The latest ranking of Japanese companies actively recruiting foreign nationals!
Although it may seem like a hurdle for foreigners to work for a Japanese company, many companies are actively hiring foreigners.
In this article, we will introduce companies actively hiring foreigners in Japan, industries that often accept foreigners, and even prefectures where many foreigners work. It also details the support systems offered by companies that accept foreign nationals and the preparations necessary to work in Japan.
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Top 5 Japanese Companies Active in Recruiting Foreigners
We have ranked the best Japanese companies for foreigners based on the number of foreign employees and their efforts to accept foreigners from our own perspective.
1st : Rakuten
Rakuten is a company that develops a variety of businesses, especially IT-related businesses. Rakuten has long been active in hiring non-Japanese employees, and has even taken steps to ensure that conversations within the company are in English. This is a great opportunity to start your career in an international environment.
Reference:Careers｜Rakuten
2nd : Mercari
Mercari is a company that operates an online flea market. Mercari is known for actively recruiting foreign engineers and has a strong support system for foreign employees. By creating a work environment that emphasizes diversity, foreign nationals will be able to maximize their potential.
Reference:Careers｜MERCALI
3rd : Fast Retailing
Fast Retailing operates clothing stores such as UNIQLO. The company is active in hiring non-Japanese employees, and UNIQLO has a relatively large number of non-Japanese staff. This is a good choice for those seeking a global career, as it allows them to gain experience with an international brand.
Reference:Employment｜Fast Retailing Co.
4th: Panasonic
Panasonic is a major Japanese electronics manufacturer. As a large global company, we are aggressive in recruiting non-Japanese employees. Through the establishment of "Global Human Resources," we have strengthened our support system for hiring non-Japanese employees, and we are also working to provide career support for non-Japanese employees.
Reference:Careers｜Panasonic
5th : Softbank
SOFTBANK is a company engaged in the cell phone and Internet communication business, among others. We hire talented people regardless of nationality, and our employees come from a variety of countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and India. SoftBank also has a support system and programs in place to help employees build long-term careers.
Reference:Recruit｜SOFTBANK Corp.
Top 5 industries that accept the most foreign nationals
According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, industries that employ a large number of foreigners include manufacturing, service, retail, and construction.
| 1st place | manufacturing industry |
| 2nd place | Services (not elsewhere classified) |
| 3rd place | Wholesale and retail |
| 4th place | Lodging and food services |
| 5th place | construction industry |
No. 1: Manufacturing
Manufacturing industries tend to actively accept foreign nationals because they need many employees to work in their factories. Note that the status of residence required will vary depending on whether you work on the production line in a factory or in a technical or clerical position.
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2nd : Services (not elsewhere classified)
Service industries (not elsewhere classified) include, for example, janitors, security guards, and building maintenance. Cleaners and security guards do not require advanced skills to work, and foreign nationals without special skills can easily find employment in these industries.
3rd : Wholesale and retail
Wholesale is a type of business that distributes products and materials produced in factories to companies that need them. The retail industry sells products to general consumers. Wholesale and retail businesses are often where foreigners can play an active role, as foreign languages are often required when purchasing materials from abroad.
4th : Accommodation and food service industry
The accommodation and food service industry is another sector with a large number of foreign workers. However, the number of workers is decreasing in 2020 due to Corona. However, since the number of foreign employees had been steadily increasing in this industry until then, it is possible that the number of foreign hires will increase again after Corona ends.
5th : Construction
The construction industry is one of the industries that is actively hiring foreigners due to a shortage of human resources as veteran workers retire. In order for foreigners to work in the construction industry, they need to have a specified skill No. 1 or No. 2, and No. 2 allows them to work in more advanced jobs.
Top 5 Prefectures with the Most Foreigners Working in Japan
According to data published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on the number of companies employing foreign nationals, the top five prefectures with the most foreign workers are Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Kanagawa, and Saitama. Also, although not in the top five, but with a high rate of increase are Okinawa, Chiba, and Tochigi.
| 1st place | Tokyo Metropolitan area |
| 2nd place | Aichi prefecture (Chuubu area) |
| 3rd place | Osaka (metropolitan area) |
| 4th place | Kanagawa prefecture (Kantou area) |
| 5th place | Saitama prefecture (Kantou area) |
No. 1: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Tokyo is also the most populous area, and therefore has the largest number of foreign workers.
2nd: Aichi Prefecture
Aichi Prefecture is the third largest region in terms of population after Osaka, but it is home to many foreigners working in the manufacturing industry, including major automobile manufacturers, and is ranked second in terms of the number of companies employing foreign nationals.
3rd: Osaka Prefecture
Osaka has a large population and a large number of foreigners, making it an area with a large number of foreign workers. Although the population of Osaka itself is declining, the number of foreign workers is conversely increasing.
4th: Kanagawa Prefecture
Kanagawa Prefecture has a large number of foreign workers, due in part to the prefecture's active acceptance of foreign human resources and foreign students, as well as the recovery of employment in the prefecture.
5th : Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture is home to many foreign workers from Vietnam, the Philippines, China, and other Asian countries.
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Working environment and support system for companies accepting foreign nationals
For foreign employees, a good working environment and a generous support system are key to a successful work experience in Japan. Companies actively recruiting foreign nationals in Japan have implemented a variety of measures to ensure that their employees are comfortable working in Japan. Specifically, the following support is provided
- Language Learning Support:. There are Japanese language classes and programs to support the use of English in business. This allows employees to improve their communication skills and work efficiency.
- Programs for cultural adaptation:. Training and exchange events are provided to familiarize employees from overseas with Japanese culture. This is intended to facilitate their smooth adaptation to their new environment.
- Career Assistance:. There are training programs and mentorships to support the growth and career development of individual employees. This allows employees to build long-term careers while achieving personal fulfillment.
- Visa Processing and Legal Assistance: We provide assistance with work visa applications, renewals, and other legal formalities. This is to ensure that employees can work without facing legal problems.
- Promoting Inclusion within the Company:. We strive to create a work environment that embraces diversity and respects all employees. We provide opportunities to understand each other's culture and values through regular training and workshops.
What do foreigners need to work in Japan?
The requirements for foreigners working in Japan vary depending on the type of industry in which they work, but the common requirements are a work visa and Japanese language skills. In addition, cultural adaptation, knowledge of social insurance and taxes, and workplace communication skills are also important for success.
work visa
There are various types of work visas, including technical, humanities, international business, technical intern, and specified skills, each corresponding to specific conditions and occupations. It is essential to research in advance which visa is best suited to the type of job or career path you are aiming for and follow the appropriate procedures. In many cases, you will also need support from your company to obtain a visa, so be sure to check with them in the early stages of your job search.
Japanese Language Proficiency
Although the required level of Japanese language proficiency differs depending on the type of job, basic communication skills are required in most cases. In particular, positions that require customer relations and business negotiations may require a high level of Japanese language skills. On the other hand, technical positions and certain specialized positions may require an understanding of specialized terminology in addition to basic Japanese language skills.
There are also some industries that offer employment opportunities even if your Japanese language skills are only katakoto. If you are not yet confident in your Japanese language skills, please check the following article as reference information to find a suitable position for you.
▶︎ What kind of jobs are available in Tokyo for foreigners who cannot speak Japanese? Explanation of the work process
Cultural Adaptation
An understanding of business etiquette and culture unique to Japan is also essential for smooth communication in the workplace. For example, learning about the unique Japanese business culture, such as the use of honorifics, business card exchange etiquette, and how to speak up in meetings, will greatly help you build relationships in the workplace.
Social insurance and taxes
When working in Japan, joining social insurance and paying taxes are unavoidable. It is important to have a basic knowledge of these matters and understand the necessary procedures to avoid problems. Many companies offer orientations for new employees, so be proactive and ask questions if you have any questions.
Communication skills in the workplace
Teamwork and cooperation are highly valued in the Japanese workplace. Mutual understanding and respect are fundamental to communicating and working together effectively in a cross-cultural environment. Learning how to ask for and give appropriate feedback will also help you succeed in the workplace.
For foreigners who want to work in Japan
Nowadays, foreigners who are looking for a job in Japan may be asking themselves, "I want to work in Japan, but where do I start? Which company is right for me? How can I find a job? How can I find a job?
We will do our best to support your job search in Japan! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us using the contact form below.
In order to help you achieve the career path you seek, we will provide you with the best support regarding not only employment, but also part-time work and other opportunities. We sincerely hope that you will find your ideal workplace and that this will be the first step toward a successful career in Japan.
summary
Working in Japan presents many challenges as well as great opportunities for non-Japanese. In this article, we have detailed information on a variety of keys to success, including companies actively recruiting foreigners, industries and prefectures where many foreigners work, and the visa and Japanese language skills required to work in Japan.
In particular, many Japanese companies, including Rakuten and Mercari, are actively recruiting foreign employees. Finding the right company is an important step for foreigners to achieve satisfactory employment in Japan.
We hope that this article will be of some help to those of you who are looking for work in Japan. We hope that the start of your new career in Japan will be meaningful and fulfilling.
