Frequently Asked Question; Working in Japan

Japan is one of a popular country for job seekers and we summarized questions which most foreigners are curious about.

We update Muslim-friendly vacancy information in Japan to the Facebook group “Work Information for Muslim in Japan“. Feel free to join!

How can I work in Japan?

Finding a company to hire you is not an easy thing, especially because companies that are difficult to accept foreign staff still exist. There are some ways to find companies with a vacancy for foreign staff. However, it is slightly easier to find some jobs in Japan if you are staying in Japan and obtained an eligible visa.

From job vacancy website or job matching website

There are a lot of websites introducing vacancies available in companies in Japan, both in English and Japanese. You can take a look at the websites and find vacancies that meet your qualification. One of the most popular vacancies among foreigners is ALT (Assistant Language Teacher).

We recommend you to register yourself to Career Diversity Inc so that they will contact you once any vacancy fits you. Furthermore, they often share new information about the latest vacancy and work in Japan on their Instagram.

See Also

 

5 Things Muslims Need to Know When Working in Japan

Other reference websites: Daijob, NINJA-Next in Japan, GaijinPotJOBS, HaysJapan, WeXpats Job, etc.

From the labor agency in your country

Some labor agencies in countries offer the opportunity to work in Japan with a government-sponsored program. It could be working at a factory or if you have the qualification, working at a Japanese hospital or nursing home.

From Japanese companies job affair

There is a job affairs event featuring numbers of Japanese companies exhibit to hire potential talents abroad. In Southeast Asia, the event mostly hosted in Singapore and Malaysia, such as Asean Career Fair.

Can I work in Japan even I can’t speak Japanese? Does Japanese is mandatory to be able to work in Japan?

It depends on the atmosphere and condition of each company, but we suggest brushing up your Japanese to have a smoother work environment. If you happen to find an English-only company, it might be no problem, but even so, you will need at least basic Japanese ability to be able to live comfortably in society.

Is the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) will be an advantage to apply for a job in Japan?

It depends on the job vacancy you are applying for. If the vacancy only needs a few Japanese, you may be able to go with basic Japanese ability. To have a bigger opportunity and a better job, we suggest brushing up your Japanese competency at least to JLPT N2 or business level. The JLPT N2 and above is well-considered by most Japanese companies and opens your opportunity wider.

Is a Japanese company allow Muslim employees to do pray during work and wear a hijab?

You need to tell the company beforehand because most Japanese companies don’t know well about it and mostly, they will allow you to do pray or wear a hijab. However, since Japan also has its own work culture, you need to make sure and be careful to separate work time and pray time.

How can I obtain a Japanese visa?

If you are hired by a company, you will obtain a working visa.

Is it true that the Japanese companies will ask to do unpaid overtime?

It depends on each company even it is known as one of the work-culture that is ingrained in Japanese society. In some circumstances, doing unpaid overtime might be considered as a loyalty to the company and may obtain a good evaluation.

Is it true that it’s difficult for employees to take childcare leave?

These recent years, more male employees are taking childcare leave but seems like it still, in the long run, to have it as normal/common in the working society.

What are the challenges of working in Japan?

It is getting used to the working environment. Both parties, the employee and employer, need to have a mutual understanding regarding differences in both cultures.

If you have any questions regarding work in Japan, feel free to inquire to Halal Media Japan on Facebook and Instagram or email to [info@food-diversity.co.jp].