What are my chances of getting a job?
Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Japan entered a recession and there is currently a lack of available jobs for native graduates. Many Japanese firms are not hiring, although certain areas of the labour market are still open to international graduates, particularly those with a strong level of Japanese language ability. With little or no Japanese, the most realistic option would be to teach English.
- Typical problems encountered: some Japanese companies are reluctant to hire foreigners and many set an upper age limit for hiring new graduates. To obtain a visa, you have to find a company to sponsor you. If you wish to stay long term, foreign companies may offer more career progression, as there can be a 'glass ceiling' effect that prevents foreigners from gaining high office. Unfortunately, there is also some bias towards white males when securing a job.
- How to improve your chances: for language teaching, try to get qualified before going to Japan as this will open up more opportunities. If you are not qualified, there are schools where you can work for a qualification while in Japan. Teaching experience outside Japan is not as respected by Japanese employers as experience gained in the country, so it is worth gaining the crucial two years post-qualification in Japan if you plan to stay for some time. For the IT labour market, experience may improve your chances. With finance, working for an international firm in the UK and transferring to Japan after a year or two is a good option.
- Language requirements: if you speak Japanese, there is a wider range of job opportunities, especially in sectors such as business, finance, IT and translation. These jobs often need competence in both English and Japanese. Such positions often offer high rates of pay and good long-term career prospects. Many graduates from around the world initially move to Japan and work as English teachers while they improve their Japanese before moving on to roles in Japanese companies.
Where can I work?
- Major industries: electronics, robotics, motor vehicles, communications, food processing, chemicals.
- Recent growth areas: nano and biotechnology, alternative energy.
- Industries in decline: car manufacturing.
- Shortage occupations: healthcare, IT, e-commerce, translation work and English teaching.
- Major companies: Sony, Sharp, Canon, Hitachi, Honda, Toyota, Mazda.
- Search for more companies: Kompass
, British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ)
, Japan Yellow Pages
and Wikipedia - List of Companies in Japan
.
- Major cities: Tokyo (capital and largest), Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kobe, Kyoto.
What's it like working in Japan?
- Average working hours: due to company loyalty, it is customary for employees to put in up to a 60-hour week. However, foreigners new to the country are not usually expected to adhere to this. The Japanese government has encouraged shorter working hours more akin to the traditional 5-day, 40-hour week, but attitudes are slow to change.
- Holidays: two weeks is usually the minimum amount of holiday time offered per year, which incorporates some of the major public holidays, e.g. Golden Week in May. Many Japanese, however, do not take their full holiday allowance.
- Tax rates: whilst working in Japan you will be subject to tax, National Insurance and pension contributions, although if you are not a permanent resident and return to your home country, you can claim back any tax contributions.
- Working practices and customs: the Japanese are renowned for working long hours, and it may be seen as weak or even unprofessional to be the first to leave the office. The concept of 'Wa', meaning harmony, is prevalent throughout Japanese life, especially in the office. This is reflected in the avoidance of individualism and confrontation. Japanese people rarely say 'no' directly, which can lead to long business negotiations. Bowing is common in Japan and reflects the hierarchical structure of organisations and society in general. Handshakes are increasingly common. You may consider bowing gently and offering a handshake as well. Although Japan has many social formalities, Japanese people forgive mistakes and are pleased when you try to learn their customs.
