Working in Japan
It is believed that finding a job in Japan is a challenging task. Actually, it is not always easy (especially with the economic crisis), but it is far from being impossible. The most important thing is to be well-prepared before and after your leaving your country. Here are some tips to help you plan your move to Japan.
The job market in Japan
With a GDP of 5,383 billion dollars, Japan is the 3rd world power, behind China and the United States. COVID-19 hasn't changed the ranking, and the country's economic activity has picked up, namely with an unemployment rate below 5%. According to Article 32 of the Labor Standards Act, the statutory working hours are 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day. However, there are many flexible options. The law sets the total number of paid vacations at 20 days per year (Article 39), but in practice, it is always a good idea to be present at work. This is the culture of presenteeism, with tragic consequences. In 2017, one in five Japanese workers was threatened by "karoshi", or death by work overload. The burnout phenomenon extends beyond Japan, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) published in May 2021.
However, there is no reason to panic. This is not about putting pressure on you but rather about understanding a job market and corporate culture that is most definitely different from others. The Japanese government is considering other forms of work organization, such as the 4-day week or teleworking. Some large groups like Yahoo Japan in 2017, NEC, and Hitachi in 2022 have already taken the leap. People in Japan are the first to denounce overworking in the office, while COVID has sped up the transition to teleworking and the rethinking of the corporate culture.
The most dynamic regions
Unsurprisingly, Kanto is one of the most dynamic regions in Japan, driven by the attractiveness of megacity Tokyo, and Yokohama the second most populous city after Japan's capital. Kanto attracts job seekers, companies and investors alike. The region is driven by tourism and the service sector. Last year, the Global Power City Index named Tokyo the third most attractive city in the world, just behind New York (2nd) and London (1st). Further south, Kansai is also driven by strong tourism, thanks to Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, the three most populated cities in the region. This axis is called "keihanshin". Still more in the south, Fukuoka is causing Kyushu to shine. Fukuoka prefecture accounts for 40% of the region's GDP.
The most prominent sectors in Japan
The service and industrial sectors remain the best sources of employment in Japan. Among them, we can identify the high-tech professions that require both skilled and highly qualified personnel in fields like engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, data analysis, marketing, finance, banking, insurance, heavy industry, etc. Conversely The pandemic has aggravated the demographic crisis. The consequences for the Japanese economy are severe. Fewer workers means fewer assets to support the country, which in turn affects the Japanese healthcare sector, where more and more caregivers are needed to help the elderly.
Sectors that are particularly looking for foreigners
For years, it was assumed that foreigners could only be language teachers, especially for English. Language schools recruited "private teachers" in droves, who worked with a simple "baito" (small job). These teachers, often on a Work Holiday Permit (WHP), student visa or spouse visa, did not always have the required skills to teach. This was a popular option for foreign private English or French teachers seeking a job in Japan, but those days are over. Language schools now require a good university degree (native or bilingual English, higher education, language degree, teaching...) before hiring and do not hesitate to have several interviews and tests to check the candidates' skills (e.g., Rosetta stone company).
Not surprisingly, tourism is a major source of employment for foreigners, with activities linked to translation, interpreting, events, entertainment, culture, catering and hotels. In that sense, all tourist destinations are constantly looking for foreigners.
Do you dream of an artistic career in Japan? Try your luck in modeling and/or entertainment. Just like for private tutors, it was believed for a long time that being a foreigner was enough to make it big in Japan (few foreigners, therefore rare). The reality is much more complicated. Being a model is a real job, just like being a teacher or a translator. Like you, thousands of foreigners are on the market, hence the very tough competition.
Is AI a threat to translators?
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been taking up more and more space in our daily lives. On the one hand, there are undeniable advances: repetitive jobs are less laborious, faster, etc. On the other hand, there are jobs like translators that are under threat. Bilingual or multilingual professionals with a passion for Japanese culture are numerous in Japan. But don't panic. As roboticists and analysts remind us, AI and translators are not in the same category. AI is still unable to do the research and thinking work of translators. AI does not have an intellectual background nor literary and analytical skills. Some appreciate the advantages of AI and machine translation (MT) with less repetitive tasks so that they can focus more on their core business. In Japan as elsewhere, translators work in various fields: politics, diplomacy, literature, justice, international trade, education, IT, and finance.
Why should you work in Japan?
Before you start your job search, take the time to ask yourself the right questions. Many people dream of living in Japan. This dream is reachable if you take the time to prepare yourself wisely. Do you want to immigrate to Japan or just live there for one or two years? Is Japan a dream of a lifetime, a new country to discover, and an opportunity to evolve professionally?
These questions are far from trivial. Traveling as a backpacker or with your best suit is not the same thing. The former may only need a side job to enjoy their trip. The latter will be looking for a permanent contract. Knowing why you are going to Japan will also allow you to adapt your strategy. Do you need a student visa, a WHV or a work visa for Japan?
Job offers in Japan
You may be seeking a job in Japan, but do you know the different types of professional contracts? Here is a short guide to the different types of jobs available:
Permanent contract (seishain)
This is the type of contract everyone is after. Japanese and foreigners alike are fighting hard to secure such a position. Similar to a permanent contract, it ensures security and stability. Japanese immigration is always asking for this document to prove that you have a stable situation that will ensure your stay in Japan.
Short contract (keiyakushain)
These jobs are of short duration (from a few months to one year). Employees can work for other employers meanwhile. They also have slightly fewer benefits than permanent employees.
Part-time employee (arubaito)
This is a small job. Many Japanese students have an arubaito (from the German albeit contracted to "baito"), to pay for their studies and/or make ends meet. Many foreigners are also hired in baito jobs. The advantage of baito is its flexibility. You can choose your working hours, and work a few hours a week. In practice, many people combine baito along with full-time work like permanent employees, but without the benefits.
Temporary employee (hakenshain)
This is the equivalent of a casual employee. Companies subcontract the recruitment to an agency. The advantage for the company is that it can fire the employer at any time if it seems that the latter isn't the right fit. The disadvantage is that a temporary worker costs as much as a permanent one, partly because of the fees paid to the placement agency. For the employee, this type of contract remains a precarious one.
Internship
It's quite hard to find internship opportunities in Japan. The country does not really have the culture of internship that can be found in the West. There are two types of internships: short-term (a few days to a week) and long-term (1 to 6 months).
Positioning yourself on the Japanese job market
The value of qualifications in Japan
Japan is an ultra-competitive country where the promotion of high diplomas and reputable institutions is the main priority. This system has a major impact on the Japanese, who are in a hurry to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate. The last few years of university are devoted to the search for a job. Japanese students seek a maximum of job interviews in the hope of being hired. There is no question of taking a gap year. The practice is still badly perceived by recruiters, who would only see it as a chronological loophole in the CV. In short, you have to pursue your higher education until you find a job in Japan.
This will help you convince the recruiter, especially if you have a university degree. It's even better if it comes from an internationally recognized institution.
Is it possible to find a job in Japan without a degree?
It all depends on what kind of job you are seeking. If you are looking for a small job, the requirements will be less stringent. But if you are looking for a permanent job, it may be more difficult. As mentioned before, the Japanese job market is a very competitive one and even more so since COVID. The company that hires you on a permanent contract sponsors you, so they need to have the guarantee that you are a good fit. The first way to reassure them is to show them that you have a "solid" degree.
How to find the right job in Japan?
If you want to find a job in Japan and immigrate permanently, you will need a permanent position (seishain). If you just want a small job in parallel to your studies, to increase your WHP budget or to discover the Japanese job market, a baito might be enough. Some people even take advantage of their study visa or their WHP. Even if they are working part-time, they can apply for jobs in the sectors in which they have graduated. This allows them to convert their visa into a work visa. However, this is not possible if you're in Japan on a WHV. In fact, your WHV cover letter should also specify what you will do when you return home, and what you will have learned during your stay in Japan. Show that you have understood the purpose of this visa.
Japanese language level
Your Japanese language skills will affect the job openings you can apply for. Have you taken your JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), the international Japanese language exam? It is divided into levels: level 1 (N1) corresponds to a bilingual level. The N2 is the advanced intermediate level, and the N3 is the intermediate level. N4 and N5 are for beginners. Part-time job offers are generally less demanding regarding the language level. An N3 or even N4 is more than enough. Some people even find a job without speaking Japanese. But for a permanent job, the N2 is a basic level. Some companies even ask for N1, but if you want a permanent contract, you should have at least the N2.
Working in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Opinions are mixed as to whether you can work in Japan without speaking the language. First of all, remind yourself of the purpose of your move to Japan. Do you want to stay in Japan for a long time or not? If so, start learning Japanese as soon as possible. Speaking English won't be enough. Even in Tokyo, you will quickly find yourself stuck in an English that few understand. Even if you work for an international company, you won't be at work 24 hours a day. How will you fit in if you don't speak the local language? Will you still be proud of the fact that you are still "gibbering" in Japanese, although you have been in the country for 10 years? Do your best to learn written and spoken Japanese, and don't forget about kanji. If Tokyo transcribes a lot of words in the Latin alphabet (in transportation, for example), everything disappears when you move away from the capital. And even in Tokyo, everything is naturally written in kanji.
The different long-term professional visas for Japan
Work visas
Five main categories are concerned: humanities/international services, engineering, transfer, skilled labor (3 to 10 years of experience), investment. Besides, there are specific cases that include diplomats on a mission, professors (research, teaching, etc.), artists, missionaries, legal professionals, medical professionals, and researchers. To fill the labor shortage, Japan has created a new visa that is less stringent in terms of skills: no need for higher education or to speak Japanese well. But this visa is quite controversial because it is less protective than the others.
The student visa and the WHV
These Japanese visas allow you to work up to 28 hours per week. However, some professions are strictly forbidden to holders of these specific visas (nightlife, bars, cabarets, etc.).
The spouse visa
It is also possible to work on a spouse's visa, with no restrictions on working hours and without having to be attached to a particular job sector.
Where to look for job offers in Japan?
Internet and social media
Do your research online. Many websites post job offers, namely general ones like Expat.com or specialized Japanese websites like Gaijin pot, and those specialized in international job search.
Institutional organizations
Seek information from international institutions and organizations. Foreign Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Japan provide a lot of useful advice to start your research from abroad and to pursue once you are in the country. The will often put you in touch with professionals and organize events through which you can build a professional network. You can also seek information from other professional programs such as the JET program.
Language schools
If you are a student at a university or language school, you can take advantage of their network. Many of them have job offers. Most schools also help job seekers write a CV and cover letter, prepare for a job interview, etc.
Japanese job websites
This is a "must" if you want to have access to the entire job market in Japan. Whether it's for a part-time or full-time job, understanding and speaking Japanese will put you on the same level playing field as Japanese candidates and give you access to all available offers. Indeed Japan, baitoru, shigoto sagasu and hataractive are the best examples of such websites. You can also search directly on company websites.
Word of mouth
Make sure to use your informal and professional network. Take advantage of the first days of your arrival to make contacts. They may be useful to you later on. Former colleagues or superiors in your home country may be able to help you even from a distance if they have connections in Japan. Again, speaking Japanese will give you the opportunity to get in touch with more people. You will have more information and more leverage.
Can you look for a job in Japan from abroad?
It is difficult to look for a job in Japan when you are not yet in the country. You can start your job search from home, but it will be more challenging. Being on-site will give you more confidence and will also reassure your employer since they will have to sponsor your work visa. It's a good idea to show that you are already in the country and ready to take on the job. This way, you will have the opportunity to meet your recruiter and show your seriousness and autonomy. The recruitment process is long and may consist of several individual appointments or group interviews. Being in Japan shows that you are available immediately, and this can be a plus for you as a candidate.
How to apply for a job in Japan?
The CV and the cover letter
The Japanese CV is very codified. It is a form that can be bought in a mini-mart. You have to fill it in by hand and paste your photo onto it (even for a small job). The same goes for the cover letter. Everything must be handwritten. The job application is sent by mail. Some companies in the service sector (especially international ones) are gradually changing and now accept the more personal Western CVs typed on a computer. Applying online has also become widespread, especially on certain job websites.
The job interview
Here again, everything is codified. The dress code is a dark suit/white shirt, except for a baito (small job). Candidates are interviewed by several recruiters in turn. Interviews can be held individually and/or in groups. Some companies even offer "discussion groups". Candidates discuss a topic chosen by the recruiters, who watch them interact. The objective is to observe how candidates position themselves in the group. Just like for the dress code, this type of interview is more suitable for candidates looking for a regular job (seishain).
Recruitment periods in Japan
In Japan, April marks the beginning of the massive recruitment season. It is also the time when schools, universities and workplaces start. Send your applications during this period, and seek all relevant information: there are many events around the job market.
Final tips for finding a job in Japan
In any case, stay motivated and be patient. Finding work in Japan can take time. Some people get there quickly; for others, it takes much longer. Do not lose your self-confidence, and persevere.
Before moving to Japan, take the time to assess your academic level. Do you speak Japanese well? What about English and/or French? If you need to upgrade your language skills, do not wait any longer. We cannot stress enough the importance of mastering Japanese. If you are not yet in Japan, take the opportunity to work seriously on the language.
Mastering Japanese perfectly is not enough anymore. Thousands of foreigners speak like you or even better than you. Take the place of the recruiter and ask yourself why you should be hired. Draw skills from all your professional and non-professional activities (association work, sports, etc.). Enhance your CV by highlighting your know-how and interpersonal skills. This task seems more difficult to complete on the Japanese CV, but it is certainly possible. Show your interest in the job, and boast your desire to contribute and to learn continuously.
Be prepared for potential shocks. Living in a foreign country can be overwhelming, especially if the host culture is very different from your own culture. Looking for a job is already stressful. It can be even more so abroad. Do not be afraid to seek help.
What if the job takes a long time to come?
Go beyond your first few failures. Recharge your batteries and apply again. If you have identified the problem (lack of Japanese language skills, for example), work seriously on it. Enroll in a language school if your budget allows, or use private teachers (online or in person). There are many ways to improve your Japanese level. In any case, make the necessary adjustments before applying for more jobs. Work on your weaknesses and emphasize your strengths to maximize your chances of being recruited.
And most importantly, believe in yourself. You know why you came to Japan, and it is up to the recruiters to discover your full potential. Don't forget! Moving abroad is also a life's great adventure.
Useful links:
Nippon shigoto (in Japanese)
Jopus (in Japanese)
Indeed Japan (in Japanese)
