The Japan Job Market

[willgoestocollege]

I seen some people who create threads about wanting to live in Japan and ask about what to do for a job. I hope this will help you to understand the Japanese job market. The information below is taken from a reliable career website.

What are my chances of getting a job?

Although many Japanese firms are not hiring in the current economic climate, the labour market in Japan is still open to international graduates, particularly those with a strong level of Japanese language ability. With little or no Japanese there are still opportunities - mainly teaching English.

- Problems encountered: one of the conditions of a working visa is that you do a job that no Japanese native could do. The global credit crisis means unemployment in Japan is currently at a six-year high which may impact on your chances. 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 toward white males when securing a job.

- How to improve your chances: for language teaching, try to get qualified before going to Japan. This will open up more opportunities. If not, there are schools where you can work for a qualification while in Japan. Teaching experience outside of 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 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 recruitment. 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 are electronics and robotics.
Recent growth areas in technology.
Industries in decline are car manufacturing.
Shortage occupations not many in the current economic climate. There is a shortage of nurses, though this area is poorly paid.

What’s it like working in Japan?

Average working hours it is customary due to company loyalty 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 five day, 40-hour week, but attitudes are slow to change.

Holidays are two weeks is usually the minimum amount of holiday time offered per year.