Working In Japan As An Expat

Working in Japan as an expat wasn’t possible before until there was a notable shift that opened the country to expat workers.

This is characterized by a surge in the establishment of international corporations in its prominent urban centres, coupled with a substantial influx of expats relocating to this diminutive archipelago.

As a result, Japan has implemented measures to facilitate the acquisition of a social security number for those working in Japan as an expat.

Upon submission of your residency card application, a social security number will be promptly provided to you, irrespective of whether you explicitly request one.

Individuals who are interested in seeking employment opportunities in Japan might consider focusing their job search efforts during the early spring and late summer periods since these months are considered to be highly favourable for recruitment and hiring activities.

Employment in Japan offers numerous advantages, including a substantial average annual pay of approximately 4 million JPY (equivalent to 37,800 USD) and a collective-oriented corporate environment.

Nevertheless, Japan is renowned for its strong emphasis on work and productivity. The standard workweek often spans from Monday to Friday, with the exception that the duration of work hours tends to be extensive.

The workplace is commonly regarded as an extension of one’s familial network, leading Japanese employers to anticipate a significant commitment of time and energy from their employees in relation to their professional pursuits.

The feasibility of engaging in self-employment in Japan is attainable, albeit challenging. Due to the cultural perspective in Japan, which perceives the workplace as akin to a familial unit, those who are self-employed are not accorded the same level of esteem.

The freelancing culture is gradually gaining momentum in the Asian nation; nonetheless, self-employed expats should anticipate the need to demonstrate their dedication and professionalism as workers.

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How to Apply for a Job in Japan as an Expat

Being physically present in Japan throughout the beginning stages of the job application process is a strategy that has shown to be incredibly beneficial in the country.

Obtaining employment in Japan from outside the country can be difficult due to the financial repercussions that come with hiring international individuals, which Japanese businesses view as a potential risk.

The company will be expected to provide assistance with your move and provide time for your training as part of their obligations.

Because it reduces the need for the employer to fund the cost of relocation, the fact that an individual already resides in Japan may improve their chances of being considered as a possible candidate by businesses.

In addition, living in Japan suggests that one is more likely to be acquainted with Japanese culture or has the capacity to become acquainted with Japanese culture.

How to Write a Japanese CV

Having a version of your curriculum vitae that is written in Japanese is a good idea, regardless of whether or not the position you’re applying for requires specific language skills.

The requirements for curriculum vitae in Japan are known for their stringency, and the majority of companies have a preference for submissions that are handwritten in kanji, which is the Japanese script.

There are internet tools that can generate the appropriate text for someone on their behalf if they do not feel confident in their ability to use kanji.

General Information About You

“Rirekisho” is the term that is most generally used to refer to the format of a Japanese resume. It is recommended to perform a search online for the particular term that has been given and get a detailed template for the subsequent completion of the task.

Using the template as a map, you can more easily compose your written work. To properly engrave one’s name, one must choose two of the following three script options from the list supplied below:

• the hiragana pronunciation of your name
• katakana characters
• standard Japanese characters

It is required to enter your date of birth based on the Japanese imperial era in order to be in compliance with the academic criteria:

• Showa: 1926–1988
• Heisei: 1989–2019

It is common to encircle the Japanese characters that identify the era and then inscribe a numerical representation that indicates the exact year in order to indicate the year that you were born in Japan.

This is done in order to denote your birth year. As an example, if the year of a person’s birth was 1992, it would be customary to wrap the characters that represent the Heisei era, followed by the number 4.

Education Background

After you have finished the detailed process of submitting your personal information, it is absolutely necessary to go on to document your academic and professional experience.

Both of these events are discussed in a sequential order, beginning with the most recent one and working our way backwards.

It is not necessary to include a detailed summary of one’s responsibilities and tasks inside the career history section of a Chinese resume, in contrast to resumes used in Western countries.

Relevant Accomplishments

As is the case with the majority of curriculum vitae, a curriculum vitae written in Japanese needs to include an exhaustive listing of the individual’s accomplishments, professional accolades, as well as licenses and certificates.

This includes the process of supplying the relevant information from one’s driver’s license.

Why You Are Perfect for the Job

In the final portion of the rirekisho template, there is a section that is devoted to elaborating on the factors that make one an excellent prospect for the particular position that is being pursued.

When developing a curriculum vitae (CV), it is critical to take into account the cultural norms and expectations of Japanese professional contexts, which place an emphasis on a reserved and formal manner of communication.

Even if there is potential for creativity within these limitations, it is imperative that awareness of these standards be maintained at all times and that they be adhered to. It is of the utmost importance to strictly abide by the values that have been established.

Contact Information

It is customary for Japanese employers to request some personal details from applicants, including marital status, the number of dependents, and even the duration of the commute if the position is offered.

This is in addition to the customary inclusion of general contact information, educational background, and work history.

Career Goals and Salary Expectations

The final section of a Japanese curriculum vitae is dedicated to elaborating on one’s goals and the advantages that one hopes to derive from the position that is now under consideration.

In addition to one’s projected salary, the previously mentioned factors take into account the possibility of acquiring further competencies and advancing one’s professional career, as well as taking those factors into account.

Photograph

It is necessary to place a business portrait in the upper right-hand corner of the first page of your curriculum vitae written in Japanese.

The desired headshot should be taken against a background of pure white and should resemble a photograph that might be used for a passport.

When standing for the photograph, it is strongly suggested that persons, regardless of gender, choose a clothing consisting of a black business suit. It is strongly advised that men include a tie as part of their everyday wardrobe.

How to Write a Japanese Cover Letter

In contrast to a curriculum vitae, which is referred to as a CV in Japan, a cover letter in Japan follows a format that is, for the most part, comparable to cover letters in Western nations.

In the cover letter, you should include a complete exposition of the individual’s professional past as it is detailed in their curriculum vitae (CV), with a specific focus on how relevant this background is to the particular post that is being sought.

The paper ought to be as brief and clear as possible, with an absolute maximum of one page’s worth of content.

The content should have a level of uniqueness that allows it to stand out from the crowd while also retaining an air of professionalism throughout its construction.

It is strongly recommended that in addition to having your resume translated into Japanese, you also have your cover letter translated into Japanese.

How to Have a Successful Interview

The Japanese culture is distinguished by a great emphasis on formality, in which the significance of one’s outward appearance is accorded a significant amount of weight.

Because you come from another nation, you already have a slight disadvantage, which means that throughout the interview process, you will need to demonstrate that you have outstanding qualities in order to overcome this disadvantage.

It is best to stick to proper business clothes while attending job interviews, regardless of the company’s prevailing dress code, even if a more relaxed dress code is not typically observed in Japan.

Even though a more relaxed dress code is not generally adopted in Japan, it is best to adhere to appropriate business clothes when attending job interviews.

It is in your best interest to avoid adopting a slouched posture, drinking liquids, and indulging in activities that involve gum chewing.

It is essential to be aware of the fact that in Japan, an individual’s personality is evaluated with the same level of significance as their curriculum vitae.

It is recommended that you arrive at the location that has been specified no earlier than five to ten minutes before the time that has been set.

Being on time displays that you respect the time and obligations of other people, which is why it is generally considered to be an essential component of social etiquette.

However, it is important to keep in mind that being too punctual can be interpreted in an unfavorable light in some social settings.

Additional interview habits that are unique to the Japanese culture include the custom of knocking on the door three times before entering the room and waiting to sit down until you are given permission to do so.

Both of these customs are observed during the interview process. It is essential to take into consideration that the length of the interview could go anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour.

There is a good chance that you may be asked to participate in an interview that will be led by a group of people.

In Japan, it is common practice for individuals to demonstrate a dedication to a single enterprise over a lengthy period of time, frequently working for the same company for an extended period of time.

In addition, it is normal for people to keep the same vocational function throughout their entire professional lives.

This is because of the stability and security it provides. Because of this, the Japanese workplace culture views coworkers and employees in a manner that is analogous to that of extended family members.

It is in your best interest to keep this factor in mind throughout the interviewing process, as its implication is that your evaluation takes into account not only your potential for effective performance inside the organization but also your capacity to integrate into the unified whole of the company.

Keeping this factor in mind throughout the interviewing process is highly recommended.

How to Build Networks in Japan

For those from other countries who are looking for employment prospects in Japan, networking is frequently recognized as one of the most productive tactics that can be utilized.

Following a hard day’s work, people in this country have a long-standing custom of getting together with one another for social events that revolve around alcoholic beverages.

Therefore, it would be beneficial to discover the establishments, such as bars and restaurants, that are frequented by professionals in Japan in order to develop contacts within the country.

A workable alternative for people who want to live and work in Japan as expats but have not yet found employment there is to move to Japan and seek a career as an English language instructor there.

This is an option that is open to people who have not yet found employment. After that, one can participate in activities that include networking with the intention of finding possibilities that are better suited to the particular vocational field in which they are working.

Working in Japan as an Expat

Salary in Japan

The average yearly income in Japan is slightly higher than 4 million Japanese yen, which is comparable to 37,800 United States dollars.

The present hourly minimum wage is 874 yen (equal to eight dollars), but in 2019, there will likely be debates over the possibility of increasing it to 1,000 yen (equal to nine dollars) in order to encourage increased individual consumption.

In spite of Tokyo’s reputation as one of the most economically onerous cities in the world, the city’s residents enjoy a relatively high average annual wage of 325,000 Japanese yen each month, which is comparable to 3,000 United States dollars.

This region boasts Japan’s highest hourly minimum wage, with Osaka and Okinawa not far behind it in second and third place, respectively.

The subject of this conversation is the minimum wage that applies in metropolitan areas. In particular, it focuses on the minimum wage that is determined and enforced by local governments within cities. Specifically, it focuses on the pay.

The cost of a basket of products and services in Tokyo comes to 958 Japanese Yen (JPY), which is comparable to 8.85 US Dollars (USD).

The cost in Osaka is currently set at 909 JPY, which is equal to $8.40 USD. A piece of merchandise can be purchased for 856 Japanese Yen (JPY), which is equivalent to around 7.90 United States Dollars (USD).

The hourly minimum wage in Okinawa is the lowest in the country, coming in at 737 yen, which is comparable to approximately 6.80 US dollars.

Because of the generally high cost of living that is widespread throughout the entirety of Japan, the average yearly earnings of 4 million JPY (which is comparable to 36,700 USD) would be the ideal amount of money to earn in order to achieve a level of living that is desirable.

It is recommended that individuals and their families work for the achievement of a financial goal of six million dollars, which is comparable to 55,000 USD.

Recent college grads who participate in the highly regarded Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program can anticipate an initial monthly pay of 250,000 Japanese yen, which is similar to 2,200 United States dollars.

It is possible to make a living in Japan on an annual salary of about 3 million yen, which is comparable to 27,700 United States dollars, but in order to do so, one must exercise extreme caution in the management of personal expenditures and anticipate having limited chances for savings.

It has been established, on the basis of the results of polls conducted in 2018 and 2019, that the information technology (IT) industry in Japan ranks as the fifth most lucrative domain for males, while at the same time emerging as the most lucrative sector for women.

This conclusion was reached after the polls were carried out. The information technology consultant comes out on top as the highest-earning professional, enjoying an average yearly income of about 6 million Japanese yen (which is equivalent to 55,000 US dollars).

The annual wages of web service engineers and web designers range from 3.5 to 4 million JPY, which is comparable to 32,000 to 37,000 USD.

These positions are listed as the second and third highest earners, respectively.

With an academic rating of between three and three and a half, the teacher’s compensation falls somewhere in the region of thirty thousand to thirty-two thousand dollars.

The annual pay of a nurse is typically around $41,500 on average. This is the median salary for the nursing profession.

The individual has worked as a software engineer in the past, during which time they have accumulated a total of 31,400 hours of experience and have been in the field for 3.4 years.

According to the data that is shown, the typical annual income of an architect is 37,800 dollars, and they receive a rating of 4.1 for their work.

In a similar vein, the median annual income for a Marketing Manager is $33,200, and they receive a grade of 3.6. On the other hand, the typical income of a Product Manager is $45,200, and they often receive a rating of 4.9 for their work.

Last but not least, a person who works in the sector of Product Management can expect to make $61,900 per year on average, earning a rating of 6.7.

The data that was provided indicates that the average pay for a Web Developer with 4 years of experience is $37,800, while the average salary for a UX Designer with 6 years of experience is $55,000.

This difference in salaries is significant. The industries of hospitality and tourism involve a wide variety of facets that are connected to the delivery of experiences and services A value of 2.9 is equivalent to the sum of 27,000.

What are the Requirements to Work in Japan as an Expat

Possession of either a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or considerable professional experience equaling ten years within the appropriate occupational domain is one of the primary requirements for achieving eligibility to engage in employment in Japan.

This requirement is one of the primary conditions for achieving eligibility to engage in employment in Japan.

The process of immigrating to Japan is notoriously difficult in comparison to that of other countries; hence, the accompanying requirements are extremely difficult to evade, unless one chooses to relocate to Japan in the capacity of a student or is in sole possession of a temporary visit visa.

To be able to pursue work prospects in Japan, it is essential to either hold a degree from an accredited university or, at the absolute least, ten years’ worth of professional experience.

This is true regardless of the specifics of the situation.

The language aspect is another key element to take into consideration.

In the past, foreign nationals seeking employment prospects in Japan were expected to demonstrate a substantial level of proficiency in the Japanese language.

This was the case regardless of the kind of position they sought.

Over the course of the last few years, these strict requirements have been subject to a moderate degree of laxity.

However, it is still essential for workers to have at least a fundamental command of the language, as the successful integration of workers into Japanese social and professional contexts offers great value to Japanese businesses.

Employers in Japan have the option of requesting that potential employees take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) as a method of determining the level of the individual’s proficiency in the Japanese language.

There are five unique levels, with Level 1 being considered the pinnacle of achievement for one’s accomplishments. The vast majority of employers often stipulate that attaining Level 2 is a prerequisite for employment.

In addition to the need for the candidate to be fluent in the target language, it is essential that the candidate provide references and a full compilation of qualifications that prove the candidate’s appropriateness as the most remarkable candidate for the post.

It is recommended that you give advance warning to your references of the chance that Japanese employers will contact them.

Employers in Japan, which is both a formal society and a competitive labour market, methodically evaluate numerous aspects of prospective employees. One of these aspects is the practice of reaching out to the references that the prospective employee has provided.

What are the Visa Requirements to Work in Japan as an Expat

Individuals must demonstrate that they fit the requirements of one of the following visa categories in order to be eligible to establish long-term residency in Japan: working holiday, working, highly skilled professional, startup, or general.

Working Visa

The Japanese government accepts applications for general employment visas from citizens of a variety of countries.

In order to obtain the aforementioned visa, one must first obtain employment with a Japanese company and then obtain sponsorship from that company for the visa application process. Securing employment with a Japanese company is essential.

There is a wide range of possible durations for the working visa, from three months to five years.

It is vital that you show both your passport and the relevant job papers, such as an official contract or an offer letter carrying the organization’s official letterhead, in order to proceed with the necessary formalities.

If you do not have any of these items, the necessary formalities cannot be completed.

The highly skilled professional visa is a category of visa that is intended to accommodate people who have an exceptional level of knowledge and skills in their particular industries.

Working Holiday Visa

As of the year 2023, Japan will have successfully completed the implementation of a specialized program in conjunction with 26 other nations.

As a result of Japan’s Working Holiday Program, residents of the aforementioned countries who are between the ages of 18 and 30 and have the potential to meet the eligibility requirements for engaging in part-time employment in Japan thereby facilitating the funding of their travel expenses for a duration of one year are able to do so.

This is possible thanks to the fact that Japan offers the Working Holiday Program.

This grouping includes a number of different nations in addition to those already mentioned, including Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand.

It is important to point out that the United States of America are excluded from participation in this program.

The rules and regulations that each country has in place regarding working holiday visas will determine whether or not they are issued.

As an illustration, the government of Japan allows a maximum of 6,500 Canadian citizens to enter the country annually under the program that was just described.

On the other hand, there are no limits placed on the number of applicants hailing from the countries of Germany, Norway, or Portugal.

In order to be granted the visa, the following requirements must be met:

• Travelling alone, without dependents or children
• Have a return ticket purchased or present proof of funds to purchase one, as evidenced by a bank statement.
• Hold a valid passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. Show that you have some money saved to support yourself by presenting bank statements.

Startup Visa

Individuals who are interested in establishing businesses in Japan can apply for special visas called entrepreneurial visas.

It is important to establish communication with a local government body in Japan in order to acquire one of these.

The particular requirements may vary, but in most cases, you will need to provide evidence of the availability of financial resources and provide a detailed plan for your firm, such as opening a bank account that is only dedicated to your company’s finances.

You, your spouse, and your children would be allowed to enter the country lawfully if the local government agrees to sponsor your entry into the country.

If this happens, you would be entitled to stay in the country for a period of time ranging from one to five years.

It is absolutely necessary for you to be in possession of a current passport that was issued by the nation that you call home in order for you to continue.

Highly Skilled Professional Visas

The visa normally has a validity length of five years, and in some circumstances, individuals may be granted permission to follow their parents and to engage a domestic helper or nanny.

Additionally, the visa may have a validity period of five years. Additionally, the visa makes it possible for a person’s spouse to work within Japan on a full-time basis if they choose to do so.

You need to provide the following information:

• A valid passport
• Academic documentation such as a resume and/or a diploma
• Official documentation of employment, such as a contract or a letter of offer

General Visa

Those individuals who are in possession of a sponsor in Japan and have the aim to enter the country for reasons other than employment-related ones are eligible to apply for a general visa, which is a form of long-term visa.

Individuals or events can potentially get financial support from charitable groups, cultural institutions such as museums, members of their own families, or educational institutions as sponsors.

It is absolutely necessary for the applicant to be in possession of a passport that is still in its valid state in order for them to be considered for this particular kind of visa.

The length of time that general visas are valid for might fluctuate anywhere from three months to three years.

Language Requirement in Japan

When searching for career prospects in Japan, those who have a level of language competence that is less than proficient may run into a great deal of competition.

It may be difficult to navigate employment adverts or to locate businesses that do not require business-level language competence on the part of their employees.

It is recommended that people who have a fundamental understanding of the Japanese language pursue the acquisition of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) certification.

This can be done by taking the test multiple times. This certification is intended to serve as a standardized method for evaluating an individual’s level of fluency in the Japanese language.

Companies that employ a disproportionately high number of Japanese workers often look for applicants from other countries who have at least a basic level of proficiency in business communication.

The JLPT N2 certification is generally considered to be the minimum required level of competency for communicating in Japanese for business purposes.

On the other hand, jobs that need considerable communication may call for a greater degree of fluency, such as certification at the native-level N1 level.

In Japan, multinational companies are referred to as gaishikei. These companies have a trend toward greater flexibility in their employment methods.

Japanese language fluency is frequently seen as a beneficial quality, although it is not an essential quality.

In this specific situation, the inclusion of N3 certification, which indicates conversational skill, has the potential to increase the overall merit of your application.

Enrolling in a Japanese language school in Japan, either on a full-time or part-time basis, is an option worth considering for people who are not fluent in the Japanese language but are eager to learn it.

This is especially true for people who are currently living outside of the country. Individuals who are in possession of student visas are authorized to participate in part-time jobs for a maximum of 28 hours per week, as stipulated by the regulations that govern student visas.

In addition, students are permitted to work full-time during the school breaks that are officially designated for that purpose.

Although the majority of people who move to Japan with the intention of furthering their education do so, it is also possible to advance one’s career while in Japan.

English-speaking jobs in Japan for Expats

Translator and Interpreter

There are a lot of job opportunities available for translators and interpreters for people who have a high level of fluency at the N1 level or who are fully bilingual.

These kinds of opportunities can be discovered through companies that specialize in translation or interpretation, as well as through freelancing work.

As an additional source of income, translation work is done by a sizeable portion of the professionally bilingual individuals who are also fluent in the Japanese language.

People who are just partially bilingual but are able to read certain kanji characters have a better chance of finding work in the fields of proofreading, editing, or rewriting than those who are only partially bilingual.

The documents that have already been translated into Japanese by a native speaker would need to be revised as part of their job responsibilities.

Sales and Business Development

Opportunities may be available in business development or sales jobs, particularly within Japanese businesses that are looking to expand their global footprint, for seasoned business leaders who have a deep professional background.

Because these companies often employ specialized staff to provide translation and interpretation support, fluency in the Japanese language is not a necessary need for senior posts, particularly in international enterprises.

This is because Japanese is one of the most widely spoken languages in Japan. In spite of this, having a command of the Japanese language opens up the possibility for individuals to improve their careers and take on more responsible positions, such as those of country manager.

English Teacher

Because teaching English often does not require any level of Japanese language ability on the part of its employees, it is commonly a popular career choice for people who have only a basic understanding of the Japanese language.

People who have a teaching credential or a history in education are regularly recruited by universities and international schools.

On the other hand, people who do not have any official teaching experience usually look for work in the eikaiwa sector, which includes private language schools. Eikaiwa firms, in particular, make it easier for individuals to find employment possibilities outside of Japan by sponsoring visa applications on their behalf.

This is because the bulk of these organizations offer visa sponsorship to teachers. In addition, some businesses take things a step further by offering prospective employees aid with moving to Japan.

When potential wages are considered, it is frequently recognized that colleges and foreign schools offer higher pay than other types of educational institutions.

On the other hand, it is widely accepted that even people working in entry-level eikaiwa positions can anticipate receiving a sufficient full-time income to support a single person’s livelihood.

This is the case since eikaiwa positions pay more than the minimum wage.

Digital Marketing

Individuals who have a knack for creativity may uncover beneficial outcomes by seeking work chances within the fields of digital marketing or design.

These are two fields that are experiencing significant growth in the modern economy.

The goal of a growing number of Japanese businesses at the present time is to extend their market reach outside the borders of Japan by focusing on either overseas customers or tourists travelling to Japan as their target demographic.

As a consequence of this, they are working hard to increase the size of their pool of creative professionals located in other countries.

People who are already in the middle of their professional careers and have even a fundamental level of fluency in the Japanese language have the potential to acquire work prospects in the Japanese language.

This is especially true for small and medium-sized businesses, which may have difficulty luring applicants who are entirely fluent in both languages. This is a concern for businesses that employ less than 100 people.

Information Technology

If an individual is in possession of the necessary technical skills, pursuing a career in the field of information technology (IT) is an extremely popular option for finding work in Japan.

Many businesses are ready to hire engineers in the middle of their careers even if they have a limited command of the Japanese language since they often select a bilingual team leader or project manager to aid in efficient communication.

Despite this, those working in the field of information technology who have a competency level of N2 or higher in their spoken language abilities typically have better chances of gaining more financially rewarding employment and enjoying larger opportunities for professional progress in their professions.

Final Thoughts

Working in Japan as an expat offers a variety of opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of compensation and employment regulations.

While the average annual income in Japan is relatively high, the cost of living, particularly in major cities such as Tokyo, can be considerable.

Salary levels vary greatly by industry, with information technology and communications providing the highest financial opportunities.

For expats seeking employment in Japan, meeting the visa criteria, which include a bachelor’s degree or relevant job experience and, in some cases, Japanese language ability, is critical. Working, highly skilled professional, startup, and general visa categories cater to a variety of demands and skills.

Language proficiency, particularly at the corporate level, is sometimes a deciding factor in obtaining work.

Expats may find work in industries such as translation, sales, English instruction, digital marketing, and information technology, with language abilities being essential.

Overall, working in Japan as an expat can be lucrative for those who meet the standards and adapt to the Japanese job market’s particular challenges.

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