Tailoring your resume to a Japanese format (rirekisho) also shows cultural awareness.
Many expats can find jobs in Japan, so it is a realistic goal, but success depends on matching your skills with the right industry and being open to Japan’s workplace culture. Whether you’re teaching English or coding for a startup, the key is preparation: use the right job platforms, understand qualifications, and set realistic expectations about salary and language requirements.
