Jobs in Japan for Egyptians – The Only Guide You Will Need   

Table of Contents

Your journey to Japan starts right here. | Photo Source: Freepik

LOOKING FOR A JOB IN JAPAN   

If you’re an Egyptian who wants to know how to work in Japan, then you’re in the right place. Find everything about jobs in Japan right here. There are so many jobs in Japan for Egyptians, that it’s just a matter of being in the know. Through thorough research and using our vast collection of success stories, we have everything you need to land your dream job in Japan.  

Why Do Many Egyptians Want to Work in Japan?   

So many foreigners choose Japan as their dream destination for work. In the latest census last October 2023, Japan was home to two million foreign workers![1] As of October 2023, Japan has a population of 4,632 Egyptians according to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA)[2] So what makes Japan especially attractive for Egyptians?

  1. Enjoy living in a peaceful and safe country.
  2. Access tons of job opportunities in Japan for foreigners. 
  3. Boost career with Japanese work experience.  
  4. Explore Japan’s rich history and culture. 
  5. Live out your anime dreams. 
  6. Experience Japan’s beautiful four seasons. 
  7. Enjoy a good salary and company benefits.  
  8. Job security protected by government regulations[3]
  9. Since 2017, Permanent Residency has relaxed for qualified Highly Skilled Professionals[4] 
  10. Top-notch hygienic culture 

“In grade school, I was scrolling through my social media feed when I came across the technological advancement that is Japanese Toilets. Have you seen a Japanese toilet? Everything it can do? It was amazing. I was astonished. You see in Egypt–toilet sanitation is a very big deal because cleanliness is part of our religion. Every toilet in Egypt has a bidet to help you get cleaned. I have high standards, but Japan’s toilets are on a whole new level.”   

An Egyptian Engineer’s Journey: From STEM Education to IT Career Success in Japan 

Understanding the Japanese job market for foreigners
What does it take for an aspiring Egyptian to land an interview for a job in Japan? Photo source: FreePik

Understanding the Japanese Job Market and Where Egyptians Can Fit In  

The Japanese job market is different than most so of course it’s different than the job market in Egypt you might be familiar with. Understanding its different aspects is key to finding the right opportunity for you.   

An overview of Japanese companies and why it’s fit for aspiring Egyptians  

Japanese companies are looking for international talents who can help them achieve their Sustainable Development Goals. Because of this, globalizing Japanese companies are becoming increasingly foreign-friendly. Here are ways some Japanese companies are helping their foreign employees:  

What do Japanese companies look for in their prospective employees?

Unlike most job markets, the Japanese job market is distinct from the rest of the world. One of the key differences is what they look for in their prospective employees. Understanding what Japanese employers are looking for can be key as a Egyptian looking for a job in Japan. 

Here’s some traits Japanese companies are looking for when they’re interviewing prospective talents:   

  1. Loyalty – Japanese companies are looking for employees who plan to stick around.   
  2. Eagerness to learn – Japanese companies want to make sure you want to learn and emulate their work culture.  
  3. Aligned with their vision – Japanese companies want employees who understand the company’s purpose and see themselves as a key part of its fulfillment.   
  4. Have the right background – Your course degree, final year project, and internships reflect whether your skills and interests fit the company.  
  5. Enthusiasm and positivity – Companies like new hires who are excited to join the company and have a positive outlook. One quick way to show this during interviews? Keep smiling!   
Put your all into it! Use body language, hand gestures, and your smile! Learn how to Work in Japan for Egyptians from our successful applicants. 
An Egyptian Engineer’s Journey: From STEM Education to IT Career Success in Japan

 

 

How do you best time your job hunting to the Japanese work calendar?  

Find out which Japanese job market you belong to   

Another aspect of the Japanese job market you need to understand is knowing how you fit into it. There are two main markets that you can be part of depending on when you join their workforce:   

  • You belong in the mid-career market if you are 26-29 years old, with more than 3 years’ experience.  
    • This market evaluates candidates based on meeting skill requirements. Conversational Japanese is typically expected except if you’re extremely qualified for a niche job.   
  • You belong to the Fresh Graduate Market if you are younger than 26 years old, and you are in your final year of university, or it’s been less than 3 years since you graduated.  
    • The most in-demand market, Japanese companies mass hire fresh graduates so they can sync training seasons.  
Understanding the Best Time to Job Hunt in Japan  

Timing your job hunt can greatly help your chances as an Egyptian determined to land a job in Japan. 

Some Japanese companies hire all year, but most mass hire from November to February for April joiners. Companies that don’t meet their quota of new hires will continue looking for applicants for October joiners.   

There is often a long waiting time between getting the job offer and the actual joining date. This can be convenient if you secure your offer in your final year and can join the company straight after graduating. You can use that time to complete your document requirements. If you’re currently working for a company, it’s best to resign at a strategic time.   

 

Start your journey to finding a job in japan with your best foot forward. Photo source: Freepik

Preparing for Your Hunt for the Perfect Job in Japan    

If you want to maximize your job hunt, then preparation is key! Here’s some tips on how to start your job application for Egyptians looking to work in Japan:  

  • Get your eye on the prize. Be ready for challenges along the way and don’t give up.   
  • Learn to speak Japanese. Japanese companies may focus on how well you can communicate during the Japanese interviews.   
  • Sign up with experts. Foreigners new to Japanese companies’ meticulous multilayered application process can get overwhelmed. Sign up with an experienced agency to simplify the process.  
  • Polish your resume. Whether it’s internships, prior work, or an impressive final-year project, your project experiences will be a big topic in Japanese job interviews.   
  • Start networking. You don’t have to wait until you get to Japan before building your network. Expanding your network can help set you up for success.   
  • Apply ASAP! Time is your enemy. Securing a job in Japan is easiest for fresh graduates. Mid-career applicants have higher requirements. Once you surpass 30 years old, getting a work visa becomes more difficult.   

“I was lucky to have come across ASIA to JAPAN just in time.”

Returning to Japan After 12 Years: My Journey with ASIA to JAPAN and Finding My Dream Job 

WHY EGYPTIAN TALENTS ARE IN DEMAND IN JAPAN   

The Egyptian Advantage When in the Japanese Workplace 

To expand beyond their shores, Japanese companies seek multilingual talents who can connect them to international markets. That’s why knowing English, your native Arabic tongue, on top of Japanese gives you a clear advantage. Studies also show that being bilingual makes it easier to learn a new language[5] so it’ll be easier to add Japanese!  

 

Japan’s continuously rising tech field has more openings than they can fill. That’s where you come in! Photo source: FreePik

IT Engineering Jobs for Egyptians  

Last July 2024, the ratio of jobs to applications in Japan was 1.23[6]. This means that there are more openings than there are people to fill these opportunities. Japan is looking for overseas talent to fill its growing demand for highly skilled workers. In 2023, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported a record high of 2,048,675 foreign workers in Japan[7]. This trend can be seen in Japan’s IT industry, leading to more opportunities for skilled Egyptians to jump in.  This large foreign working population that continues to rise means that there’s surely room for Egyptians looking for a job in Japan. 

We looked at the Japanese census from December 2023[8] to paint us a picture of the booming tech job opportunities for foreigners in Japan. We specifically looked at how many foreigners held two specific visas relevant to the engineering jobs:  

Graph based on the data from December 2023 e-Stat[9]

(高度専門職1号ロ) Highly Skilled Professional Visa 1

Specifically designed to attract high-level professionals with advanced specialized or technical skills in engineering, science, or business. At the time of the census, there were 54,216 expats from 128 countries with this visa, 24 came from Egypt. There’s tons of room for growth! 

  

Graph based on the data from December 2023 e-Stat[10]

(技術・人文知識・国際業務) Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa)

Designed for professionals in fields such as engineering, humanities, social sciences, and international business. At the time of the census, there were 1,090,038 expats from 183 countries with this visa, 245 came from Egypt.

With so many talents from around the globe applying for these special work visas, it’s important to make your resume stand out.

Tips for a competitive resume in the Japanese job market:

  • Improve your Japanese.   
  • Get relevant Internships.  
  • Join and win contests for future engineers.  
  • Join a top university based on Times Higher Education’s list[11] 
Top 10 Universities in Egypt based on Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings  2024
  1. 601–800th Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST)
  2. 801–1000th  Al-Azhar University
  3. 801–1000th Alexandria University
  4. 801–1000th American University in Cairo
  5. 801–1000th Aswan University
  6. 801–1000th Cairo University
  7. 801–1000th Damietta University
  8. 801–1000th Kafrelsheikh University
  9. 801–1000th Mansoura University
  10. 801–1000th Zagazig University
When you secure a job offer from a Japanese company, getting a work visa becomes easy. Photo source: Freepik

Navigating Work Visas and Other Legal Requirements as a Egyptian About to Work in Japan 

 Things will happen fast once you accept the job offer. Most applicants take two to three months to finish their requirements. It’s important to get as many of your documents ready as you are looking for a job.   

Basic documents you need as a Egyptian to work in Japan:

  1. Passport  
  2. University Documents (Transcript of Record, diploma, etc.)  
  3. Certificate of Eligibility (to be provided by your future employer)  
  4. Clearance from past employers (Valid for Mid-career employees)  
  5. Work Visa (from the Japanese embassy in Cairo) 

“Unless you’re rich with 2000 USD in your bank account, you can get a visa to go to Japan through an invitation. An agency like FAST OFFER International can give you an effective visa. That’s what helped me go on that 6-day trip with a temporary visa.”   

An Egyptian Engineer’s Journey: From STEM Education to IT Career Success in Japan 

LEARNING JAPANESE TO SECURE A JOB IN JAPAN  

If there’s one skill you absolutely must have to land work and maximize living in Japan, it’s learning the language. What is the number one advice for Egyptians when learning Japanese? Start as soon as you can!     

 

You Japanese speaking ability will determine how you handle the interviews. Photo source: Freepik

How Good at Japanese Do You Need to Be to Work in Japan?  

Different companies have different needs. Through FAST OFFER International’s several partnerships with Japanese companies, we’ve observed just how important an applicant’s Japanese is in the context of different prospective employers.

Most Japanese companies are not fixated on your JLPT certificate which mainly reflects your reading and writing ability, but rather on how well your Japanese speaking ability can function in the workplace. There are no Japanese language tests you will need to take during the employment process, but rather, they will observe your Japanese conversation skills during your interview with them.   

The only way to access opportunities in Japan is to learn Japanese! [...] But also, you’ll need Japanese to live in Japan to navigate places, eat at restaurants, make friends, or whatever. Even English-speaking companies internally will use a lot of Japanese daily...
Overcoming Language Barriers as an Indonesian Professional
Here are a few general tendencies within Japanese companies:  

  • Arts or Humanities student: N2 or the equivalent.

    • Competing with locals means you need to be as fluent as them in Japanese. More than your writing ability though, employers will be paying more attention.   
  • IT or Engineering student: Conversational Japanese with at least N4 or the equivalent.

    • You will need to be able to carry out a job interview in Japanese. This interview will include your ability to explain your final year project.   
  • IT Engineer with work experience: at least N3 or the equivalent.

    • This applies if you are under thirty years old. As you will not be entering the company as a new grad, you will be afforded less training time and will have to work closely with others, hence the importance of conversational Japanese.  
  • A few jobs: fluent English.

    • Some jobs with English-only departments don’t require Japanese fluency to secure. However, those jobs are extremely few and far between while extremely high in demand. Most English teacher jobs do not require Japanese proficiency but will prioritize applicants from English-speaking countries and have a somewhat limited career trajectory. Although it’s possible to secure a job in Japan without knowing Japanese, you will still need to learn Japanese to navigate your life outside of work hours.  
  • Factory Workers: Basic Japanese.

    • Prospective applicants are required to take Basic Japanese classes to secure the job. Factory workers should at the minimum understand safety symbols and basic instructions on the job.  
Learning Japanese is essential not just to secure a job in Japan, but also to enjoying 100% of Japan. Photo source: Freepik

Tips on Learning Japanese for Egyptians  

Japanese is vital to your career in Japan! If you want to work in Japan as a Egyptian, this is the one skill you can’t skip. We’ve collected tips from our successful Egyptian applicants to help you learn the language. After all, learning Japanese is a different experience for everyone. Here’s a summary of the most important tips we have:  

  • Practice Japanese by incorporating Japanese culture into your hobbies. Whether it’s anime, j-rock, or soccer, it’ll be easier to learn Japanese if you make it a fun habit.    
  • Maximize the internet to study Japanese. There’s so much free and fun Japanese content on the internet to learn from!   
  • Practice with classmates or real Japanese people. It’s the only way to get comfortable with speaking Japanese.  

How to Get Into FAST OFFER International’s Free Japanese Classes  

“Once I gave [FAST OFFER International] my CV, they interviewed me to check my Japanese skills and to find out about my goals. That’s when they had me join the 6-month global classes for Japanese lessons that helped me improve. “

An Egyptian Engineer’s Journey: From STEM Education to IT Career Success in Japan  

To see when you can sign up with FAST OFFER International’s Japanese classes for  students worldwide, check our page here.   

THE EGYPTIAN EXPAT LIFE IN JAPAN  

What is it like once you’re an Egyptian working in Japan? We talked to some expats in Japan we’ve helped to paint you a picture. 

A big highlight about living in Japan? The food! Photo source: Freepik

Cost of Living and Budgeting for Egyptians Working in Japan  

Once you’re working in Japan, you might be surprised to experience how different cost of living in Japan as an expat is from what you’re used to in Egypt. For one thing, Egyptian expats will enjoy a higher starting salary in Japan. Even though the cost of living in Japan is more expensive, Japanese companies offer subsidies that keep living costs down.  Because companies aid with transportation, rent, and even childcare, new graduates often have enough money left over from their salary to travel and enjoy Japan.   

What can be surprising to expats though, is the government-mandated deductions for their salary. Universal health insurance deductions though will be useful. On the other hand, pension-related deductions can be reimbursed if you decide to leave Japan later on.    

Japan mandates that everyone invest in their healthcare. Photo source: Freepik

Understanding the Japanese Healthcare and Health Insurance for Egyptians 

Japan’s statutory universal health insurance system provides universal coverage[12]. This means that working in Japan as an Egyptian will make you part of Japan’s healthcare system. You can use it for hospital, primary, specialty, and mental health care, as well as prescription drugs. You will have access to excellent health outcomes at a relatively low cost with equity. It is funded primarily by taxes and individual contributions. When you land in Japan to work, you will be paying for and receiving benefits from their universal healthcare plan.   

  The healthcare insurance framework is divided into two principal categories:

  • Employees’ Health Insurance System  
    • This ensures that company employees and their families are covered. Those in this bracket will be charged a monthly salary deduction. 
  • National Health Insurance (NHI)  
    • This segment serves those who are self-employed or not in employment, such as freelancers and retirees, and is managed at the local level by municipal authorities, including cities and smaller communities.  

For surgery, and other procedures outside of the insurance plan, some companies will offer cash aid if within their contract. Some companies offer added benefits. Some companies in Japan even offer workers suffering from hay fever subsidized trips to help them work remotely. [13]

Rules and regulations make work-life-balance possible in japan. Photo source: Freepik

Work-Life-Balance in Japan  

There is so much opportunity for Malaysians in Japan. With their talent and edge in language, there’s so much space in Japanese companies looking to globalize.
How My Impossible Dream Came True in Japan: From Malaysia to a Career in Japanese Engineering

Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024[14] ranked Tokyo near-average at the 24th place  out of the 60 big cities from around the globe. As Japanese companies move towards globalization, some are proactively working to ensure employee work-life balance.   

I have regular meetings with the HR department, which is separate from my department, so if there is anything I feel uncomfortable discussing with my mentor or kacho, I can consult with them. The company genuinely cares for its employees. Frankly speaking, I have no complaints about the company. Everything has been going well.Learn how to Work in Japan for Indians from our successful applicants. 

Overcoming Challenges with Friends: My Path from Learning Japanese to Working in Japan 

Most Japanese companies with sustainable development goals in mind are actively working on creating a work environment that employees want to stay in for the long term.[15] It must be noted though, that work culture will vary from one company to another. What is consistent though is that Japan’s legal infrastructure helps protect employee rights. Workers in Japan, even foreigners, can safely advocate for their rights. [16]   

You don’t have to keep on doing overtime. As you try to blend in and be more Japanese, you might find yourself following in someone else’s unhealthy footsteps. It’s important to communicate your boundaries and your own values. Find a middle ground and talk it out with your superiors.     

Find the Gifu Mosque a Sunni Islam mosque, in Gifu City, Japan. Photo source: Wikimedia commons [17]

The Muslim Experience in Japan  

Egypt is home to a big Muslim population. If you’re a Muslim Egyptian who plans to work in Japan, with some effort, and coordination with your employer, you can smoothly continue your religious practices in Japan. You’ll find the Japanese’s considerate culture extends to their willingness to go out of their way to support you.  

I was going to be their first Muslim employee so I had to ask hard questions about whether they could help accommodate my religious needs. I had to pray five times a day, two of which would land within my work hours. Prayers would last around 10-15 minutes. I needed to know in advance if they were okay with that. Not only were they amenable, but they asked me questions from genuine curiosity, wanting to learn more. I was even happy to show them how I pray, demonstrating in front of them how it would go.
Breaking Cultural Barriers: A Malaysian Muslim’s Journey to a Tech Career in Japan

Top Tips for Muslims Living in Japan

  1. Discuss your prayer times with your company. Some companies have prayer rooms 
  2. File leaves in advance for religious holidays.  
  3. Find the increasing number of halal restaurants in Tokyo-area restaurants.   
  4. Attend a local mosque and get localized tips from fellow Muslims in your area.   
  5. Read the ingredients on the menus at mainstream chain restaurants.  
  6. Enjoy plenty of safe seafood choices at local restaurants.  
  7. Search for “halal restaurants” in your area and enjoy halal-certified authentic Japanese food. 
  8. Learn to cook your halal-friendly favorites as you will be able to find halal-friendly ingredients in Japan. 

 Another unforgettable experience you’re bound to have in Japan is meeting other Muslims from other countries. This can be quite a meaningful experience.

The June interview dates coincided with Eid al-Adha, a significant festival in Islam observed on the 10th day of the pilgrimage month. Normally, I would spend this day with my family, but this time I had the pleasure of fasting and participating in prayers with a Muslim friend from Indonesia whom I met during the interview session.Learn how to Work in Japan for Egyptians from our successful applicants.
Returning to Japan After 12 Years: My Journey with ASIA to JAPAN and Finding My Dream Job

HEAR FROM THE EGYPTIAN PROS: THE SUCCESS STORIES  

FAST OFFER International has helped 700+ talents find work across Japan all for free. For each case, we offered personalized help from start to finish. Over the years, we’ve collected a rich bank of stories of success that can both inspire and inform you.  Will you be part of our next batch of Egyptians to find a job in Japan?  

Egyptian Graduates Who Secured a Job Offer in Japan  

Right after securing a job offer with FAST OFFER International, we invite talents to share their success story while they wait for their scheduled joining date. We have a great variety of talents from different countries, degrees, and interests all with one thing in common: the drive to make their dream come true.   

Here are more stories about Egyptians finding jobs in Japan to inspire you:  

  1. An Egyptian Engineer’s Journey: From STEM Education to IT Career Success in Japan 
  2. How this Zewail City of Science and Technology Graduate Secured His Dream Job in Japan: A Success Story for Egyptian Graduates 

WHAT DO ALL SUCCESSFUL FOREIGN TALENTS IN JAPAN HAVE IN COMMON?   

Our diverse pool of successful applicants’ winning strategies to secure a job in Japan has two things in common:  

  1. They learned Japanese!  
  2. They never gave up!   

There are plenty of job opportunities in Japan for determined Egyptians!  

“If there are students currently conducting job searches through FAST OFFER International who are reading this, I would like to convey a message: Please rest assured, everything will be alright.”

Returning to Japan After 12 Years: My Journey with ASIA to JAPAN and Finding My Dream Job

Do you want to be part of Japan’s exciting, cutting-edge industry and be part of their well-cared-for workforce? Are you eager to explore and enjoy the best of Japanese culture? Do you dream of strolling through a shower of Sakura blossoms, zipping through prefectures on bullet trains, and attending festivals in a kimono? Then working in Japan might be in your future.  

If you’re serious about your dream, you can start working on it today! There are so many opportunities in Japan for the taking. With determination, grit, and the right support, you can make your dream come true.   

REFERENCES  

  1. Statista. “Number of Foreign Workers in Japan Hits Two Million Mark.” Statista, www.statista.com/statistics/961717/japan-number-foreign-workers/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024. ii SOURCE.xlsx
  2. E-Stat. “Population Statistics: Japanese and Foreign Population by Nationality.” e-Stat, www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00250012&tstat=000001018034&cycle=1&year=20230&month=24101212&tclass1=000001060399. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
  3. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. “Guidelines for Visa Applications and COVID-19 Measures.” MHLW, www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001199834.pdf . Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.
  4. Juridique. “New Visa Information.” Juridique, www.juridique.jp/visa/new.php. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
  5. ScienceDaily. “Bilinguals Find It Easier to Learn a Third Language.” ScienceDaily, 1 Feb. 2011, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201110915.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
  6. Trading Economics. “Japan Jobs-to-Applications Ratio.” Trading Economics, www.tradingeconomics.com/japan/jobs-to-applications-ratio. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
  7. Nippon. “Japan’s Population Decline Accelerates in 2022.” Nippon, www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01920. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
  8. ^2
  9. ^2
  10. ^2
  11. Times Higher Education. “World University Rankings 2024.” Times Higher Education, www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/world-ranking. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
  12. Commonwealth Fund. “International Health Care System Profiles: Japan.” Commonwealth Fund, Dec. 2020, www.commonwealthfund.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/2020_IntlOverview_JAPAN.pdf. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
  13. Vinter, Robyn. “Japan Companies Offer Tropical Trips to Workers with Hay Fever.” Business Insider, 4 Apr. 2024, www.businessinsider.com/japan-companies-offer-tropical-trips-workers-with-hay-fever-2024-4. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
  14. Remote. “Global Life Work Balance Index.” Remote, www.remote.com/resources/research/global-life-work-balance-index. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
  15. Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). “SDGs and Business: Progress 2022.” IGES, www.iges.or.jp/en/pub/sdgs-business-progress-2022-en/en. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
  16. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. “Aichi Labor Bureau Document.” Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, jsite.mhlw.go.jp/aichi-roudoukyoku/content/contents/000945065.pdf. Accessed 2 October. 2024.
  17. Wikipedia. “File:Gifu Mosque.JPG.” Wikipedia, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gifu_Mosque.JPG. Accessed 2 October. 2024.
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