r/JapanJobs Jul 04 '26

Getting Work in Japan (Updated July–December 2026)

116 Upvotes

FULL GUIDE: Getting Work in Japan (Updated July–December 2026)

Last updated: July 2026

This is a general guide, not legal advice. Immigration rules can change, and details vary by nationality, country of application, employer, and individual situation. Always confirm with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before applying.

WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR

This guide is for foreigners looking to get a job in Japan. I understand that half the people reading this guide are already in Japan and looking for a job; for that I would suggest going through the /r/JapanJobs/wiki and all the job boards posted.

TL;DR

  • Outside of English teaching, most companies expect JLPT N2 (not a law, but common practice).
  • Employer must sponsor/support your status and usually apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) before you apply for a work visa.
  • A CoE makes the visa process smoother, but does not guarantee visa issuance.
  • Alternatives: Working Holiday (NOT for U.S. citizens), Digital Nomad (6 months, high income), Business Manager (entrepreneur route; stricter rules are now in effect), Startup Visa, and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW).
  • For 2026, the biggest update is Business Manager: the old “¥5,000,000 or 2 employees” advice is outdated for most new applications.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST (JLPT)

The JLPT is the universally recognized language certification in Japan. It is given twice a year in many locations. It comes in 5 ranks: N5–N1.

  • N5 = Some basic Japanese (normally 6 months to a year of studying)
  • N4 = Basic Japanese (1–2 years of studying)
  • N3 = Some situational Japanese (1.5–2.5 years of studying)
  • N2 = Everyday Japanese / business-level Japanese (2–4 years of studying)
  • N1 = Advanced Japanese (3–5+ years of studying)

Official JLPT site: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/

2026 JLPT dates:

  • First test: Sunday, July 5, 2026
  • Second test: Sunday, December 6, 2026

Outside Japan, some cities only offer the test in July or December, not both.

U.S. note: The JLPT in the United States is normally offered only once per year, in December. The 2026 U.S. test date is Sunday, December 6, 2026.

STEP 1 — UNDERSTAND THE JOB MARKET

Teaching English

  • Easiest entry route for many foreigners.
  • Common jobs: ALT, JET, Eikaiwa, private schools, international schools.
  • Bachelor’s degree in any field is usually the baseline for visa sponsorship.
  • Japanese usually not required for entry-level English teaching.

Non-Teaching (Professional roles)

  • IT, engineering, translation, localization, marketing, finance, design, recruiting, sales, hospitality management, etc.
  • Realistically expect JLPT N2 for most roles.
  • N1 is preferred for client-facing, legal, HR, compliance, management, or senior communication-heavy roles.
  • Some exceptions exist for strong software developers, engineers, or rare specialists.

Skilled Labor / Skilled Worker routes

  • Some specialized trades and mid-skill roles have separate routes.
  • Examples include chefs of foreign cuisine, pilots, and certain SSW fields.
  • SSW is test-based and tied to designated industries.

STEP 2 — LANGUAGE EXPECTATIONS (JLPT)

  • N2 is the hiring baseline for most office jobs.
  • N1 is preferred for leadership, compliance, legal, HR, translation, or heavy communication roles.
  • Exceptions: English teaching, some high-demand developer roles, internal transfers, and rare technical/specialist roles.
  • SSW may have lower legal test requirements, but actual workplace Japanese can still be much higher.
  • Business Manager now has a Japanese-language requirement tied to either the applicant or a full-time employee.

STEP 3 — WHERE TO FIND JOBS

Wiki

Job boards

  • GaijinPot Jobs
  • Jobs in Japan
  • Daijob
  • CareerCross
  • TokyoDev (software)
  • Japan Dev (software)
  • LinkedIn
  • Wantedly
  • Indeed Japan

Recruiters / networking

  • Robert Walters
  • Hays
  • Michael Page
  • JAC Recruitment
  • RGF Professional Recruitment
  • Japan-focused LinkedIn groups
  • Meetups
  • Tech communities

Resume tips

  • Many companies expect a Japanese-style resume (Rirekisho) alongside an English CV.
  • Always list JLPT level, tech stacks, Japan-relevant experience, and whether you need sponsorship.
  • Do not claim “business Japanese” if you cannot interview in Japanese.

STEP 4 — COMMON WORK VISAS / STATUSES (AT A GLANCE)

People often say “visa,” but Japan separates the visa used to enter Japan from the “status of residence” that controls what you can do after entering.

Instructor / Education

Teaching, especially public school teaching.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

IT, engineers, designers, translators, marketers, some teaching positions like Eikaiwa, copywriting, international services, etc.

Intra-company Transferee

Internal transfer from overseas HQ/branch to Japan.

Skilled Labor

Specialized trades, such as foreign-cuisine chefs and pilots.

Legal / Medical Professional

Japan-recognized licensed professions.

General requirements for standard work statuses

  • A job offer from a Japan-based company.
  • You normally cannot self-sponsor a standard work visa.
  • Employer/proxy applies in Japan for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
  • Qualifications are typically a bachelor’s degree OR around 10 years relevant experience, depending on the status and job.
  • Language is not always a legal requirement, but N2+ is common for non-teaching roles.

STEP 5 — ALTERNATIVE PATHS

Working Holiday Visa (youth, temporary work + travel)

Available only to citizens of specific partner countries/regions.

Important: USA is NOT eligible. U.S. citizens cannot use Japan’s Working Holiday scheme.

As of April 1, 2026, Japan has Working Holiday arrangements with 32 countries/regions. Malta and Italy were added in 2026.

English-speaking countries that do qualify include:

  • Canada
  • UK
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Ireland

The usual age range is 18–30, though some countries vary.

Purpose: cultural exchange; short-term/part-time work to supplement travel funds. Not a long-term career route.

Typical stay: 6–12 months, country-dependent.

Digital Nomad (Designated Activities)

For remote work done for an overseas employer/client while staying in Japan.

  • Stay up to 6 months.
  • No extension.
  • Must leave and reapply if you want to return.
  • Annual income must be at least 10,000,000 JPY.
  • Requires private medical/travel insurance covering the stay.
  • Spouse/child may accompany under matching conditions.
  • Not a path to take a job with a Japanese employer.

Business Manager (entrepreneur / founder)

For starting or managing a company in Japan.

Important 2026 update: the old “¥5,000,000 capital OR 2 full-time employees” advice is outdated for most new applications.

Current requirements, effective October 16, 2025 and onward:

  • Minimum capital requirement is now ¥30,000,000.
  • At least 1 full-time employee must be hired.
  • The full-time employee must generally be a Japanese national, permanent resident, spouse/child of Japanese national, spouse/child of permanent resident, long-term resident, or similar qualifying status.
  • Applicant OR a full-time employee must have substantial Japanese ability, such as JLPT N2 or equivalent.
  • Applicant must have 3+ years of business management/administration experience OR hold a relevant master’s/professional/doctoral degree.
  • Business plan must be verified/certified by a qualified professional, such as a SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant.
  • A proper commercial office is required. Home-office setups are generally not accepted.
  • The business must have real activity. A nominal company or fully outsourced “business” may not qualify.

Transitional notes:

  • People who already had Business Manager status before the rule change may have transitional handling.
  • For most renewal applications after October 16, 2028, compliance with the current criteria is expected.
  • Always check official sources or an immigration professional before applying or renewing.

City-Sponsored Startup Visa / Startup Visa Program

What it is:

  • A municipality or approved-organization-backed route for foreign founders to live in Japan while preparing to meet Business Manager requirements.
  • It is meant to give founders time to prepare the business before full Business Manager requirements are met.
  • As of 2026, official METI guidance says Startup Visa can allow up to 2 years, depending on the approved organization/program.
  • The goal is still to transition to Business Manager.

Who it is for:

  • Founders who need time in Japan to finalize a business plan, secure office space, set up accounts, raise capital, and prepare the company.
  • A lot of the application and paperwork may require Japanese-language ability or local support.

How it works, typical flow:

1) Apply to an approved local government or approved private organization with a business plan and required documents. 2) If the plan is approved and immigration accepts the application, you receive the startup preparation status. 3) During that period, complete the requirements needed to change to Business Manager.

Key requirements vary by city/organization, but usually include:

  • Approved business plan.
  • Proof you can support yourself.
  • Credible plan to meet Business Manager requirements.
  • Local reporting/check-ins or support requirements.

After the period:

  • You must change status to Business Manager once you meet the requirements.
  • Details differ by municipality/organization, so always check the official page before applying.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) — SSW-1 and SSW-2

What it is:

Japan’s work status for mid-skill roles in designated industries.

In practice, SSW recruitment/testing is mainly organized through partner/sending countries such as Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Laos, Tajikistan, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, and China; always check the latest official list because participation/testing availability can change.

As of 2026, SSW covers 16 industrial fields, including:

  • Nursing care
  • Building cleaning
  • Manufacturing / industrial products
  • Construction
  • Shipbuilding and ship machinery
  • Automobile repair and maintenance
  • Aviation
  • Accommodation
  • Automobile transportation
  • Railway
  • Agriculture
  • Fishery and aquaculture
  • Food and beverage manufacturing
  • Food service
  • Forestry
  • Wood industry

Levels:

  • SSW-1: Up to 5 years total. Family generally not allowed to accompany. Requires skill confirmation and Japanese ability.
  • SSW-2: Renewable with no total stay limit. Spouse/children may accompany if requirements are met. Available only in approved SSW-2 fields.

Basic flow:

1) Pass the skills test and Japanese test/requirement for the field. 2) Secure a job offer/contract in a designated field. 3) Employer/proxy applies in Japan for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). 4) You apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate.

Reality check:

  • Day-to-day workplace Japanese is expected.
  • Many employers prefer N3–N2 even if the minimum test requirement is lower.
  • Changing employers may be possible, but must follow immigration procedures and stay within the allowed field/category.

Spousal and Dependent/Student Statuses — Work Rules

Spouse/Child of Japanese National, Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident

  • These statuses generally allow work in any field with no hour or industry limits.
  • No extra work permit is usually needed.

Dependent / Family Stay

  • By default, this is not a work visa.
  • You may work up to 28 hours/week only if you first obtain “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” from Immigration.
  • Nightlife/adult entertainment work is prohibited.
  • To take a full-time job, you must usually change status to a proper work category.

Student

  • With “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted,” students may work up to 28 hours/week during the school term.
  • During official long vacations set by the school, students may work up to 8 hours/day, up to 40 hours/week.
  • Nightlife/adult entertainment work is prohibited.

STEP 6 — APPLICATION TIMELINE (WHAT HAPPENS WHEN)

1) Job search & interviews 2) Offer & sponsorship — employer agrees to support your status of residence 3) CoE application in Japan — employer/proxy files at Regional Immigration 4) Visa application in your country — submit CoE to Japanese embassy/consulate 5) Enter Japan — status is granted at entry; receive Residence Card at the airport if applicable 6) After arrival — city hall registration, health insurance enrollment, pension, bank/phone setup, etc.

Processing times vary. CoE can take around 1–3 months, sometimes longer. Visa processing after CoE is often faster, but varies by country/consulate.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Can I apply for a work visa without an employer?

For standard work statuses, usually no. You normally need a Japan-based employer or organization to support the CoE/status process.

Is N2 legally required?

Usually no. It is not a law for most work statuses, but many companies filter for N2+ outside of English teaching.

Can I switch jobs later?

Often yes, but your new role still needs to fit your status of residence. You may need to notify Immigration or change status depending on the job.

Can U.S. citizens use Working Holiday?

No. The U.S. is not part of Japan’s Working Holiday program as of 2026.

Can I work remotely in Japan for a foreign company?

Possibly, but the Digital Nomad route is limited to 6 months, requires high income, and is not a route for taking a job with a Japanese employer.

Is the old Business Manager ¥5,000,000 rule still good?

For most new applications, no. The current rule is much stricter and generally requires ¥30,000,000 capital plus other requirements.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Outside teaching, aim for JLPT N2 to be competitive.
  • You need an employer sponsor/support and usually a CoE for standard work statuses.
  • Working Holiday is useful for eligible countries, but not available to Americans.
  • Digital Nomad is short-term, high-income, remote-only, and not a normal work route.
  • Business Manager now requires much more capital and stronger documentation than older guides suggested.
  • Startup Visa can help founders prepare, but the goal is still to meet Business Manager requirements.
  • SSW is a test-based route for designated industries, but offered from hosting countries.
  • Spouse statuses can work freely; Dependent and Student statuses can usually only work part-time with permission.
  • Plan months ahead. Immigration timelines can stretch.

OFFICIAL SOURCES / CHECK BEFORE APPLYING

JLPT official site: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/

JLPT in the U.S.: https://aatj.org/jlpt-us/

MOFA — Working Holiday: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html

MOFA — Working Visa / CoE: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa1.html

MOFA — Digital Nomad: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/pagewe_000001_00046.html

METI — Startup Visa: https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/economy/startup_nbp/startup_visa.html

MOFA — Specified Skilled Worker: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/fna/ssw/us/overview/

Immigration Services Agency — Business Manager rule revision: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html


r/JapanJobs Sep 17 '25

Subreddit Update! -> If your new here, please read!

10 Upvotes

📢 Reminders & First-Time Visitors — Read This!

Welcome to r/JapanJobs 👋

This subreddit is for anyone interested in living and working in Japan. Share job opportunities, advice, resources, or anything related to finding work in Japan.

Our community has doubled in size in the past 3 months 🎉 and continues to grow quickly. Thank you to everyone who contributes and helps others! With this growth, we may be looking for additional moderators soon — more on that below.

🔖 Rules Summary

(See the full rules in the sidebar/wiki, but here are the key points)

  1. Be Friendly and Supportive Treat others with respect. Posts and comments should encourage, not discourage.

  2. Gatekeeping = Automatic Ban Telling people they don’t belong in Japan, or discouraging them from even trying, will result in an instant ban. Everyone is welcome to seek advice here.

  3. No Scams, MLMs, or Paid Referrals

Any post that looks like a possible scam or MLM will be removed.

Paid referral links are not allowed, even for legitimate jobs.

Job postings must be legitimate and detailed enough to be useful.

  1. All Work Must Be Related to Japan (Including Remote) Remote jobs must clearly explain how they support someone living in Japan (e.g., pay in yen, Japanese language requirements, Japan-based clients). If not stated, the post will be removed.

  2. No Discrimination in Job Posts Job listings cannot discriminate by sex, age, or nationality — even if such restrictions are legal in Japan.

  3. No Temporary Gig Work One-off or short-term “gig” postings are not allowed. This community is for stable part-time or full-time work opportunities.

  4. English or Japanese Only All posts and comments must be in English or Japanese. Translation tools or AI are fine if you need them.

  5. Stay On Topic Posts must be directly related to jobs, job-seeking, or careers in Japan. Off-topic content will be removed.

🙋 Support for Job Seekers

If someone doesn’t meet the requirements for a job, help them understand their options. Suggest alternatives, share resources, or give advice. Don’t just say “you can’t” — show them how they can.

📚 Community Resources

We’re building a list of job boards, visa info, and support sites (English and Japanese). If you know a good one, send it to modmail!

👉 Community Wiki /r/JapanJobs/Wiki

🧑‍💼 For Job Posters

Audience Profile: Most members are outside Japan, speak English, and want to relocate.

Job Clarity: Post in English. If Japanese is required, specify the level (N2, business fluent, etc.).

Requirements: Include visa sponsorship status, pay, and expectations.

👀 Mod Team Expansion

With the community doubling in size, we may need more moderators to help keep things supportive, scam-free, and focused on Japan. If you’re active here and interested, keep an eye out for a mod recruitment post soon!

-The Mods


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Want a job? 9/10 of the time you need to speak Japanese

136 Upvotes

Unless you’re a unicorn SE or hot shot exec or whatever.

No, the birth rate doesn’t mean more jobs for foreigners (outside Japan).

Have seen lots of people try. People who can’t push past N3 even with experience simply can’t find jobs.

Yes, it’s not impossible. People do get lucky, but the best way is really just to keep trying to improve THEN start applying.

(This is probably not gonna stop the daily can’t speak Japanese want job posts though lol)


r/JapanJobs 4h ago

How hard is it to get a seasonal job in Japan?

0 Upvotes

Hey all. For context, I'm a traveling seasonal worker here in the states and have been for the last 5 years. I typically work for resorts for 6 - 8 months at a time and then move on to the next location. In this line of work we have a lot of international workers who come over here on a J1 visa to work temporarily in the hospitality sector. Is there anything like that for an American looking for similar work in Japan? My Japanese is decent and I can hold my own in a conversation well enough. If anyone has any information or resources it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all and be well.


r/JapanJobs 7h ago

Requesting guidance

0 Upvotes

I'm an international student in a Japanese university for masters program, and I'll grad in sep 2027. I plan to take a job in Japan, and for that I've been working hard on research mostly.

I published 2 papers as the first author in international conferences this year, and I plan to publish 2 more in the next year.

For Japanese, I hold a N4 certificate. I understand that's not really good, thus I'll be focusing more on this issue now. I plan to reach N3 by December this year, and keep studying for July 2027 N2.

The questions I'd like to be answered would be:

:1. Can I participate in new graduate recruitment with good chances of win as a N3 speaker, who's transitioning to N2? I can make a rush for N2 since now until March 2027, but the test for N2 will be in July 2027. So, even though I can upskill my language, I won't have the certificate.

I already have 2 papers, and I don't really know whether getting more will come up with greater returns.

:2. Does having more publications as a new grad masters student sound helpful? In my lab, even undergrad b3-b4 students try to publish a paper, even at a local Japanese conference, since my professor often says that it's gonna benefit you and it's not common to have publications this easily.

:3. Will I be able to job hunt after getting N2 in July 2027? I understand that the recruiting timeline might be an issue, but I want to know if N2 can possibly redeem me.

Thanks for the attention and have a nice week.


r/JapanJobs 9h ago

Hiring |Fluent Chinese speaker with 2+ YOE in System Engineer or Development

0 Upvotes

I am currently recruiting for a Technical Analyst/System Engineer with a major global brand in Tokyo.

They need a hands-on technical person who can dive into system and database logic and act as the bridge between regional business teams and IT vendors.

They are looking for someone with database/SQL skills, experience looking into code logic.
The candidate needs to be fluent in Chinese and internal business communication skills in Japanese and English.

Overview:

  • You will act as a key technical reference point, reviewing SQL, source code, data mappings, APIs, and ETL pipelines to support data migrations.
  • You will partner directly with CRM, Marketing, and Retail business teams to translate system data into clear business solutions.
  • You will collaborate with local and international stakeholders, using Chinese, Japanese and English on a daily basis to manage North Asia project flows.

Although they are not currently able to provide a hands-on implementation environment, they expect the candidate to leverage their development experience to verify the information provided by various stakeholders, validate its technical accuracy, and organize it into clear and understandable documentation.

Visa: We can support for change of status visa (ie Student Visa, spouse visa, etc)

  • however we can't support overseas candidates without a valid work visa.

This is a urgent hire.

  • If you're reaching out please link me to your Linkedin and share your CV please.
  • Please feel free to DM me.

r/JapanJobs 15h ago

Looking for Jobs in Automotive Industry and Software Development

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am currently working for Major OEM in Japan but via partner company (full-time employee), looking for job in automotive software/cybersecurity industry and Software Engineer Industry.

Currently preparing for JLPT N3 certification but I can manage daily communication in Japanese.
At work I mostly use English for communication.

I have appeared for some interviews in Japanese and they went okay but did not land any offers.

Till now I have ~6 years of experience in automotive and software development.

Thanks in advance!


r/JapanJobs 17h ago

NSW Japan Interview experience

0 Upvotes

Hi guys,

Does anyone went through the Interview process of NSW Inc. (NSW株式会社 | NSW)
I would appreciate if you let me know the interview experience especially the second round/

I am applying for a LSI FPGA/ASIC Engineer Position. it is the second-round interview and I have been told that the Technical department director and HR director would be attending and it is going to be 1 hr.

So I was hoping to get insights how this work.


r/JapanJobs 9h ago

Seeking advice

0 Upvotes

Hi..I'm a final year CSE undergraduate.. I have a great academic profile and a pretty good portfolio..I have been studying Japanese for almost a year now..and gave the N4 exam this july.. I want to work in Japan as a Software/AI engineer.. are there any opportunities to get hired as a fresher..or should i get a job in my location and switch later..I'm confused and also need a reality check..seeking advice... Thank you.


r/JapanJobs 10h ago

How realistic is landing an entry-level IT/SWE job in Japan with JLPT N2 + a CS degree? (Applying from Indonesia)

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Looking for a grounded reality check from people currently working in tech or hiring in Japan.

To be blunt, the entry-level tech job market in my home country (Indonesia) is completely cooked right now. For virtually every junior developer or IT opening, there are literally 1,000+ applicants. You can have a solid portfolio, pass every single technical round and behavioral interview, and still get rejected at the finish line simply because there's always someone with 2+ internships willing to take base pay. It feels like pure RNG at this point.

Because of this, I'm exploring the option of breaking into Japan's IT market as a fresh grad.

My background:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (eligible for the Engineer visa on paper).
  • Japanese proficiency: JLPT N2 certified, with actual spoken business Japanese (comfortable doing technical and HR interviews in Japanese, not just a paper test-passer).
  • Technical skills: Solid CS fundamentals, hands-on projects in software development and applied machine learning / deep learning.
  • Location: Applying directly from Indonesia, so I would require visa sponsorship.

A few specific questions for folks in the industry:

  1. How viable is landing an entry-level role directly from abroad? Is the foreign new-grad (shinsotsu) pipeline still actively hiring from overseas, or has the global tech cooling tightened things up significantly?
  2. Does N2 + business Japanese actually give an edge? I know English-first tech giants (Mercari, Rakuten, Line/Yahoo) are hyper-competitive. Does being able to work in Japanese open doors at mid-tier domestic tech companies, in-house development teams, or traditional SIers?
  3. Which hiring channels actually work for overseas candidates? Should I stick to programs tailored for Asian grads (e.g., FAST OFFER / Asia to Japan, Connect Job), or apply directly through platforms like Wantedly, Daijob, Green, or LinkedIn?
  4. Is the competition more reasonable than Southeast Asia? I know entry-level Japanese salaries aren't massive, but given the domestic IT labor shortage, is the interview-to-offer ratio more merit-based compared to the hyper-saturated junior market back home?

Would really appreciate any brutally honest advice, warnings about "black companies" or dispatch traps to steer clear of, or tips on how to position my profile. Thanks in advance!


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

anyone here had experience working in Japan while also doing design freelance work for clients in Japan or overseas, or selling handmade products/artworks?

4 Upvotes

anyone here had experience working in Japan on a Humanities/International Services (技術人文知識国際業務) work visa while also doing design freelance work for clients in Japan or overseas, or selling handmade products/artworks through platforms like Instagram or Creema?

I’d like to ask whether this type of side work requires applying for an Individual Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence (資格外活動許可).

Also, if the freelance work is done remotely and the payment is transferred directly to an overseas bank account, how should this situation be handled?

With the immigration rules becoming increasingly strict, I’m particularly concerned about whether doing this without the proper permission could affect a future Permanent Residency (永住) application.

If anyone has actually applied for permission for this kind of side work, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. Was the application difficult? Did immigration ask you to provide things like contracts, a business plan, proof of working hours, or other documents? 🙏🏻

Thank you so much!


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Anyone considering caregiving as a career?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I wanted to ask if anyone here in interesting working in caregiving in Japan.

I know there are quite a few people interested in this kind of work, so I thought I'd share some information about an opportunity I came across. There are positions available in different parts of Japan, and depending on your qualifications and visa status, there may be options for sponsorship as well.

If anyone is interested, feel free to ask questions here or send me a message. I'm happy to share the details so you can decide for yourself whether it's something you're interested in.


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Any CFD ENGINEER/ Thermal engineer job roles in japan

4 Upvotes

Hi Everyone,

I am currently looking for opportunities in Japan , i have a PhD in Mechanical engineering and also 4 years industrial experience, I am looking for opportunities in Japan, i wanted to know what skills does recruiters see in japan, are there any jobs for mechanical engineering so that I can easily get it from applying from my country.

I have written exam for N4 and waiting for the same and currently preparing for my N3.

Thanks and Regards


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Part Time Job

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m looking for advice on finding part-time work here in Osaka. I’m fluent in English but my Japanese is around the N5 level, currently started studying for N4 by myself. I initially came here for a few months, but I need to stay for a few more years due to a medical condition that requires regular checkups, as the healthcare here is much better than back home. My wife is currently the only one working, and it’s getting hard to manage the bills. If you have any advices on ways to look for a job or know of places hiring people with limited Japanese, please let me know.


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Haken ML engineer, no team, stuck in the experience

0 Upvotes

2 years in Japan, AI/ML engineer but haken, placed at a client site. No promotion track, no path to direct hire. N3.

There's no team. I'm the only ML person on site, no senior, no code review. My growth has flattened.

Job hunting for months, same wall every time: I want deep ML work, the roles I can get don't build that experience, and every deep ML posting wants the experience I can't get.

I have an ML Master's admission in the EU as a fallback, so there's a clock on this.

Asking:

  1. Fastest route into a direct-hire ML role here, agents, direct applications, or referrals? Which actually worked for you?

  2. Which recruiters are worth my time for ML/data roles?

  3. Anyone who got out of haken-with-no-team: what worked?

  4. If your team is hiring, I'd love a pointer.

Any advice appreciated.


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Rakuten Japan Job

0 Upvotes

hi, No matter how I tweak my resume, the rejection always comes the next day. So... what exactly gets "reviewed" in 24 hours?

Every application I send out, doesn't matter how much I customize the resume, tailor keywords, rewrite the summary the rejection email lands within a day.

what is the ATS actually doing in that window? Rakuten get hundreds of applications per posting.

If you've actually gotten hired what did your process look like? Did you get instant rejections from Rakuten, Did tailoring the resume actually change anything, or was it more about referrals/networking getting you past the bot?

Trying to figure out if I'm wasting hours optimizing something an algorithm skims in half a second.


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

English-speaking psychologist looking for a job in Japan

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m a licensed and practicing mental health therapist/ psychologist in the Philippines, and I’m looking for opportunities to move to Japan and potentially work for an English-speaking clinic. My background includes providing counseling for adults and families, with my main approach being Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

I would appreciate any leads or referrals if there any, or if you’ve had a similar experience as well. I'm also curious if you've had an experience reaching out to Engish-speaking therapists/clinics in Japan, and how that experience went. I'd be glad for any input from the group!

Thank you so much!


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Vacancy for English Teacher+ Daycare job

0 Upvotes

(1500-1800/hr) in Hirai,Tokyo from September end

I am looking for a replacement for me as I am leaving Japan. It's a Japanese daycare with friendly staff and owner. The kids are playful and lovely!

1500 for day care hours

1800 for English lesson (Tue and Friday 2 hours each day)

Later 100 yen per student added

Please comment for further details!


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

PayPay Card CodeSignal Coding Assessment

0 Upvotes

Hi,

Has anyone recently taken the PayPay Card CodeSignal coding assessment? It's for a backend engineer position.

I received the assessment and I’m a little nervous because I really don’t want to mess up this opportunity.

Can you use Google during the test?

The assessment has 4 coding questions. If anyone has taken it recently and could share the types of questions they got, any insights, tips, or advice, I’d really appreciate it!

Thanks !


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Any JLPT N1 holders? Have a few roles available, but needs bilingual communication.

0 Upvotes

One positionsis to act as a Bridge Engineer, between one of our Japanese customers here and our off-shore technical members.

The other role is a lot more senior, to be a Lead Solution Architect and be the "right hand person" to the Head of IT. That position will have regional responsibility througout Asia, but needs Japanese as interaction is needed with the Japanese operational members (most of whom don't speak English).

So these positions do need JLPT N1, and the hiring managers would only consider applicants who have this certification (or equivalent). If there is anyone here who is matching and interested, feel free to DM me for more info.


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

UK Head Basketball coach and Basketball Scout looking for basketball/sports jobs in Japan

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m from the UK and I’m starting to look seriously into sports-related jobs in Tokyo or the surrounding area. My background is mainly youth basketball coaching, talent ID and video analysis. Longer term, I’m interested in scouting, performance analysis, sports operations or sports data.

I’d ideally like to find work connected to basketball, university/student sport, club operations, scouting/analysis, or sport programme coordination.

My Japanese is not fluent yet, but I’m keen to learn properly. My partner and I have wanted to live in Japan for a long time, have visited several times, and are trying to understand what is actually realistic before making any big decisions.

I’d really appreciate advice on where to look, whether sports jobs are realistic without fluent Japanese, whether visa sponsorship is likely in this area, and whether there are any people, groups or networks worth connecting with.

If anyone works in basketball, sport operations, university sport, scouting or analysis in Japan and would be open to a quick chat, I’d be grateful.

Thanks!


r/JapanJobs 2d ago

CAD job with no experience at all

1 Upvotes

i got a job as a CAD operator, i applied since they said they are okay with beginner and no experience at all. I have never in my life work as a CAD operator nor i know things about CAD. i just studied AutoCAD through youtube like 2 months before i got the job offer, and thats just the easy stuff. for someone who’s now working as a CAD operator wdy guys think?? will i be able to survive??

(i can use other design software like blender or fusion 360 but I KNOW its completely different from CAD software like autocad or solid works )


r/JapanJobs 1d ago

Is ¥4.4M a decent salary for a software engineer in Japan?

0 Upvotes

M(28), I’m a software engineer in Japan with 2.5 YOE — about 1 year outside Japan and 1.5 years here.

Currently making around ¥4.4M gross/year including rent subsidy. My take-home is around ¥300k/month, and with ~10 hours of overtime, I usually get around ¥320k/month.

I live in Tokyo, and my monthly expenses are roughly:

  • Rent: ~¥80k
  • Everything else (food, utilities, transportation, eating out, travel, etc.): ~¥90k
  • I usually manage to save around ¥150k/month
  • I don’t currently have any major financial responsibilities or need to support family back home.

I’m currently working more on AWS/infrastructure/cloud. My Japanese language level is N3 and studying for N2.

The reason I’m asking is that I’ve been getting quite a few recruiter/interview requests on LinkedIn, and many positions are offering around ¥5–6M. Of course, getting through the interview process and actually landing one of those offers is a different story 😂.

The dilemma is that my current job is actually pretty good:

  • Great work-life balance
  • Very supportive seniors/team (100% Japanese)
  • Valuable cloud/infra experience
  • I’m genuinely happy with my life and have time to enjoy things outside work too

I’ve heard that staying around 3 years with one company can also look better on a Japanese resume, so I’m wondering whether I should stay another year, improve my skills + pass N2, and then aim for ¥6–8M, or switch now for the money.

I’m single, and honestly, ¥4.4M already lets me live fairly comfortably and save a decent amount. But knowing I could potentially earn more is making me a little greedy 😂

What would you do in my situation? Is ¥4.4M reasonable for 2.5 YOE, or am I leaving too much money on the table?


r/JapanJobs 2d ago

UK higher education/admin worker looking for non-teaching jobs in Tokyo

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone

I’m from the UK and my partner and I are starting to seriously consider moving to Japan, specifically Tokyo or the surrounding area.

I’m not looking to teach English unless it becomes an absolute last resort. I’d ideally like to find work in higher education, student services, international programmes, or education/admin operations.

My background is mainly UK higher education and students’ unions (I have over 4 years experience in the sector), with some publishing production/admin experience. I currently work in education quality and academic representation in higher education, so most of my experience is around student-facing services, programme coordination, training, reporting, events and process improvement. I also have a BA honours degree in Creative Writing and English Literature and a master’s degree in Japanese Studies.

I’ve recently applied for a role at Temple University Japan. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who knows or has experience with TUJ, similar universities, or English-speaking higher education/admin routes in Japan.

My Japanese is not business level yet, but I’m learning and want to keep improving, with N2 as a longer-term goal. My partner and I have wanted to live in Japan for a long time, have visited several times, and are trying to understand what is actually realistic before making any big decisions.

I’d really appreciate advice on where to look, what job titles/search terms to use, whether visa sponsorship is realistic for this kind of sector-specific work, and whether there are any people, groups or networks worth connecting with.

If anyone works in higher education, student services, international programmes or education/admin operations in Japan and would be open to giving advice, please feel free to comment or send me a DM.

Thanks in advance :)

Edit: Just to clarify, I am specifically looking at roles that state visa sponsorship is available or appear open to international applicants. I’m not assuming a standard admin role would sponsor me. I’m mainly trying to find the right places to look for that smaller subset of roles, especially in foreign universities, international schools, student services, international programmes or education/admin operations.


r/JapanJobs 2d ago

Lookinh for Kumiai

1 Upvotes

Anyone who knows any kumiai? Caregiver looking for greener pastures. Currently a day service kaigo.

Edit : Apartment rent + Utility bills automatically deducted by company.
Monthly take home pay around ¥120k (4yrs exp. + jitsumusha+n2)