How do I get a job in Japan? I got this question a lot in my first year in Japan and even up to these days I still get some. There are more and more people wanting to work in Japan and I encourage them too. I always support people who want to experience Japan. Here is great. I love my job, the way of living, the culture, the food, and most especially the people. 

I would like to share how I personally applied and landed my job in this foreign land. This applies to people who are currently living in the Philippines and not in another country. 

Before I share how you will have to prepare your heart and mind. First, I want you to have a clear vision and create your WHY. Why do you want to live and work in Japan? This question is vital because you will always come back to it when challenges hit you or when you feel like giving up on your application. Set your goals you want to achieve when working in Japan. Second, If you’re having doubts, I advise you to come back when you are ready. Working in a foreign country has never been easy and not always glamorous. It’s not for everyone. A lot of people have tried, and gave up in the middle and left hanging. I just want you to be ready and willing to sacrifice so you won’t be wasting effort, time, and money. 

I’ve created worksheets to help you create your vision map and make lists.

Let’s get to how you can land your dream job in Japan

1. Seach jobs online

Once you’ve created your vision, you can head over to this website. I applied through workabroad.com. They have a lot of job offers for Filipinos not only Japan but many countries. Start with creating an account, setting up your resume. Once you’ve settled, you can search for specific jobs or agencies.

Another website that I can recommend is job street.com.ph Basically the same process, you have to make an account. Log in and search for jobs.

2. Reach out to people who are already working in Japan

I did my own research and asked people I know who are already working in Japan. Here is a list of the recommendations of legal agencies.

2.1 Prudential Employment Agency Incorporated

They offer different kinds of jobs including scaffolding, careworker, automotive mechanic and many more. Their main office is in Las Pinas city, Metro Manila but they also have branches in Davao, Batangas and La Trinidad, Benguet. 

If you pass the interview, you will have to study the Japanese language for four months, wait for your COE and an employer. You will have another training for one month in Japan before you get to your workplace. 

2.2 CHESHAM RECRUITMENT INC.

Their office offers vacancies for English Language Teachers in Japan. They recruit English teachers who will teach in public schools in Japan for a dispatch company, INTERAC. The catch is they have two main requirements: the ability to teach English with a sustained neutralized accent and the ability to drive a car.

2.3 Androme Recruitment & Management Services, Inc.

They recruit housekeepers, domestic housekeepers, and caregivers fro Japan. You can visit them at 10 Man Nam Building, Bokawkan, Baguio, Benguet, Philippines

2.4 iTTTi Japan Peppy Kids Club

Peppy kids club hire private English Teachers for Japan. I believe there’s no placement fee but you will receive less salary as compared to Native speakers like from America, Australia, and others. 

First, you will have to send your application online. Initial screening will be reviewed by the head office in Japan. If you are qualified, their agency in Manila will contact you. They are located in Makati where you will have to do your exam, interview, demonstration, and paper processing.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

1. Look out for job fairs. Take advantage of the job fairs in your municipality. They have a government to government job offers.

2. JET PROGRAMS

Look out for job vacancies through Embassy of Japan in the Philippines 

I highly recommend this one as they have a competitive salary compared to others but they also have higher standards of qualifications

MY ADVICE

01. Learn Japanese before coming to Japan

• The ability to speak Japanese will be your greatest advantage in your application. Start learning now and you will never regret the decision when you arrive in Japan. Learning Japanese does not have to be expensive. There are a lot of free resources you can access online. Of all the learning platforms that are out there, italki is the best for me.

02. Get a TESOL certificate

• Most companies don’t require a TESOL certificate but I advice you to take trainings. It is a good investment and will be your advantage from other applicants. 

• I took my TESOL certification in Tony Vanilli Enterprise- TVE and I highly recommend it. They’re located in Baguio, Philippines but you can take classes online. Check their Facebook page here. 

03. Learn how to ride a bicycle

• Commuting to work by bicycle is a common norm in Japan

• When I first came to Japan, I couldn’t ride a bike so I had to walk 2 kilometers every day to work. Distance is not a big issue but it’s the weather. The weather here is very changeable. You could ride a bus but will cost you money and sometimes the schedule is not convenient.

Ready to work in Japan? Take the opportunity to work in Japan and start a new chapter of your life.