How to Build a Career in Japan Without Speaking Japanese

Introduction: Career in Japan

Building a career in Japan may seem impossible for someone who does not know Japanese. Many people think that they need to be proficient in the language to find a decent job and further their careers in the country. Although knowing Japanese may give you more opportunities, it is by no means compulsory.

You can still build a successful career for yourself in Japan without knowing how to speak Japanese due to the different career specialties available, building your skills and networks in the field you want to specialize in and understanding the job market upon arrival.

How to Build a Career in Japan Without Speaking Japanese?

1. Choose Industries Where English Is Common

The first step is to study the industries that use the English language. International companies, technology, startups, consulting, finance, and sales companies are examples of firms that seek to employ people with expertise communicating in English since they are multinational and work with native English clients.

Software development is among the easiest industries for foreigners to join since tech companies usually hire specialists regardless of their English level but rather value their professional skills. For instance, programmers, engineers, data scientists, managers, and designers are always welcome in the companies offering technological solutions to their clients.

Teaching English is the second most common career for foreigners seeking jobs in the US or anywhere else in the world. Most educational institutions and academies have vacancies for native English speaking teachers. However, apart from teaching careers, people with high English skills can consider working in the fields of marketing, recruitment, research, customer service, writing, and international business.

2. Build Skills in Demand

Building an expert’s reputation is one of the foolproof ways to secure a better career in Japan, regardless of language fluency. Your language skills may be rusty, but you can always use other competencies to get noticed and hired by a Japanese company. In particular, the demand for developers, designers, project managers, financial analysts, and similar professions knows no limits.

Therefore, instead of relying solely on your credentials, build an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your abilities with potential employers. A competent developer can assemble an impressive list of their previous projects or even develop new applications to demonstrate their talent.

At the same time, writers, marketers, public relations specialists, and other creative occupations should develop samples of their work. In any field, a portfolio serves as the primary criterion during the initial screening of candidates.

3. Create a Strong Professional Profile

A resume and an accompanying professional profile are a must for a foreigner, seeking employment in Japan. At the very least, it will explain why the company should bother investing resources into training you when there are plenty of applicants from within the country.

It is essential that your resume sells your expertise and experience clearly and concisely, highlighting your accomplishments, technical side, international experience, qualifications, and major projects. Most importantly, use figures whenever possible.

Additionally, you should have a professional LinkedIn profile, which uses keywords recruiters searching for employees in Japan will use to find you. It is worth investing some time by finding out what occupations these companies are looking to fill, and studying the personnel section of your target companies, noting required and desirable qualifications. In addition, networking is an excellent way to both learn the ropes and find an entry-level position.

4. Be Ready to Start at the Bottom

The reality of the situation is that unless you have impeccable credentials, and even then, not necessarily, you may have to start at the bottom. In other words, be prepared to accept a position lower than you are ready for. A lot of people waste valuable time trying to find an entry-level vacancy in their field of expertise, when, in fact, any experience is good experience, especially if it provides you with Japanese business culture insights.

One possibility is teaching at a language school or working for a multinational corporation, but even something as simple as being a part of a small start-up can give you invaluable experience and contacts necessary to get a good job. Starting at the bottom does not mean accepting any position. It is worth taking your time and being patient instead of rushing into a career-defining position because you do not have much to lose.

5. Learn Basics of Japanese on the Way

Even if your field of work does not require fluency in the language, learning basic skills will enable you to operate more efficiently on a daily basis. It is important to learn at least some words and phrases in Japanese before launching your professional career there. Take it slow and try to learn something new every day. For instance, you could dedicate half an hour to 1 hour per day to studying the Japanese language. In the future, it will significantly reduce your chances of being misunderstood and aid in your overall productivity.

6. Learn About Japanese Workplace Culture as Well

Lest assume that mastering the linguistical aspects of the Japanese language is not enough. When working in a foreign country, it is crucial to learn the norms and rules peculiar to the local workplace. The manner of communication, cooperation with colleagues, approach to meetings and scheduling, and many other things may differ drastically in different countries.

It is vital to observe your colleagues’ behavior and ask more experienced persons about the specific conventions of your workplace. At the same time, it is wrong to believe that all Japanese companies work the same way. Some local organizations may have a history and traditions that have been developed over decades and centuries. However, global corporations and innovative technology-startups could have unique concepts in regard to workplace culture.

Conclusion: Career in Japan

Summing everything that has been said above, it is possible to suggest that even if you are not planning to become totally fluent in the Japanese language, it would still be beneficial to at least learn some basics. In order to ensure your future career success in Japan, prefer local businesses that value English as a language of instruction.

Learn skills that are in demand there and promote your professional image as a qualified expert. Gradually, but steadily, expand and deepen your Japanese language fluency in accordance with your growing professional expertise.

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