The Most In-Demand Japanese Jobs for Foreigners
If you clicked on this article, you either live in Japan and are looking for employment or are interested in moving. Still, you want to have a plan for finding work in Japan for foreigners when you get there.
Understanding what jobs for foreigners in Japan are available and what employers are looking for can remove much of the guesswork from the job searching process.
According to Statista, roughly 1,700,000 foreigners are working in Japan today, about three times the recorded number from 2012. This is hardly a surprise, since a recent Remitly poll showed that Japan was the second most popular country for those looking to move abroad for work.
If you are looking for some guidance or just want to make sure your search is on the right track, this article will provide information about what skills and jobs are in high demand for foreigners working in Japan.
What Skills Are in High Demand in Jobs for Foreigners in Japan?
As in any economy, certain skills are in high demand in the Japanese marketplace. If any of these reflect your experience and skillset, focusing your job applications on these factors can improve your chances of finding the proper position. With plenty of jobs in Japan for foreigners with visa sponsorship, focusing your search is critical.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a requirement for almost any job. Whether you are looking to work in a technical field or one that requires you to work with people, your ability to apply critical thinking to whatever challenges you face is essential.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are needed in any job that requires collaboration or customer interaction. Often this is what sets a candidate apart during the application and interviewing stage, particularly if you are working in a technical field.
Interpersonal Skills
The ability to work well with coworkers or customers improves your chances of landing a job and makes your time at the company more pleasant. Fortunately, this skillset is easy to demonstrate during the interview phase.
Understanding of Language
If you live in Japan, you will want to know at least some Japanese, but if you are interested in working as a translator or language teacher, having a thorough understanding of the relevant languages will help you find the right job.
Problem-Solving Skills
Whether you are working as an engineer or a service job, being able to handle whatever is thrown at you confidently will build trust and prevent burnout. Companies are looking for employees who will take the initiative and see things through to the end.
Industry Experience
What this looks like will depend on what industry you are interested in joining, but having experience in the right field can set you apart from candidates who are just entering the industry.
Find the most in-demand Japanese jobs for foreigners and start applying on GrabJobs today!
1. Software Engineer
In an increasingly digital culture, software engineers are needed in almost every field. From manufacturing to entertainment to scheduling, software advances the field and keeps companies at the forefront of ingenuity.
Software engineers need to have technical skills to complete complex tasks as well as interpersonal skills to understand and deliver on a client’s needs. Since programming languages do not change between countries, Japanese jobs for ex-pats in this field will not require a steep learning curve.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
2. English Teacher
English has become one of the most commonly used languages in business. If you have studied English or lived in an English-speaking country, your linguistic talents could be exactly what you need to find a job in Japan.
English teachers need a thorough understanding of the language and clear communication skills. Depending on where your skills are needed, an English degree may also be helpful.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
3. Sales Staff
Any company with a product to sell needs sales staff to handle customer expectations, build relationships, and generate excitement for their offerings. As Japan is one of the world’s leaders in innovation, Japanese companies often need salespeople.
If you are looking for sales work in Japan for foreigners, you should focus your search on jobs in industries where you have experience. Though many interpersonal skills are relevant to any sales job, industry knowledge will make you a stronger candidate.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
4. Music Teacher
Japanese culture has long been known for its respect for the arts, and for that tradition to continue, those interested in studying the arts need teachers.
If you are interested in teaching music, you will need at least a few years of experience with documentation to show to your potential employer. Teaching experience and demonstrable musical knowledge can also help you land a job.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
5. Service Staff
With tourism as an important source of income for Japan, service staff in hospitality and food and beverage are always in demand. Places focused on hospitality often need front desk staff, while restaurants require hosts and servers.
In order to work in any service industry, you must have excellent people skills. If you are hired into one of these jobs, you will be one of the business’s representatives to tourists and visitors.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
6. Engineer
Japan is one of the world’s leaders in technology and innovation, and engineers are essential for both. Requiring both theoretical and practical knowledge, engineering jobs can be both demanding and rewarding.
Technical skills translate well overseas, so engineering is an ideal job for foreigners with the right skills and experience. Though often not the primary requirement, communication skills can really set you apart in a technical field and will help you work well with coworkers and customers alike.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
7. Japanese Translator
From literature to video games to media, translators are needed to share Japanese culture with the rest of the world. If you are fluent in Japanese and another language, translation can be a rewarding career.
Many translators work freelance, so if you are interested in taking on clients and keeping yourself on task, this may be the sort of job you want to consider.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
8. Recruitment Consultant
You aren’t the only one out there looking for a job in Japan, and companies know that. Many of them are actively seeking employees to fill their job openings, and your search might lead to a job as a recruitment consultant.
Recruitment consultants are responsible for matching job seekers with potential employers, taking into consideration the seeker’s skill set and the employer’s needs.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
9. Doctor and Surgeon
Doctors and surgeons are needed worldwide, and Japan is one nation that is looking to bring in the best medical professionals. Though jobs are available for all types of surgeons, neurosurgeons, in particular, are in high demand.
Medical professionals need to have both educational and practical experience. Aside from the knowledge required to excel here, they also must be adaptable and able to interact and build trust with patients.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
10. IT Professional
Information Technology (IT) professionals are needed pretty much everywhere, and Japan is no exception. If you are looking for jobs for foreigners in Japan and have some IT experience, this is a great place to start.
In order to keep things running smoothly, those in the IT field must be capable problem solvers and troubleshooters. Having knowledge of common technology in your prospective company’s industry is also a must.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring |
| See GrabJobs for details |
Visa Information for Foreigners with Jobs in Japan
Though the visa process can be somewhat complicated, some of the barriers to entry have been removed recently, making it much easier to apply for and receive a visa. There are plenty of jobs in Japan for foreigners with visa sponsorship.
Before you start applying, however, it’s important to make sure you understand the most common types of visas and what they are used for. Since you are looking for job opportunities in Japan for foreigners, you will likely obtain a Working Visa or a Highly-Skilled Professional Visa.
Working Visas are designed for foreigners who are looking to work in fields like research, academia, art, and business. These can last from three months to five years and require a job offer or sponsoring organization to obtain.
Highly-Skilled Professional Visas last for five years and are available for those looking to work in specialized fields. These visas are awarded based on a point system and can be fairly competitive. Points are awarded for educational background, professional experience, academic achievement, and income. A score of 70 or higher is required to receive one of these visas.
8 Essential Steps for Getting Jobs For Foreigners in Japan
Having a plan can make finding a job in a foreign country go more smoothly. Keeping track of where you are in the process helps you figure out how much work you have left to do and give you peace of mind that you are on the right track.
- Determine the types of jobs to apply for
Once you have a clear idea of what high-demand skills you possess and the types of Japan jobs for expats that are most relevant to you, you can start your search there. Having this information at the beginning of your search will set you up for success and save you frustration later down the line.
- Find openings for jobs in your field
Using sites like GrabJobs, search for jobs in your area and field of interest. Keep a list of jobs that look interesting and continue to update it as you go.
- Apply for jobs
Send in your resume, cover letter, and portfolio if necessary. Highlight your relevant skills and experience. As you receive responses, keep track of which jobs you have applied for, what type of feedback you’ve been getting, and how long it takes to hear back.
- Promote yourself with an interview
Once you have an interview, you can use the opportunity to show your communication and interpersonal skills. Answer questions as directly as possible, and don’t be afraid to elaborate on where your past experience is concerned.
- Compare job offers
If all goes well, you may end up with multiple offers. In that case, you will want to compare things like salary, location, advancement opportunities, and benefits. Decide which one is the best for your and your goals.
- Accept an offer
One offer will likely stand out among the rest. Choose that one, sign the offer letter, and wait for all the paperwork to be finalized. Many companies will require a background check or other screenings, so if possible, keep other options open until everything (such as your visa) is finalized and you are officially employed.
- Make sure your visa is in order
You will need a job offer or sponsor before you can apply for a visa, so start this process as soon as you accept an offer. Make sure you apply for the right type of visa and for the correct length of time.
- Start your new job
Congratulations! You found a job in Japan. Whether you are already living there or are now getting ready to move overseas, you are about to start a new adventure.
Conclusion
Now that you have the right information, you are ready to begin your search for job opportunities in Japan for foreigners. Make sure to take advantage of GrabJobs to stay up-to-date on which jobs are available and apply directly through the website.
Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash
