
Highest Paying Jobs in Japan for Foreigners (No Japanese Required)
Life in Japan / Work in Japan
Japan is often seen as a country where Japanese language skills are mandatory for career success. While thatโs true for many roles, there are well-paid jobs in Japan where Japanese is not requiredโespecially in global, technical, and English-focused industries.
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If youโre aiming to work in Japan while earning a strong salary without Japanese fluency, here are the most realistic and highest-paying options.
1. Software Engineer / IT Developer

Average salary: ยฅ6,000,000 โ ยฅ12,000,000+
Japanโs tech sector relies heavily on foreign talent. Many companies operate in English, particularly startups, multinational firms, and remote-friendly teams.
Common roles:
Backend / Frontend Engineer
Cloud Engineer (AWS, GCP, Azure)
AI / Machine Learning Engineer
Cybersecurity Specialist
Why Japanese isnโt required:
Internal documentation, meetings, and clients are often English-based.
Visa: Engineer / Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)
2. Product Manager (Global Teams)

Average salary: ยฅ8,000,000 โ ยฅ14,000,000+
International SaaS and fintech companies in Japan often hire foreign product managers to bridge global markets.
Key skills:
Agile / Scrum
Data-driven decision making
Stakeholder management
Language requirement: English (Japanese is a plus, not mandatory)
3. Investment Banking & Finance Roles

Average salary: ยฅ10,000,000 โ ยฅ20,000,000+
Foreign professionals are in demand in:
Investment banking
Asset management
Risk & compliance
Financial analysis
Where: Tokyo-based global banks and hedge funds
Language: English only for many front-office roles
4. Management Consultant

Average salary: ยฅ9,000,000 โ ยฅ15,000,000+
Top consulting firms (Big 4, MBB) hire foreigners for regional and global projects.
Why language isnโt a blocker:
Client work may be international, and internal communication is often English.
5. University Professor / Researcher (English Track)

Average salary: ยฅ5,000,000 โ ยฅ10,000,000+
Many Japanese universities offer:
English-taught degree programs
International research labs
Roles include:
Professors
Lecturers
Postdoctoral researchers
Visa: Professor / Research
6. English Teaching (High-End / Corporate)

Average salary: ยฅ4,000,000 โ ยฅ8,000,000+
While entry-level teaching is lower paid, corporate trainers, IB schools, and international schools pay significantly more.
Best options:
International schools
Corporate business English trainers
University lecturers
7. Sales & Business Development (Global Markets)

Average salary: ยฅ6,000,000 โ ยฅ12,000,000+
Foreigners are often hired to manage:
Overseas clients
International partnerships
Global expansion
Industries: SaaS, manufacturing, logistics, fintech
Which Visas Support High Salaries?
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) โ best for fast PR
Business Manager Visa
๐ก High salary = more HSP points = faster Permanent Residency
Important Reality Check
Even if Japanese is not required initially, learning basic Japanese helps with:
Daily life
Career stability
Promotions
Long-term success in Japan is much easier with at least N3-level Japanese.
How to Maximize Your Income in Japan
Target foreign-friendly companies
Negotiate salary aggressively (common for foreigners)
Aim for HSP visa eligibility
Choose industries with global demand
Related Posts:
What to Do If Your Visa Renewal Is Rejected in Japan (2026 Guide)
Can You Change Employers Without Changing Your Visa in Japan?
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