Internships (インターンシップ) in Japan aren’t usually required for graduation. This is true whether you’re an international or local student. Still, they’re a great way to strengthen your resume. An internship,インターンシップ shows employers that you understand how the workplace operates and that you have real-life, hands-on experience. It also helps you meet new people, build connections, and discover opportunities, especially if you want to work in a competitive field.
Not sure where to begin your search for internships,インターンシップ in Japan for international students,ｃ? We’re here to help! Here’s how to become a 留学生 インターン.
What internships are available in Japan for international students? | 留学生でもできるインターンシップは？
There are three kinds of internships,インターンシップ in Japan that are available for both local and international university students,大学生(daigakusei): short-term, mid-term, and long-term internships.
Types Of Internships in Japan | インターンシップの種類
Short-term internships in Japan | 日本における短期インターンシップ
| Type of Internship | Short-Term Internship | Mid-Term Internship | Long-Term Internship |
| Duration | 1-6 Days | 7 Days – 1 Month | From 1 month and beyond |
| Summary of the Experience | -Overview of company culture -Question & Answer forum with the company -Company tour | -Preview what it’s like to be an employee at the company -Can be part of the recruitment process of a company. | Experience being a part-time employee of the company |
| Compensations/Benefits | Some companies will offer transportation allowances | Minimal allowances are offered | At least the minimum wage based on at least the prefecture’s minimum hourly wage (Average of 1,118 Yen/Hour since October 2025) |
| Opportunity Accessibility | Common with major, well-established Japanese companies | Offered by a handful of Japanese companies | A rare, highly sought out opportunity often leveraged by small, venture Japanese companies |
| Requirements (May differ per company) | -You are currently a student or recent graduate -Resume and cover letter | -You are currently a student or recent graduate -Resume and cover letter | -You are currently a student or recent graduate -Resume and cover letter -Multiple rounds of job interviews |
| Work Hours | Daily scheduled programs | Scheduled work days | -Typically flexible work hours -Required number of hours per month |
| Activities | -Scheduled days with activities ranging from company tours and open forums to role-playing activities. -Some include assignments where student groups pitch concepts to the company. | -Scheduled days with activities ranging from company tours and open forums to role-playing activities. -Includes full-scale assignments where student groups pitch concepts to the company. -Gives a chance to work alongside actual employees. | -Work alongside full-time employees -Communicating with different departments |
| What You Will Learn | -The company’s ways of working, the values, products it offers -Whether you want to work for the company or not | -The company’s ways of working, the values, products it offers -Day-to-day operations of the company | -The company’s work culture -Soft skills -Applied technical skills from your assigned position -Communication skills |
Short-term internships,短期インターンシップ in Japan are the most common form of internship, インターンシップ. The duration ranges from 1 to 6 days of internship, インターンシップ. During this short-term period of internship, university students are introduced to the company’s ways of working, the values, products it offers, and more. These short-term internships give students a preview of what it’s like to work at the company.
What do you do in a short-term internship in Japan? | 短期インターンシップではなにをするの？
Often, short-term internships,短期インターンシップ have a scheduled day for students. The activities range from company tours and open forums to role-playing activities where you’ll get to briefly experience what it’s like to work at the company. Some include group challenges to present a concept for the company. For example, interns will pitch a TV commercial or a new product design.
Are short-term internships in Japan paid? | 短期インターンシップは有給なの？
Paid short-term internships,有給短期インターンシップ are not common, but some companies offer transportation and allowances to students who participate. If you are looking to get to know companies you can potentially apply for, short-term internships are a great option for international students留学生 !
Mid-term internships in Japan | 日本における中期インターンシップ
Mid-term internships in Japan are similar to short-term internships,中期インターンシップ, but their duration can range from 7 days to 1 month.
What do you do in a mid-term internship in Japan? | 中期インターンシップでは何をするの？
Like in a short-term internship, mid-term internships,中期インターンシップ offer company tours, open forums with company representatives, and a look at the overall workplace culture. However, in a mid-term internship, ,中期インターンシップ students will get to experience working alongside full-time employees and help them with simple, day-to-day tasks. Often, mid-term internships,中期インターンシップ will also require students to produce a presentation or a pitch for the company.
Are mid-term internships in Japan paid? | 中期インターンシップは有給なの？
Some mid-term internships provide an allowance. However, it’s only minimal and would likely only cover essentials such as food and transportation. If you want a more immersive experience with a company without committing to a set number of hours, a mid-term internship is for you!
Long-term internships in Japan | 日本における長期インターンシップ
Long-term internships,長期インターンシップ in Japan are rarer than short-term internships and can often double as a part-time job (アルバイト). Start-up companies that need extra manpower for their operations usually have long-term internship opportunities. . Some multinational companies with a presence in Japan also offer long-term internship programs.
Are long-term internships in Japan paid? | 長期インターンシップは有給なの？
These highly sought-after internships are usually paid. That is why applying for these long-term internships can be a competitive endeavor. You will need to submit a complete resume that contains your basic information and educational background. It’s also customary to go through rounds of job interviews before you get a long-term internship.
What do you do as a long-term intern in Japan? | 長期インターンシップでは何をするの？
Once you get a long-term internship in Japan as an international student, 留学生 インターン, expect that they will require a certain number of hours to report to the office. The good news is that a lot of long-term internships in Japan offer flexible hours, so you can still balance them with your schoolwork.
Unlike short-term internships, long-term internships,長期インターンシップ are more hands-on, and you’ll be able to work alongside full-time employees. Most long-term interns experience communicating with different departments, acquire soft skills such as how to make a business call, pick-up management skills, negotiation skills, and more.
Where to get internships in Japan for international students? | 留学生が、インターンシップを見つける方法とは？
Getting an internship in Japan as an international student, 留学生 is possible! Here are some easy ways for you to become a 留学生 インターン.
1. Career Support Center | 就職支援課
Many universities will have a Career Support Center or 就職支援課 to help students with searching for both long-term and short-term internships. Simply schedule an appointment to get guidance.
2. Internship For Overseas Talent And International Students In Japan | 海外人材・留学生向けのインターンシッププログラム
There are internship support programs that specifically cater to overseas or international students,留学生 .
- METI Internship Program– A program where global talents can apply to get an internship,インターンシップ. You can get an in-person and an online internship. This particular internship program is designed to transition international interns to potential full-time employees.
- Tokyo Internship Program – A program for foreign talents who wish to have an internship,インターンシップ with small to medium-sized companies in Tokyo. You must have at least a JLPT N3 or higher qualification to participate.
3. Job Search Websites | 就活ナビサイト
Another way you can land an internship,インターンシップ in Japan as an international student is to search on websites that host internship,インターンシップ and job openings. These are some of the websites you can check out:
- Rikunabi リクナビ – One of the most popular websites in Japan for job hunting,就活(syukatsu). It has a large listing that features many companies based across Japan.
- MyNavi マイナビ – Another popular job hunting,就活 site in Japan that also features news about job fairs.
- CareerTasu (キャリタス就活) – What sets this website apart is the student-company matching function that allows for a faster hiring process.
- One Career (ワンキャリア) – This job-hunting website provides additional support and gives examples of successful applications. It also features reviews and experiences from past job candidates.
These websites are in Japanese, and you may need to translate the webpage to browse.
When is the best time to get an internship in Japan? | 留学生がインターンシップに参加すべき時期は？
While in other countries, internships are often done during the final year of study, it’s ideally done earlier in Japan.
Overall, the best time to get an internship in Japan for international students is during their sophomore or third year. In your senior year, you’re expected to start job hunting,就活. And so, it’s a must to do internships before your final year in university.
What do international students need to prepare before applying for internships in Japan? | インターン応募に必要な準備は？
When applying for an internship,インターンシップ, you must submit a Japanese-style resume,履歴書(rirekisyo) that’s similar to when you’re applying for a full-time job. If you want to learn more about that, here’s a guide on how to write a Japanese resume.
What is the interview process like for internships in Japan for international students? | インターンシップの面接対策
Short-term internships don’t often require an interview. However, if you want to land a long-term internship,ちゅきインターン in Japan as an international student,留学生 you may need to do at least one interview session with the company.
Here are some of the questions you need to be prepared for when applying for an internship in Japan as an international student:
- Why did you apply for this internship?
- What are you expecting from this internship?
- How long can you work in a week?
- What kind of profession do you want to have in the future?
Want to know more? Sign-up for our roundtable discussion this November 27 and get expert advice!
Success Stories Featuring Internships at Japanese Companies
How My Internship in Japan Made Me Dream of Life There + Tips!
“Japanese companies value stability and careful planning. During my internships, I experienced firsthand how Japanese companies steadily advanced projects through meticulous planning, with a strong emphasis on quality control and efficient processes. This left a strong impression on me. I realized that this “steady and gradual” working style suited me well, which sparked my interest in working in Japan...”
“…During my time abroad, I was deeply drawn to Japanese culture, lifestyle, and the subtle care and orderly society I encountered in daily life. I genuinely enjoyed living in Japan, and this further solidified my desire to live and work there in the future.”
From Thailand to Japan: A Robotics Student’s Journey Through Language and Internship
“…everything changed when I was offered an internship opportunity in Japan. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of working in the country and made me realize that it could be a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth.”
“…Upon returning home, I was inspired to pursue a career in a Japanese company. I resumed my Japanese studies with renewed determination, aiming to enhance my language skills for future employment opportunities…”
Embracing Every Challenge To Be A Process Development Engineer in Japan
“From July to October 2024, I interned at the University of Tsukuba as a research assistant for three months…“
“This internship was also my first experience living in Japan for a long time. I grew to like Japan more through living here. In particular, Japanese food and Japanese life resonate with me very much. I live in Kuala Lumpur, a very busy city that can sometimes be tiring. In contrast, life in Tsukuba was very peaceful. Through the internship, I no longer had worries about living in Japan.”
Finding the Perfect Mechanical Engineering Job in Japan
“I also worked as an overseas business intern for a Japanese company. There, I was tasked with devising ways to market Japanese manufacturing products to the US and Europe. I mainly researched competitors in the countries to which we exported. I used my knowledge of mechanical engineering to find points of superiority for our company…”
3-Month Engineering Internship to Full-Time Job in Japan: How I Did It
“…I was coming from a 3-month internship in Saitama, Japan. That experience made me so interested in working in Japan for the long term. So, I gave the program a try.”
