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Jobs in Japan

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Kruniac

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7 May 2008
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Without a college degree of the slightest, what are some jobs that are open to an American wishing to move to Japan (I'm assuming it would be on a Working Visa.)?

I really just want to live there, and working will be to pay the bills. I have a high school diploma, and am willing to do just about anything, but Yakuza isnt an option on the Visa application.

So... Could a person obtain a Visa to work at a labor job? Factory work, hauling things, anything like that? I could teach English (privately), but my lack of credentials really leaves that option in the wind.

Any suggestions? I dont have the cash to attend college, so that isnt going to happen. I'm a 23 year old male, if that helps.

I'm being serious about this, rather than wistfully dream of Japanese schoolgirls. I. Want. To. Live. There.

Thanks.
 
Without the needed fluency in Japanese, your chance of getting any kinds of jobs in Japan are very limited. There are not many jobs that you can do without knowing Japanese, teaching English would be one of them. Not having any special skills or anything will make it even harder for you to get accepted for a job.

Even if you would get a job, you would most likely have to go to Japan just for the interview for the job, on your own cost and you would have to move there on your own cost as well.

Not trying to depress you or anything, but it is not that easy to get a job in a foreign country, unless you speak the language fluently and even then it might not be that easy. I myself want to move to Japan at some point, living there just for a year was not enough, and I know it is going to be a long way to get there. Getting working experience etc. everything that would be beneficial for your application get those and start applying for jobs there.
 
Without the needed fluency in Japanese, your chance of getting any kinds of jobs in Japan are very limited. There are not many jobs that you can do without knowing Japanese, teaching English would be one of them. Not having any special skills or anything will make it even harder for you to get accepted for a job.
Even if you would get a job, you would most likely have to go to Japan just for the interview for the job, on your own cost and you would have to move there on your own cost as well.
Not trying to depress you or anything, but it is not that easy to get a job in a foreign country, unless you speak the language fluently and even then it might not be that easy. I myself want to move to Japan at some point, living there just for a year was not enough, and I know it is going to be a long way to get there. Getting working experience etc. everything that would be beneficial for your application get those and start applying for jobs there.

Well on Gaijinpot.com, most of the English teaching jobs require "No Japanese Language Skills". I find that interesting. Besides, I could always work hauling things to and from warehouses or something.

Bottom line - I need a reason to get into Japan, and I promise I could find something to do to make a living. Getting in is the problem. I could go for the less-than-90-day-thing, but what would the point of that be? I could only learn so much Japanese from City Hall classes in that time period, not to mention I would have to have money to live in that timeframe anyway.

Do any of you guys and gals have a friend who can get people into Japan? Anybody with jobs they need filled? For a room, I'd work for almost nothing.
 
Do any of you guys and gals have a friend who can get people into Japan?

Give me 10 000 USD and ill get you a spot in the next shipping container full of illegal immigrants to japan :p

On a serious note, you should spend the time you are in US (before someday moving to japan if the opportunity arises) learn the kanas, and at least 1945 kanji so you have basic literacy, its a big bonus when job hunting.
 
I agree, finding a job in another country isn't as easy as to find something back home, especially when one has no "proof" of language proficiency. By proof, I mean a certificate, degree or anything else. Having looked for opportunities in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, China and Japan, most countries require something to show them that you can interact with the locals, and despite having 3 degrees in IT, I have only managed to obtain positions thanks to exchange programs based on my academic results.

Also, being an english teacher in Japan has become such a popular job that the requirements went quite high. I know a few people who went to Japan to teach english (or to work) and they are expected to have all kind of certificate, degree and other proof of training.

As far as I know, the japanese administration is pretty strict when it comes to delivering work visa and I highly doubt that they'll give you one if you do not have a sponsoring company to back you.
I do not wish to discourage you but most job offers I have seen so far for foreigners, except for english teaching, required at least a JLPT2 level (although a few only requires a JLTP3), and otherwise, the other safest way would be to work for a company that has offices there and to be sent by them.

This being said, you can still try to go there without anything though, maybe you'll get lucky?
 
Well on Gaijinpot.com, most of the English teaching jobs require "No Japanese Language Skills". I find that interesting. Besides, I could always work hauling things to and from warehouses or something.
Bottom line - I need a reason to get into Japan, and I promise I could find something to do to make a living. Getting in is the problem. I could go for the less-than-90-day-thing, but what would the point of that be? I could only learn so much Japanese from City Hall classes in that time period, not to mention I would have to have money to live in that timeframe anyway.
Do any of you guys and gals have a friend who can get people into Japan? Anybody with jobs they need filled? For a room, I'd work for almost nothing.
I did say that teaching English is one of the jobs, that do not need any Japanese skills. They might not require Japanese skills, but they do require other stuff, because of the visa requirements.

Even if you are willing to do the shittiest jobs possible, just to be able to stay in Japan it will not be enough. How were you going to sign the working contract if you cannot even read it? The problems of getting employment without knowing the language spoken in the country is very hard, but also risky.

One way to get to Japan is to start working for a company that is located in the US and work there until you can ask for a transfer to the same company located in Japan. That way you would not need to know the language at all.
 
This being said, you can still try to go there without anything though, maybe you'll get lucky?

Thats what I was thinking, but I really need to know that if I managed to land a job as... say a food delivery guy, could I get a Visa to stay and hold that job? I thought Working Visas were only really for mid-level jobs and higher.

I could attend the free volunteer Japanese language classes, and if they have free reading and writing classes in cities around the country, it would help. However, the biggest obstacle is just getting there firstly, then being able to stay.
 
Yeah, and not knowing what you are signing, its easy to get scammed.

If you are good at martial arts or doing stuff with your hands, you can get a visa for that kind of stuff, living in japan, learning kung fu or something from a sensei isn't that bad right? :p
 
Yeah, and not knowing what you are signing, its easy to get scammed.

If you are good at martial arts or doing stuff with your hands, you can get a visa for that kind of stuff, living in japan, learning kung fu or something from a sensei isn't that bad right? :p

Im not much of a fanboi for the martial arts. Not that they arent interesting, but not really my scene. Besides, that more than likely costs some decent cash, as I'm sure martial arts masters of all kinds dont have time to just take Gaijin off the plane and start kata-ing them into shape for nothing.

How many of the folks on here actually live in Japan right now? Surely one of you knows someone who knows someone who might have a use for an intelligent, English speaking person who has a good attitude. 😌
 
Those kinds of persons are a drop in the ocean, these days you need to have some special trait to lift you higher from the crowd in the eyes of employers. Like a pile of degrees or something, just being a nice guy doesn't cut it anymore unfortunately...
 
Those kinds of persons are a drop in the ocean, these days you need to have some special trait to lift you higher from the crowd in the eyes of employers. Like a pile of degrees or something, just being a nice guy doesn't cut it anymore unfortunately...

How true this is. The amount of people who want to get a job is huge, you have to have something that makes you stand out in the crowd. Without any special skills you are just another fish in the ocean.

Any kind of work experience is good, even the shittiest ones. Language skills are always good, no matter the job. Recommendation letters from old working places are worth gold. Of course, diplomats certifications are a big advantage as well. You need something to prove your skills.
 
Those kinds of persons are a drop in the ocean, these days you need to have some special trait to lift you higher from the crowd in the eyes of employers. Like a pile of degrees or something, just being a nice guy doesn't cut it anymore unfortunately...

You really dont need a pile of degrees to work at a factory, or to work in a kitchen at a noodle shop, or anything like that. I wasnt asking "Do these things exist?" I was asking if any of you who live in Japan know someone who would hire an American who wants to relocate to Japan for those kinds of low-paying, "blue collar" jobs.
 
You really dont need a pile of degrees to work at a factory, or to work in a kitchen at a noodle shop, or anything like that. I wasnt asking "Do these things exist?" I was asking if any of you who live in Japan know someone who would hire an American who wants to relocate to Japan for those kinds of low-paying, "blue collar" jobs.

Getting a job in your own country is totally different from getting a job in another country. In your own country, you need way less certifications etc. to get a job; however, when you apply for a job in another country, you have way higher requirements that you need to pass for. Depending of the job, you might not need the language spoken in the country, but often you do. The countries are not looking for foreigners who have no special skills at all, they have more than enough people on their own for those kinds of jobs.

Honestly said, I highly doubt anyone would want to hire someone who just wants to relocated to Japan, without fluency in Japanese, nor without real skills. Just being nice is not enough, you know.
 
The imperssion ive got about working in japan is that they would like you to do something that the locals can't.

For example Finland. The limit immigrants we take a year 750 people. Also, there is a saying here "there are 2 kinds of immigrants, those that don't do anything and feed from social security money (no work, no problem! the goverment gives you some money each month so that you get by) and those that take our jobs"

I'm implying that if there is any unemployment, wouldn't they rather give the job to a local, rather than get a foreigner to move there and take the job?

This is all my assumption, no data to back it up.
 
The imperssion ive got about working in japan is that they would like you to do something that the locals can't.

Not just in Japan, this should be for all most countries on earth. There is no point of getting immigrants that have nothing special nor in many cases do even speak the countries language fluently.

For example Finland. The limit immigrants we take a year 750 people. Also, there is a saying here "there are 2 kinds of immigrants, those that don't do anything and feed from social security money (no work, no problem! the goverment gives you some money each month so that you get by) and those that take our jobs"

Not quite correct, there is no limit how many immigrants Finland takes a year. There should be limitation how many immigrants they take for specific reasons; for example, immigration through marriage is unlimited, but getting a working permit for a immigrant is not going to be that easy and often they have to wait many months in their own country before they even get the permit to enter Finland, there are also EU citizens who do not need any working permit, they just have to inform the Finnish government that they have moved to Finland and are going to work there. So it really depends how you immigrate. Anyway, this is more or less off topic anyway.

I'm implying that if there is any unemployment, wouldn't they rather give the job to a local, rather than get a foreigner to move there and take the job?

This is all my assumption, no data to back it up.

I think any reasonable government would think this way. As long as the job can be done by locals, it is better to give it to a local and get rid of the unemployment that each country has. If anyone could just move to another country easily, the unemployment in some countries would become too high and cause economical problems.
 
The imperssion ive got about working in japan is that they would like you to do something that the locals can't.

For example Finland. The limit immigrants we take a year 750 people. Also, there is a saying here "there are 2 kinds of immigrants, those that don't do anything and feed from social security money (no work, no problem! the goverment gives you some money each month so that you get by) and those that take our jobs"

I'm implying that if there is any unemployment, wouldn't they rather give the job to a local, rather than get a foreigner to move there and take the job?

This is all my assumption, no data to back it up.

Oh dont get me wrong, I didnt intend on going to Japan just to try and catch a break and live a leisure life.

The main reason I need a job is because apparantly I have to be employed to STAY in Japan. Money-wise, I should be okay for living expenses. I have a few plans in that department. OFFICIALLY, however, I need a way to get a Visa.

Unless perhaps I could go there on a Tourists Visa, then either get a job doing -something-, or have someone vouch that I have a job. (The latter only applying to a few things I might be able to pull off).
 
Please read this sticky:
General advice on moving to Japan

As shown in this link (also found in the thread above), work visas are granted only to people with special credentials:
Visas for Japan

The types of foreign nationals who are granted work visas without college degrees are experts in special fields, such as chefs (licensed and with extensive experience), artists (with portfolio of published works) and entertainers (with substantial career).

You cannot obtain a work visa landing a job at a small restaurant, for example, because the work visa application process also screens your employer to confirm whether the business operation is solid, financially sound and reputable. Foreign nationals who work at factories, shops, etc., in Japan today are not here on work visas. They are either married to Japanese (spouse visa holders) or have Japanese ancestry (special visa granted to foreign nationals who can prove to be of Japanese lineage). Unless you fall into the categories I've mentioned, you need to have a college degree to get a visa.

There is always the rural areas. Farming rice in the beautiful scenery isn't that bad.
Yes, it is very nice, but it won't give you a visa... 😌
 
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Yes, it is very nice, but it won't give you a visa...

Actually, that isnt such a bad idea. I wouldnt need a visa way out in the boonies, so long as I didnt run into a checkpoint.

It looks like, unfortunately, I'll just have to try my luck, and hope I get enough connections to get me a Visa, or keep me off of the radar so I wont need one. Maybe the Yaks need something done until I can afford a spot somewhere.

Do shiyo....

Well, at least I'll have extra time to get my Language up to snuff before I go.
 
My first thought for someone in your condition is civilian employment on a US military base. The US gov. has a job board listing openings and it seems the main requirment to work on a base is US citizenship a lot of the time.

There's also the agricultural exchanges, as someone mentioned. Also, if you have enough money to survive without a job, you could get a cultural visa, or enroll in a language course or something and get a student visa. Just saying.
 
Your options are:

1. Join the US Military and hope for assignment here
2. Try for a Dept. of Defense civilian job on base here
3. Go to college and get a degree
4. Obtain 10 years experience in a professional field
5. Marry a Japanese citizen


Everybody wants to do anything to get to come live here.....except whatever it takes to establish eligibility. Oddly, that is the one thing they are never willing to do.

And as someone who has made his living hauling things in Japan since around the time your mother was bragging to everyone that she finally had you potty-trained, trust me when I tell you that while you don't have to be a genius to do it you do have to be competent in the language, including reading.
 
My first thought for someone in your condition is civilian employment on a US military base. The US gov. has a job board listing openings and it seems the main requirment to work on a base is US citizenship a lot of the time.
There's also the agricultural exchanges, as someone mentioned. Also, if you have enough money to survive without a job, you could get a cultural visa, or enroll in a language course or something and get a student visa. Just saying.

I was also considering a language course, but I cant afford the ~$10,000 to get a full two year or so package. I was, however, considering attending a 4 week class for a tenth of that price, and traveling on a Tourist visa (less than 90 days). That way I not only get a feel for the land, but also I learn the language (and get to practice with people, etc). I might be able to make connections while I'm there.

I'm also considering a marvel of modern internet goodbits - the diploma mills. Obviously, I wouldnt be working for a university or school, but fake credentials might go a long way with a smaller English teaching firm looking for a Gaijin to hire-and-fire.

Theres a company I'm considering sending a resume to right now, actually, that does one-on-one adult English tutoring, but naturally requires a degree. I might take a chance with it. I could make some cash, teach somebody English, and pick up Japanese all at the same time.

I dont know. The four year degree thing is getting on my nerves, as that pretty much singles out anyone who doesnt/never did have the financial means to afford higher education. I'm just spoiled by immigration in the USA, I would imagine. :)

Anyways, keep the ideas coming. Its helping me out a lot. Between seat-of-my-pants, fake diplomas, getting smuggled in and running women for the Yaks, or just saving cash enough to study martial arts (or whatever), my options are opening up.
 
I'm also considering a marvel of modern internet goodbits - the diploma mills. Obviously, I wouldnt be working for a university or school, but fake credentials might go a long way with a smaller English teaching firm looking for a Gaijin to hire-and-fire.
Theres a company I'm considering sending a resume to right now, actually, that does one-on-one adult English tutoring, but naturally requires a degree. I might take a chance with it. I could make some cash, teach somebody English, and pick up Japanese all at the same time.

Its not the schools you need to worry about its Japanese immigration (who require official, sealed transcripts too by the way). Not that it probably hasn't been done, but personally I really wouldn't want to risk getting caught submitting fraudulent documents to immigration officials.
 
Its not the schools you need to worry about its Japanese immigration (who require official, sealed transcripts too by the way). Not that it probably hasn't been done, but personally I really wouldn't want to risk getting caught submitting fraudulent documents to immigration officials.

There goes that idea. I would pull a scam on the businesses, but even I'm not crazy enough to try that with a government.

Back to the drawing board.
 
Your options are:

1. Join the US Military and hope for assignment here
2. Try for a Dept. of Defense civilian job on base here
3. Go to college and get a degree
4. Obtain 10 years experience in a professional field
5. Marry a Japanese citizen


Everybody wants to do anything to get to come live here.....except whatever it takes to establish eligibility. Oddly, that is the one thing they are never willing to do.

And as someone who has made his living hauling things in Japan since around the time your mother was bragging to everyone that she finally had you potty-trained, trust me when I tell you that while you don't have to be a genius to do it you do have to be competent in the language, including reading.

Option 1 is right out. I was already in the United States Army, and due to an injury, I wont be able to reenlist.

As for the DoD - they dont hire generic intelligent people. I would most likely require a degree in something.

Three isnt happening. If I had the money I would, no questions.

Four also isnt happening. I'm 23 - I have to move to Japan before I lose my younger days. I already get really miserable because the ~18 years are long gone.

Five could be a possibility. I'm already married here in the USA, but that can be remedied.


I'm surprised that someone here who actually lives in Japan (and is fluent) hasnt ever heard "rumors" about people getting into the country without a visa. Or immigrants getting jobs, and everyone wonders how they got them. I could use those kinds of connections.
 
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