Let’s be real — working in Japan can sound both exciting and a little terrifying 😅. You’ve got this image of ultra-politeness, strict schedules, bowing meetings, and maybe even those over-the-top office dramas you’ve seen in anime. But don’t worry — reality isn’t quite that dramatic (usually).
Whether you’re thinking of teaching English, doing a working holiday, or planning something more long-term, Japan offers tons of work opportunities for foreigners — especially if you come prepared.
Personally, I’m preparing for my own move to Japan on a working holiday visa, and after speaking to friends, researching like crazy, and living through the job hunt grind myself here in the UK, I’ve picked up a lot of useful info. This blog is here to help you feel more confident, avoid surprises, and land a job that actually works for you.
So if you’re curious about how to get hired, what jobs foreigners actually do, or even just what the heck is up with Japanese work culture, then you’re in the right place 👊
✅ Job Hunting in Japan
So let’s start with the big one — how do you actually find a job in Japan? Whether you’re looking for a short-term gig during your working holiday visa or aiming for a long-term career move, the process is very different from the casual job searches we’re used to in the West.
First off, it’s important to know where to look. There are quite a few platforms that cater specifically to foreigners:
- GaijinPot Jobs: Super popular for English speakers, especially in teaching and tourism.
- JobsinJapan.com: Great for a wide variety of job types — from office work to hospitality.
- Hello Work: Japan’s official government-run job placement center. You’ll need some Japanese for this, but it can be helpful if you’re already in Japan.
Another strong option (especially if you’re not in Japan yet) is going through agencies like Go! Go! Nihon, who offer support in finding jobs, especially language school-related or part-time opportunities if you’re a student or on a working holiday. I’ve personally used Go! Go! Nihon for courses in Japan, and their support system is solid. Just keep in mind that agencies may focus more on beginner jobs rather than career-focused roles.
Lastly, don’t underestimate networking. If you’re already in Japan or have friends who are, talking to people goes a long way. Japan runs on relationships — even in hiring.
💼 Types of Jobs for Foreigners
Now you might be wondering, “What kind of work can I actually do in Japan?” — and luckily, the options are more diverse than people think.
Here are the most common roles foreigners take up:
- English Teaching (ALT / Eikaiwa)
This is by far the most common job for foreigners — especially those on a working holiday or coming fresh to Japan. Whether you’re placed in public schools through programs like JET, or working in a private conversation school like AEON, this job usually doesn’t require high Japanese ability. - Hospitality & Tourism
Think hotels, hostels, cafés, and even theme parks. These roles tend to be part-time, making them perfect for working holiday visa holders, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. - IT & Tech Jobs
If you’ve got skills in coding, software, or even UI/UX design, tech companies in Japan are hiring. These jobs often require less Japanese than traditional office roles — some are fully English-speaking environments. - Translation / Interpretation
If your Japanese level is high (N2 or above), this can be a fantastic path. Translation jobs exist in gaming, publishing, tourism, and more. Just expect a high level of competition — and sometimes long hours. - Freelance / Remote Work
More and more foreigners are coming to Japan and bringing their remote jobs with them — writing, marketing, design, and tutoring are all viable options. As long as it fits your visa and income reporting, it can be a solid route (especially if you value flexibility, like me!). - Convenience Stores & Restaurants
These jobs are great for improving your Japanese in real-world situations, but usually require at least basic conversation skills (N5–N4). They’re not glamorous, but they’re solid if you’re just starting out.
Whether you’re aiming to build a career or just make enough to live while exploring the country, there’s something out there. The key is knowing what you’re looking for — and being honest about your Japanese level and work expectations.
🗂️ Visa Types & Requirements
If you’re planning to work in Japan legally, then your visa is your golden ticket — and understanding the different visa types is absolutely essential.
For me (and many others coming from countries like the UK), the Working Holiday Visa is a game changer. It allows you to stay in Japan for up to 12 months (or 24 if extended), and the best part? You’re free to work in almost any part-time or full-time job to support your stay. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who wants to experience life in Japan without being tied to one employer.
But if you’re thinking about staying longer or pursuing a specific career, here are a few other common options:
- Instructor or Specialist in Humanities Visa
These are usually used for jobs like teaching English, working in offices, or doing translation work. Most of these require a university degree, and your job needs to match your visa type. - Engineer / Specialist in International Services Visa
Ideal for people in IT, software development, marketing, or design. This is a go-to visa for skilled professionals and is typically valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the employer. - Student Visa (with part-time work permission)
If you’re studying in Japan (through a language school, university, etc.), you can apply for permission to work up to 28 hours per week — just enough to grab a café job or do some tutoring on the side. - Freelancer Options
Japan recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, aimed at remote workers and freelancers — but be warned, it’s not easy to qualify. As of now, the visa requires you to earn at least ¥10 million a year (around $65,000 USD), and you must be employed or contracted by a company outside of Japan. That said, many people still freelance in Japan through other means — like working remotely while on a Working Holiday Visa, or using a Spouse Visa, Dependent Visa, or Permanent Residency if applicable.
📝 Tip: Double-check your visa type before accepting any job. Even well-meaning employers sometimes misunderstand what’s allowed, and you don’t want to risk your residency status.
🏢 Work Culture & Expectations
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the tatami room — Japanese work culture.
If you’re used to laid-back office banter and flexible hours, Japan might give you a bit of a culture shock. But don’t worry — you can adapt! And some of these cultural points might even align well with your personality.
Let’s break down some of the key things to know:
- Punctuality is everything.
If your shift starts at 9:00 AM, that doesn’t mean arriving at 9:00 AM. It means being at your desk ready to work at 9:00. Being even a few minutes late is a big no-no — but arriving early is seen as polite and professional. - Seniority & Hierarchy Matter.
Titles, roles, and how you speak to colleagues are taken seriously. You’ll hear words like senpai (senior) and kouhai (junior) a lot, and using polite language — especially with your boss — is a must. - Long Hours (Even When You’re Done).
One of the more infamous parts of Japanese work culture is the concept of staying late, even if your work is finished. This is starting to change, especially in international or creative companies, but it’s still common in traditional firms. - Group Harmony (Wa).
Individual opinions often take a back seat to group decisions. You’ll notice that people avoid direct confrontation, and meetings may feel long or vague at times. It’s all part of maintaining a smooth, respectful atmosphere. - Dressing the Part.
Even for part-time jobs, presenting yourself neatly is expected. No wild hairstyles or flashy clothes — just clean, tidy, and respectful. Uniforms are also common for many jobs.
But here’s the good news — not all workplaces are the same. Jobs in international companies, creative industries, or part-time hospitality roles can be much more relaxed. It all depends on the environment you choose.
💡 My advice: Don’t try to “be Japanese” — just be respectful, adaptable, and observant. That goes a long way.
⚠️ Avoiding “Black Companies” in Japan
Let’s talk about something super important that every foreign worker should be aware of — black companies (ブラック企業 or burakku kigyō). These are exploitative businesses that overwork their employees, underpay, and sometimes even engage in shady practices like unpaid overtime or verbal harassment.
Some warning signs to look out for:
- They ask you to work unpaid overtime regularly (called service残業 or sabisu zangyō).
- Your contract doesn’t match what they told you during the interview.
- They delay or underpay wages.
- There’s high staff turnover — people seem to constantly be quitting.
These types of companies exist in every country, but they can be particularly difficult in Japan due to the strict visa requirements and fear of losing your residency status if you leave a job.
🛡 My advice: Before signing anything, do your research. Look up company reviews on sites like Glassdoor Japan, Reddit, or even job forums. If you’re going through an agency or recruiter (like Go! Go! Nihon, if you’re applying for study+work programs), that adds an extra layer of trust and guidance.
💬 Final Thoughts: Is Working in Japan Right for You?
Working in Japan can be an incredible experience — but it’s not always easy. You’ll need patience, cultural awareness, and a bit of flexibility to navigate everything from visa rules and housing to office etiquette and daily work culture.
That said, if you’re someone who thrives on structure, respects cultural tradition, and loves the idea of fully immersing yourself in another country, it can be one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.
Whether you’re coming on a Working Holiday Visa, applying for long-term employment, or dreaming of making the move in the future — planning ahead is key. And hey, if I’m preparing for all this now, so can you 😉
You’ve got this!
