Are you a foreign job seeker eager to explore career prospects in Japan’s dynamic job market? Gaishikei companies (外資系企業 Gaishikei kigyou), or foreign enterprises, offer a gateway to a world of diverse opportunities and experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the realm of Gaishikei companies, shedding light on their work culture, advantages, challenges, and how you can navigate the job market to secure your dream job in Japan.

What are Gaishikei Companies?

Gaishikei companies (外資系企業 Gaishikei kigyou) are foreign-owned or multinational corporations operating in Japan. These companies bring a unique blend of international perspectives and business practices to the Japanese market, providing a rich tapestry of career opportunities for foreign job seekers looking to work in Japan.

Key Characteristics:

■ Diverse Cultural Influence:

Embracing a blend of cultural backgrounds to create a rich, multicultural work environment that celebrates diversity and promotes cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among employees.

■ Global Connectivity:

Providing exposure to international markets, fostering a global mindset among employees who engage with diverse perspectives, business practices, and market dynamics from around the world.

■ Innovative Practices:

Embracing cutting-edge technologies and strategies to maintain competitiveness and drive growth, encouraging a culture of experimentation, agility, and forward-thinking.

■ Meritocratic Culture:

Rewarding employees based on performance and contributions rather than tenure, promoting a fair and transparent system that recognizes and values individual achievements and efforts.

■ Open Communication:

Emphasizing transparent decision-making processes, fostering collaboration, and encouraging a culture of open dialogue and feedback to facilitate effective communication and teamwork within the organization.

■ Focus on Employee Development:

Prioritizing training, skill enhancement, and career growth opportunities for staff, nurturing a learning culture that empowers employees to reach their full potential and contribute effectively to the company’s success.

Advantages of Working in Gaishikei or Foreign-Affiliated Companies in Japan:

■ Global Exposure:

Working in a foreign-affiliated company means you get to learn about how businesses work in other countries. This can help you understand global markets and trends.

■ Innovative Environment:

Foreign-affiliated companies often use the newest technologies and strategies. This can be exciting and challenging, and it helps you be creative and adaptable in a fast-paced world.

■ Career Development:

Foreign-affiliated companies often offer training and development opportunities. This helps you learn new skills and advance in your career.

■ Diverse Workforce:

In foreign-affiliated companies, you’ll work with people from all over the world. This can be a great way to learn about different cultures and ideas. It can also help you be more creative and innovative.

■ Rewarding Hard Work

In many foreign-affiliated companies, people are rewarded and recognized based on how well they do their jobs. Recognition and rewards are based on individual performance and contributions. It means that everyone has a fair chance to succeed, and hard work and good results are rewarded. This creates a positive work environment where people feel motivated to do their best and contribute to the company’s success.

Disadvantages of Working in Gaishikei or Foreign-Affiliated Companies in Japan:

■ Cultural Differences:

In foreign-affiliated companies, people from different cultures often work together. This can sometimes be difficult because of the differences in how people work in different countries. To succeed, it’s important to be understanding, adaptable, and good at communicating. This helps everyone work together smoothly.

■ Language Barrier:

Language can be a challenge in foreign-affiliated companies. People may speak different languages, which can make it hard to communicate. To solve this problem, companies can offer language training, use interpreters, and help employees learn how to communicate across cultures. This helps everyone understand each other better.

■ Finding a Balance: Work and Life

Working in a foreign-affiliated company can sometimes mean working long hours. It’s important to find a balance between work and personal life. This means managing your time well, setting boundaries, and taking care of yourself. This helps prevent burnout and keeps employees happy and healthy.

■ Adjusting to a New Way of Working

Foreign-affiliated companies often have different ways of doing things than Japanese companies. This can be a challenge for new employees. To succeed, it’s important to be flexible, understand different cultures, and be willing to learn new ways of working. This helps people fit in and do well in their jobs.

How to Find a Job in Gaishikei Company

Finding a job in a foreign company in Japan can be a rewarding experience. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of securing a position:

■ Research:

Begin by researching foreign companies operating in Japan. Identify industries that interest you and companies that align with your career goals and values.

■ Networking:

Build a professional network by attending industry events, joining online forums, and connecting with professionals working in foreign companies in Japan. Networking can help you access hidden job opportunities and gain insights into the job market. Create a strong LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills, experiences, and career goals, engage with professionals in your target industry, and keep an eye out for job postings on the platform.

■ Direct Applications:

Visit the career pages of foreign companies in Japan that interest you. Many companies post job openings on their websites, and you can apply directly through their online application systems.

■ Online Job Portals:

Explore job portals specific to foreign companies or international job opportunities in Japan. Websites like Daijob.com list jobs targeted toward expats and bilingual professionals. Click on the button below to access and apply to more than 3700 jobs in a Foreign affiliated/ Gaishikei company.

Take Away

Working in a Gaishikei company in Japan offers diverse opportunities for professional growth, innovation, and exposure to global business practices. Employees benefit from a multicultural environment that values diverse perspectives and inclusion. However, challenges such as cultural disparities, language barriers, work-life balance issues, restricted advancement prospects, and adaptation difficulties may require proactive approaches to navigate successfully in these dynamic and multicultural work settings.

JETRO surveyed 7,427 foreign-affiliated companies based in Japan. Read the results:
“Survey on Business Operations of Foreign-affiliated Companies in Japan” Summary of Survey Results －New surveys about geopolitical risks and new business trends in the post Covid-19 era－

Curious to know how to get your first job in Japan? Check out this article: How to get your first job in Japan – The Adventures of Harvey