While a lot of work will go into to finding a job in a new country, as much work should go into learning about what life will be like once you get there. The internet has a tonne of information about life in Japan – focusing on both the good and not so good points – and we encourage you to take advantage of these sites as you start to look into your options.
One of the big plusses of living in Japan is its safety record. While bad things can happen anywhere, Japan consistently comes in as one of the safest countries in the world. Another big draw is the country’s convenience stores. It may sound odd that this comes in at number two, but convenience stores in Japan actually live up to the name. Sure, you can get a hot meal, but you can also pay your utility bills and taxes, buy concert tickets, post letters, pick up small packages and much, much more in these cleverly designed outlets.
On the flip side, you may be surprised at the generally low level of English fluency in Japan. If you’re thinking of relocating here, you should be ready to stand out all the time and be an object of interest and placed under well-meaning but sometimes uncomfortable scrutiny. Group culture and sticking to social norms can be very strong in parts of the country and you sometimes might feel like you are being given the cold shoulder because you are not a native. However, more often than not it is because people lack confidence when interacting with foreigners and so play it safe by keeping their distance.
Link Japan Career Europe staff have lived in Japan for decades, and many continue to embrace life in the East. They will always be happy to talk to you about your options and help you decide if relocating to Japan is the right choice for you.
WORK LIFE
IN JAPAN
As important as what you will be doing in your new job is the environment you will be doing it in. Most people have an image of the Japanese office place being a dower, serious place with people putting in long hours, not being able to take vacations with everyone keeping their noses to the grindstone all the time.
In some jobs, that is true! But you might be surprised to learn that overall Japan ranks about the middle on lists of countries that put the most hours in per week. Japan comes in behind even the US, New Zealand, Italy and Spain while ahead of places like France, Denmark and Iceland. Furthermore, more and more companies are shifting to remote work style to help give their employees greater flexibility in deciding how and when to work.
Getting time off from work is just about as easy in Japan as it is anywhere else. Everyone needs time to relax which is always balanced against the feeling of imposing on others while you are
away. That said, Japan has some of the most national holidays in the world coming in the top 10 with 15 in 2020, ahead of countries like Sweden, the US and UK. Most companies provide 10 paid holiday to 1st year employees, and the national government actually imposes penalties on companies that have employees who don’t take enough time off each year. The main different
between holidays in Japan and other countries is that everyone seems to take their days off at the same time, resulting in some impressive crowds and traffic jams in the holiday periods!
TRAVEL
IN JAPAN
While Japan is a great jumping off point to visit other parts of Asia, you could literally spend a lifetime in Japan and not see everything it has to offer. Getting around is easy with trains, planes and buses running on-time to almost anywhere you want to go. While Japan is not a big country comparatively, each region takes pride in what makes it different from its neighbours and goes to great trouble to make sure travellers know about them too.
Almost any hobby you can name will find some expression in Japan and can be a great reason to get out and see the country. From hiking in the Northern Alps, seeing kabuki in Tokyo, whisky tours in Kyoto, digital high-tech of Akihabara, folk dancing at Awajima, of the food culture of Fukuoka, you will be hard pressed to narrow down your travel to-do list.
From budget-minded overnight buses and hostels, to bullet trains and 5-star hot springs, Japan has more than enough to keep you wanting to make the most of the vacation days.
Read on for everything you need to know about moving to Japan, from how much you need to save towards your new adventure to the kind of work-life balance you can expect from Japanese culture.
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I can’t speak and Japanese. Can I still find a job in Japan?Yes! Your language ability will impact the rage of options you have available. Typically, those with little to no Japanese will start off in a teaching position, even if they have trained for another set of skills. They will take Japanese lessons in their free time to improve their fluency and access new opportunities. We recommend that you begin self-studying Japanese at home and at least master basic words and phrases before you apply with us.
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When should I apply?Right away! Jobs start all year round and the sooner you start the screening and placement process, the sooner you can get to Japan. Your precise arrival timing will depend on the number of openings and when they start, but allow for up to two months of screening (which includes introducing you to potential employers and waiting for their replies), a month for collecting documents and securing your visa, and a month’s lead-time to wrap up your affairs and get on a plane. In summary, it takes most applicants between 4 and 8 months from your initial application to actually landing in Japan and starting work.
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What do I need to qualify for a visa to work in Japan?The documents you will need to submit for your visa can vary between visa category, but usually you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) or have at last 10 years’ experience in the field you will be working in. If you are applying for a highly technical position you might be asked to submit evidence of advanced degrees or training, and if you are looking to work in public (government-run) schools you should be ready to evidence having had 12 years of education where the language of instruction was English (for all courses). You will need a valid passport, and you will need to complete some application paperwork. Link Japan Careers Europe will work with you to identify what documents you may need in addition and help you through the full process.
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Can I move to Japan with my partner or dependents?This can get complicated, but generally, yes. You will likely need to be the sponsor for your partner or dependents. Please note that Japan will currently allow people to sponsor their spouses for visas and not fiancés or long-term partners. As their sponsor, you can manage their visa application process. Most companies in Japan do not offer to sponsor visas for employee’s partners or dependents. Bringing family members may also complicate your housing options. Because most companies generally plan to assist with housing for single employees, single occupancy housing options are more readily available. That said, it is possible to find accommodation for you and your family, and we have helped people make it happen! The important thing is to share your situation openly and honestly as early in the screening process as you can. Sharing more information on your personal circumstances will not eliminate you from consideration for a position, but it will make sure that all parties are ready to support you if your application progresses.
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Will you charge me for your services?No! Link Japan Careers Europe will never change applicants for our job placement services. We make our money from employers, not our candidates, and will only be guaranteed our fee once the recruiter has completed a new hire and the employee is working happily in their new position.
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How much should I plan to save before coming to Japan?The more you can save before relocating to Japan, the better off you will be. But a more helpful answer is to budget for about 3,500 GBP to cover your flight, the initial set-up fees for your new apartment, incidentals if you need to provide basic furnishings, and some money to see you through to your first wage slip, which might not come through until several weeks after you arrive. It might all feel very expensive at first, but once you are in Japan making a Japanese wage and paying Japanese prices (which can be surprisingly higher and lower for certain things!), your budget will fall in line. You can expect to live comfortably, with a little bit left over for luxuries. Be sure to check the FAQs in our Life in Japan section for more details.
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I have some additional questions and would like to speak with someone. What should I do next?Click here to send us a message. We look forward to hearing from you!