Get a job in Japan: IT, skilled careers & beyond.
"I want an IT job in Japan. I'm around N4. Where do I even start?" This page is for you. Honest visa math, realistic paths, and the tools to win the interview.
The reality check (good news included)
- IT & engineering: the Engineer/Specialist visa needs a degree or 10 years experience, but not fluent Japanese. Some companies hire at N4 or even English-only.
- Teaching English: the classic entry path. Degree required, Japanese optional. See our Teach page.
- Hospitality, ski resorts, farms: easiest on a Working Holiday visa.
Where the jobs actually are
We don't place you in jobs (that requires a Japanese government license). We point you to the boards and recruiters that work, and prepare you to win:
- English-friendly IT job boards (Japan Dev, TokyoDev, Daijob)
- Teaching: JET, dispatch & eikaiwa recruiters, plus TEFL certification (our recommended courses)
- General: GaijinPot Jobs and bilingual recruiters
Get the Japan Job Hunt Playbook ($12)
Getting set up in Japan [PR]
Looking for work in Japan?
Start with free job-search support: tell us your situation and we'll point you in the right direction. You can also browse factory and hands-on job listings (Japanese-language site, open to non-Japanese applicants).
Get free support → Browse factory jobs (JP) →
Send & receive money
Skip bad bank rates. Wise moves money in and out of Japan cheaply, at the real exchange rate.
Try Wise →Spend in yen without the fees
The Wise card spends at the real exchange rate with no foreign-transaction markup, in shops and at ATMs across Japan.
Get the Wise card →Start with the free guide
Your Gateway to Japan: 5 Paths to Study & Work in Japan
The complete map of ways into Japan, compared side by side. Delivered by email.