Last updated on September 9th, 2025 at 02:02 pm
Japan is a developed country with a strong economy and ample job opportunities. Many foreign workers are interested in working in Japan due to its continued growth in various sectors, such as manufacturing, technology, and tourism.
If you're planning to work in Japan, there are several important things you should know. Below is a complete explanation of the requirements, working procedures, work culture, and tips for success in Japan. So, read the article below until the end!
Requirements for Working in Japan
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To work in Japan, there are several requirements that need to be met, depending on the type of job you want to take:
1. Japanese Language Skills
Japanese is a primary requirement for many jobs. A minimum N4 level of Japanese proficiency is highly recommended for everyday communication in the workplace. Certain jobs may require more advanced language skills, such as in tourism or management.
2. Education Level
Education relevant to the job you're applying for may be a requirement. For example, technical or professional positions typically require a university degree or specific certification. For non-specialized jobs, a high school or vocational high school diploma is often sufficient.
3. Medical Check-Up
Some companies in Japan require medical examinations before hiring candidates. These examinations aim to ensure that prospective employees are physically fit and ready to work in demanding conditions.
Requirements for LPK Japan
LPK (Lembaga Pelatihan Kerja) is an institution authorized to provide specialized skill training for the workforce. Unlike regular training institutes, LPK focuses on practical skills that are useful for participants when entering the job market. LPK also acts as an intermediary for placing workers both domestically and internationally. Here are the registration requirements you need to know:
- Minimum high school graduate (preferred D1, D2, D3, or S1)
- Open to both men and women
- Age between 18 to 25 years at the time of registration
- Physically and mentally healthy
- Minimum height of 160 cm for men and 150 cm for women
- Proportional weight
- Good attitude and mentality
- Not currently bound to any other LPK or labor placement agency
- Not a student currently studying in an educational institution
- Bukan merupakan pelajar yang sedang belajar di institusi pendidikan
- Not employed or working under a contract
- Parental or family permission required
- Never participated in a previous internship program in Japan
How to Work in Japan
There are several ways to work in Japan, generally through government channels or private agencies. The government program allows Indonesia to send workers to Japan every year, both for internship workers from high school graduates or recent graduates, as well as skilled labor.
To join an internship program, the first step is to contact the local Ministry of Manpower and fulfill the administrative requirements. These typically include being between the ages of 18-26, having at least a high school diploma, completing a minimum of 160 hours of work training (for those who are not from specific fields), as well as certain physical criteria such as height and no visible tattoos or piercings.
For internship visas, Japan has expanded its work visa types for foreign workers through specialized skilled worker programs.
Read Also: Studying in Japan: Preparation, Requirements, and Costs
Meanwhile, the private route can be taken by high school graduates or recent graduates by collaborating with Indonesian Migrant Worker Placement Companies (P3MI) to Japan. P3MI acts as an intermediary between job seekers in Indonesia and companies in Japan that need labor.
Although P3MI provides training for prospective workers, it’s important to do due diligence before choosing a P3MI as there are cases of fraud in recruitment. P3MI charges a fee for their services, and the cost varies depending on the services selected.
Work Culture in JapanÂ
It is well-known that in Japan, the idea of "working hard" is extremely important. For foreign workers in Japan, the ability to work hard is highly expected. Why? Because the quality of work is very visible, and it will be noticeable when their performance is not up to par compared to local colleagues.
In addition to working hard, Japan’s work culture is also famous for being highly disciplined. They place great importance on punctuality and an efficient work process, allowing them to stay focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
This work approach is often referred to as the "kaizen" principle. To learn more about Japanese work culture, check out the following link: Work Culture in Japan
Minimum Education Level for Working in Japan
There are no specific educational requirements to work in Japan, but the level of education can influence the types of jobs available.
For high school graduates, job opportunities are more likely to be in positions that don’t require special qualifications, such as restaurant servers or farm workers.
Meanwhile, for those with a university degree or special skill certifications, there are more opportunities to work as specialists in certain industries, such as software engineers, programmers, mechanics, researchers, and more.
Read Also: 6 Ways to Work Abroad and Their Requirements
Salary for Working in Japan
Here is an overview of the salary ranges based on data from mhlw.go.jp. The average hourly wage in several cities in Japan are as follows: 1. Hyogo: ¥899 (around IDR 119,000) 2. Kyoto: ¥909 (around IDR 120,000) 3. Osaka: ¥964 (around IDR 127,000) 4. Kanagawa: ¥1,011 (around IDR 133,700) 5. Tokyo: ¥1,013 (around IDR 134,000)
Work Process in Japan
In Japan, the work process starts with job search through various channels such as career websites, recruitment agencies, or companies with job openings. After submitting your resume and cover letter, the selection process typically involves interviews and tests.
If accepted, you will receive a job contract detailing your position, salary, and working conditions. There may also be an orientation and training phase related to the position before you begin working, ensuring you comply with company rules and culture.
Work Process in Japan
Here are some tips for working in Japan:Â
- Learn the Work Culture: Understand Japanese work culture, including norms, etiquette, and values in the workplace.
- Improve Language Skills: Enhance your Japanese language skills. While not all jobs require advanced Japanese, having at least basic understanding will be very helpful.
- Punctuality: Be on time. Punctuality is highly valued in Japanese work culture.
- Professional Attitude: Maintain a professional attitude in communication, interaction, and task completion.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Adapt to team-oriented work and the collaborative culture. Japan places great importance on teamwork.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Be flexible and prepared to adapt to changes.
- Learning and Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow in your workplace and contribute positively.
Read Also: Saving Tips and Cost of Living in Japan With Estimates
Now, it’s clear how to work in Japan, right? You can choose whether to go through government channels or private agencies. However, before deciding to work in Japan, make sure you have at least an N4-level understanding of Japanese.
Also, ensure that your financial needs in Japan are fully met! Send money safely, quickly, and conveniently with Easylink. Click the link below to find out how to send money easily to Japan. send money to Japan.
