Finding a job in Japan can feel like a big challenge, but it’s also an exciting opportunity.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from finding job listings to understanding your first payslip.
Step 1: Where to Find Job Opportunities
The first step is knowing where to look.
Fortunately, there are several great online resources designed for foreigners seeking work in Japan.
Here are some of the most popular and effective platforms:
- GaijinPot Jobs: One of the most famous and popular job sites for English speakers in Japan.
- Daijob: Focuses on multilingual professionals and offers many positions at global companies.
- Indeed Japan: A massive job search engine where you can find a wide variety of roles.
Additionally, don’t forget about Hello Work, the Japanese government’s employment service center.
They have special offices and staff to assist foreign job seekers.
Step 2: Understanding Your Work Eligibility (Visa)
This is a critically important step.
You cannot legally work in Japan without a visa that permits it, such as a work visa or a student visa with special permission.
- Work Visas: There are various types, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” which most professionals receive.
- Student Visas: If you are a student, you must apply for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” to work part-time (up to 28 hours per week).
Working without the proper visa or permission is illegal and can have serious consequences, including deportation.
Always check your visa status and residence card.
Step 3: Decoding Your Japanese Payslip (給与明細)
Congratulations, you got a job.
Now, you’ve received your first payslip (給与明細 – kyuuyo meisei), and it’s full of confusing terms.
Let’s break it down simply.
You need to know two key numbers:
- 総支給額 (so-shikyu-gaku): This is your Gross Salary, the total amount of money you earned before any deductions.
- 差引支給額 (sashihiki-shikyu-gaku): This is your Take-home Pay, the actual amount that will be deposited into your bank account.
The difference comes from deductions (控除 – kojo), which typically include:
- Health Insurance (健康保険): For your medical care.
- Pension (厚生年金): Your contribution to the national pension system.
- Employment Insurance (雇用保険): Provides benefits if you lose your job.
- Income Tax (所得税): Tax paid to the national government.
- Residence Tax (住民税): Tax paid to your local city/ward office.
These deductions are mandatory and are calculated based on your salary.
Bonus Tip: Save on Travel for Interviews
Job hunting, especially in a large city like Tokyo, often involves a lot of travel for interviews and visiting company offices.
To keep your travel costs down, using a subway pass is a very smart strategy.
The Tokyo Subway Ticket offers unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
It’s an efficient way to navigate the city and focus on what’s important: landing your new job.
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Once you’ve secured a job, the next step is often opening a bank account.
Our guide can walk you through the process.
How to Open a Bank Account in Japan: A Guide for Foreigners
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