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From ancient temples to world-class cuisine and lively festivals, Japan blends tradition with innovation, offering overseas professionals career opportunities alongside a rich cultural experience

As the world's third-largest economy, Japan hosts global giants such as Toyota, Sony, and Mitsubishi, while the number of small businesses continues to rise. The government actively encourages foreign talent through initiatives like the Working Holiday Visa and the Skilled Professional Visa.Ìý

Japan offers a high quality of life, characterised by low crime rates, excellent public transport, and affordable, high quality healthcare. During your downtime, you might take a bullet train to Kyushu's volcanic hot springs, or head north to Hokkaido's famous ski resorts.Ìý

Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka can be expensive, but they are home to strong expat communities and offer a range of global job opportunities.Ìý

For up-to-date entry and visa information, see .

Jobs in Japan

To address labour shortages, Japan has expanded its range of job opportunities for international workers. Demand is particularly strong in sectors such as:Ìý

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• finance and bankingÌý
• healthcare and elderly careÌý
• IT and engineeringÌý
• manufacturing and supply chainÌý
• tourism and hospitalityÌý
• translation and interpretation.Ìý

Fluency in Japanese is often required, especially for permanent positions within traditional Japanese companies.Ìý

Japan's technology sector is world-renowned, with leading employers including:Ìý

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• Keyence CorporationÌý
• Mitsubishi ElectricÌý
• NTT DataÌý
• Panasonic HoldingsÌý
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• Sony GroupÌý
• Toyota Motor Corp.Ìý

Most Europeans working in Japan are transferred through multinational companies, such as:Ìý

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• Unilever.

How to get a job in Japan

Most English-speaking job opportunities are concentrated in Tokyo, with additional openings in cities like Osaka, Kanagawa, and Shinagawa.Ìý

If you apply directly to a Japanese company rather than transferring through a multinational, learning Japanese is highly recommended. It's essential to translate your CV into Japanese and follow the local format, which typically includes details such as:Ìý

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• marital status.Ìý

Job interviews in Japan tend to be formal and driven by tradition. Understanding local expectations will help you make a strong impression. For example, you should:Ìý

• bow as a sign of respectÌý
• dress conservatively and professionallyÌý
• expect a formal, structured processÌý
• knock three times before entering the roomÌý
• prepare to be questioned by a large panel of native Japanese speakers.Ìý
• wait to be invited to sit.Ìý

In Japan, employees often stay with the same company for much of their careers and view colleagues like family. Interviewers might ask detailed questions about your motivation for applying, as well as your hobbies and interests.

You can search for jobs in Japan at:Ìý

• - English-speaking jobs.Ìý
• - bilingual and skilled positions.Ìý
• - a variety of part-time and full-time roles.Ìý
• - for international and tech roles.

If you prefer applying through recruiters, consider:Ìý

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If your job search takes time, you might be eligible for temporary work on a Working Holiday Visa. For example, supports 18 to 30-year-olds from the UK and Ireland, assisting with:Ìý

• CV translationÌýÌý
• job placementÌý
• language learning.

Summer jobs

While summer job opportunities in Japan are limited, options exist, especially for UK and Ireland citizens aged 18 to 30 on a one-year Working Holiday Visa. Common roles include:Ìý

• beach and tourism guide - popular in Okinawa during the summer monthsÌý
• holiday resort work - such as ski resort positions in Hokkaido or Nagano during winterÌý
• teaching English - either in schools or through private tutoringÌý
• volunteering - a great way to gain new skills and valuable experience, though it's important to budget carefully since these roles are typically unpaid.Ìý

To find summer job vacancies, see platforms like:Ìý

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There are also specialist organisations that advertise seasonal work opportunities in Japan, including:Ìý

• - specialises in job placements at ski and beach resorts, offering seasonal positions from April through October.Ìý
• - provides 18-30 year olds the chance to work or volunteer in Japan during summer, winter, or for an entire year, gaining valuable international experience.Ìý
• - recruits fluent English speakers aged 15 and up for summer camp roles in Roppongi and Chofu, with positions available in July and August.

Teaching jobs

Teaching English remains one of the most accessible and popular ways for native English speakers to live and work in Japan, especially in urban centres.Ìý

• assistant language teacher (ALT) - typically through dispatch companies, supporting public school teachers.Ìý
• Eikaiwa (private language schools) - year-round contracts in urban areas focusing on conversational English. For details, see .Ìý
• - government-run initiative placing UK citizens in public schools, offering stable pay and relocation support.Ìý

Requirements include:Ìý

• a Bachelors degree in any subjectÌý
• or to enhance prospectsÌý
• some Japanese language knowledge to improve effectiveness.Ìý

To check if your qualifications are recognised in Japan, see .Ìý

You can also learn more about qualifications and certifications at teach English abroad.Ìý

Salaries for teaching positions in Japan typically range from Â¥2.4 to Â¥3.6 million per year (approximately £12,000 to £18,000), depending on your role, employer, and location.Ìý

To start your job search, consider visiting these popular platforms:Ìý

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Many who start out in teaching roles find that these jobs serve as a valuable stepping stone to broader career opportunities in Japan, especially for those committed to learning the language and integrating into local culture.

Internships

Interning in Japan is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, and expand your professional network.ÌýÌý

Internships last from a few weeks up to six months. While many are unpaid, some offer modest grants to help cover living expenses. while some require basic Japanese skills, there is a growing number of English-speaking opportunities, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.Ìý

Common fields for interns include:Ìý

• engineeringÌý
• financeÌý
• hospitalityÌý
• international relationsÌý
• technology.Ìý

It's important to note that interning on a tourist visa is not permitted in Japan. Most participants enter on a , which grants the legal right to intern.Ìý

Organisations offering Japanese internships include:Ìý

• - Tokyo-based placements for English-speaking students in business, finance, marketing.Ìý
•  - paid internships via Global Talent programme lasting six to 12 months.Ìý
•  - a platform for browsing internship programmes throughout Japan.Ìý
•  - paid internships for science, engineering and applied arts Bachelors or Masters students.ÌýÌý
•  - based in Tokyo provider connecting interns with 300+ companies.ÌýÌý
•  - a global provider offering placements for high school leavers, university students, and graduates.

Japanese visas

UK citizens must apply for a visa before undertaking employment in Japan. The type of visa required depends on the nature of your work and the duration of your stay.Ìý

Work visas typically fall into one of the following categories:Ìý

• business manager - for those starting or managing a business in Japan.Ìý
• engineer/specialist in humanities/international services - covers most professional roles.Ìý
• instructor - for teaching positions in public schools.Ìý

To apply for a work visa, you must first secure a job offer from a Japanese employer willing to sponsor your application. Sponsorship generally requires either a university degree or significant relevant work experience.ÌýÌý

Before applying for a visa, you'll need to obtain a issued by Japan's Ministry of Justice. Your sponsoring company usually handles the application and document submission for this certificate.Ìý

Once your CoE is approved, you can apply for a visa at your local Japanese embassy. You'll need the following:Ìý

• a completed and signed Ìý
• a passport-sized photo taken within the last six monthsÌý
• a valid passportÌý
• the original and a copy of your CoE.Ìý

Visa processing typically takes about four working days, and the CoE remains valid for three months from the date of issue.Ìý

If you're planning a long-term career in Japan, you may want to consider the . This visa operates on a points-based system, with applicants needing at least 70 points to qualify. Points are awarded for factors such as:Ìý

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• annual incomeÌý
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• Japanese language abilityÌý
• work experience.Ìý

This visa is ideal for:Ìý

• business managersÌý
• researchersÌý
• highly-qualified professionals (PhD holders, high-earning IT engineers, etc.)Ìý

The benefits of the HSP visa include:Ìý

• full-time work rights for your spouse, without restrictionÌý
• the option to bring parents or a 'domestic helper' to JapanÌý
• permanent residency after either one or three years, depending on your points.Ìý

Many professionals begin with a standard work visa and upgrade to the HSP visa as they build experience and qualifications.Ìý

For the most up-to-date information and guidance, visit the .

Language requirements

While English-speaking jobs exist, especially at international companies in urban hubs such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, fluency in Japanese is often essential for roles at Japanese firms.

The is the most widely recognised certification, with N2 level generally preferred for business roles.

Fortunately, language schools are widely available in major cities. For instance, in Tokyo and Fukuoka offers courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Although not speaking Japanese shouldn't stop you from pursuing opportunities initially, Japan ranks relatively low on the . Investing in language skills will greatly enhance your career prospects and integration into Japanese society.

What it's like to work in Japan

Japanese work culture is formal and hierarchical, emphasising respect, teamwork, and harmony. Traditional companies often expect long hours and value authority, but modern firms increasingly focus on work/life balance.Ìý

While employment law limits work to 40 hours per week, unpaid overtime remains common in some firms. Employees often stay late until their managers leave, though foreign workers are generally exempt. Socialising after work is common. Government reforms like 'Premium Friday' aim to reduce overwork and promote healthier routines.ÌýÌý

Most people work Monday to Friday, with rush hours from seven to nine in the morning, and five to eight in the evening. Paid leave averages around 10 to 18.5 days per year, but holidays are often underutilised. As such, Japan has 16 public holidays, many of which create long weekends.ÌýÌý

If you're considering a role in Japan, make sure your contract clearly defines working hours, holidays, and overtime.ÌýÌý

Outside work, Japan is safe and efficient. Tokyo is expensive, but cities like Fukuoka or Sapporo offer more affordable living. Apartments are compact, and renting may require a guarantor, though many companies help with accommodation.ÌýÌý

Healthcare in Japan is high-quality and affordable, thanks to the national insurance scheme, known as Kokuho. Your insurance costs are calculated based on your previous year's income and the city where you reside. For instance, premiums in Tokyo can be as high as Â¥900,000 (£4,500) per year, while in Chiba they typically average around Â¥400,000 (£2,000).Ìý

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in Japan.