According to a survey by the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan had increased by 5.2% as of June 2024 compared to the previous year. In recent years, more and more foreigners have been moving to Japan, but what’s driving this trend?
Some people may be considering moving to Japan, but they may feel uncertain about where to live or what kinds of jobs would be available in Japan.
In this article, we’ll address why foreigners tend to choose to move to Japan, the key reasons, which prefectures have the largest populations of foreigners, and what skills and working conditions can give them an edge in the job market. If you’re thinking about relocating to Japan, make sure to go through this guide first.
Village House actively welcomes foreign tenants. Our call center has multilingual staff, so even if you’re not confident in your Japanese, you can reach out without any worries. If you’re searching for a rental property in Japan, be sure to check out our website first.
Why Japan? The key reasons for foreigners to move to Japan
- Well-established public safety
One of the major reasons why foreigners decide to move to Japan is its public safety. The low crime rate and safety in public places are especially appealing for families and foreigners living alone.
- Clean environment and healthcare
There is almost no trash on the streets or in public places in Japan, and public facilities and stations are regularly cleaned. This high standard of sanitation helps create a comfortable and hygienic living environment.
In addition, Japan’s medical system is highly regarded worldwide, and the introduction of advanced medical equipment and the presence of well-trained medical staff with specialized knowledge make many foreigners feel reassured about their health and wellbeing, making Japan an even more attractive place to live.
- Drawn to Japan’s traditions and culture
Many foreigners are drawn to Japan’s unique culture and traditions and decide to move there. For younger generations, pop culture phenomena like anime, manga, and visual kei music spark a strong fascination and can make them think, “I want to live in Japan.”
On the other hand, some are captivated by historical buildings such as shrines and temples, and seasonal events and customs. As a result, more and more people are relocating to Japan in search of a deeper connection with its cultural heritage.
- Highly convenient public transportation
Japan’s public transportation system is known for its punctuality, reliability, and ease of use, which makes it easy to travel around the country and navigate daily life without needing a car.
Prefectures with large foreign communities and active job markets
- Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan’s political and economic hub, is a highly international city recognized around the world. Approximately 720,000 foreigners live in Tokyo, with a large proportion coming from Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Vietnam.
Additionally, the city is home to many companies, resulting in a large number of job opportunities. As many foreign corporations operate their Japanese branches in Tokyo, there’s a high chance of working in an international environment.
Source: Statistics of Tokyo
- Aichi prefecture
Aichi Prefecture is home to around 310,000 foreign residents. It is home to the headquarters of one of Japan’s leading automobile manufacturers and many related companies, mainly in the automobile industry. It also has a long history of actively hiring foreign talent.
Additionally, Aichi is home to Nagoya, a major city with excellent transportation access. Nagoya Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen, making it easy to travel to Kyoto and Osaka in under an hour, or to Tokyo in about two hours.
Source: Aichi Prefectural Government
- Osaka prefecture
Osaka Prefecture is the largest city in Western Japan, with approximately 300,000 foreign residents. There are areas in Osaka where many people of Korean origin have lived for a long time, and some of them are living in Japan with their children and grandchildren, as third and fourth generations.
Like Tokyo and Aichi, Osaka offers a large number of companies and ample job opportunities. It is also a popular tourist destination, leading to numerous openings in the hospitality industry, including hotels and restaurants.
Source: Osaka Prefectural Government
Valuable qualifications and skills for finding work in Japan
- Multilingual skills
When searching for a job in Japan, multilingual skills are a great advantage. In particular, language proficiency is highly valued in the hospitality and international business sectors, often leading to larger employment opportunities.
Foreigners who are fluent in multiple languages can offer not only their linguistic skills but also their unique cultural perspectives and ways of thinking. This is mostly valued by companies, as it brings about new viewpoints.
- Customer service
In Japan’s service industry, polite and considerate customer service is highly valued. As a result, individuals with strong customer service skills have a distinct advantage when seeking employment.
This is especially true in areas frequently visited by both domestic and international visitors, such as tourist destinations and shopping districts, where interaction with people from different countries and cultures is common. Delivering high-quality customer service is essential in these areas.
- Administrative work
When job hunting in Japan, those with administrative skills and experience have a distinct advantage. In particular, positions in trade administration and clerical roles that use foreign language skills allow individuals to capitalize on their unique strengths as foreigners, and there is high demand for such expertise.
Additionally, having computer-related qualifications, such as the “MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist),” can give you an edge in the job market. For those interested in trade-related roles, certifications like “Customs Broker” or “Practical Trade Examination” make it easier to pursue more specialized positions.
Additionally, if you have qualifications related to the “Secretary Examination” or “Interpretation/Translation,” it can significantly enhance your chances of finding a job that fully utilizes your skills.
Recommended industries for foreign workers in Japan
- Manufacturing
The demand for foreign workers has been steadily increasing due to the labor shortage in Japan’s manufacturing industry. Factory and warehouse jobs are accessible even for those with no prior experience, and these workplaces are often equipped to support individuals who are not fluent in Japanese, making them a suitable option for foreigners seeking employment.
- Food and beverage
The Japanese food and beverage industry is actively recruiting foreign staff, particularly in international restaurants located in tourist destinations and urban areas. Multilingual individuals are highly valued for their ability to enhance customer service and contribute to a better overall experience for customers.
- Retail
The retail industry in Japan is increasingly seeking multilingual staff to better serve foreign tourists. Providing customer service in multiple languages enhances customer satisfaction in duty-free shops and branded stores, leading to positive word-of-mouth and repeat visits. Since no special qualifications are required in many cases, it is an industry that is easy for foreigners who are new to working in Japan to enter.
At Village House, one in five tenants are foreigners. In addition, foreign staff are always on site at the call center, so please feel free to contact us.
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Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.