Career & Employment

Finding a rewarding career in Japan requires more than grades. You must understand what the country, its companies and its communities need, how the hiring calendar works, and which visas match your goals. This page gathers those essentials so you can move from student life to full-time work with confidence. Use it as a road map while you prepare documents, network online and polish your Japanese. Wherever you are in the world, the team at Isami Dojo will guide you step-by-step.

Expectations for International Students

Japan’s population is shrinking, and industries from health care to IT are racing to secure global talent. International students are ideal because they already know the language and culture. The Labour Ministry counted a record 2.3 million foreign workers in 2024, yet a state think-tank warns the economy will still lack almost one million workers by 2040. Graduates who can bridge cultures therefore enjoy strong demand and growing support from both government and business.

Expectations from the Japanese Government

The national government hopes former international students will close labour gaps and spark innovation. Programs such as the Specified Skilled Worker status fast-track candidates who hold Japanese ability and job-ready skills. STEM graduates may qualify for the points-based Highly Skilled Professional visa, which offers speedy permanent residency and family benefits. By staying in Japan you directly support growth targets and help diversify research and business communities.

Expectations from Japanese Companies

Employers value reliability, communication and curiosity more than pure test scores. Surveys by JETRO show firms are actively recruiting bilingual staff to expand overseas sales and digital projects. Companies expect you to adapt to team-driven decision making, yet they reward fresh viewpoints that speed up globalisation. A concise Japanese résumé and a clear plan for long-term contribution will set you apart from short-stay applicants.

→ Construire une carrière de col blanc au Japon après avoir été diplômé d'une université japonaise
→ Ce que les entreprises japonaises attendent des étudiants étrangers

Expectations from Local Authorities

Local governments compete to keep young professionals in their regions. Many offer subsidised housing, start-up grants and networking events to graduates who settle outside Tokyo. New guidelines approved in March 2025 aim to upskill foreign residents so they can move into higher-paid roles and eventually manage teams. Municipal officials hope your success will revitalise communities, boost tax revenue and attract tourism.

Job Hunting in Japan

Campus recruiting follows a predictable cycle. Most firms open pre-entry sites in March of junior year, hold information sessions in April and interview from June; offers arrive by October and jobs start the next April. Deviating is possible but requires proactive networking on sites such as CareerForum. International students should start one semester earlier to secure language scores and visa documents. The JASSO Job Hunting Guide lays out the timeline in detail.

What to Prepare

Prepare core documents early. You will need an English and Japanese résumé, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, passport copy and proof of Japanese ability (JLPT, JPT or EJU). Many firms also ask for an essay-style Entry Sheet explaining your motivation. Keep digital and printed versions ready, and be sure your name matches your passport to avoid visa delays.

Document	Notes
Japanese Résumé (履歴書)	Use official A3 form or PDF
English CV	Two pages, reverse-chronological
Academic Transcript	Stamped by your university
JLPT / JPT / EJU Certificate	N2 or higher preferred
Recommendation Letters	Professor or employer signature
Passport Copy	Color, photo page only
Entry Sheet	Company-specific essay

Tips

Practise your self-introduction (自己紹介) until it feels natural; recruiters decide within the first minute whether to keep listening. Speak slowly, smile and link a concrete achievement to the company’s mission. Join at least one online job fair to test your pitch and follow up within 24 hours by email. On social media use a professional photo; employers often screen LinkedIn and X. Finally, keep a simple spreadsheet to track applications and thank-you notes.

Visa Guide

Your visa must align with your work. The common “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” category lasts up to five years and requires a Certificate of Eligibility from your employer. Other routes include the Highly Skilled Professional, Specified Skilled Worker and Start-up visas. All applications go through a Japanese embassy or consulate and need a photo, résumé and a ¥3,000 fee. Processing takes one to two months, so apply early. See the official MOFA Visa Guide for details.

→ Visa Guide for International Graduates: Working in Japan After University

Working Culture in Japan

Law caps regular hours at 40 per week, yet paid overtime is still common. Work-Style Reform legislation limits overtime to 45 hours a month, but surveys show employees average about 22 hours. On the positive side, paid leave increases with tenure and remote work has grown since the pandemic. Understanding these norms helps you negotiate contracts and maintain work–life balance. For more, see Prospects — Work in Japan.

→ Comment la culture du travail au Japon devient plus accueillante pour les étrangers

Japanese Employers

Japanese employers fall into two broad groups: domestic (内資系) and foreign-affiliated (外資系). Both range from start-ups to global giants. Domestic firms often offer lifetime employment, seniority-based pay and extensive training, while foreign affiliates use clearer KPIs and quicker promotions. Understanding the differences helps you choose a workplace that matches your career style and risk tolerance.

Domestic Companies

In traditional companies you start as a generalist and rotate through several departments. Decisions are consensus driven (根回し), so invest time in building relationships. Loyalty is rewarded with steady raises and twice-yearly bonuses. Recent reforms, however, are linking pay to skills rather than age, especially in tech and semiconductor firms. See this analysis of membership-type employment for context.

Foreign-Affiliated Companies

Foreign-affiliated companies often mirror head-office culture: English documentation, six-month reviews and flexible work. Salaries may start 20–30 percent higher than domestic peers, but job security depends on quarterly results. For international graduates, these firms offer faster responsibility and the chance to transfer overseas. Be ready for direct feedback and to negotiate benefits such as stock options. Job boards like Emplois au Japon regularly list openings.