Japanese work culture: Prejudice and reality part 2

WORK’IN JAPAN

16.12.2024

Demand for Foreign Workers

In a previous article, I wrote about the prejudice that many people have about working in Japan and the difference in salaries and work etiquette in Japan, compared to other countries. Another important factor that makes it attractive to work in Japan is the high demand for foreign workers. Due to Japan’s low birthrate and increase in tourism, many different industries are in need of more (foreign) workers. This is also how I ended up in Japan. Thanks to my friend’s recommendation, I was hired as an English teacher at an English conversation school. Now I have 2 other jobs, which require English fluency and very honestly, almost no Japanese language skills. Certain language skills can be your key to landing a job in Japan. Coming from a country where speaking multiple languages is only natural and where many jobs are impossible to get without a specific degree, I was amazed at how easily I managed to get different jobs and even more job offers here than in my own country. After 1 week of training within the company, I was allowed to teach English to children, without a teaching degree. Although I have a bachelor’s degree, a similar job in the Netherlands would require me to have a teaching degree and even a PhD to teach high schoolers. So this opportunity in Japan was perfect for me to make a career switch and gain experience in a different industry, which I’ve tried doing for about 5 years by then. Therefore, skills that are quite common or not even considered as skills in your own country, can be considered an expertise here.

Comfortable Living

On top of all this, I’m sure most people would agree that Japan is a very livable country. Daily life is comfortable due to safety and convenience. Of course, it’s not always easy to live here as a foreigner, especially with the lack of English almost anywhere outside of touristy areas. However, in most urban areas, you might be surprised how easy it can be to become a part of a community. There might be more people from the same country as you than you would expect. You might also end up connecting with people from other countries who speak the same language as you. You can be included in a Japanese community that wants to speak English with you or learn more about your culture too. It may sound cliché, but I’m more convinced than ever that wherever you are in the world, people are people and we somehow always find ways to connect with others around us.