Hello everyone,

I’m currently a third-year student majoring in International Relations. I love Japan so much, so I’ve studied Japanese up to the JLPT N2 level, and I expect to obtain N1 by the time I graduate.

Are there any jobs in Japan where I can use both my knowledge of International Relations and work toward becoming an interpreter?

I’m willing to work hard to develop every skill I need to achieve my dream work in Japan.

I want to work for my country's embassy in Japan but it is really competitive. That's why I'm looking for other options to make sure I still have a chance to work in Japan.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post and share your advice. Thank you so much!

Example post:

Annual income: 5.5M - 7M yen/ year

Actual offer: 350k/ month + ave OT 20hrs + 2x Bonus (subject to performance)

First time interviewing here and it was such a surprise to me

Hello,

I have started to notice in articles, interviews and on YouTube that Japanese, especially older ones, are somewhat annoyed with financially independent foreigners.

Obviously, it is reflected in the recent changes to a business manager visa too.

I have a couple of friends who have moved to Japan a year ago and opened a creative agency: providing visdev, illustration e.t.c for animation and game studios. They spent around 150 000 euro initially, and had to find commissions for another 200k the first year of their operation because of the changes to the business manager visa. Now they had to find 100k more to meet the requirements on practice (due to accounting quirks, the first 200 000 wasn't enough).

At the same time, everyone is talking about how Japan needs a labour force for manufacturing, service and such.

Even on this sub-Reddit, people who plan to avoid employment in a Japanese company are often met with open aggression.

This seems strange to me. Here, in the EU, independent, creative and entrepreneurial foreigners are much more welcome than the rest.

Are artists, freelancers, small business owners and other not-corporate-workers not welcome in Japan? What is the reason? Envy for the independence from the local work culture?

Some people from the interviews couldn't hide their strong hatred and disdain of ones who don't work 9-5.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has gone through the Japanese labor system, whether with the Labor Standards Inspection Office (LSIO), Labor Bureau, Labor Tribunal, or the courts.

How did your real experience compare with what you found online or what the law says?

For some background, I've worked for a number of companies in Japan over the years and almost all of them had questionable contracts. I'd always read that statutory law overrides illegal contract terms, so I assumed there were protections if things went wrong.

In this case, I worked for the same company for two years.

During the first year I was employed on a part-time employment contract. The company split my wages into two payment channels, only recorded one set of hours, and, according to the manager at the time, this was done to avoid paying social insurance contributions. They also failed to provide complete payslips and tax documents covering all of the hours worked.

In the second year they changed my contract to an outsourcing agreement. There was no real negotiation about how this business-to-business relationship would work. However, the actual work didn't change. The company still controlled my schedule, classes, work, invoices and pay. They even calculated and prepared invoices in my name each month, meaning they were effectively self-billing in my name.

Eventually the owner started paying different rates from what the contract specified. They also deducted consumption tax and withholding tax from my transportation reimbursement. I refused to sign invoices that didn't match the contract, and shortly afterwards the company ended the relationship after I insisted that the invoices comply with the contract.

I spent months reading the Labor Standards Act, Fair Trade rules, government guidance, court cases, and even used ChatGPT and Gemini to help understand and translate the law. Everything I found suggested there were legal protections if an employer operated this way, and that at least some aspects of the company's systems could raise issues under both labor and fair trade laws.

So I gathered evidence, organized contracts, payment records, reports and timelines, and approached the relevant government departments.

My experience, however, has been much more difficult than I expected. The very first response I received from the LSIO was essentially, "Why do you care if you got paid?" That immediately made me question whether my concerns were being taken seriously. While some officials—particularly at the tax office—have been helpful, I found that investigations move slowly, responsibilities overlap between agencies, and departments often refer you somewhere else. Actually getting problems corrected has been far more difficult than simply identifying them.

I'm curious whether anyone else has had a similar experience.

• Did the system work for you?
• Did you find a lawyer willing to take your case?
• Were you able to successfully challenge a black company?
• Did the Labor Standards Inspection Office or Labor Tribunal actually resolve your problem?
• If you could do it again, what would you do differently?

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have actually been through the process.

First, a disclaimer: I wrote this in my native language and translated into English, so it may look a little weird. Everyone’s background is different, and personal experience is not necessarily replicable. This is just for reference.

I used to work in a foreign company in Shanghai. After being laid off, I moved to Japan and have now joined a large foreign enterprise in Japan as an SRE. Although I’m a contractor rather than a full-time employee, the salary is at a level I’m satisfied with.

My background: I graduated from a low-tier university in China, worked for about 5 years in SRE/DevOps roles at English-speaking foreign companies. TOEIC 925, JLPT N1, but no study or work experience in Japan.

I applied to a lot of jobs using platforms like Green, Workport, and Rirashiku, but didn’t get any meaningful offers. I was often asked “How many years have you been in Japan?” and when I answered “0 years,” the conversation basically ended there.

I once received an offer from a Japanese dispatch company with an annual salary of around 3.8M JPY. Even the recruiter told me I should just accept it. Honestly, even a dog would shake its head at that. Almost all Japanese recruiters told me it’s impossible to get a 6M+ JPY job, and suggested targeting 3–4M instead. I asked them: “Then why would I even come here?” I might as well give up my visa and go back to China to take some random outsourcing job—it would be better than that.

There’s a line from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain that makes sense here—Skull Face’s idea that language is not just a communication tool, but also shapes culture and thinking.

Japanese really isn’t a “neutral” advantage—it genuinely lowers salary expectations. Even in Japan, once Japanese becomes involved, pay tends to drop. This is not a joke.

Even though I speak Japanese, I deleted my Japanese resume entirely and only applied to English-language roles (or roles where Japanese is just a plus). The quality of job listings I saw immediately improved.

For many Japanese-language roles, they require native-level Japanese. Even when I could communicate fine, I was told my pronunciation or honorific usage wasn’t “natural enough” (for example, saying nan desu ka is not professional and you should say nan deshou ka). You’re also expected to constantly bow, wear suits, and behave very formally.

One company even rejected me because I was wearing headphones when entering the office and my greeting when leaving wasn’t “proper” enough. That company’s average salary was around 3M yen. Honestly, it was hilarious—the less they pay, the more rules they have.

On the other hand, I have never seen an English-language job requiring “native English.” For 6M+ JPY roles, there are plenty of opportunities.

In the end, I found my current job on LinkedIn. A recruiter from a large US-based outsourcing company reached out and recommended me for an SRE role at a big foreign enterprise. I passed the interviews and joined last month. The salary is at a satisfying level.

Working here feels very similar to my previous foreign-company experience in Shanghai. The working language is English. Occasionally I need to communicate with Japanese teams, but basic communication is enough—no native-level Japanese required.

No one cares whether you wear a suit, bow excessively, or even whether you’re on your phone or using headphones at work. Office attendance is 3 days per week, but there’s no strict supervision or clock-in system. As long as you get your work done, nobody cares.

The idea of “I don’t mind lower pay if the work is easy” is actually wrong in my experience—the lower the pay, the more rules and nonsense you tend to get.

My personal conclusion: if you have experience working in Western-style foreign companies, you can probably avoid most Japanese domestic companies. Low pay, high workload, and high expectations are very common.

You can basically “pretend you don’t speak Japanese” and focus only on English-speaking roles. I would strongly recommend avoiding Japanese recruiters and Japanese job boards entirely—if you see a Japanese JD, just skip it.

Hope this helps someone with a similar background. Wish everyone good luck finding their ideal job.

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

• /r/JapanJobs/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

Hello everyone,

I'm a 22-year-old Software Engineer from India, and I'll be moving to Fukuoka soon for my first job in Japan.

My current offer is:

Salary: ¥275,000/month

Bonus: Twice a year (total annual bonus = 2× one month's salary)

Visa sponsorship and CoE handled by the company

Relocation support

Housing assistance

Support during my first month in Japan

I'm really excited because working in Japan has been my goal for several years. At the same time, I want to make smart career decisions from the beginning instead of only focusing on my first job.

My long-term goal is to become a strong Software Engineer. I've been learning software development and system design, although my first job will primarily involve web development. I'm happy to learn the stack used at work, but I also want to continue improving my software engineering skills outside of work.

I'd love to hear from people who have built successful IT careers in Japan.

Some questions I have:

How is career growth in Japan for Software Engineers after 2–5 years of experience?

How much can Software Engineers realistically earn after a few years in cities like Fukuoka, Tokyo, or Osaka?

Is it difficult to transition between different technologies and roles in Japan?

Which skills are most valuable for engineers who want to work at international companies or higher-paying Japanese companies?

How important is Japanese ability (I'm currently studying for JLPT N3 and plan to Study N2 and N1 in Japan)?

If you were starting your career in Japan again, what would you do differently?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your own career journey, any mistakes you made, or advice you'd give to someone just starting out.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi, I am currently looking for jobs in Japan. I am specialized in Software Development. Previously worked in Trading Software Systems, followed by banking experiences. Mainly in C++, Tuxedo, IBM MQs. I can speak fluent Chinese and English, but DO NOT speak Japanese. Are there any fast track ways for me to find jobs in Japan?

Is it okay if I change my LinkedIn location to Japan, turn on "Open to Work," and start applying for jobs in the Japanese market?

Has anyone successfully done this and landed a job in Japan while applying from overseas? I'd love to hear about your experience.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to move to Japan for an IT role and wanted some guidance.

I have 7 years of IT work experience in India, but my degree is a BA, not IT/computer science related.

From what I understand, for Japan’s IT work visa requirements, applicants generally need either a relevant degree or 10 years of relevant work experience. Since I don’t meet either condition yet, I came across the ITPEC Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination, which seems to be recognized as an alternative route.
I’m currently preparing to take the FE exam in Bangkok because it is available in English there.

Has anyone here taken this route or used ITPEC FE for a Japan IT visa/job application? Is this a valid path, and is there anything else I should be aware of before going ahead?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Lately i've been getting a lot of requests for recruiters on linkedin saying they have a positions and wanted to have a casual call. They'll ask all kinds of invasive questions like how much i'm making, my jobs. Then hours later they'd say the "hiring manager" isn't interested in my profile.

I strongly believe they're just collecting my data under false pretense.
If you're a recruiter either say first the position and company you're looking to fill or kindly fuck off you parasite.

I am on spouse visa and I currently study Japanese at night while working at a factory 8 hours during the day. My main job is cleaning the warehouse facility and prepare shipments. Most is done by manual lifting.

I already had issues with my knees and back before doing this work. I used to clean office buildings for a living before becoming a software engineer cause of chronic pain.

Since I began the factory work my pain has (unsurprisingly) gotten worse, and I am currently getting evaluated for nerve damage, cause I am having trouble feeling my right foot.

As much as I would love to get back into programming I am simply no match for AI and highly professional bilingual foreigners. I did try applying during winter and had a surprising amount of interviews, but I am just too much of a generalist. I will need to finish my studies first.

My wife insists that I can just get hired by Google or any international tech company, which I think is sweet, but naive lol.

So, I was wondering if there are any jobs that I could apply for that do not require constant standing. I am not picky about salary. Right now I make less than 1 million a year.

I know they are frowned upon here, but I looked into the recruitment business, as I had read that it was the new "English teacher" job that everyone could get, but so far they all seem to require N1 or N2. If anyone know of a firm without that requirement I would be happy to look into it.

Hello, How is your experience of working on a construction field as a site engineer in Japan? To what level of language do I need to study? Is it worth it for a foreigner to learn a language and work there?

Has anyone experienced a COE taking this long for an Engineer visa?

Any similar experiences or advice would be appreciated.

Format:

• Application office:

• Application Date:

• COE received on:

Type of Visa: HSP, Engineer, Instructor, BMV,

spouse/dependent, etc.

Request for further:

My case:

• Application office: Shinagawa / Tokyo Immigration

• Application Date: September 5th, 2025

• COE received on: Still processing

Type of Visa: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

spouse/dependent, etc.: None

Request for further: None officially requested by immigration so far.

Notes:

• IT-related position
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant major
• Around 3 years of relevant work experience
• JLPT N1
• Category 3 company
• Small company
• First time hiring a foreign employee
• No official request for additional documents from immigration so far
• Request for expedited processing / petition submitted
• Immigration’s usual answer has only been “still under review”
• Recently, when I called immigration directly, they said they would send an internal email.

I just got a contract job (派遣) as an end user support in IT.

This is my 2nd job, and my first contract job. I was in a perm role so I took the leap for the extra money.

I notice, in my old job I did like 10 tickets a day. Now I barely do 2. If its busy, 5 will come.

I'm starting to wonder if they even need me.. I haggled the salary since I got 2 job offers. And it's a new IT environment for me so I would obviously ask questions.

But due to me asking questions, I may seem "clueless" at my job. They didnt even do orientation, nor a explanation of the IT environment. I was expected to sink or swim right away. If I ask they would answer, sure.

But I'm worried if I seem not fit for the role and salary..

Will they not extend the contract over this..?

I obviously solve the tickets by myself, but there are different methods that I have no clue about due to the different environment.. I'm just worried they would think they're wasting their money for someone clueless.

Its a 6 month contract which would be renewed

Any advice?

I am 25M, a non-IT new grad holding N1, just got an unofficial offer(内定） from a company. This company is a dispatch company IT company, but the position i am getting offered is a Seishain position. The pay, is as expected, low, looking at about 3.7 million yen pre taxes, and housing support at 20000 yen per month(company will find a place for me that is worth 60000 yen per month, so i will effectively be paying 40000 yen a month).

Now the reason i want to take the job, is well obviously because i want to work in japan, but also because it is basically impossible for me to work in IT without an IT degree in my country.

Is this pay manageable? and also I plan to job hop after staying 2-3 years, so looking for people who have the same experience as me, like what is the pay for your second job. Any insights is appreciated, thank you

Extra info: there is a high chance i will not be working in Tokyo
Also I actually have 2 offers, but this company appeals to me more, the other is also a dispatch company with much worse conditions

Edit: my alternative is working at my home country at a different industry, have some prospects as well. Honestly financially better option, but i feel like if i pick this option i will permanently be abandoning my dream of moving to Japan. So i am juggling between the money option vs chase my dream option

I'm a B.Tech in Artificial intelligence and Data science, I have basic knowledge of japanese. But I wish to work in japan and learn japanese as well. Can I get a job from outside of Japan in IT domain ?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some career advice from people who have worked in Japan.

A little about me:

- I came from Thai and graduated with Business Administration bachelor degree in Japan.
- I speak fluent English and business-level Japanese (JLPT N2).
- I’ve had internships and project experience in business development.

My student visa is expiring on Nov so I recently accepted a full-time position as a front desk staff member at a hotel in Tokyo.
They pay me 26万円 per month, bonus 2 times per yr, commuting expenses,separate OT and night shift fees.

While I’m grateful for the opportunity, I don’t see hospitality as my long-term career.

My long-term goal is to work in finance, consulting, business strategy, recruitment consulting, or another client-facing professional role with international exposure.

My current plan is:

Work at the hotel for about 1 year.
Improve my Japanese to N1.
Study for financial certifications (I’m considering FP, CFA, or USCPA, but I’m still deciding which makes the most sense).

Ultimately, I’d like to move into a role that offers stronger career growth and eventually work internationally, possibly in the US or another global market.

My questions are:

1. Is working one year in hospitality likely to hurt my chances of moving into finance, consulting, or recruitment?
2. Which certification would provide the best return on investment in Japan: FP, CFA, USCPA, or something else?
3. Are there industries or roles that are especially open to candidates making this kind of career transition?
4. Is there anything you would change about my overall plan?

I’d really appreciate honest feedback, especially from people who have successfully changed careers in Japan or who work in recruiting, finance, or consulting.
Thank you!

Hello everyone!

I have accepted a project management role in a category 2 company, I have JLPT N2 and 9 years of experience in multi national companies .. got a BCA degree too ..

I have been waiting since April 1 for COE and I still haven't heard back anything except under processing status!

Now since it's been officially 90 days, this is taking a toll on me because I quit my high paying job hoping to follow my dream and passion at these uncertain times .. I am kinda questioning my decisions ..

So my question is should I consider applying to new jobs locally or do you think i should give it a month or 2 more ? Is going beyond 90 days a bad sign ?

I am a 24 year old from India. I have done Bachelor's in science and a 2 year Pharmacy program from India. I am not from a tech background, I mean I have a strong hardware knowledge of computers but I don't know coding and software development. I am hunting for a job in Japan but I don't know where to look for it. Everywhere I go, I only see opportunities for individuals from tech background. Does Japan not have career opportunities from science background. Earlier I had a thought of working as an ALT but that doesn't pay well and there is no career growth in it. I am really confused I would appreciate a lot if someone could help me and point me in right direction. I was looking for jobs on Gaijinpot but didn't find much on it.