Work

Ideally, you want to have a job lined up before coming to Japan. There are some practices that can make things tricky for those who try to find a job after their arrival. Part of the problem is that most employers will require you to have a valid visa and residence in the country before application (for more information on visas, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website). Unfortunately, without employment or another type of visa sponsor, it is impossible to stay in the country. It is also next to impossible to find a place to live without a company or other type of guarantor.

For motivated individuals, there is always a way to find work or a visa sponsor, but as a general rule, you should know ahead of time where you will stay, where you will work, and how long you will be in Japan. Japan is an excellent place to live, but because of the labor laws and practices you will want to make sure that it is the right career move. The English teaching business and other industries like sales are currently the best options for foreigners who are non-expatriates and are interested in living in Japan. People with Japanese ability have more opportunities in industries like IT and technology, but most companies are looking for workers with Ikkyu (Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1) or even higher fluency.

You can start by registering your resume with WorkinJapan.com to review the thousands of jobs posted and begin your job search.

Expats

If you already work for a company with a branch in Japan and are considering transferring to that office, then you can probably avoid many of these issues. As an expatriate you can rely on the community of your company or relocation service to sort out most of your daily life issues, such as arranging a bank account and setting up services for your home. This is probably the best option for people interested in working in Japan.

Networking

Contacts are very important in finding employment - so much so that it is even a requirement to get some jobs. You will want to know someone who works at the company before you apply and probably even get an introduction to any staff that could be involved in your interview process. You do not want to appear as an “outsider,” so never turn down the opportunity to make new contacts, even if it is only someone you meet briefly.

In Japan, business etiquette is extremely scripted and important in making a positive impression (compared with other countries). Japan is becoming more accepting and familiar with Western business practices, but it is always best to know these social customs so you can avoid losing business over uncomfortable situations. Japan-guide.com’s Etiquette web page can give you some pointers on proper behavior when living and working in Japan.

Entrepreneurs

It is slowly becoming a viable option to start your own business in Japan, but there is still a lot of red tape and cost involved. The regulations regarding entrepreneurship and starting a business can be found on the Japan External Trade Organization’s website. For advice beyond the rules and regulations, Venture Japan is a site that is dedicated to explaining some of the ins and outs of how to do business here.

Pension

Like the medical treatment insurance system, Japan also has a pension system. Every citizen must enroll in the pension system. The National Pension Plan covers all people between the ages of 20 and 60 living in Japan (including students) and provides equal basic pension benefits. Foreigners living in Japan must also subscribe to this plan. The Employees' Pension Plan applies to workers under the age of 70 who are working full-time. Under the Employees’ Pension Plan the subscriber and the employer each pay half of the amount calculated by multiplying the subscriber's standard monthly income by the premium rate, or that of your employer.

Taxes

You will have to pay taxes in Japan – most likely Income Tax, Resident Tax, and Consumption Tax. Only money that is paid to you from an abroad source to an abroad account is non-taxable. But, once you transfer that money to Japan, it is subject to tax. For information on taxes in Japan, visit the Japan Reference web page.

Trouble at Work

If for some reason you encounter discrimination or other issues in the workplace, you can contact the Department of Labor Standards Inspection. Also, if your employer attempts to keep you working past your visa permit, do not agree to this. If such a situation ever arises, make it clear that you understand the law and if necessary contact the proper authorities. Contact the authorities before you yourself have broken any laws by overstaying the time allowed on your visa.

Day Care

Day Care is a booming business in Japan. This is especially true in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area where many women are working as well as their husbands. However, trying to find an appropriate Day Care can be daunting.

Your company should be your first stop for questions and information about how to proceed. You are probably going to want someone who can translate for you when you contact the schools. Ask neighbors and co-workers about how they found day care. If you need another option, consult the Yellow Pages (try the Japanese words hoikuen and takujisho as well as English words). Also contact your local Ward Office (kuyakushou) or City Hall (shiyakusho) as most areas have publicly run day care facilities that may not be listed in the Yellow pages.