The 8 Most Popular Jobs for Foreigners in Japan

The most common jobs foreigners take in Japan might surprise you
The most common jobs foreigners take in Japan might surprise you | © Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Alicia Joy

Tokyo Writer

With the proper degrees and a bit of experience under your belt, you can find a job in Japan almost anywhere. But there are some jobs that seem to attract more foreign workers than any others. Check out some of the most popular ones here.

English teacher

Teaching English at cram schools is the most common job for foreign workers. A bachelor degree in any field is the minimum requirement. It’s a crowded market and doesn’t usually pay very well, but there are almost always jobs available. It offers invaluable life experience as well. Without proper teaching credentials in their home country, foreign workers can’t teach at public schools except under the Japanese government’s JET program.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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English teaching is still the most popular job for foreigners in Japan

IT professional

Many Japanese companies hire foreign IT professionals, such as software engineers and programmers, making this the second most common job foreigners take in Japan. They’ll be quick to tell you they could make more money somewhere else but were drawn to Japan for their own reasons. Usually, very little Japanese ability is required to work in this field.

The IT field is another popular job type

Translator/interpreter

There is always a need for translation and interpreting, and not just for Japanese to English but for many other languages too. Most of these jobs are in the gaming industry, where game localization and testing is needed. Translators and interpreters could also pick up freelance work, such as assisting visiting businesspersons or translating written works, if their visa allows it.

Interpreters can work freelance in addition to their day job

Sales staff

International sales managers, sales support staff, and sales representatives are some of the posts that local Japanese companies like to fill with foreign workers. These jobs are usually in companies with a global reach trying to access international markets, such as the automobile or banking industries.

Sales is another popular job field

Military personnel

If you’re American, being stationed at one of the USA’s military bases in Japan is another common way foreign workers find themselves in the country. There are more American military personnel based in Japan than there are in any other foreign country, and cities around large bases end up with large international populations. Some older locals are opposed to the excessive military presence and perform protests outside the bases on a regular basis, but most people are indifferent.

There are more American military personnel in Japan than any other overseas country

Banker

Large investment banks can afford to relocate workers or hire foreign staff, though it’s much more common to find foreign bank employees in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The banking industry also supports other well-paying roles, such as jobs in the IT sector.

Investment bankers can be assigned to work in foreign branches

Service staff

As long as you have passable Japanese language skills and a valid visa (such as a spouse or Working Holiday visa), it’s possible to find work in the service industry. Jobs in the tourism industry, such as hotels and resorts, as well as restaurants and cafés in busy tourist areas, will be especially open to hiring foreign staff because their dual language skills would be an asset.

Foreign workers can also find jobs in the service industry

Engineer

Japan is known for its advanced engineering, and companies are happy to hire foreign workers and keep the design aspect of their business onshore. Foreign engineers would mainly be needed in the automobile industry to design parts.

Skilled engineers are always in demand
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