Exploring Japan: A Guide For Overseas Filipino Workers

Exploring Japan

Updated:

Landing a job in Japan poses challenges for OFWs.

Dive into our guide for instant access to the latest job opportunities in Japan—your one-stop resource for a streamlined job search.

We’ve curated a list of accredited agencies, ensuring a trustworthy partnership throughout your career journey. Navigate the job market with confidence and make your dream job in Japan a reality.

Let’s explore Japan together.

List of Accredited Manpower Agency in Japan

  • 101 MOJO INT`L. CORPORATION
  • 10TH STORY PLACEMENT AGENCY, INC.
  • 1ST DYNAMIC PERSONNEL RESOURCES INC.
  • 2000 MILES PLACEMENT AGENCY, INC. (FOR:GEOSONS PLCT AGENCY, INC)
  • 7107 ISLANDS PLACEMENT & PROMOTIONS INC
  • A.C. SICAT INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SERVICES
  • ABBA PERSONNEL SERVICES INC
  • ABD OVERSEAS MANPOWER CORP (FORMERLY UNITED PLACEMENT INT`L)
  • ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT SERVICES INC
  • ADVANCE ABILITY ASSISTANCE HUMAN RESOURCES INC.
  • AGILITY INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SOLUTION (AIMS) INC (FORMERLY JERR SERVICES)
  • AL-KINGSMEN INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SERVICES CO.
  • ALIZABETH RECRUITMENT INCORPORATED
  • ALO INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SERVICES, INC.
  • ALPHA MANPOWERLINK AGENCY CO
  • ALPHA TOMO (P) INTL MANPOWER SERVICES INC FORMERLY R.A. TOMO INTERNATIONAL
  • AML & GS PLACEMENT ENTERPRISES COMPANY INC
  • ANDREWS MANPOWER CONSULTING INC
  • ANDROME RECRUITMENT AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
  • AQIUM INTERNATIONAL, INC.. FOR:ACQUIM INTL INC.
  • AQUAVIR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • ARIX WORLD MANPOWER CORPORATION
  • ARK OVERSEAS HUMAN RESOURCE CORP
  • ASIA REACH INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT & CONTRACTOR SERVICES INC
  • ASIAN DREAM MANPOWER SERVICES INC
  • AWRI-ALL-WORLD RECRUITMENT INC (FORMERLY WHITE BIRD BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & G
  • BENCHSTONE ENTERPRISES INC
  • BISON MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
  • BLAZING STAR INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SERVICES
  • BMS GROUP INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER RECRUITMENT SERVICES CORP
  • CEBU NEW WAVE RECRUITMENT, INC.
  • CHARIOT LABOR ASIA MANPOWER SERVICES (FORMERLY ARTIST GLOBE MANPOWER)
  • CONNECTIONAL OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
  • CORETEAM MANPOWER SERVICES, INC.
  • CPM MANPOWER SERVICES, INC.
  • DESERTWEALTH INT`L SERVICES CORP (INDUSTRIAL MANPOWER ENT COMPANY)
  • DIAMOND OVERSEAS MANPOWER ENTERPRISES (FOR: DIAMONDS INTL MANP SVCS)
  • EDI STAFFBUILDERS INTERNATIONAL INC.
  • ELIGARDI ENTERPRISES INC.
  • EMCJ MANPOWER INTERNATIONAL INC.
  • EXPEDITE MOVERS MANPOWER SERVICES
  • FAASI INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
  • FIRST CHAMPION & INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT INC (FORMERLY FIRST CHAMPION)
  • FLUOR MANPOWER AGENCY INC.
  • GATCHALIAN PROMOTION TALENTS POOL, INC.
  • GIANT INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT AGENCY INC.
  • GLOBAL MANPOWER SERVICES INC.
  • GOLDEN GATEWAY INTL MANPOWER SERVICES INC.

Is it Good to work in Japan?

Working in Japan has good and bad points, depending on what you like and want.

  • You can learn about Japanese culture, language, and business manners, which can help you grow personally and professionally.
  • You can experience the teamwork, politeness, and high-quality standards that Japanese work culture is known for.
  • You can challenge yourself and take on more responsibility in a different environment, especially if you are a foreigner or minority in your company.
  • You can enjoy the convenience, safety, and variety of living in this country, which has many things to do and see.

Some bad things about working in Japan are:

  • You might have to work long hours, and overtime, and feel stressed, which can affect your work-life balance and health.
  • You might have to pay a lot of money to live in this country, especially in cities where rent, transportation, and food can be expensive.
  • You might have trouble communicating, fitting in, and advancing in your career because of language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination.
  • You might have to get used to the high-context culture, which uses non-verbal cues, implicit rules, and indirect communication that can be confusing or frustrating for outsiders.

Benefits, Privileges in Working in Japan

Working in Japan can have many benefits and privileges, depending on the type of employment and the company you work for.

  • You can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and language and learn from the locals. You can also enjoy the rich and diverse cuisine, entertainment, and its sceneries. Working in this country can be a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and experience a different way of life.
  • You can receive various employee benefits, such as:
    • health insurance,
    • pension,
    • housing subsidies,
    • recreation facilities,
    • bonuses, and more.
  • These benefits are usually provided by the employer or the government and can vary depending on the industry and the size of the company. Some benefits are mandatory by law, such as health insurance and pension, while others are optional or discretionary, such as housing subsidies and bonuses.
  • You can enhance your career prospects and skills by working in Japan. Working in this country can show your confidence, initiative, adaptability, and communication skills.
  • It can also help you develop your professional network and connections in Japan and abroad. Working in this country can be a valuable addition to your resume and a boost to your future career.

If you are interested in working, you should first research the types of employment available and the requirements for each one.

There are different types of employment, such as :

  • regular employment (seishain),
  • contractual employment (keiyaku),
  • temporary staff (haken),
  • part-time employment (arubaito),
  • and freelance work. 

Each type of employment has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as:

  • contract duration,
  • salary,
  • benefits,
  • stability,
  • flexibility, and
  • promotion opportunities.

You should also check the visa requirements for working in this country, as they may differ depending on your nationality, profession, and length of stay.

Cost of Living

As of 2023, the cost of living in Japan varies depending on the city and the type of accommodation. According to the Family Income and Expenditure Survey conducted by the Japanese government, the average monthly cost for a two-person household in 2022 was 290,865 yen. The yearly average of monthly costs per one-person household for 2022 was 161,753 yen.

As an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan, your salary will depend on your location and experience. According to GaijinPot, the average pay for an ALT is between ¥220,000 and ¥280,000 per month. However, rent in Tokyo can take up a large portion of your salary.

If you’re planning to move to Japan as an ALT, it’s important to consider your expenses carefully. You can use the information provided above as a starting point for budgeting.

Cost of Living for Two or More People Household

On February 7, 2023, the government shared information about how much it cost for two people to live in 2022. The average monthly cost for the year was 290,865 yen, which is 4.2% more than the year before. When taking inflation into account, it was only 1.2% more expensive.

Cost of Living in Japan in Tabular format

Cost of Living for One People Household

On February 7, 2023, the government released its data covering the cost of living in 2022 for single-person households.

The yearly average of monthly costs for a one-person household for 2022 was 161,753 yen, up 4.3% in nominal terms and up 1.3% in inflation-adjusted real terms from the previous year.

Broken down by line items, here are the following average living expenses for 2022 for single-person households:

Food

Food, meal expenses, groceries, etc.

  • Monthly cost: ¥39,069
  • Year-over-year nominal change: 1.7%
  • Year-over-year real change: -2.7%

Housing

Mortgage or house rent for accommodation

  • Monthly cost: ¥23,300
  • Year-over-year nominal change: 5.4%
  • Year-over-year real change: 3.1%

Fuel, light & water charges

Utility bills, gas, electricity, water, energy utilities, etc.

  • Monthly cost: ¥13,098
  • Year-over-year nominal change: 15.1%
  • Year-over-year real change: 0.3%

Furniture & household utensils

Daily necessities, daily use items, etc.

  • Monthly cost: ¥5,487
  • Year-over-year nominal change: -3.5%
  • Year-over-year real change: -7%

Clothing & footwear

Clothes, shoes, etc.

  • Monthly cost: ¥5,047
  • Year-over-year nominal change: 9.6%
  • Year-over-year real change: 7.9%

Medical care

Medicine, doctor fees, etc.

  • Monthly cost: ¥7,384
  • Year-over-year nominal change: -3.2%
  • Year-over-year real change: -2.9%

Transportation & communication

Travel expenses, commuter passes, etc.

  • Monthly cost: ¥19,303
  • Year-over-year nominal change: 2.4%
  • Year-over-year real change: 4%

Culture & recreation

Entertainment-related expenses, theater performances, etc.

  • Monthly cost: ¥17,993
  • Year-over-year nominal change: 5.2%
  • Year-over-year real change: 4.1%

Other consumption expenditures

  • Monthly cost: ¥31,071
  • Year-over-year nominal change: 6.2%
  • Year-over-year real change: 3.1%

Qualifications And Requiements

To apply as an OFW, you must meet the qualifications and requirements set by the Japanese government. 

The following are the general requirements for obtaining a working visa:

  1. You must have a job offer from a Japanese company.
  2. You must have a valid passport.
  3. You must fill and submit the visa application form.
  4. You must submit your photograph (not older than six months).
  5. You must have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) which is issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan.
  6. You must be at least 18 years old and not more than 30 years old .

In addition to these general requirements, there are specific qualifications and requirements for each type of working visa, such as :

  • highly skilled professional visa,
  • working visa,
  • professor visa,
  • artist visa,
  • religious activities visa,
  • journalist visa,
  • business manager visa,
  • legal/accounting services visa,
  • medical services visa,
  • researcher visa,
  • instructor visa,
  • engineer/specialist in humanities/international services visa,
  • intra-company transferee visa,
  • nursing care visa,
  • entertainer visa,
  • skilled labor visa,
  • specified skilled worker visa,
  • cultural activities visa,
  • student visa,
  • training visa,
  • dependent (family stays) visa,
  • spouse or child of Japanese national visa and
  • long-term resident visa.

It is important to note that the information provided here is based on the personal experiences shared by OFWs and other sources.

Please let this post serve as a guide only.

If you have specific questions or concerns about working as an OFW or any other related matter, it is best to consult with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for more information.

How to Apply in Japan?

If you’re looking to apply for work as an OFW, you’ll need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Japan Work Visa. 

The application process for obtaining a COE is divided into two parts:

  • getting a Certificate of Eligibility and
  • applying for a Japan Work Visa.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has introduced an innovative digital identification solution called the OFW Pass, which is specially created for OFWs. 

The OFW Pass serves as a centralized digital file that allows OFWs to conveniently access a range of government services, including acquiring travel documents, applying for benefits, and verifying their employment status.

To apply for the OFW Pass, you can follow these simple steps:

  1. Log in to the DMW Mobile Application using your login credentials.
  2. Navigate to the passport verification section.
  3. Grant the app permission to use your camera and proceed.
  4. Position your passport within the designated area on the screen and initiate the verification process.

Please note that obtaining the digital pass is completely free and eliminates the need to pay the Php100.00 processing fee for the OEC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What are the top job portals for finding job opportunities in Japan?
    • Several job portals are popular among job seekers. Some top ones include Daijob, GaijinPot, CareerCross, and Philippine Go Work-Abroad. These portals offer a wide range of job opportunities across various industries and job functions. Creating a profile on these portals and regularly searching for new job postings is advisable to increase your chances of finding a suitable job. Additionally, networking and building connections with professionals in your target industry can help your job search.
  2. Are there any language requirements for job hiring in Japan?
    • No, but In general, English fluency is not common among locals, though it may be more likely in urban areas. If you are planning to live and work in this country, it is a good idea to learn the language as it can make it easier to find a job in the country and navigate daily interactions.
  3. What are the popular industries for job hiring in Japan?
    • A report by Morgan McKinley Recruitment says that in Japan, some jobs will be in demand in 2023. These jobs are IT Project Manager, Data Scientist, Legal Counsel, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Manager, and In-house Head of HR. Many organizations will want to hire people for these jobs. Other industries that high-paying Jobs are Recruitment, Sales and Marketing, Finance, Banking, Healthcare, and Law.
  4. What are the visa options for foreigners looking to work in Japan?
    • People from other countries who want to work can choose from different types of visas. The most popular visas are the working visa, student visa, dependent visa, technical intern training visa, cultural activities visa, spouse/child of Japanese national visa, and permanent residency visa.
  5. Is it necessary to have a work permit before applying for jobs in Japan?
    • Yes, it is necessary to have a valid work permit before applying for jobs. Foreign workers willing to work need to have a legitimate Japan work visa as per the laws established by the Immigration Authority
  6. What are the main challenges faced by foreigners during the job hiring process in Japan?
    • If you’re a foreigner seeking work, you’ll likely encounter various challenges during the hiring process. These may include:
      – Difficulty communicating due to language barriers
      – Having to work long hours
      – Navigating seniority and hierarchy in the workplace
      – Struggling with indirect communication styles
      – Adapting to cultural differences
      – Meeting visa requirements.
  7. Are there any job placement agencies or services that specialize in helping foreigners find jobs in Japan?
    • If you are looking for job placement agencies in the Philippines that specialize in helping foreigners find jobs, you can check out the list of POEA-accredited recruitment agencies on our website, Philippine Go Work Abroad (philippinego.com).
  8. What are the top cities in Japan for job opportunities?
    • If you’re looking for job opportunities, the country is one of the largest economies in the world with plenty to offer. With hundreds of cities and towns, each with their own unique offerings, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the best cities to find jobs: Tokyo, Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo, and Yokohama. Additionally, other cities such as Kyoto, Hamamatsu, Toyama, and Nagoya also offer exciting work opportunities.
  9. What is the average duration of the job hiring process in Japan?
    • The duration of the job hiring process varies depending on the company and industry. According to a report by Study in Japan, job hunting in Japan is characterized by starting early and taking as long as four months. However, according to VisualCV, employers say the hiring process takes 27 days on average.

References

  1. Employee Benefits in Japan: What to Expect! | FAIR Work in Japan. (n.d.). Workjapan.fairness-World.com. https://workjapan.fairness-world.com/en/employee-benefits-in-japan/
  2. The Cost of Living in Japan: Updated 2023 | MailMate. (2023). Mailmate.jp. https://mailmate.jp/blog/cost-of-living-japan
  3. How to get a Work Permit and Visa for Japan. (n.d.). InterNations. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://www.internations.org/japan-expats/guide/visas-work-permits
  4. Work or Long-term stay. (n.d.). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/index.html
  5. Japan Work Visa. (n.d.). VisaGuide.World. https://visaguide.world/asia/japan-visa/work/
  6. OFW Pass Application in DMW Mobile App. (2023, July 13). Japan OFW. https://japanofw.com/ofw-pass/
  7. Key jobs in demand for 2023 in Japan | Morgan McKinley Recruitment. (n.d.). Www.morganmckinley.com. Retrieved September 15, 2023, from https://www.morganmckinley.com/jp/article/key-jobs-in-demand-2023-in-japan