15 Best Jobs In Japan For Foreigners In 2023

In recent years, Japan has faced a shortage of skilled workers, which has led the Japanese government and companies to increase the number of jobs in Japan for foreigners to bridge the labor gap.

This article contains all you need to know about the best paying jobs in Japan for foreigners – from what positions are the most prevalent to the prerequisites for working as a foreigner in Japan. You’ll also discover helpful hints to get you started quickly. Carefully read through!

15 Best Jobs in Japan for Foreigners

Japan’s job market is as extensive as any country, which means there’s always something for everyone. However, there are specific industries where foreigners seem to thrive the most, making them popular choices among foreign job-seekers in Japan.

With that said, here are the best jobs in Japan for foreigners:

English Teacher
Service Staff
IT Professional
Translator or Interpreter
Engineer
Sales staff
Customer service official
Business Analyst
Mechanic
Doctor
Risk Analyst
Operations Director
Senior Marketing Manager
Chief Financial Officers
Country Managers

1. English Teacher

Teaching English as a second language (ESL) is one of the best jobs in Japan for Foreigners. You can train in private and public institutions, provided you are qualified.

To get a job as an ESL tutor, you must have a bachelor’s degree, a native-level English proficiency, and no criminal profile. If you have teaching certifications and classroom experience, that will be an added advantage.

Now, you may want to ask how much an English Language tutor earns in Japan. According to a recent report on Glassdoor, the national average for English teachers in Japan is around ¥351,000 monthly. This salary varies according to your institution and level of experience.

To get started, you can visit the JET Programme.

2. Service Staff

Working in the hospitality and tourism sector is also one of the in-demand jobs for foreigners in Japan, with numerous options to choose from.

You can work as a service staff in hotels, resorts, cafes, and restaurants. To secure a job as a service worker, you need to have a solid knowledge of Japanese – at least N3 to N2. You’ll also need to demonstrate proof of your skills, usually certificates and exam results.

According to Salary Expert, the salary of service staff in Japan varies according to the job position. You can earn as much as ¥13.5M per year if you’re a hotel manager. In contrast, you can only make an average of ¥3.41M annually as a hotel concierge in Japan.

3. IT Professional

Japan is one of the world’s leading tech giants, and one of the most significant contributors to this feat is its pool of foreign IT experts.

Like the service industry, Japan’s job market is open to various IT professionals who apply based on their specialty areas.

Working as an IT person in Japan is a lucrative job that demands a high level of proficiency to be sustained. You can visit Japan Dev to find tech jobs in Japan.

4. Translator or Interpreter

The multilingual nature of the world has been a blessing. Foreigners who can speak more than one language can apply to work as translators and interpreters in Japan.

Furthermore, they require more than just Japanese to English translations and vice versa. As a result of globalization, there is a growing demand for experienced translators and interpreters of different languages.

While you’ll require a high degree of Japanese proficiency and specific credentials in some situations, this career path might benefit foreigners looking to capitalize on their language talents.

The average yearly pay is about 5.93M, which may increase with experience, according to Salary Expert.

5. Engineer

Japan is a high-tech nation with a passion for innovation, technology, and engineering, having been ranked first in the world for research and development in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019.

Despite a population of about 130 million people, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry predict a shortage of 789,000 software engineers by 2030, a gap that non-Japanese engineers will be fully equipped to fill.

So, if you want to pursue an engineering career in Japan as a foreigner, you are on the right track.

Most foreign engineering positions in Japan are in the automobile industry, where they are frequently charged with designing and improving parts. This might be a great chance because Japan’s auto industry is regarded as one of the greatest in the world.

The average salary for engineering jobs in Japan for foreigners is about ¥7.07M a year, which can be even higher as you gain more experience in the field.

6. Sales staff

Sales is another popular job for foreigners in Japan. Local Japanese companies prefer to hire foreign personnel for positions such as international sales managers, sales support staff, and sales reps. These positions are typically found in organizations with a global reach attempting to enter international markets, such as the automobile or banking industries.

7. Customer service official

If you can speak Japanese, a customer service job may be the right fit for you as it is one of the high-paying jobs in Japan for foreigners.

Japan has a lot of cafes, hotels, call centers, and restaurants that will need the services of customer service personnel.

And, if you speak many languages, you’ll be able to provide excellent customer service to visitors and residents. This means that business owners will be more likely to hire you.

A customer service official makes ¥3,883K on average.

You may want to see this Technical Interview: What Is It And How To Prepare For One

8. Business Analyst

Another in-demand job in Japan for foreigners is a business analyst. Business analysts improve the systems and processes of any business through research and analysis. They also prefer solutions to business problems while suggesting measures to prevent possible business challenges.

If you have an experience in this role and are fluent in Japanese, you can apply for the job. Business analysts in Japan earn an average salary of ¥6,015K.

9. Mechanic

Mechanics maintain, repair, and restore all types of motor vehicles. To be a good fit for the job, you need to have proven mechanic experience and be fluent in Japanese.

The average salary of a mechanic in Japan is ¥7,119K. This salary varies based on the kind of mechanic you are and the nature of the job.

10. Doctor

A doctor in Japan earns an average salary of ¥10,069K, making it one of the best jobs in Japan for foreigners.

Working as a doctor in Japan allows you to diagnose and treat medical patients. It also grants access to various industry professionals.

To become a doctor in Japan, you must possess a high level of knowledge in scientific Japanese and also a medical license from your home country. If you satisfy these two requirements, you will be allowed to take the final exam, which you are expected to pass. If you pass the exam, you will become eligible to start a compulsory residency program that spans two years. After the residency, you are now free to begin seeking employment as qualified medical personnel in Japan.

11. Risk Analyst

To become a risk analyst in Japan, you need to have the necessary job experience and know how to speak Japanese.

A risk analyst works in companies to predict trends and risks that militate against the organization’s growth. They must submit their findings to senior-level managers, who make informed decisions based on the available data.

Risk analysts make an average salary of ¥6,401K.

12. Operations Director

The Operations Director is a professional who supervises a company’s everyday operations by supervising multiple departments. They direct actions throughout an organization and managers to enhance efficiency and save expenditures as needed.

The salary of an Operations Director in Japan can be as high as a whooping ¥14950000 annually on average.

13. Senior Marketing Manager

A senior marketing manager’s primary responsibility is to make sales and promote your company by devising unique marketing strategies with the assistance of your staff, which you will be overseeing.

The average annual salary of a Senior Marketing Manager in Japan is ¥15M.

14. Chief Financial Officers

This high-paying job for foreigners in Japan is most suitable for those with an aptitude for statistics and financial leadership skills.

As CFO, you will be responsible for the company’s accounting and budgeting. A CFO must have 10+ years of experience in a senior financial management role.

The average annual salary of a Chief Financial Officer in Japan is ¥15M.

15. Country Managers

Japanese companies are steadily looking for Country Managers whose sole responsibility is representing their company in other countries.

To pass the mark, you need to be culturally aware and have good interpersonal skills since you will be conversing with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

This job is one of those in-demand jobs for foreigners that allows them to experience the fascinating Japanese culture’s fascinating customs and its rich heritage.

The average salary in Japan for a Country Manager is ¥14.9M annually.

What Are The Highest Paying Jobs in Japan for Foreigners?

While most common careers in Japan for foreigners pay well, especially if you have a lot of expertise, entering more specialized industries usually means a higher salary.

Here are a few specialized industries that have the highest paying jobs in Japan for foreigners:

Recruitment
Sales and Marketing
Finance
Banking
Healthcare
Law
Aviation

The highest annual average salaries according to the industries listed are as follows:

Industry or Field	Average Salary Per Year
*Finance*	¥9M to ¥12.8M
*Banking*	¥11M to ¥13.8M
*Law*	¥8.73M to ¥18.4M
*Aviation*	¥7.81M to ¥12.9M
*Healthcare*	¥18.2M to ¥27.6M
*Recruiting*	¥4.05M
*Sales and Marketing*	¥25.2M

These are recent data from Salary Explorer, and these figures may vary depending on factors like experience, specialization, and position.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Jobs in Japan for Foreigners: Which One Should I choose?

It is worth noting that not everyone can work full-time in Japan. In most cases, you’ll need special approval from the Japanese government to work legally as a foreigner in Japan.

If you already have residency, this may still apply because it depends on the restrictions and specific residency category. For example, if you are any of the following, you will be restricted from working in any business or changing your career at any time:

Spouse or child of a Japanese national
Long-term resident
Permanent resident
Spouse or child of a permanent resident

You should also be aware that as a college or lower student and dependent student, you are not automatically permitted to work in any industry or engage in any income-generating activity. If you want to do so, you’ll need to apply for and obtain a permit from Japan’s Immigration Bureau and define the type of work you’ll be doing. The sole exception is if you work part-time, although this choice has constraints.

In this case, students can only take up part-time jobs if it meets the following conditions:

It won’t negatively influence their studies.
They can only work a maximum of 28 hours per week.
They’re only permitted to work a maximum of 8 hours per day when school isn’t in session.
Jobs in the adult entertainment industry are off-limits, even cleaning and dishwashing jobs.

Part-time jobs in Japan for students tend to be entry-level positions, and they don’t pay as much as full-time employment.

Is It Easy For A Foreigner To Get A Job In Japan?

The correct answer to this question depends on the job that you are applying for and the factors surrounding it.

Common factors can include:

Your highest educational attainment.
Language proficiency.
Work experience.
Level of competency in your specific industry.
The demand for your particular skills in your chosen field.

Nevertheless, according to a report, Japan is looking for a good number of foreigners since it’s estimated that they’ll need approximately 6.74 million foreign employees by 2040.

This Japanese government program alleviates the country’s present labor crisis. Furthermore, the Japanese government is becoming more proactive in enabling qualified foreigners to find work in Japan by establishing programs such as the Specified Competent Worker (SSW) that provide additional job opportunities to skilled foreigners.

What Are The Requirements Needed To Find A Job As A Foreigner In Japan?

Just like every other country, there are specific requirements you must satisfy to work in Japan as a foreigner.

While some disciplines, such as engineering, may have specific qualifications that you must meet before you can find work, in most circumstances, you need the following:

A valid work visa
Proficiency in Japanese
College degree or enough work experience
A CV or resume
Pass the interview

A valid work visa is regarded as their most important because it affects your eligibility to work in Japan as a foreigner.

However, this cannot be easy because Japan has multiple work visa classifications based on the industry. Long-term stay or work visas are classified into seven categories: official, diplomatic, start-up, specified, general, working, and highly skilled professional. These are further subdivided into subcategories, with different prerequisites for each.

The designated period of stay differs in each of these visas, which typically range from a few months to 5 years. The only exception is diplomatic visas, the period of which is decided by the length of their mission in the country.

In language proficiency, competence limits have loosened significantly over the years. Nowadays, having at least an N2 level of Japanese competence increases your chances of finding work.

Tips To Help You Find A Best Paying Job In Japan As A Foreigner

Now that you know the in-demand jobs in Japan for foreigners let’s work you through how you can get started.

Here are four helpful tips you can consider:

1. Do Your Research

Before you do anything else, you should educate yourself on what it’s like to work as a foreigner in Japan. Aside from the rules and work limits for foreign employees, you should be aware that the workplace culture in Japan differs significantly from that of other nations.

Doing your research will not only teach you the exact qualifications you’ll need to secure a job in Japan as a foreigner. It will also help you get more comfortable with what to expect after you locate and land a job, which can lead to a more positive work experience overall.

2. Look for Job Opportunities Online

f you’re unsure where to begin your job search, one of the simplest and most convenient ways is to use the countless online platforms. Fortunately, you can hunt for work on several foreigner-friendly job listing sites, such as Daijob, Gaijinpot, and LinkedIn.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for jobs in a specific profession, such as IT, you can search internet job boards like Japan Dev for potential employment in Japan.

3. Prepare Your Resume

The next stage is to prepare your resume once you have identified suitable job prospects. A well-written CV is essential for any employment because it is how companies judge your suitability for the role.

You need to attach a passport-style headshot to your résumé, which is customary in Japan. Wear something appropriate, such as a suit, and make sure the photo is professional-looking rather than a selfie or casual shot.

In terms of substance, it’s best to explain why you’re interested in that specific position and how hiring you will help the organization. You can also explain how you will contribute to the success of the company you are applying to.

4. Prepare for the Job Interview

Your potential employers will likely do your interview online if you are still overseas. If that’s the case, make sure you have everything ready ahead of time. This includes having a solid internet connection, an explicit webcam, and a working headset with a microphone.

It’s also a good idea to learn more about the firm before the interview to demonstrate your dedication to the work. This post contains other helpful interview techniques.

FAQs On Best Jobs In Japan For Foreigners

Is Japan travel-friendly?

Japan is regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Japanese residents frequently leave their doors unlocked, children are completely secure going alone on the metro, and visitors can roam around towns at night without fear.

How many Islands does Japan have?

Japan has about 6,852 islands, each with its own identity

How many hours are foreign students allowed to work in Japan?

International students in Japan can only work a maximum of 28 hours per week. When school isn’t in session, they’re only allowed to work a maximum of 8 hours per day.

Do I need a visa to work in Japan as a foreigner?

Yes, of course. You need an appropriate visa in order to work in Japan.

Conclusion

Working and living in Japan may be an enriching experience. Nonetheless, it is not always possible to discover the best jobs in Japan for foreigners since their criteria and culture differ significantly from those of other nations.

However, as the country becomes more open to recruiting foreign labor, more job opportunities in Japan will become available.

References

japan-dev.com – Jobs in Japan for Foreigners: What are the Options?
linkjapancareers.net – Highest Paying Jobs In Japan For Foreigners | LJC
theculturetrip.com – The 8 Most Popular Jobs for Foreigners in Japan

15 Best Jobs In Japan For Foreigners In 2023