Jobs in Japan for Indians – The Only Guide You’ll Need   

LOOKING FOR A JOB IN JAPAN   

If you’re an Indian 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 Indians, 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.  

“My passion for mechanical engineering and Japan’s reputation for cutting-edge technology further fueled my ambition. I knew then that Japan was where I wanted to build my future.”  

Overcoming Interview Challenges: My Path from Aspiring Engineer to Working in Japan  

Why Do Many Indians 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 99,962 Indians according to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA)^[2] Of the 199 foreign nationalities in Japan, India has the 11^th largest population! So what makes Japan especially attractive for Indians?

1. Access tons of job opportunities in Japan for foreigners. 
2. Japan’s amazing tech industry. 
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. Japan has a strong Indian community, with organizations that can be traced back as early as 1904^[4] 
10. Fellow Indians’ recommend Japan as a great work destination. 

Understanding the Japanese Job Market and Where Indians Can Fit In  

The Japanese job market is different than most so of course it’s different than the job market in India 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 Indians  

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:  

• Openness to questions and clarifications   
• English-only departments  
• Leniency with Keigo (honorific speech)  
• Company rules regulating, compensating, or in some cases banning overtime work  
• Designated prayer rooms for Muslim workers   
• Subsidized living costs  
• Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has a Working Conditions Handbook for all foreign nationals working in Japan.  

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 an Indian 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!   

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 Indian determined to land aj ob 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.   

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 Indians 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.  

“Looking back on my job search at FAST OFFER International, my teachers, mentors, and friends always had my back. This warm and supportive experience was essential to my success.” 

A Journey Shaped by Anime: Overcoming Challenges in the Japanese Job Market 

• 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.   

WHY INDIAN TALENTS ARE IN DEMAND IN JAPAN   

The Indian 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 tongue, on top of Japanese gives you a clear advantage.  

Indians Can Easily Learn Japanese 

Studies also show that being bilingual makes it easier to learn a new language ^[5] so it’ll be easier to add Japanese! But more importantly, Indians are expected to learn Japanese much easier than other nationalities because local Indian languages Marathi and Hindi have similar grammar with Japanese. This greatly helps simplify the learning process as Indians can approach the language with a thought process they’ve already mastered. 

“Japanese is often recognized as one of the most difficult languages to learn, but I believe Indians have an advantage. Indian local languages are uncannily similar in grammar to the Japanese language. This really helps us Indians understand the language more easily.”  

From MIT World Peace Uni to Tokyo Tech: An Indian Engineer’s Dream Comes True  

Japan Has a Thriving Indian Population 

Once Indians step in Japan, they’ll easily find an Indian community they can be proud of. In fact, the Indian community is so established in Japan that there’s a Little India located in Nishi Kasai.^[6] The concentrated Indian population in the area has enabled several Indian shops to pop up. 

IT Engineering Jobs for Indians  

Last July 2024, the ratio of jobs to applications in Japan was 1.23 ^[7]. 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^[8]. 

This trend can be seen in Japan’s IT industry, leading to more opportunities for skilled India to jump in. Already, Japan has a history of looking to India to find IT workers and talent^[9]. This just goes to show how receptive and keen Japan is to have even more Indian talents in their workforce. In fact, this 2024, during a meeting, Japan’s Cabinet Office are specifically targeting to attract skilled tech workers from India^[10]. 

We looked at the Japanese census from December 2023^[11] 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:  

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

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 19,757 expats from 129 with this visa, 1,079 came from India.  

(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 388,717 expats from 184 with this visa, 12,177 came from India.  

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^[14]. 

Top 10 Universities in India based on Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings  2024^[15] 

1. 201–250th Indian Institute of Science 
2. 501–600th Anna University 
3. 501–600th Jamia Millia Islamia 
4. 501–600th Mahatma Gandhi University 
5. 501–600th Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences 
6. 601–800th Alagappa University 
7. 601–800th Aligarh Muslim University 
8. 601–800th Banaras Hindu University 
9. 601–800th Bharathiar University 
10. 601–800th Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati 

Navigating Work Visas and Other Legal Requirements as an Indian 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 an Indian to work in Japan:  

• Passport  

• University Documents (Transcript of Record, diploma, etc.)  

• Certificate of Eligibility (to be provided by your future employer)  

• Clearance from past employers (Valid for Mid-career employees)  

• Clearance from Scholarship bonds (Depends on your contract)  

• Japanese Work Visa for Indians (from the Japanese embassy or consulate in India assigned to your locale) 

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 Indians when learning Japanese? Start as soon as you can!   

“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 

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.   

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.  

Tips on Learning Japanese for Indians  

Japanese is vital to your career in Japan! If you want to work in Japan as an Indian, this is the one skill you can’t skip. We’ve collected tips from our successful Indian 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:  

• Take Japanese classes at your university. Take advantage of the required foreign language studies of your course.  

• 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  

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

THE INDIAN EXPAT LIFE IN JAPAN  

Indian Expats who succeeded through FAST OFFER International shared their experiences of what happens once you’re in Japan.  

Cost of Living and Budgeting for Indians 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 India. For one thing, most Indian expats 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.   

Understanding the Japanese Healthcare and Health Insurance for Indians 

Japan’s statutory universal health insurance system provides universal coverage^[16]. This means that working in Japan as an Indian 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. ^[17]

Work-Life-Balance in Japan  

Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024^[18] 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.   

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.^[19] 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. ^[20] 

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.    

Where to Find Authentic Indian Food in Japan  

Once you’ve flown from India to your job in Japan, your next focus as you settle in will be maximizing your life in Japan. Part of that is finding food that makes you happy and comforted. For a lot of people, comfort food is the taste of home. If you truly want to replicate the taste of home, then you can go to Little India in Nishi Kasai to sample the restaurants there or buy your own ingredients to cook at home.  

Most Indian necessities, including spices, ingredients, ready-to-eat packets, and the usual utensils can be found in Indian stores in Japan. More niche utensils and cooking implements might be more challenging to find. However, as these products had to be flown from India, they do cost a premium. You might be surprised to find “affordable” options on the pricey side when you find them in Japan. 

Another thing to think about when cooking Indian food is whether your apartment or dorm has a compatible gas stove. While apartment hunting, you need to ask for an apartment with a gas stove. This might limit your choices however as Japanese apartments are known for their compact nature. 

HEAR FROM THE INDIAN 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 Indians to find a job in Japan? 

What is it like to be a  Indian in Japan? 

Hear from Indian FAST OFFER International alumni who’ve lived and worked in Japan. They share their origin stories and delve deep into everything they’ve learned from landing the job to adjusting to Japanese life.   

• Working in Japan since October 2022: Overcoming Challenges with Friends: My Path from Learning Japanese to Working in Japan 

Indian 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 Indians finding jobs in Japan to inspire you organized based on their majors: 

Electronics and Telecommunication

1. An Indian Electronics and Communication Engineering Graduate Finds Success in Japan
2. Experiencing Japanese Hospitality: A Success Story from India to Japan
3. From Pune to Tokyo: How Karate and Anime Led to a Dream Career in Japan
4. Staying Motivated: Why Working in Japan Was My Biggest Dream
5. Learning Japanese: A Key to Success in Japan’s Tech Industry

Computer Science

1. From Anime Inspiration to Data Science Career in Japan: A Resilient Journey
2. From India to Japan: The Journey of a Computer Science Graduate to an AI and Cloud Engineer
3. Insights from an Indian Computer Science Graduate at Pune University
4. Navigating Japanese Job Interviews: A Cybersecurity Engineer’s Success Story from India
5. From Toyota Fan to Tokyo: An Indian Engineer’s Journey
6. Choosing the Path of Engineering: A Gateway to Japan’s Tech World
7. From Anime to Engineering: An Engineer’s Journey of Learning and Achieving
8. Tech Dreams Fueled by Japanese Animation: An Indian’s Journey to Employment in Japan

Mechanical Engineering

1. From Student Formula to Japanese Auto Industry: An Indian Engineer’s Journey into Japan’s Automotive Realm
2. From Pune to Tokyo: The Journey of an Indian AI Engineer Through Savitribai Phule Pune University
3. Mastering Japanese and Mechanical Engineering: A Graduate’s Path to Success in Japan
4. Tale of Cultural Adaptation: From India to Japan’s Dream Job
5. Robotics Career in Japan: Insights from an MIT World Peace University Graduate
6. From Anime to Engineering: An Engineer’s Journey of Learning and Achieving
7. Bridging Boundaries: An Indian’s Robotics Adventure in Japan
8. A Journey Shaped by Anime: Overcoming Challenges in the Japanese Job Market

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!   

“If you face setbacks like I did, I hope you do not forget the passion that burns in your heart. Keep it burning and attend every interview confident and passionate. If you give it your all, the rest can be left to FAST OFFER International.” 

A Journey Shaped by Anime: Overcoming Challenges in the Japanese Job Market  

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

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. India Club Japan. “India Club Japan – Bringing Together the Indian Community in Japan.” India Club Japan, https://indiaclubjapan.com/en/. Accessed 25 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. Metropolis Japan. “Nishi-Kasai: Little India in Tokyo.” Metropolis Japan, https://metropolisjapan.com/nishi-kasai-little-india/. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024. 

7. Trading Economics. “Japan Jobs-to-Applications Ratio.” Trading Economics, www.tradingeconomics.com/japan/jobs-to-applications-ratio. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.    

8. Nippon. “Japan’s Population Decline Accelerates in 2022.” Nippon, www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01920. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.

9. Singh, Supriya (12 July 2022). “Japanese tech titans looking for Indian solution to talent crunch”. The Japan Times. Retrieved 29 March 2024.   

10. Nikkei Asia. “Japan Targets India and Southeast Asia to Recruit Tech Workers.” Nikkei Asia, https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-immigration/Japan-targets-India-and-Southeast-Asia-to-recruit-tech-workers. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024. 

11. ^2 

12. ^2 

13. ^2 

14. Times Higher Education. “World University Rankings 2024.” Times Higher Education, www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/world-ranking. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.   

15. ^14 

16. 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.   

17. 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.   

18. Remote. “Global Life Work Balance Index.” Remote, www.remote.com/resources/research/global-life-work-balance-index. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.   

19. 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. 

20. 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.