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Teach English in Japan - ESL Teaching Jobs, Hiring Season, Work Visas, Summer Job Opportunities

Minimum Teaching Requirements for Canadians: Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Length of Contract: One year
Peak Hiring Season: All year (Spring is busiest)
Teaching Hours per Week: 25-40
Monthly Salary: 240,000 - 290,000 JPY
End of Contract Bonus: One month's salary and/or return airfare
Other Bonuses: Airfare and accommodations may be included
Exchange Rate: As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 84 JPY
1.00 JPY = 0.01 CAD
Income Tax: 5-30%
Cost of Living per Month: Cost of a Big Mac = 290 JPY
Accommodations Provided: Sometimes included
Airfare Provided: Sometimes included
Health Care Provided: Included
Paid Holidays: Paid
Typical Holidays: Two-to-four weeks paid holidays plus 16 national holidays (approximately one each month and Golden Week in May)
Visa: Employer assisted
Types of Teaching Jobs: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), In-Company School Teacher, Conversation Lounge Monitor
Largest Chain of Schools: AEON (300 schools); ECC (150 schools)
Alien Registration Card : All foreigners (including English teachers) remaining in Japan more than 90 days must carry their alien registration card at all times
Canadian Embassy Address: 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107, Japan
Phone: 81 3 3224 5000
Fax: 81 3 3505 1862
American Embassy Address: American Embassy Tameike Tokyu Building, 1-14 Akasaka 1- chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107, Japan
Phone: 81 3 3224 5000
Fax: 81 3 3505 1862
Canadian Consulates: Four consulates located in Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Sapporo
American Consulates: Five consulates located in Okinawa, Osaka-Kobe, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Nagoya

Why Teach in Japan

The 'Land of the Rising Sun' is a welcoming destination for many English teachers wanting to find a job teaching abroad. Surrounded by water, Japan is made up of over 3,000 islands and is home to many interesting destinations. Teachers can visit the monstrous Mount Fuji, walk the modern streets of Tokyo, or simply enjoy some homemade tofu at a local restaurant. Japan is a hybrid of ancient customs and up-and-coming technologies. With the world's second largest economy, it is easy to see why the Japanese are very interested in mastering the English language.

Teaching English in Japan is not only an excellent way to learn about the culture, cuisine, lifestyle, and history of one of the world's most interesting nations, it is also a great way to earn some money while gaining a valuable teaching experience. Salaries in Japan are some of the highest in the ESL market, but the cost of living in Japan is also above average. With salaries typically starting at ¥ 250,000 - ¥ 270,000 per month, and with a population featuring 128 million citizens, Japan will continue to be a top pick for recent TESOL graduates.

What to Know About Teaching English in Japan

Housing

Housing in Japan is smaller and very different from North American homes. Japan uses housing terms to distinguish between the different styles of housing units. LDK is used to identify whether the house has a living room (L), dining area (D), or kitchen (K). For example, 2DK is an apartment with two rooms and a dining kitchen; whereas 1K is an apartment with one room and a small kitchen. The housing in Japan is measured using tatami matting which covers the floors. Most modern apartments have western style bathrooms, combining a small bathtub, shower, and sink. ESL teachers should expect older apartments or buildings to have "squatters" (toilets on the ground). The newer apartments will have a bath unit, which includes everything in one room. The bath units are covered with tile or plastic inserts, so foreigners should not expect shower curtains or dividers. In addition, bathtubs are not used for washing, but for soaking and relaxing. They are smaller in length but much deeper than North American style tubs. They can be compared to miniature hot tubs. Please see the Bathing Etiquette section for the proper use of the bathtub.

ESL teachers should know that some employers provide dorm style apartments with shared bathrooms and kitchens. In this case, separate bedrooms would be included, while typical one-room apartments (bachelor suites) may not contain a separate bedroom. A futon mat rolled out on the floor is used for sleeping, which is then rolled up and stored in a closet during the day to save space. The apartments are not insulated, so space heaters, electric floor mats, and Kotatsu are used to keep apartments and houses warm.

Expected Apartment Costs

Various factors influence the cost of housing in Japan; including city, neighbourhood, and size. Tokyo and Osaka have expensive rental costs when compared to other Japanese cities. Employers may provide subsidized or fully paid living arrangements; however, English teachers should be prepared to pay part or all of the rent. The cost of rent in Tokyo and Osaka can range from ¥ 70,000 - ¥ 120,000 per month for a 1LDK, while the rent in smaller cities is roughly a quarter of Tokyo's and Osaka's. Additional costs may include key money, security/damage deposit, real estate fee, and utilities. Key money is approximately two to five times the rent and is a gratuity paid to the building manager or property owner. There is a possibility of getting a percentage of the gratuity back once the tenant moves out. This depends on how much the building manager or property owner must replace and upgrade. Note that employers who provide English teachers with accommodations will most likely pay the key money.

Airfare

Similar to accommodations, some contracts will include paid airfare depending on the employer and length of contract. It is common for employers to reimburse teachers the cost of airfare after they have fulfilled the contractual agreement. This entices employees to stay for the full duration of the contract and protects employers from losing their new staff member prematurely. Therefore, ESL teachers should plan to pay for airfare, at least initially.

Health Benefits

The majority of ESL teachers use the Japanese National Health Insurance, but it is highly recommended that they obtain additional health insurance from their home countries. Although employers usually provide subsidized or full health benefits, it is still worthwhile for an ESL teacher to have additional coverage from their home country. For further information regarding Japan's health benefit system please visit.
http://www.gaijinpot.com/health.php and/or
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/org/policy/p34-35.html.

Retirement Age

Japan's official retirement age is between 55 and 60 for both men and women. The retirement age is one of the lowest among the industrialized countries and is firmly enforced. Therefore, it may be difficult, but not impossible for English teachers over the age of 50 to obtain employment.

Technology and Advancement

Globally, technology is a widely emerging industry making the internet extremely accessible, and Japan is no exception. If teachers do not have Internet access at their accommodations, there are a few options for accessing it which are listed below:

  • Rent a mobile phone with Internet connection; however, foreigners should note that they cannot purchase a mobile phone without an alien registration card
  • Visit an Internet café. There are a few common franchises - Yahoo Japan Internet Café, Manga Land, and Kinko's. For a list of Internet café's, please visit http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=374
  • Use wireless Internet

ESL teachers should have no problem accessing the Internet or computers in Japan, as most work places will have the Internet.

American Food

ESL teachers may be surprised to hear that some major cities have Costco and specialty food stores that supply North American foods. Most teachers will not own a vehicle, so Costco delivers right to their home. If teachers are living in a smaller more rural city, large supermarkets such as Costco may not exist but it is likely that they will still be able to find typical North American food. Another food source in Japan is FBC (Foreigners Buyer’s Club), which will also deliver American groceries anywhere in Japan.

ESL teachers should expect higher costs for North American food and delivery services. These costs vary by product, quantity, distance of delivery, and the size of the warehouse from which the products are being shipped.

Banking in Japan

ESL teachers should know banks are only open from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm. Cash is still the preferred form of currency exchange in Japan, so checking accounts are rarely used. However, credit cards are being used more frequently in major cities. Teachers wanting to exchange money can do so at most local post offices or Authorized Foreign Exchange Banks. Unlike most western countries, ATMs are not open 24 hours. Typical ATM hours are Monday to Friday until 7:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Banks and ATMs are rarely open on holidays. This can be inconvenient for foreigners.

Peak ESL Hiring Season in Japan

Individuals can work in Japan as an English teacher through the public and private school systems, private language schools, universities and colleges, English teaching exchange programs, and private tutoring. Public and private schools are comparable to North America's primary and secondary school system, while private language schools are centres for additional language tutoring. Higher qualifications are needed for teachers wanting to teach in universities or colleges.

Public and Private School System

The public and private school year is divided into three semesters with April to July being the first semester, followed by September to December, then January to March. Most of the hiring for the public and private schools is done for April; however, it is common for ESL teachers to find employment continually throughout the year. ESL teachers looking to work for public and private schools should apply three to four months (e.g. December and January) before the start of the semester.

Private Language Schools

The private language schools such as AEON and ECC hire on a continual basis. These language schools operate year round; therefore, employment is based on supply and demand. During recent years, most of the placements for private language schools occurred between August and October, with fewer placements occurring during April and May. However, peak seasons during one year may differ from the next year. Individuals interested in working for private language schools should contact them directly, or talk to our Teacher Placement Service department for exact details regarding the hiring process. For a list of the most common chain schools in Japan please see the Large Chain Schools for Teaching English in Japan section.

Universities and Colleges

Japanese universities have two semesters with the first semester starting in April and the second starting in October. Some universities are offering new courses to parallel the western academic school year, which starts in September or October. ESL instructors interested in teaching at a university or college should have a minimum of a Master's Degree and preferably some university teaching experience. Some universities and colleges also require ESL teachers to have some basic fluency in Japanese.

The hiring season would be similar to public and private schools with peak hiring occurring three to four months (e.g. December and January) before the beginning of the semester. It is common for university and college teachers to have gained experience teaching in the Japanese public and private school system before obtaining employment at a university or college. Doing this helps build contacts and relationships for creating job prospects. Transition Abroad offers their readers an article which contains useful resources that will assist with obtaining employment in Japanese universities and colleges. The article can be found at http://www.transitionsabroad.com/.

Private Tutoring

ESL teachers can provide private tutoring for Japanese nationals, but most contracts prohibit teachers from doing so. The majority of job opportunities occur through word of mouth or advertising in the local newspapers; however, ESL teachers should be very discreet when obtaining tutoring jobs. ESL teachers should note that tutoring their own students will result in being fired, so it is highly recommended to tutor Japanese nationals who have no affiliation with their school.

Private English tutors make a minimum of $30/hour and up to $100/hour, depending on the student, the demand, and the location. Employment resources are discussed in the Finding Teaching English Jobs in Japan section.

The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program (Programme)

English teaching exchange programs are also a popular form of ESL employment. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, also referred to as the JET Program, is the most common English teaching exchange program for individuals wanting to live and work in Japan. Please note that the JET Program application process typically takes five to six months, starting in late September. Applicants cannot apply outside of their native country, and the application process includes interviews and health-checks. Interviews are done between February and March, with notice to successful applicants occurring between April and May. Individuals interested in the program should know a contract with JET is a minimum of one year with a possible extension for five years. Applicants accepted into the JET Program depart in late July. For further details and exact dates, please visit http://www.jetprogram.org/.

How to Find Jobs Teaching English in Japan

The O-Hayo Sensei is the largest Japanese resource for ESL teaching jobs in Japan. The newsletter is issued in the beginning and middle of each month. The newsletter provides numerous ESL positions monthly. ESL teachers interested in the publication can visit http://www.ohayosensei.com/ and download issues, or subscribe to have them emailed. The O-Hayo Sensei headquarters is in San Francisco, CA, USA, so when looking for jobs the International Date Line must be considered.

Other resources that may include ESL teaching jobs are:

These resources are available in English and can be used to supplement or initiate the job search.

Another useful resource for ESL teachers that is available online is Metropolis. The news source contains a vast amount of information about Japan including job advertisements, apartment listings, popular restaurants, upcoming concert dates, and more. The editions are published daily and are entirely in English. Be sure to visit their website at http://www.metropolis.co.jp/.

Largest Chain Schools in Japan

  • AEON - The AEON corporation has been providing English education since 1973. The company currently has 300 branch schools and employs over 800 teachers. AEON teachers can expect to earn approximately ¥270,000 per month. Salaries may vary depending on the performance and bonus structure established by AEON.
    http://www.aeonet.com/.
  • ECC - ECC (Education through Communication for the Community) has been specializing in English instruction since 1962. Throughout Japan, ECC has 150 schools and employs more than 650 teachers. ECC teachers earn a base salary of approximately ¥252,000 per month. Salaries may vary depending on the performance and bonus structure established by ECC.
    http://www.japanbound.com/.

Other Jobs Teaching English in Japan

  • Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) - ALT positions are placed in public schools to assist Japanese teachers with teaching English. ALTs will help with pronunciation, general teaching assistance, and with language training.
  • Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) - CIR positions are within the government, and they typically help with business issues related to international activities. CIRs may also be required to perform translation or interpretation. Therefore, basic fluency in Japanese may be required.
  • In-Company School Teacher - Some companies provide in-office English training. In-company teachers will be hired by Japanese companies to help mainly with conversational English focusing on proper pronunciation. Curriculums are rarely provided, so in-company teachers should be prepared to create an individualized curriculum and individualized lesson plans.
  • Lounge Moderator - These centres are less structured and the opportunities to work in a conversation lounge are not as popular as English schools. They are social gatherings where conversations are strictly held in English and Japanese nationals pay per hour. Native English speakers may be hired to ensure that the flow of the conversation continues and that everyone has the opportunity to speak English.
  • Teaching Conversational English in Japan - English has been referred to as the global language because it is so widely used in business, communications, entertainment, and diplomacy. Therefore, learning conversational English is extremely popular among Japanese nationals. As mentioned in the latter section, there are opportunities for ESL teachers to teach conversational English in conversation lounges and in-company schools. The primary focus of these jobs is to teach the proper pronunciation, which may make the classes less structured than the English school jobs. In saying that, the structure of the classes will depend on the contract. Many English teaching jobs in Japan will focus on conversational English but some jobs will require lessons in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar.

Jobs Teaching English in the Summer in Japan

Summer teaching opportunities are not as prominent in Japan as they are in other Asian countries like China and South Korea. As mentioned in the Hiring Season for Teaching English in Japan section, the school year is split into three semesters with the first semester occurring from April to July. Therefore, the summer English positions are short, not making it worthwhile for ESL teachers to travel abroad. In addition, the ESL summer positions usually do not pay for accommodations and often require the teacher to have them arranged before the position is awarded. Most teachers granted summer teaching positions are already living or travelling in Japan.

Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in Japan

There is an abundance of ESL resources for teachers to help teach English as a second language; therefore, finding resources that meet specific teaching needs may be difficult. Some examples of the available teaching resources are listed below.

These are just some examples of the resources available to ESL teachers. As mentioned above there is a large amount of teaching aids available, but teachers will have to devote time to finding the resources that meet their individual teaching needs.

Preparing to Teach English in Japan

Japan is full of unique customs and etiquette; therefore, prior to departing to Japan, English teachers should take note of the following cultural traditions.

The bow is probably the most commonly known Japanese custom to those outside of the country. Basic bows include the men bowing with their hands at their side and women with their hands clasped on their laps. Mastering the bow takes years of practice, but once it is mastered, one may convey a variety of different messages. For example: the longer and deeper the bow, the more respect and dignity expressed.

General Etiquette

Some other examples of commonly practiced customs and etiquette teachers should know:

  • Do not wear shoes on tatami mats; it is recommended to wear bare feet or socks
  • Always remove shoes when entering a home and place them with the toes facing the door
  • When visiting someone else's house, wear shoes instead of sandals. Those who do choose to wear sandals should bring a pair of white socks so their bare feet do not touch the slippers the host offers
  • The seat directly behind the driver represents the place of honour
  • Do not step on the threshold of temples
  • Do not leave a social function before the guest of honour
  • Most workers will arrive early and start working immediately once working hours begin
  • It is common for workers to apologize for leaving work before their co-workers
  • Men sit cross-legged when eating, while women sit with their legs folded to the side
  • The guest of honour always sits the farthest away from the door
  • There are separate slippers for toilet use only
  • Japanese nationals do not blow their nose in public

These are some of the more prominent customs and they may vary by region.

Eating Etiquette

Common etiquette involving eating varies tremendously from North America. Chopsticks are the utensil of choice and learning to eat with them will make life much easier while living in Japan. Cutlery, such as forks, knives, and spoons are available in most restaurants but ESL teachers will need to request to use them, as they are typically not provided. English Teachers visiting a Japanese home will rarely find cutlery to use during mealtime. Things teachers should know about eating include:

  • It is acceptable to slurp noodles; it is a sign of enjoyment
  • It is unacceptable to eat while walking
  • If someone offers to pay for a meal, it is polite to attempt to pay for their portion once or twice before allowing them to pay
  • It is unacceptable to fill one's own glass; it may indicate that they are an alcoholic 

Even though these are common practices in Japan, locals expect foreigners not to know proper etiquette. However, foreigners should attempt to follow the common eating practices as this displays politeness.

Chopstick Etiquette

  • Do not stick them vertically in the food, this is only done at funerals
  • Do not pass food directly to another set of chopsticks
  • Do not lick or suck on chopsticks
  • Chopsticks should not be used to skewer foods
  • It is considered taboo to use mismatched chopsticks
  • Most Japanese nationals use their fingers when items are too large for chopsticks; cutlery may also be provided
  • Do not use chopsticks to move dishes
  • Always use the opposite end of chopsticks when taking food from a shared dish

Bathing Etiquette

Bathtubs are solely used for soaking and relaxing, not for washing. Common bathing practices include:

  • The body must be washed and rinsed before entering the bathtub
  • Bath water may be shared so washing and rinsing after getting out is also appropriate
  • Only use soap outside the bathtub
  • The hot water is not changed until every person has bathed, so do not empty or unplug the tub after use

These bathing practices are especially important for ESL teachers in shared accommodations or while living with Japanese families.

Language in Japan

The Japanese language is one of the most intriguing and difficult languages to learn because it is written with a combination of three different types of scripts: Kanji (Chinese characters), Hiragana (phonetic script used for writing Japanese), and Katakana (phonetic script used for writing foreign words in Japanese). Some may consider Romaji, the widely used Roman script, to be a fourth script. English teachers should attempt to learn Japanese to help make the transition into Japan a lot easier and help with the initial culture shock.

Before leaving for Japan, ESL teachers could learn the following Japanese phrases, which will help them during their stay in Japan.

  • My name is______.
    ______ to mooshimasu.
  • How are you?
    Genki desu ka.
  • Thank you/You're welcome.
    Arigatou/Dou itashimashite!
  • How much does this cost?
    Ikura desu ka?
  • I can speak English.
    Watashi wa Eigo ga hanasemasu.
  • Can we go there by bus?
    Basu de ikimasu ka?
  • How much is the ticket?
    Kippu wa ikura desu ka?

These are just some of the basic phrases English teachers may want to learn in Japanese before arriving in Japan. They should be aware that rural areas tend to have less English traffic signs and maps compared to tourist locations like Tokyo.

Eating in Japan

Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine should be one of the highlights for teachers living in Japan. Japan has a variety of food choices from sushi and sashimi to okonomiyaki. The popular Japanese cuisine among foreigners includes:

  • Izakaya - Japanese style pub
  • Okonomiyaki - Japanese pizza or pancake
  • Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu - Thin slices of beef served with vegetables and tofu
  • Soba and Udon - Soba are thin, buckwheat noodles, while Udon is thick white noodles
  • Ramen - Large bowl of noodles served in a meat broth
  • Japanese sweets - Varies from Yokan (sweet red bean jelly) to Mochi (pounded rice cakes)

If teachers decide to try these types of foods before going to Japan, they should be aware that they may vary in taste. Do not worry about trying to understand a Japanese menu; often, there are plastic food displays to help with selecting and ordering food.

Food Costs

The following table provides ESL teachers with examples of the cost of food in Japan. Typically, Japanese food prices are similar to North American food costs

  • Average restaurant meal
    ¥ 1,000
  • Dozen eggs
    ¥ 300
  • Litre of Milk
    ¥ 190
  • Bowl of noodles
    ¥ 400
  • Six slices of white bread
    ¥ 156

Climate in Japan

English teachers travelling to Japan will soon realize that the country has a very complex climate. The type of weather encountered will depend on the location. Similar to many regions in North America, Japan has four distinct seasons; spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

  • Spring- Spring is the season of the famous cherry blossoms and probably the most comfortable season for ESL teachers. Temperatures are warm but not too hot, with little rain. Those living along the coastline will experience more precipitation.
  • Summer- During the summer the weather can be very hot and humid throughout most of the country. The rainy season starts in the southern part of Japan during the early part of summer (May and June) and eventually moves northward. Typhoons also occur during the summer months, where torrential rains and high winds are formed. During typhoon season, coastal provinces along the Pacific Ocean will endure more intense rainfalls and wind.
  • Autumn- Autumn is similar to spring with relatively warm temperatures and low rainfall. Second only to cherry blossoms, Japan's fall foliage is a sight to see.
  • Winter- The Japanese have yet to adopt centralized indoor heating and with winter being the coldest season, ESL teachers might have trouble adjusting. In the north and on Japan's seaside, high levels of precipitation and heavy snowfalls occur through the months of December to February. The Pacific side of Japan can be very cold but it experiences less heavy snowfalls.

Natural Disasters

The 'Ring of Fire' is a zone that surrounds the coastal lines of the Pacific Ocean, which causes earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, and tsunamis. Both Japan and North America's pacific and west coastline are considered part of this unstable environmental region; therefore, they experience similar plate tectonic activity and a combination of earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, and tsunamis. For further information regarding Japan's natural disasters and emergency tips, please visit http://travel.state.gov/.

Holidays in Japan

One thing Japan does not lack is national holidays. English teachers travelling to Japan should be enticed by the long list provided below.

  • January 1st - New Year (shogatsu): This is the most important Japanese holiday. Most businesses are closed until after January 3rd.
  • Second Monday of January - Coming of Age (seijin no hi): This is a celebration of men and women who are 20 years of age.
  • February 3 - Beginning of spring (setsubun): The beginning of spring is celebrated at temples and shrines.
  • February 11th - National Foundation Day (kenkoku kinenbi) : The day when the first Japanese emperor was crowned.
  • March 21 - Spring Equinox Day (shunbun no hi): During the week of Equinox Day, graves are visited.
  • Golden Week: A short period of time that includes seven holidays.
    • April 29 - Showa Day (showa no hi): Showa Day is part of the Golden Week; it is the birthday of the former Emperor Showa.
    • May 3 - Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi): A national holiday remembering the new constitution.
    • May 4 - Green Day (midori no hi): Part of the Golden Week, used to be celebrated on April 29th.
    • May 5 - Children Day (kodomo no hi): Part of Golden Week, this is the boy's festival.
  • Third Monday of July - Ocean Day (umi no hi): This day represents the return of Emperor Meiji from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876.
  • Third Monday of September - Respect for the Aged Day (keiro no hi): The elderly are celebrated.
  • September 23 - Autumn Equinox Day (shubun no hi): During the week of Equinox Day, graves are visited.
  • Second Monday of October - Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi in Japanese): This represents the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo.
  • November 3 - Culture Day (bunka no hi): This day promotes culture.
  • November 23 - Labour Thanksgiving Day (kinro kansha no hi)
  • December 23 - Emperor's Birthday (tenno no tanjobi): The current emperor's birthday is always a national holiday. The holiday has always been celebrated on Emperor Akihito's birthday since he assumed the throne in 1990.

Tips for ESL Teachers in Japan

  • Foreigners must always carry their alien registration card
  • Foreigners should figure out before departing where they can obtain their alien registration card
  • Always carry handkerchiefs or tissue because public washrooms rarely provide toilet paper or paper towel
  • Take money out before any national holiday, as most banks and ATMs are closed (ATM machines are not accessible 24-hours a day)
  • 'Gaikokujin' is the term for foreigners
  • Foreigners Buyer's Club (FBC) is one way to obtain 'gaikokujin food' in Japan
  • Be on time; the Japanese are very punctual
  • Bring an extra pair of shoes if having large feet is a concern, because the average shoe size for men is 27.5cm (US size 9) and 23.5cm (US size 7) for women
  • Japanese nationals do not use soy sauce on their rice
  • Japanese nationals eat rice for breakfast
  • Golden Week (April 29 - May 5) is the longest holiday in Japan and Japanese workers are given the time off with pay; be prepared for most stores to be closed or to have smaller staffs during this time
  • New Years is the most important national holiday so most things will stay closed until January 3rd
  • Tipping is an insult: if foreigners want to show their gratitude, give a gift

Teaching Requirements for Canadians in Japan

The Certificate of Eligibility - Required of individuals wanting to work, study, or live in Japan. A sponsor such as a spouse, employer, or academic institute must submit the certificate before individuals can apply for a visa.

Alien Registration Card - Foreigners remaining in Japan more than 90 days are required to obtain an alien registration card. The card can be obtained from the local city, town, or ward office. It is compulsory to carry the card at all times for proof of registration and identification.

US citizens wanting to teach English in Japan can qualify for three types of visas.

Work Visa:

  • A Certificate of Eligibility is required. There are two ways to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility, which are:
    • Apply as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) through a private company for the public system such as the JET Program or AEON
      • Applicants require a degree
      • Applicants do not need to be Canadian or US citizens as long as they have at least 12 years of education in an English speaking country
    • Apply as an English instructor
      • Applicants must apply through a private language school (juku and eikaiwa) such as Berlitz
      • Applicants require a valid US passport
      • Applicants need to have a criminal record check
      • Applicants require a degree

Spousal Visa:

  • Spouses can apply for visas in one of two ways:
    • Spouse of a Japanese national must provide:
      • Documentation (original marriage certificate) proving the applicant is married to a Japanese national
      • The resident card of Japanese national
      • A letter of guarantee by a person living in Japan
      • The Japanese spouses employment certificate and certificate of tax payment
      • If the Japanese spouse is not employed or is currently not living in Japan a letter of guarantee from a Japanese guarantor residing in Japan and the guarantor's employment and tax payment certificate is required
      • The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the application process is usually done within Japan. The visa is valid for 90 days to three years and applicants must extend the visa before expiry.
    • Spouse of Permanent Resident must provide:
      • A permanent resident is someone who has lived in Japan for at least five consecutive years and who has applied and been accepted as a permanent resident
      • Documentation (e.g. marriage certificate, statement of joint bank accounts, birth certificate, etc.) proving the relationship between the applicant and the permanent resident
      • A copy of the permanent resident's passport and certificate of alien registration
      • Documentation certifying the applicant or his or her sponsor's financial stability (e.g. bank statement, employment and tax payment certificate, etc.)

      • The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the permanent resident should be in Japan. The visa is valid for a maximum of three years.

Student Visa:

  • Individuals wanting to study in Japan must apply for a student visa. In order for applicants to qualify for a student visa they must:
    • Obtain sponsorship from an educational institute
    • Provide proof (e.g. bank statement) of money to pay for tuition, textbooks, and accommodation expenses

      • Student visa holders are prohibited from engaging in paid employment without obtaining permission from Japanese immigration and the school. If the request to obtain paid employment is approved, students are limited to a maximum number of working hours per week.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens wanting to teach English in Japan can qualify for four types of visas.

Work Visa:

  • A Certificate of Eligibility is required. There are two ways to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility, which are:
    • Apply as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) through a private company for the public system such as the JET Program or AEON
    • Applicants require a degree
    • Applicants do not need to be US or Canadian citizens as long as they have at least 12 years of education in an English speaking country
  • Apply as an English instructor
    • Applicants must apply through a private language school (juku and eikaiwa) such as Berlitz
    • Applicants require a valid Canadian passport
    • Applicants need to have a criminal record check
    • Applicants require a degree

Working Holiday Visa:

  • Applicant prerequisites for a working holiday visa; applicants must be/have:
    • A Canadian citizen
    • Intending mainly to holiday in Japan for a specific period of time
    • Between 18 - 30 years of age at the time of application
    • Proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money for the holiday in Japan - the minimum amount is $2,000 CDN
    • A return travel ticket
    • A valid Canadian passport

    • Applicants applying for a working holiday visa in Japan can only acquire one during the course of their life. Once the initial working holiday visa has been issued, applicants must enter Japan within three months. The initial stay is six months but applicants can apply for an extended stay of six months, which has to be approved by Japanese immigration authorities. The working holiday visa is a single entry visa; therefore, holiday visa holders who intend on leaving Japan during their stay must apply for a re-entry permit before leaving Japan. This is extremely important because holiday visa holders who fail to obtain re-entry permits will not be able to re-enter Japan.

Spousal Visa:

Spouses can apply for visas in one of two ways.

  • Spouse of a Japanese national must provide:
    • Documentation proving the applicant is married to a Japanese national
    • The resident card of a Japanese national
    • Documentation certifying the profession and income of the applicant or his or her spouse
    • A letter of guarantee by a person living in Japan
    • A permanent resident is someone who has lived in Japan for at least five consecutive years and who has applied and been accepted as a permanent resident.
    • Documentation (e.g. marriage certificate, statement of joint bank accounts, etc.) proving the relationship between the applicant and the permanent resident
    • A copy of the permanent resident's passport or certificate of alien registration
    • Documentation certifying the profession and income of the applicant or his or her spouse
    • A letter of guarantee by the permanent resident

    • The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the application process is usually done within Japan. The visa is valid for one year or three years and applicants must extend the visa before expiry.

    Spouse of Permanent Resident must provide:

    The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the permanent resident should be in Japan. The visa is valid for a maximum of three years.

Student Visa:

  • Individuals wanting to study in Japan must apply for a student visa. In order for applicants to qualify for a student visa, they must:
    • Obtain sponsorship from an educational institute
    • Provide proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money to pay for tuition, textbooks, and accommodation expenses. Student visa holders are prohibited from engaging in paid employment without obtaining permission from Japanese immigration and the school. If the request to obtain paid employment is approved, students are limited to a maximum number of working hours per week.

Australian Citizens

Work Visa:

  • A Certificate of Eligibility is required. Australian citizens require sponsorship from an employer to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility. Other prerequisites applicants require are:
    • A university degree
    • A valid Australian passport
    • A health and a criminal record check
  • Employment visas are valid for a period of three years. Applicants intending on leaving Japan during their stay require re-entry permits otherwise the visa will not be valid upon re-entry into Japan.

Working Holiday Visa:

  •  
    • An Australian citizen
    • Intending mainly to holiday in Japan for a specific period of time
    • Between 18 - 30 years of age at the time of application
    • Proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money for the holiday in Japan - the minimum amount is $2,500 AUD
    • A return travel ticket
    • A valid Australian passport

    • Applicant prerequisites for a working holiday visa, applicants must be/have:

  • Applicants applying for a working holiday visa in Japan can only acquire one during the course of their life. Once the initial working holiday visa has been issued, applicants must enter Japan within three months. The initial stay is six months but applicants can apply for an extended stay of six months, which has to be approved by Japanese immigration authorities. The working holiday visa is a single entry visa; therefore, holiday visa holders who intend on leaving Japan during their stay must apply for a re-entry permit before leaving Japan. This is extremely important because holiday visa holders who fail to obtain re-entry permits will not be able to re-enter Japan.

Spousal Visa:

  • Spouses can apply for a visa by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility or by providing:
    • Documentation proving the applicant is married to a Japanese national
    • The resident card of Japanese national
    • Documentation certifying the profession and income of the applicant or his or her spouse
    • A letter of guarantee by the Japanese spouse
  • The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the application process is usually done within Japan. The visa is valid for one year, three years, or six months and applicants must extend the visa before expiry.

Student Visa:

  • Individuals wanting to study in Japan must apply for a student visa. In order for applicants to qualify for a student visa they must:
    • Obtain sponsorship from an educational institute
    • Provide proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money to pay for tuition, textbooks, and accommodation expenses
  • Student visa holders are prohibited from engaging in paid employment without obtaining permission from Japanese immigration and the school. If the request to obtain paid employment is approved, students are limited to a maximum number of working hours per week. The visa is valid for one year, three years, or six months and applicants must extend the visa before expiry.

British Citizens

British and Irish passport holders do not require a visa if they intend on staying in Japan for six or less months and are entering for the following puroses: holiday, visiting relatives, conferences, study, and business.

Work Visa:

  • A Certificate of Eligibility is required. UK citizens require sponsorship from an employer to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility. Other prerequisites applicants require are:
    • A university degree
    • A valid UK passport
    • A health and a criminal record check
  • Employment visas are valid for one or three years. Applicants intending on leaving Japan during their stay require re-entry permits otherwise the visa will not be valid upon re-entry into Japan.

Working Holiday Visa:

  • Applicant prerequisites for a working holiday visa; applicants must be/have:
    • A British citizen
    • Intending mainly to holiday in Japan for a year or less
    • Between 18 - 25 years of age at the time of application
    • Travelling without children
    • Travelling without spouses unless the spouse has a valid visa
    • A minimum of £2,500 in the applicant's bank account (last 3 months bank statement must be shown)
    • Receipt of return travel ticket
    • A valid UK passport
  • Applicants applying for a working holiday visa in Japan can only acquire one during the course of their life. Once the initial working holiday visa has been issued, applicants must enter Japan within three months. The initial stay is six months but applicants can apply for an extended stay of six months, which has to be approved by Japanese immigration authorities. The working holiday visa is a single entry visa; therefore, holiday visa holders who intend on leaving Japan during their stay must apply for a re-entry permit before leaving Japan. This is extremely important because holiday visa holders who fail to obtain re-entry permits will not be able to re-enter Japan.

Spousal Visa:

  • Spouses can apply for a visa by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility or by providing:
    • Documentation proving the applicant is married to a Japanese national by providing the Japanese spouse's family register. The copy has to be issued within three months of visa application and show the registered marriage
    • The resident card of Japanese national
    • Proof (last three months of bank account) of sufficient funds to settle in Japan
  • The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the application process is usually done within Japan. The visa is valid for one year or three years and applicants must extend the visa before expiry.

Student Visa:

  • Individuals wanting to study in Japan must apply for a student visa. In order for applicants to qualify for a student visa they must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility by:
    • Obtaining sponsorship from an educational institute
    • Proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money to pay for tuition, textbooks, and accommodation expenses
    • Student visa holders are prohibited from engaging in paid employment without obtaining permission from Japanese immigration and the school. If the request to obtain paid employment is approved, students are limited to a maximum number of working hours per week.

Irish Citizens

Work Visa:

  • A Certificate of Eligibility is required. Irish citizens require sponsorship from an employer to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility and it expires three months after being issued. Once the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued the visa application process can begin. Other prerequisites applicants require are:
    • A university degree
    • A valid Irish passport
    • A health and a criminal record check
  • Employment visas are valid for one or three years. Applicants intending on leaving Japan during their stay require re-entry permits otherwise the visa will not be valid upon re-entry into Japan.

Working Holiday Visa:

  • The Republic of Ireland and Japan have established a working holiday programme for young Irish citizens. The programme officially started in January 2007. Up to 400 Irish citizens will be granted holiday visas at which point the application period will be closed. The applicant prerequisites for a working holiday visa are listed below.
  • Applicants must be/have:
    • An Irish citizen
    • Intending mainly to holiday in Japan for a specific period of time
    • Between 18 - 25 years of age at the time of application; the Japanese government has agreed to extend the age limitation to 30 years of age
    • Travelling without a dependent unless the dependent has the proper visa to enter Japan
    • Proof of a return travel ticket and full intention to leave Japan when the visa expires
    • Proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money for the holiday in Japan - minimum £1,600 including return travel ticket or £3,200 without return travel ticket
    • A copy of overseas travel insurance
    • A criminal record and health check
    • A valid Irish passport
  • Applicants applying for a working holiday visa in Japan can only acquire one during the course of their life. Once the initial working holiday visa has been issued, applicants must enter Japan within three months. The working holiday visa is a single entry visa; therefore, holiday visa holders who intend on leaving Japan during their stay must apply for a re-entry permit before leaving Japan. This is extremely important because holiday visa holders who fail to obtain re-entry permits will not be able to re-enter Japan.

Spousal Visa:

  • Spouses can apply for a visa by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility or by providing:
    • Documentation proving the applicant is married to a Japanese national by providing the Japanese spouse's family register. The copy has to be issued within three months of visa application and show the registered marriage
    • The resident card of Japanese national
    • Proof (last three months of bank account) of sufficient funds to settle in Japan
    • A letter of guarantee from the Japanese spouse
    • The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the application process is usually done within Japan. The visa is valid for one year or three years and applicants must extend the visa before expiry.

Student Visa:

  • Individuals wanting to study in Japan must apply for a student visa. In order for applicants to qualify for a student visa they must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility by:
    • Obtaining sponsorship from an educational institute
    • Providing proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money to pay for tuition, textbooks, and accommodation expenses. Student visa holders are prohibited from engaging in paid employment without obtaining permission from Japanese immigration and the school. If the request to obtain paid employment is approved, students are limited to a maximum number of working hours per week.

New Zealand Citizens

Work Visa:

  • A Certificate of Eligibility is required. New Zealand citizens require sponsorship from an employer to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility and it expires three months after being issued. Once the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued the visa application process can begin. Other prerequisites applicants require are:
    • A university degree
    • A valid New Zealand passport
    • A health and a criminal record check
  • Employment visas are valid for one or three years. Applicants intending on leaving Japan during their stay require re-entry permits otherwise the visa will not be valid upon re-entry into Japan.

Working Holiday Visa:

  • The applicant prerequisites for a working holiday visa are listed below. Applicants must be/have:
    • A New Zealand citizen
    • Intending mainly to holiday in Japan for a specific period of time
    • Between 18 - 30 years of age at the time of application
    • No dependent children
    • Proof of a return travel ticket
    • Proof of a specific amount of money for the holiday in Japan - a minimum of $2,000 USD, or $3,000 for a married couple. Bank statements, ATM printouts or cash will not be accepted as proof
    • In Japan within six months of the date of issue of the visa
    • A criminal record and health check
    • A valid New Zealand passport
  • Applicants applying for a working holiday visa in Japan can only acquire one during the course of their life. The initial stay is six months but applicants can apply for an extended stay of six months, which has to be approved by Japanese immigration authorities. The working holiday visa is a single entry visa; therefore, holiday visa holders who intend on leaving Japan during their stay must apply for a re-entry permit before leaving Japan. This is extremely important because holiday visa holders who fail to obtain re-entry permits will not be able to re-enter Japan.

Spousal Visa:

  • Spouses can apply for a visa by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility or by providing:
    • Documentation proving the applicant is married to a Japanese national by providing the Japanese spouse's family register. The copy has to be issued within three months of visa application and show the registered marriage
    • The resident card of a Japanese national
    • Proof (last three months of bank account) of sufficient funds to settle in Japan
    • A letter of guarantee from the Japanese spouse
  • The applicant can apply for the visa outside of Japan; however, the application process is usually done within Japan. The visa is valid for one year or three years and applicants must extend the visa before expiry.

Student Visa:

  • Individuals wanting to study in Japan must apply for a student visa. In order for applicants to qualify for a student visa they must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility by:
    • Obtaining sponsorship from an educational institute
    • Providing proof (e.g. bank statement) of a specific amount of money to pay for tuition, text books, and accommodation expenses

    • Student visa holders are prohibited from engaging in paid employment without obtaining permission from Japanese immigration and the school. If the request to obtain paid employment is approved, students are limited to a maximum number of working hours per week.

Embassy and Consulate Information for Japan

Canadian Embassy and Consulates in Japan

Embassy of Canada
7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-8503, Japan
City: Tokyo
Phone: 81 03 5412 6200
Fax: 81 3 5412 6247
Email: www.japan.gc.ca/
Website: http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/

Canadian Honourary Consulate, Hiroshima
c/o Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc.,
4-33 Komachi, Naka-ku,
Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken, 730-8701
City: Hiroshima
Phone: 81 82 246 0057
Fax: 81 82 246 0057

Canadian Honourary Consulate, Sapporo
Dogin Building, Bekkan 8F,
Odori Nish 40-chome 1-banchi, Chuo-ku,
Sapporo, Japan 060-0042
Osaka 542, Japan
City: Sapporo
Phone: 81 11 261 7740
Fax: 81 11 261 7740
Email: osaka@international.gc.ca

Canadian Consulate General, Nagoya
Nakato Marunouchi Building, 6F, 3-17-6
Marunouchi, Naka-ku,
Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan, 460-0002
City: Nagoya
Phone: 81 052 972 0450
Fax: 81 52 972 0453
Email: ngoya@international.gc.ca

American Embassy and Consulates in Japan

Embassy of the United States in Japan
1-10-5 Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
City: Tokyo
Phone: 81 03-3224-5000
Visa Phone Line: 81 03 5354 4033
Fax: 03-3505-1862
Website: http://japan.usembassy.gov/t-main.html

Consulate of the United States in Osaka-Kobe
ATTN ACS Unit 11-5 Nishitenma
2-chome, Kita-ku
Osaka 530-8543
City: Osaka-Kobe
Phone: 81 06 6315 5900
Fax: 81 06 6315 5914
Website: http://osaka.usconsulate.gov/wwwhmain.html

Consulate of the United States in Fukuoka
5-26 Ohori 2-chome
Chuo-ku
Fukuoka 810-0052
City: Fukuoka
Phone: 81 092 751 9331
Fax: 81 092 713 9222
Website: http://japan.usembassy.gov/fukuoka/wwwhmain.html

Consulate of the United States in Sapporo
Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome,
Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821
City: Sapporo
Phone: 81 011 641 1115
Fax: 81 011 643 1283
Website: http://sapporo.usconsulate.gov/wwwh1003.html

Consulate of the United States in Nagoya
American Consulate Nagoya
Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor
1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001
City: Nagoya
Phone: 052 581-4501
Fax: (052) 581-3190
Website: http://nagoya.usconsulate.gov/
Email: AOK@state.gov

Australian Embassy and Consulates in Japan

Australian Embassy
2-1-14 Mita
Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8361
City: Tokyo
Phone: 81 035 232 4111
Fax: 81 035 232 4057
Email: auscitzreg.tokyo@dfat.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General Osaka
16F Twin 21 MID Tower
2-1-61 Shiromi, Chuo-ku
Osaka 540-6116
City: Osaka
Phone: 81 066 941 9271
Fax: 81 066 920 4543
Email: http://www.consular.australia.or.jp/osaka

Australian Consulate-General Fukuoka
7th Floor, Tenjin Twin Building
1-6-8 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
Fukuoka 810-0001
City: Fukuoka
Phone: 81 092 734 5055
Fax: 81 092 734 5058
Website: http://www.consular.australia.or.jp/fukuoka

Australian Consulate Sapporo
Sapporo Kita 5 Nishi 6-2, Chuo
Sapporo Center Building 17th Floor
City: Sapporo
Phone: 81 011 242 4381
Fax: 81 011 242 4383
Website: http://www.consular.australia.or.jp/sapporo

British Embassy and Consulates in Japan

British Embassy
No 1 Ichiban-cho
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-8381
City: Tokyo
Phone: 81 352 11-1100
Fax: 81 352 75 0346
Website: http://www.uknow.or.jp/
Email: consular.tokyo@fco.gov.uk
Visa Email: visa.tokyo@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate-General, Osaka
Epson Osaka Building 19F
3-5-1 Bakuro-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0059
City: Osaka
Phone: 81 661 20 5600
Fax: 81 662 81 1731
Website: http://www.uknow.or.jp/
Email: bcgosaka@fco.gov.uk

Irish Embassy and Consulate in Japan

Embassy of Ireland in Japan
Embassy of Ireland,
Ireland House,
2-10-7, Kojimachi,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083
City: Tokyo
Phone: 81 033 263 0695
Fax: 81 033 265 2275
Website: www.irishembassy.jp/
Email:tokyoembassy@dfa.ie

Honourary Consulate of Ireland
Honorary Consul of Ireland|
1-1 Doshomachi
4-Chome
Chuo-ku
Osaka 540-8645
City: Dosho-machi
Phone: 81 066 204 2024
Fax: 81 062 04 2032

New Zealand's Embassy and Consulates in Japan

Embassy of New Zealand in Japan
20-40 Kamiyama-cho
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0047
City: Tokyo
Phone: 81 033 467 2271
Fax: 81 033 467 2278
Email: nzemb.tky@mfat.govt.nz
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/japan/

New Zealand Consulate-General
Umeda Centre Building
2-4-12 Nakazaki-nishi
Kita-ku
OSAKA 530-8323
City: Osaka
Phone: 81 066 373 4583
Fax: 81 066 373 4394
Email: nzemb.tky@mail.com

New Zealand Consulate-General
New Zealand Consulate
c/o Kyushu Railway Company
6F, Hakata Eki Mae 3-25-21
Hakata-ku
Fukuoka 812-8566
City: Fukuoka
Phone: 81 092 474 2279
Fax: 81 092 474 2737

New Zealand Consulate
New Zealand Consulate
c/o Home Kikaku Centre Co Ltd
1-26, West 2-chome, North 38-jo,
Kita-ku
Sapporo 001-0038
City: Sapporo
Phone: 81 011 802 9272
Fax: 81 011 802 9275

Embassy and Consulate Information Outside Japan

Japanese Embassy and Consulates Offices in Canada

Embassy of Japan in Ottawa
255 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 9E6
City: Ottawa
Phone:1 613 241-8541
Fax:1 613 241-7415
Website: http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/
Email: infocul@embjapan.ca
Normal Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 12:15 pm; 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Japanese consulates in Canada can be found at:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html

Japanese Embassy and Consulates Offices in the United States

Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC
2520 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20008
City:Washington, DC
Phone:1 202-238-6700
Fax:1 202-328-2187
Website: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 12:30 pm; 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Japanese consulates in Canada can be found at:
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/consulat.htm

* Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
** Information is updated regularly, so check back for more details about teaching English in Japan
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of a Canadian Big Mac at $4.16.

Check out our informative country reports offering detailed information about teaching English in the following countries:

Japan  |  Korea  |  Spain  |  France  |  China  |  Italy  |  Mexico  |  Germany  |  Russia  |  India

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