Japan’s working culture is by far the most unique, diverse, and dynamic compared to other parts of the world. For starters, the country’s population consists of 98.5% made up of Japanese, which means a low penetration of expat workers.. Nonetheless, working in Japan offers an entirely unique and exhilarating experience compared to any other part of the world. Moreover, Japanese people are generally hard working, business savvy, and extremely devoted to their jobs. The country is ranked as the most innovative country with the third largest economy of the world which means promising compensation packages for expats looking for better pay scales or a change in career inclusive of professional growth and development.
Japan’s economy has proved indestructible and has remained among the top economies of the world, which means plenty of opportunities across a broad spectrum of sectors and industries for expats to work in. In the recent years, Japan’s economy has significantly shifted from being primarily based on automobile manufacturing and electronic goods industries to an all-inclusive economy for sectors such as technological development and foreign investment. Nonetheless, the traditional Japanese business etiquette remains intact and poses a great adjustment challenge for foreigners wishing to work in the country. Moreover, the Japanese corporate culture is very formal and involves long working hours and a lifelong commitment to your career.
Expats looking to establish roots in their careers can land enviable positions among the numerous multinational organizations in the country, especially in cities such as Tokyo. Alternatively, teaching English has remained an accessible career path among many language oriented Westerners who’ve traveled to Japan in search of greener pastures. Other popular employment opportunities are available in the entertainment, translation, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. Even though Japan is a hub for opportunities, expats who lack knowledge of the Japanese language may not be as lucky as those with good knowledge and proficiency in the language. However, there’s still hope for foreigners skilled in high demand areas such as IT, robotics or finance because these sectors do not require the proficiency of the Japanese language.
Job selection and salary entirely depend on the line of work and career opportunities available in various fields, including:
Understanding the Japanese culture is also just as important as acknowledging that it is different. Grasping Japanese etiquette and cultural norms could be your ticket to landing a job or even improving your chances of getting a job in Japan. Generally, being polite and kind as well as maintaining the right body language are important factors to put into consideration, especially if you are attending an interview or are in the work environment. Moreover, it is common for employees to join their boss after-hours for socializing or have a 60-hour work week. Newly arrived expats do not necessarily need to adhere to this, but also, if you don’t, you may be held to different expectations, which can lead to isolation altogether. Generally, the maximum working hours in Japan should not exceed 40 hours per week, and anything beyond that should be considered overtime. Moreover, employees are entitled to a ten-day annual leave after working for a company for more than six months. Leave days are increased annually after that, mostly up to twenty days per year. Additionally, employees can take one holiday every week or take 4 days or more holidays after every four weeks.
In late 2018, Japan implemented a law approving foreign employers into the country to curb labour shortages, and from April 2019, foreigners were allowed to take up jobs in construction, farming, and nursing. As such, the country introduced two different visa categories for workers. The first category focuses on workers with a certain level of skill and some proficiency in Japanese and provides them an opportunity to work in the country for five years. While the second category focuses on individuals with higher level skills and provides them with the option of applying for residency. Generally, however, foreign workers are expected to procure the relevant visas and work permits in Japan. In Japan, employees enter the country on a points-based highly skilled visa or an industry-specific category visa. In most cases, work permits should be secured for an employee by the employer. Hence the prerequisite to have a sponsor or a job offer before applying for a visa. People seeking to obtain a work permit are required to procure a Certificate of Eligibility from the Ministry of Justice. The certificate is free and usually takes up to three months to be processed. Once, they’ve obtained this certificate, they can then apply for a visa. Visa processing takes 5 days if all the appropriated documents have been provided. Generally, it is easier for an expat to obtain a visa if they possess a Certificate of Eligibility.
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is considered one of the wealthiest cities in the world, with the highest standards of living, safety, healthcare, as well as the most lucrative salaries. Generally, the minimum wage in Japan is determined on an hourly basis but differs between regions. For instance, according to the Japan Labour Issues, vol. 2 no. 4 published in 2008, the minimum hourly wages in Tokyo was 958 Yen (8.85 USD) while in Osaka it was 909 Yen (8.40 USD) and in Kyoto, it was 856 Yen (7.91 USD). However, professionals in the financial and legal sectors make significantly more than other job groups, including Engineers. Nonetheless, according to Japan minimum wage laws, the compensation from region to region varies based on the cost of living in these particular regions.
Below is a comprehensive list of jobs in Japan. The list includes job roles, description, location, and more information to help job seekers find the right one.
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