Living and Working in Japan

Japan is an archipelago situated in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Chinese mainland. It is made up of over 3,000 islands - the largest, most populated ones being Hokkaido, Kyushu, Honshu and Shikoku. Japan is a diverse nation that is culturally different to most other countries. It is important that you prepare yourself for the exciting challenges you will face when relocating to work in one of our major cities, such as Tokyo or Osaka.

If you are considering moving to work in Japan from abroad, you could benefit from speaking to Morgan McKinley’s expert consultants who specialise in international recruitment. We can help prepare you for working at a number of international locations including Japan, so contact us today.

Living in Japan facts

• Japan has a population of approximately 127 million.
• Japanese currency is the Yen.
• Japan enjoys year-round temperate weather with a cold winter. Spring, summer and autumn boast heat and humidity, but beware of the rainy season in June.
• Japanese culture is hugely diverse and combines rich history with intense modernity.
• Our work ethic is renowned worldwide. Punctuality, diligence, pride in one’s work and enthusiasm are highly regarded personal traits.
• Arriving early for work (sometimes up to an hour early) and staying late are signifiers of respect to your employer and colleagues, and are crucial signs of dedication and job satisfaction.
• Japanese is the native and main spoken language and, although English is learnt compulsorily at school, degrees of fluency vary dramatically. Learning some everyday Japanese phrases will help you settle into your new environment, both locally and at work.
• Normal office hours here in Japan are 9am-5pm on weekdays.
• Familiarising yourself with expected working practices can help you settle in and avoid awkward social errors.

Visa and tax requirements in Japan

As with travelling to any country, you will require a valid passport. When travelling to Japan, you will also be required to show evidence of either an onward or return trip, or evidence detailing support for a longer stay. For more information about visa requirements in Japan, contact your local Japanese embassy.