{"id":28373,"date":"2024-07-09T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=28373"},"modified":"2025-09-18T10:38:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T01:38:50","slug":"finding-a-full-time-job-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/finding-a-full-time-job-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding a full-time job in Japan as a foreigner"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve finished a Japanese language course<\/a>, graduated from a university, have the right qualifications, and are dreaming about finding a full-time job in Japan, there is a lot to learn about the process. Job hunting in Japan is probably quite different from your home country, so read on for an introduction to finding a full-time job in Japan!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Three<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The process of finding a full-time job in Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The process of finding a full-time job in Japan for students is quite long and unique compared with other parts of the world. In Japanese, it is called \u5c31\u8077\u6d3b\u52d5 (<\/span>sh\u016bshoku katsud<\/span><\/i>\u014d<\/em>), or the \u201cactivity of finding employment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span> For Japanese university students, this process starts about one year before they graduate, and large companies often only hire new grads once a year during the sh\u016bshoku katsud\u014d end period in April.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it’s not impossible for foreign students who graduate in the summer or winter to find employment in Japan, options will be limited and more competitive, so it’s best to keep the sh\u016bshoku katsud\u014d period in mind when planning your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internships may also help you get your foot in the door as they help you get work experience, and develop communication skills, plus they look good on your resume.\u00a0<\/span>For international students currently studying at a language school, vocational school, or a university within Japan check out our article on how to find internships and part-time<\/a> work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expectations of foreigners working in Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For foreigners who have studied at a language school in Japan<\/a>, or a university, your best bet for finding a full-time job in Japan is to look for companies that have a need for foreign staff. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of foreign workers in Japan continues to grow, so there are certainly opportunities for finding a full-time job in Japan. Usually, companies that hire foreigners are large international brands with teams in Japan. However, Japanese companies will also hire international staff to bridge the gap between Japan and other countries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These roles typically require at least JLPT N2 level Japanese skills<\/a>, as well as business-level or fluent English (plus any other language that is helpful for the business).\u00a0You should be familiar with how to use keigo<\/em>, or formal Japanese<\/strong>, in both spoken and written Japanese. Additionally, you need to be able to prepare a Japanese resume<\/a> and cover letter, as well as be prepared for your job interview \u2014 including familiarizing yourself with common questions<\/a> and how to dress<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obtaining a work visa for Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For most work visas, you\u2019ll need a Bachelor\u2019s Degree (obtained in Japan or abroad) or a specialized diploma from a senmon gakk\u014d<\/em> (vocational school in Japan). Some other visa types may instead require specific skills or tests. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be limited in what you can do after your Japanese studies, even if you have significant work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those already in Japan studying, the process of changing your student visa to a work visa<\/a> is generally straightforward, and gives you more employment opportunities, as some companies are only able to hire and sponsor visas for people already living in the country. If you return to your home country to start the process of finding a job in Japan, your options may be more limited to companies that are able to sponsor visas for those living overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What work can I do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of different work visa categories<\/strong> for Japan that cover a wide range of professions such as:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n