What you need to know when working in Japan
We will answer questions about working in Japan
If you were wondering whether you should work in Japan or not, you should first check out the article below.
Complete Guide: All you need to know about working in Japan
After you’ve done your research and still have some unanswered questions, you should definitely have a look at this article. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the work environment and work culture in Japan. Let’s get right into it!
Questions you might be wondering about working in Japan
Do you need to be able to speak Japanese?
Yes, most jobs in Japan will require being fluent in Japanese. You need to be able to speak Japanese for client-facing jobs, and jobs that involve a lot of teamwork. However, specialized positions such as software engineers would be able to work in Japan without knowing any Japanese.
Can you get laid off in Japan?
Yes. However, it is quite rare. If the company is doing really bad, they can lay off their employees. Also, if the company thinks you are underperforming the company may offer you to leave the company with a severance package. However, unless it is a layoff due to the restriction of the company, the company can’t let you go so easily in Japan due to Japan’s unique labor laws.
Do people overwork themselves in Japan?
Yes. In Japan, not only do people aim for precision and perfection in their work, but they also expect you to work at the office till late at night. This situation is actually not that different between Japanese companies and foreign companies located in Japan. This is because a lot of employees at foreign companies in Japan, moved from other Japanese companies, and they bring along the Japanese work style to foreign companies.
Do you have to go drink out with your coworkers?
No. Japan has a culture of going out for a drink after work. It may be hard for you to decline an invitation because of peer pressure, but it is okay not to go. For drinking after work hours with co-workers is definitely more common at a Japanese company. If you want to avoid going to drinks with your co-workers, it might be better for you to choose to work at a foreign company located in Japan.
How much do you get paid in Japan?
The average salary in Japan is 4.61 million yen. According to the National Tax Agency, the average salary in Japan was 4.61 million yen (5.67 million yen for men and 2.80 million yen for women), and the average bonus is 810,000 yen (1.02 million yen for men and 450,000 yen for women).
Is it common to switch jobs in Japan?
If you work at a foreign company located in Japan, the answer is yes. However, if you work at a Japanese company, you can expect that a lot of people would be surprised if you switched to another company within 5 years working there. Traditionally, Japanese people had the mindset that they will work at a single company for their entire life. Therefore, switching jobs isn’t common in older generations, but becoming more popular among young generations.
Can you work remotely in Japanese companies?
Yes. However, this does not apply to all companies, so you will need to look for a company that allows remote work. Most companies introduced work from home after the outbreak of the new coronavirus in 2020. Most companies in the IT industry allow you to work remotely. However, the situation may change depending on the situation of the new coronavirus in Japan, so it is hard to give a decisive answer to this question.
Working in Japan can be good and bad
It depends on the company really
In conclusion, working in Japan can definitely be a great experience for you if you know what you are going into. There are countless companies in Japan, and it is important for you to select the company that matches your expectations. After you’ve thought about what you want from the company and started looking for your ideal company in the right place, you will be able to find a company that matches your expectations! If you are not confident in your Japanese skills and think that you cannot gather sufficient information to decide whether you like the company or not, check out the article we wrote before.
Best 5 Career Agents to Change Jobs in Japan
These 5 career agents, will usually have someone who can speak English, so it might be a good idea to start with casually conversing with one of the career agents and try to find the perfect job with them.
