What Are The Most Common Jobs in Japan?

When people think of Japan, people often imagine bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka.

However, even though significant cities occupy a lot of space in Japan, roughly 60% of the country comprises small towns and farmland.

It might be surprising to many that such an urbanized nation has an extensive agricultural workforce. More than 1 million people work in farming.

In Japan, the workforce consists primarily of full-time employees, company workers, and part-time employees who work temporarily.

In addition to these occupations, you’ll find people working as entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals, household services such as cleaners and gardeners, and artists and performers.

“This blog post will focus primarily on jobs in Japan that you can find by scrolling through job listings online.”

Here are the 15 most common jobs in Japan.

Here-are-the-15-most-common-jobs-in-Japan

1) Service personnel (Waiters, Bartenders)

50% of service personnel in Japan work part-time, and these jobs are usually offered to students or housewives.

These positions require a shallow level of education and physical activity.

2) Office Worker (Office Assistant, Admin Clerk)

Office workers in Japan manage information for their company, such as memos and preparing necessary documents.

They report to managers and business executives. This job typically requires a college degree with fluency in Japanese language skills.

3) IT worker (Programmer Analyst, Web Developer)

IT jobs in Japan often require advanced computer science or engineering degrees and speaking Japanese fluently.

Many corporations hire foreign workers who can work in Japan on visas.

4) Nursing (Care worker, Nurse)

Nursing jobs in Japan are some of the most prestigious positions available to women.

A degree is required, and fluency in Japanese language skills is needed to work as a nurse.

Many nurses study abroad at their own expense for an additional year or two of training before starting new careers.

5) Freelance or Contract Worker (Programmer contractor, Writer contractor)

Freelance-or-Contract-Worker

Freelancing has become one of Japan’s most famous “jobs” because it allows individuals more flexibility with their time and energy levels.

Like IT workers, many freelancers come from Japan to gain experience working online and returning home to start their businesses.

6) Auto Mechanic

Auto mechanics in Japan are responsible for diagnosing vehicle problems, repairing the issues, and ensuring that vehicles are up to date on safety standards.

They are known for being extremely knowledgeable about their craft because of their experience.

7) Farmer

Japan has an aging population, so more young people become farmers in rural areas where they grow crops or raise animals to sell at local markets.

This job is perfect for those who want to get out of the hustle and bustle of big cities and want access to stores, restaurants, and other services.

Many young entrepreneurs aspire to buy land from elderly farmers who wish to retire.

8) Retail WorkerStore

Retail workers must love working with people.

This job offers part-time and flexible schedules, so it’s great for students or stay-at-home moms. Many retail jobs require speaking English fluently.

9) Personal Care (Hairstylist, Nail Technician)

Beauty is one of the essential aspects of Japanese culture, and there are many opportunities to work in the personal care industry as a hairstylist or nail technician.

The job market is competitive, but those who can demonstrate experience, skill, and knowledge of beauty techniques will be successful.

10) Cook (Chef, Line Cook)

Cook-Chef-Line-Cook

Culinary arts are an essential part of Japanese culture, and this is of the number of cooks available to feed the population.

Chefs are well respected for their unique skills and ability to handle a kitchen brigade.

Cooks can have flexible schedules and work part-time depending on the availability of full-time cooks in their city.

11) Hairstylist (Hairstylist, Nail Technician)

Beauty is one of the essential aspects of Japanese culture, and there are many opportunities to work in the personal care industry as a hairstylist or nail technician.

The job market is competitive, but those who can demonstrate experience, skill, and knowledge of beauty techniques will be successful.

12) Engineer (Mechanical, Environmental)

Engineers in Japan design many things, including buildings, vehicles, and even robots.

Many engineers are creating new sustainable energies or increasing fuel efficiency for the automotive industry.

Depending on their area of focus, they typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, if not higher.

13) Voice Actor (Voice actor)

Voice actors play many roles, such as dubbing foreign movies and TV shows, creating voices for robots or virtual assistants, acting in anime, and even voicing video games.

It requires a flexible schedule to be available during recording times.

14) Translators and Interpreters (Translator, Interpreter)

The Japanese language is spoken by many people worldwide, and those who can fluently speak it also need to know how to read and write.

Translators are needed for professional purposes as well as travel.

For example, translators are needed in courtrooms where different languages are spoken. Interpreters must translate between two or more speakers who do not share a common language.

15) Researcher

Researchers work hard to develop new drugs, solve environmental issues, create new materials from recyclable products, and so much more.

Researchers typically have an advanced degree in their field of study but may need to work on short-term projects that last only a few months.


Here is a list of 5 typical jobs for a foreigner.


1) English Teacher (English teacher, School teacher)

Working as an English-teaching assistant is a great way to experience Japan and meet new people.

It’s essential to make sure you can clearly explain instructions or classroom rules for students to understand your lesson plans.

The best teachers also take the initiative to create new lesson plans and learn about their students’ cultures.

2) Bartender (Bartender, Mixologist)

Drinks like sake and Sapporo beer are well known worldwide, but many people don’t know what the different types of sake or shochu taste like; those who help serve those beverages as bartenders have a special responsibility.

Bartenders must remember each drink they serve, the ingredients, and even some customers’ preferences.

3) Models (Model, Fashion designer)

Models-Model-Fashion-designer

People worldwide wish to look like the models they see on TV and in magazines.

Although it may seem easy as smiling and posing, those who work as fashion models need to change their hair and makeup quickly upon arrival at a photo shoot.

You must be healthy and committed enough to attend these shoots on time too!

4) Personal Assistants (Personal assistant, Concierge)

Working as a personal assistant is a great way to experience Japan and meet new people.

There may not be many jobs advertised online for translators or graphic designers.

Still, those with experience working abroad will have an advantage over other applicants when applying for positions at Japanese companies.

It’s essential to research the opportunities that best fit you before moving there!

5) Animators (Animated filmmakers, Manga artists)

Animation is one of Japan’s most famous exports.

For example, many people worldwide know how to say hello or thank you because they watch Japanese anime.

Animators must create the characters, backgrounds, and movements seen in these animations.

Animators must have a creative mindset to develop innovative ways to animate their characters!

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