Finding a job in Sendai
It is known as "the city of trees". Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, is also the most populated city in the region. It gets its nickname from its main street, lined on both sides with large trees. In its plan for 2030, Sendai aims to make more room for nature for a green and respectful ecosystem. The city also promotes multiculturalism through intercultural exchange programs. Dynamic, the city attracts many companies for a lower cost of living than in Tokyo. Why not work in Sendai? Here's a practical guide to settling down and finding your dream job.
Mapping Sendai
Geography
Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. The prefecture is located in the greater Tohoku region, north of Honshu, the main island of Japan, and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. With one million inhabitants, Sendai is the most populated city of the prefecture. The other major cities do not exceed 150,000 inhabitants. Ishinomaki, northwest of the coast, has 140,151 inhabitants. Osaki, inland and further north, has 157,330. In all, 2.3 million people live in Miyagi Prefecture.
Sendai City
The most important city of Miyagi prefecture, Sendai is also the main city of Tohoku. It is divided into 5 districts (ku): Aoba-ku, Izumi-ku, Miyagino-ku, Taihaku-ku and Wakabayashi-ku. The population of each district has been increasing steadily since the 1990s. With 331,590 inhabitants in 2020, Aoba-ku is the most populated okrug.
The 40-49 age group constitutes the majority of Sendai's population (162,996). The 50-59 age group is followed by the 30-39 age group (139,130 and 133,824, respectively). Unsurprisingly, 98.9% of the population is Japanese: just over one million Japanese residents, for 11,507 foreign residents. (Figures: Statistics Bureau of Japan)
History of Sendai
Miyagi Prefecture
Sendai has long been called "the city of trees" or "the green city" because of the many parks that structure the city. Sendai is also the urban economic center of the prefecture. Historically, Miyagi is rather devoted to agriculture and fishing. The prefecture borders the Pacific Ocean and is naturally specialized in sea and soil cultivation. Much more recently, the coast of the prefecture was partly hit by the great earthquake of 2011. This was followed by long months of reconstruction. The Miyagi coastline and Sendai, the capital city, have long since recovered their stature.
Miyagi, on the way to a multicultural society
In 2007, the prefecture promulgated an ordinance in which it pledged to build a "multicultural society" and to provide a "safe and pleasant environment" for foreigners—a first in Japan. The Miyagi International Association (MIA) created the Miyagi support center for foreign residents. Available in 13 languages, it assists new arrivals (administrative formalities, housing search, etc.). From health to finding a job, school or university, MIA helps foreign residents in all areas of their everyday life.
The most prominent fields of Miyagi Prefecture
The economy of the prefecture is based on several major pillars: services, industry (factories), construction, real estate, sales and the public sector. In 2018, services accounted for 19% of Miyagi's economy. Factories, construction, sales and real estate each account for about 13% of the economy. Just behind them, are public service jobs (nearly 13% of the market). Information and communication, finance, and transportation represent between 4 and 3 percent of the market. The agricultural era seems far from the prefecture in terms of percentage. Just 1.2% of the market is devoted to agriculture, fishing and forestry. This is still more than the whole of Japan in the same period (1.1%).
Miyagi, a welcoming land for international companies
To attract foreign companies, Miyagi has launched "Invest Miyagi". The benefits of this strategy include lower costs than in Tokyo (office rental, etc.), a lower cost of living, and infrastructure connected to other regions and the world (Sendai has its own international airport). Miyagi is also home to qualified professionals. Sendai is home to Tohoku University, one of the most renowned universities in Japan. The prefecture hosts leading R&D groups. It invests in innovation to build the "Miyagi of tomorrow".
Miyagi's major companies
Miyagi attracts large companies with subsidies and other facilities. Reduced taxes in "special zones", subsidies for factories and R&D companies, etc. And it works. Toyota Motor Corporation and Panasonic Corporation joined forces to create Toyota Motor East Japan, a factory for manufacturing automotive batteries. Miyagi wants to become a new production base for semiconductors, which are indispensable materials, especially since the health crisis. Tokyo Electron Miyagi, a semiconductor specialist, has established its production and research center in Miyagi. On the research side, Philips Japan has also set up a shop in Miyagi.
The growth sectors in Sendai
The "city of trees" is also the "academic city". Supported by the prestigious Tohoku University, its research centers and its connections with the business world, Sendai is a dynamic urban place, in constant innovation. To attract foreign talents, Sendai has also implemented the "startup visa".
Sendai's economy in figures
The city that hosts Tohoku University is also the city with the most employees in the education sector. Nearly 19% of Sendai's workforce is employed in education. The other sectors (specialized contractors, technical services, scientific) employ between 6 and 9% of the population. Approximately 3-4% work in real estate, social work, personal assistance, hospital care, engineering and civil engineering, administrative services, and justice.
R&D
This is good news for foreign engineers, researchers and those who wish to study in Japan. Tohoku University works closely with companies. In 2023, its Aobayama campus will be the site of the installation of new innovative equipment ("synchrotron radiation"), again in partnership with companies and research centers. Tohoku University, Tohoku University Center for Innovative Integrated Electronic Systems, Material Innovation Center, and Tohoku University International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart are among the city's major research hubs.
Electronics
In the battle of semiconductors, Sendai can count on its leading companies, such as Ericsson Japan, IBM Japan, Rakuten, Ltd.V-cube and RYOMO SYSTEMS.
Sendai: the socio-economic vision for the future
Thanks to Tohoku University, Sendai attracts a young and dynamic population. Faced with the demographic challenge and environmental issues, Sendai City Hall has built a new plan: "Greenest city", or how to make Sendai a green and innovative city. Ecology here is much more than just the preservation of the environment. Through the jobs of today and tomorrow, the city wants to build a "green" ecosystem: nature is more present and respected, multiculturalism is also better respected and protected, children are supported so that they grow up in a safe and pleasant environment, and the local economy is dynamic and open to the outside world.
Many jobs will be available in the Greenest city, in all fields. Health, personal assistance, medical care, construction, real estate, sales, environmental protection, research, industry, electronics, etc. Sendai includes preserving mental health as a goal to be achieved, along with the others. The city intends to create a peaceful environment based on exchanges between the various communities. This will attract many foreign workers who dream of a career in Japan.
Sendai's assets
Want to work in Japan? Why not choose Sendai? The vast majority of foreigners choose Tokyo. An understandable choice, especially for a first move abroad. They think they have more chances of finding a job in the capital. The presence of many other foreigners can also be reassuring. But in terms of jobs, the competition is potentially more intense. The cost of living is also higher than in other cities. In Sendai, rents are cheaper. Companies are very present. The University of Tohoku has an influence that goes far beyond the city's borders. Sendai can be an excellent choice, especially if you are looking for a job in engineering, research, services, or teaching.
Finding a job in Sendai
As in other countries, the health crisis paralyzed the Japanese job market for a while. Things are slowly picking up, but there is definitely a before and after Covid-19. Your job search methods will be different depending on the type of job you are looking for.
Small job (baito)
For jobs, not much research is needed (usually). Many convenience stores and stores have "boshuu" (recruitment) signs. Just call the number listed to apply for the job. There is no need to go into the store. You have to follow the procedure indicated. You can find other advertisements on the Internet (Craigslist, Baitoru, etc.) or in classified magazines available in train and subway stations.
Open-ended contract (seishain contract)
Things get more complicated if you are aiming for an open-ended contract. But don't panic. The key is to go in well-organized. It is this contract that will open the doors to the work visa for Japan. Companies will not sponsor you for a small job. Thousands of others like you can do the job. It's different with the seishain contract. Ask yourself what would make a company hire you. You will be competing with other Japanese and foreign graduates. Many of them will certainly have studied at Tohoku University. What are your strengths?
Looking for a job in Sendai
To look for a job in Sendai, go on the Internet: general and specialized websites depending on your activity. Also, check if the company you are seeking to work with has a website. Knock on the doors of Chambers of Commerce, such as the Sendai Chamber of Commerce. Participate in forums, webinars and other job-related events. Make yourself visible and work on your presentation.
Work on your presentation
Find out how job interviews are conducted in Japan. If you have studied at a Japanese university, you are likely prepared. If not, study on your own (there are many books in Japanese on the subject) and/or join a language school that specializes in job interview preparation.
Tips for living and working in Sendai
Don't forget about the Japanese language. If you are already in Japan, take the opportunity to learn the language as much as possible. There's no miracle, you will have to revise and learn to write kanji. Being in Japan is not enough to speak Japanese. You have to practice. Many foreigners end up with an average level even after several years of immigration to Japan due to lack of practice. Do your best to practice Japanese. If you have significant gaps in your knowledge, do not hesitate to invest in a language school. Consider these years of study as a long-term investment.
Stay confident even if your dream job is slow to come. Work on your strengths and weaknesses. Allow yourself time to relax and explore Sendai and Miyagi Prefecture. If you feel a slump, talk about it with classmates and/or a health professional. Meet people. If you are shy or reserved by nature, Internet groups can be a good start. Also, consider sports and cultural clubs. Check with your city hall for a list. It is also through contact with others that you will gradually build your new life in Japan.
Useful links:
Sendai City Website (in Japanese)
