How to Find a Job in Japan as a Foreigner – A Practical Guide
- Talk to Locals
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Thinking about to find a job in Japan but don’t speak much Japanese?You’re not alone. Every year, more than 2 million foreigners work in Japan, and the number is growing fast—especially in tech, manufacturing, and other specialized fields.
This guide will help you understand the visa options, job search strategies, and cultural tips that can make your Japan career dream a reality.
1. Understand Your Visa Options
Before you apply for jobs, you need to know which Japanese work visa fits your situation:
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Ideal for most professional roles. Requires a bachelor’s degree or 10+ years of experience.
Highly-Skilled Professional Visa
A point-based visa with big advantages: fast-track permanent residency, work flexibility, and family benefits.Check the point calculator to see if you qualify.
Working Holiday Visa
For citizens of certain countries aged 18–30. Lets you live and work in Japan for up to a year—perfect for exploring and networking before landing a full-time role.
2. Where to Find Jobs in Japan
Most foreign professionals find jobs through recruitment agencies. Here are the top ones:
Recruit Agent – Japan’s largest
JAC Recruitment – Good for mid-career roles
Robert Walters Japan – Ideal for bilinguals
Michael Page Japan – Management & executive roles
You can also browse online job boards:
Daijob.com – English-friendly roles
LinkedIn Japan – Growing in importance, especially for tech jobs
3. Cultural Tips for Job Hunting in Japan
Japanese job hunting has some unique features:
Resume format: Use the standard Japanese “rirekisho” format (with photo) alongside your international CV.
Interviews: Expect multiple rounds and questions about your long-term plans in Japan.
Communication: Be polite, indirect, and respectful of hierarchy.
Networking: Personal introductions (“referrals”) are highly valued.
4. Your Competitive Advantage as a Foreigner
Even with low Japanese skills, you can stand out if you have:
Specialized expertise (IT, engineering, design, finance, etc.)
Multilingual skills – English + another language is a big plus
International perspective – Valuable for companies with global operations
5. First Steps to Get Started
Update your CV – Create both an international and Japanese version.
Check your visa eligibility – Choose the right category before applying.
Register with agencies – Sign up with several to increase opportunities.
Search online – Set alerts on LinkedIn Jobs and Daijob.com.
Learn basic Japanese – Even a little effort shows commitment.
Tip: If you want personalized advice and job-hunting tips tailored to your background, you can book a one-on-one online session with our team at Talk to Locals. We’ll help you navigate the process from abroad and connect you with the right opportunities.
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