Recently, the number of foreign workers working in Japan has been increasing. People tend to think that speaking Japanese is essential to work in Japan, but what is required differs depending on the industry and company.
So, what should you pay attention to in order to find a job in Japan?
In this article, we will explain what is required to find a job in Japan from all angles, including work visas, Japanese language level, and how to search for a job.
Being aware of the Japanese working culture is very important to live and work in Japan. Remember, don’t try to become a Japanese person, but try to adapt in the best way possible. This way, you can make your life in Japan enjoyable.
Table of Contents
Requirements to work in Japan
What conditions are required to work in Japan?
First, a work visa is required. The type of visa you need to obtain depends on the type of work you want to do.
Next, the level of Japanese language skills required differs from company to company.
In addition, some companies may require business manners specific to Japan.
The following is a detailed explanation of each of these requirements.
Work Visa
In order to work in Japan, you must obtain a work visa.
There are several types of work visas, but most foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan must obtain one of the following visa statuses.
- Technical/Humanities/International Services
- Technical
- Intra-company transfer
- Business Management
- Specially Designated Activities
Each work visa allows employment within the scope of the designated job category and within the specified period of stay.
(*Exceptions apply to spouses of Japanese nationals, etc.)
If you came to Japan on a working holiday visa or as a foreign student, you will need to change your visa status to a working visa in order to work in Japan. To switch, you will need to submit s documents from the company where you will be working or go to the Immigration Bureau.
Since the type of work and job description may differ depending on the type of visa, we recommend that you check the Immigration Bureau’s website carefully before applying for a work visa.
REF：https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/index.html
Level of Japanese
The level of Japanese required to work in Japan varies depending on the type of work.
If you want to look for a wide range of jobs, you will need at least N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test for general business level.
The N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test requires an understanding of Japanese used in everyday situations as well as a certain level of understanding of Japanese used in a wider range of situations.
However, Japanese language skills may not be required for some positions that require special skills, such as engineers, foreign-affiliated companies whose official language is English, and teachers of English in Japan.
Teaching English is often the easiest route, especially if you’re not yet comfortable speaking Japanese. But foreigners can find jobs in Japan besides teaching, too. While you can’t expect an effortless process, you can get a job in Japan if you do the work to find the right fit for your skills and goals.
Unique Japanese Business Manners
Although not as essential as a work visa or Japanese language, it is worth knowing about Japan’s unique business etiquette.
Japan has its own unique business culture, such as rules for exchanging business cards and writing e-mails, which are not common in other countries.
For example, when exchanging business cards, there is a rule that the business card must face the other person in a direction that is easy to read and be held out below the other person.
The order in which business cards are exchanged is also a rule, with the person with the most senior position first.
Although such detailed rules are rarely required in foreign companies, it is a good idea to study them beforehand, especially if you are considering working for a Japanese company with a long-established tradition.
Job search in Japan
There are two main ways to job search in Japan: applying for a job through a job site or using a recruitment agent.
On job sites, you search for jobs on your own and do everything from applying to scheduling interviews.
If you already have experience working in Japan and know how to proceed, or if you have a clear idea of what you want to do, a job site may be the right choice for you.
With a recruitment agent, you tell the agent your desired income and type of job, and the agent will search for jobs that match your conditions free of charge.
In some cases, they will also offer interview preparation services, so if you are looking for a job in Japan for the first time, we recommend registering with a recruitment agent.
The Recruitment Process
The hiring process is roughly the same whether you apply through a job site or a recruitment agent.
After submitting a resume, curriculum vitae, and in some cases a portfolio, the applicant will be interviewed and offered a position.
The number of interviews varies from company to company and generally ranges from two to three.
Interviews may be conducted in person, but an increasing number of companies are now conducting interviews online.
In addition to interviews, some companies also conduct aptitude tests.
If an offer is made, an offer interview is set. This is an interview in which the company offers conditions such as annual salary and position. You may express your intention to join the company on the day of the interview, but you may also put the offer on hold if you are not sure if another company is in the process of selecting you. In such a case, it is common to give an answer within a week.
Resume
Whether or not a resume in Japanese is required depends on the company you are applying to.
If the company requires Japanese language skills, you will probably be asked to submit your resume in Japanese as a general rule.
Since some resumes have their own unique way of writing, we recommend that you search Japanese websites for “how to write a resume in Japan” and imitate their writing style.
Resume formats are available free of charge on the websites of recruitment agencies, so download and use them from there.
In addition, you may need to attach a photograph to your resume. In the past, there was a trend to attach a photo taken at a photo studio for a fee, but recently there are free applications that allow you to take a photo for your resume. You can take a picture with your smartphone and attach it directly to your resume.
Curriculum Vitae
Many companies will ask you to submit a work history along with your resume.
Try to write in chronological order and be as specific as possible about what kind of work you have done and in what positions at the companies you have worked for in the past.
Do not just describe your work, but describe how you thought about and handled problems when they occurred, and what the results were in a clear and concise manner. This will make it easier for the employer to imagine how this person will perform once they join the company, and will increase the chances of passing the application screening.
What about self-promotion?
Self-promotion is always asked in interviews.
We recommend that you also include your personal PR in your resume, which the interviewer is sure to read beforehand.
While it is of course important to describe highly specialized skills, Japan also emphasizes versatile skills that can be applied to any type of job or workplace, especially these days.
In particular, skills that can be promoted as an organization as well as individual skills, such as the ability to clarify issues, make plans, and execute them, which are necessary to promote one’s own work, and the ability to manage a team, are also valued.
Be sure to verbalize how you have utilized these skills based on your own experience and make a strong appeal.
About Interviews
Interviews in Japanese companies look not only at skills and experience, but also at personality.
The criteria are whether or not the person can work well with existing members of the company and whether or not he/she is someone you would like to work with after being hired.
For this reason, most interviews are not conducted by phone only, but rather online video interviews or face-to-face interviews, where you can see the person you are interviewing with.
Some companies may conduct the first interview online, but only the final interview in person.
In addition, many interview questions are about reasons for applying for the job, career history, reasons for changing jobs, and what is important to you when choosing a company. Be sure to prepare in advance, especially if the interview is conducted in Japanese.
Jobs in Creative Industries
In Japan, where the labor force is in short supply due to the declining birthrate and aging population, all industries are in need of workers.
Recently, the number of foreigners who want to work in the Japanese animation and game industries has been increasing due to the influence of Cool Japan, and some companies are actively hiring foreigners in these industries.
What kind of human resources are required in each of these industries?
Animation Studios
Animation is attracting worldwide attention as Japanese pop culture, and the market size is steadily increasing.
At the same time, the industry is beginning to focus on training young creators in line with the evolution of visual technology, such as the shift to digital drawing and the use of computer graphics.
There are many companies offering a wide range of job openings regardless of nationality or experience. However, since the industry is facing a shortage of human resources, it is advisable to carefully check the working conditions of each company in advance to ensure that long working hours are not involved.
Game Companies
Japanese games, like anime, are becoming increasingly popular around the world.
With the spread of online games, the market has begun to expand not only within Japan but also to the rest of the world.
Due to such globalization, more and more companies have begun to actively focus on hiring non-Japanese workers due to the need for translation and other requirements.
Since it is also a popular industry, companies are less likely to hire inexperienced people for jobs other than translation, and many companies are looking for immediate employment.
In order to work for a game company, it will be important to show off your skills and past career history.
Create a Portfolio
Creating a portfolio of your work is essential for creators looking for a new job.
Many interviewers believe that a portfolio can reveal a creator’s working skills.
Think of your portfolio as a presentation document that shows that you are a professional creator.
- It should convey your own technical skills.
- Your individuality, style, and commitment should be conveyed.
- Show your enthusiasm and attitude toward production
- If you were a member of a team, something that shows how you worked within the team
Conclusion
There are many ways to get a job in Japan.
Be sure to find a way to work for a Japanese company that suits your skills and goals.
The minimum requirement to work in Japan is a work visa.
Japanese language proficiency is not necessarily required, as it depends on the industry and company you want to work for.
If you are working for a Japanese company where Japanese is required, you may need to prepare some things in advance, such as writing a resume unique to Japan and using the Japanese language in interviews. In such cases, it is a good idea to register with a recruitment agent for advice.
Japan is currently experiencing a labor shortage due to its low birthrate and aging population. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities to work in Japan! I know it takes a lot of courage to work in a foreign country, but in order to realize your dream, you should be brave enough to take the first step.
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Emi is a freelance writer from Japan. She mainly writes articles about changing jobs and finding employment in Japan.
