{"id":26857,"date":"2023-02-10T05:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-02-10T05:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=26857"},"modified":"2024-12-27T19:21:38","modified_gmt":"2024-12-27T10:21:38","slug":"essential-things-you-need-to-work-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/essential-things-you-need-to-work-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Essential Things You Need to Work in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your long-term goal is to work in Japan<\/strong>, there are a few essential things you need in order to make that dream a reality. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From having an excellent grasp of the language to understanding Japanese business etiquette, here are the top things you must have in order to work in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A high level of Japanese language skill<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the first steps to successfully finding work in Japan is to have the language skills necessary to communicate with your peers, boss, and potential customers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vast majority of full-time roles in Japan will require a high level of Japanese – at least JLPT N2, but preferably <\/span>N1<\/span><\/a> – and your salary may depend on what JLPT level you are. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t already know Japanese, you should expect to spend about <\/span>two years studying full-time<\/strong> at a Japanese language school in order to reach JLPT N2. The most effective way of learning a new language is to study it in a country where it is spoken – learn more about the benefits of immersive learning <\/strong><\/span>in our article here<\/span><\/a>. Go! Go! Nihon can also help you find the right language school for your career and work goals. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s true that there are some jobs that don\u2019t require a high level of Japanese or any Japanese at all. These include teaching English or another language and working in software engineering. However, not knowing Japanese means you\u2019re more disconnected from your colleagues and it becomes harder to build camaraderie and trust when you can\u2019t communicate in the same language.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of this, life in general is harder without the right language skills, especially if you don\u2019t live in a major city. Seeking <\/span>medical help<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>making Japanese friends<\/span><\/a>, and renting an apartment without good Japanese skills will make your life harder than it needs to be.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese is not an easy language to learn at a high level, but it is well worth it if you want to build a career and find a fulfilling job in Japan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Students<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At least a Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having at least a Bachelor\u2019s Degree is crucial to being able to work in Japan. Even if you find an employer who is willing to hire you and sponsor your work visa without a university degree, there is a chance that Japanese Immigration will deny your application. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only other way you could work in Japan without a degree is if you have at least 10 years of professional experience<\/strong> in the field corresponding to your work visa category. These categories include Engineer, Journalist, Medical Services, Legal, Skilled Labor, and more. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend those who don\u2019t already have a university degree from their home country to invest their time and resources into learning Japanese at a language school, and then attend university or a vocational college in Japan. Most tertiary education courses in Japan are taught in Japanese, so here is another instance where learning the language is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are E-track options for those who wish to gain a Bachelor’s Degree in English from a Japanese university. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University<\/strong>, based in Beppu, Kyushu, allows students to access three of their degree courses in English, while learning Japanese at the same time. These degrees are the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Science, and Bachelor of Sustainability and Tourism. Read more about this university on our website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that a degree from a vocational college from your home country will not be enough to secure a work visa in Japan. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about the process of getting a university degree in Japan<\/strong> in our article <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Japanese resume<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a high likelihood that you will need a Japanese resume when applying for work in Japan. This means a resume written in Japanese in the style that is expected by Japanese companies. It can\u2019t just be a direct Japanese translation of your existing resume.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the main differences between Japanese and Western resumes include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n