Best jobs in Japan for foreigners without Japanese

Finding a job in Japan without Japanese language ability may seem difficult, but it is entirely possible in specific industries where English or technical skills are prioritized over language proficiency. Many companies actively hire foreign professionals for global-facing roles, technical positions, and labor shortages.

This guide outlines the best job options in Japan for foreigners with little or no Japanese, typical requirements, visa considerations, and practical tips for success.

1. English Teacher / Language Instructor

Visa type:
Instructor (kyōin – 教員)
or
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
(gijutsusha / jinbun chishiki / kokusai gyōmu – 技術・人文知識・国際業務)

Why it works:

• English is the core job requirement

• Minimal Japanese needed for daily tasks

• High demand nationwide

Typical employers:

• Private language schools (eikaiwa – 英会話)

• Public schools via dispatch companies

• International kindergartens

Notes:

Basic Japanese is helpful for生活 tasks but not required for work.

2. IT Engineer / Software Developer

Visa type:
Engineer (gijutsusha – 技術者)

Why it works:

• Many tech teams operate in English

• Skills matter more than language

• Remote or hybrid work is common

Common roles:

• Software developer

• Cloud engineer

• Data analyst

• AI engineer

Requirements:

• Degree or professional experience

• Technical interview (usually in English)

3. Factory Worker (Specified Skilled Worker)

Visa type:
Specified Skilled Worker
(tokutei ginō – 特定技能)

Why it works:

• Severe labor shortages

• Language requirements are minimal

• Training provided

Industries:

• Food processing

• Manufacturing

• Electronics assembly

Notes:

Basic Japanese improves safety and promotion opportunities but is not always mandatory.

4. Hotel & Tourism Staff (Resort Areas)

Visa type:
Specified Skilled Worker (tokutei ginō – 特定技能)
or
International Services (kokusai gyōmu – 国際業務)

Why it works:

• English-speaking guests are common

• Tourist-heavy regions need foreign staff

• Language support often provided

Popular locations:

• Tokyo

• Kyoto

• Osaka

• Okinawa

• Ski resorts (Hokkaido, Nagano)

5. ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

Visa type:
Instructor (kyōin – 教員)

Why it works:

• No Japanese required initially

• Structured teaching environment

• Government-backed programs

Common programs:

• JET Programme (JET Puroguramu – JETプログラム)

• Private dispatch companies

6. International Sales / Overseas Business

Visa type:
International Services (kokusai gyōmu – 国際業務)

Why it works:

• Foreign language ability is an asset

• Japanese often optional

• Focus on global markets

Typical roles:

• Overseas sales

• Import/export coordination

• Market research

7. Restaurant Staff (Foreign-Owned or Tourist Areas)

Visa type:
Specified Skilled Worker (tokutei ginō – 特定技能)

Why it works:

• Labor shortages in food service

• English-friendly workplaces

• On-the-job Japanese learning

Notes:

Japanese needed is limited to simple phrases and menus.

8. Modeling, Acting & Entertainment

Visa type:
Entertainer (kōgyō – 興行)

Why it works:

• Language often irrelevant

• Appearance and talent focused

• Project-based work

Common fields:

• Commercial modeling

• TV extras

• Fashion shows

9. Startup & Foreign Companies in Japan

Visa type:
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
(gijutsusha / jinbun chishiki / kokusai gyōmu – 技術・人文知識・国際業務)

Why it works:

• English is the company language

• International teams

• Flexible hiring standards

Industries:

• Tech

• Fintech

• Consulting

• Digital marketing

10. Internship & Working Holiday Jobs

Visa type:
Working Holiday (wākingu horidē – ワーキングホリデー)

Why it works:

• No Japanese requirement

• Short-term flexibility

• Cultural exposure

Common jobs:

• Cafes

• Hostels

• Farms

• Seasonal resorts

11. Important Visa Considerations

Without Japanese ability:

• Visa category matters more than language

• Immigration focuses on job content, not fluency

• Employer sponsorship is key (koyō shien – 雇用支援)

Always confirm your job qualifies for your visa status
(zairyū shikaku – 在留資格).

12. Tips to Get Hired Without Japanese

• Target foreign-owned companies

• Highlight English and technical skills

• Use international job platforms

• Prepare English CVs (Japanese optional)

• Learn survival Japanese gradually (seikatsu nihongo – 生活日本語)

Official References

Immigration Services Agency of Japan
(nyūkoku zairyū kanri-chō – 出入国在留管理庁)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/

JET Programme Official Site
(JET Puroguramu – JETプログラム)
https://jetprogramme.org/