Jobs in Japan for Americans
*Updated for May 2025
The number of foreign workers in Japan is increasing more than ever due to the shortage of domestic labor and new special skill visas.
This time, from the perspective of foreign workers, SDC International Shipping will look at jobs in Japan for Americans.
First, let’s see why Americans choose to work in Japan and the number of foreigners in the Japanese labor market.
Increasing Number of Foreign Workers
The number of English-speaking professionals in Japan is still climbing in 2025.
Latest head-count. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s most recent survey shows that as of 31 October 2024 Japan employed 2,302,587 foreign workers—a jump of 253,912 people (+12.4 %) from the previous year and the highest figure recorded since statistics began in 2008. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Who they are. Vietnamese nationals make up the biggest share (570,708), followed by Chinese (408,805) and Filipinos (245,565). Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens also work in Japan; overall, more than 63,000 Americans were living in the country at the end of 2023, many employed in education, finance, IT and other specialist services. Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareMHLW Jsite
Why the surge continues.
- Chronic labour shortages. Japan’s ageing population is leaving acute staffing gaps in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, hospitality and tech, prompting companies to recruit overseas. Nippon.com
- Visa reforms. The 2019 Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) categories are now well-established, and in March 2024 Japan introduced a six-month Digital Nomad Visa, making short-term remote work far easier for qualified professionals. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Competitive packages. Many employers now offer salaries and relocation benefits that rival those in other advanced economies, helping Japan compete for global talent.
In short, with record-high foreign employment and new visa pathways, Japan’s doors are wider open than ever for English-speaking—and especially American—workers looking to build a career in one of the world’s most technologically advanced and culturally rich economies.
Why Americans Work in Japan
Japan entices U.S. professionals with a blend of economic opportunity, welcoming policies and rich cultural experiences. Salaries are robust— the nationwide median sits around ¥471,000 per month (≈ USD 3,250), and pay in Tokyo or Osaka frequently exceeds that figure, while minimum wages have climbed to ¥951–¥1,163 per hour across the prefectures.
To ease chronic talent shortages, the government has rolled out visa reforms such as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) categories and a 2024 Digital Nomad Visa, enabling qualified foreigners to work— or work remotely— in Japan for up to six months without the usual employer sponsorship.
Add in everyday perks like bullet‑train efficiency, world‑class healthcare, cherry‑blossom seasons and Japan’s reputation as one of the planet’s safest nations, and it’s easy to see why more Americans are choosing to launch or advance their careers here.
Top 5 Jobs in Japan for Americans in 2025
| Job Category | Typical Monthly Salary (JPY) | Approx. USD* |
|---|---|---|
| Software & IT (Dev, Data, Cybersecurity) | ¥650,000 – ¥750,000 | $4,500 – $5,200 |
| English Teaching (ALT, International School) | ¥230,000 – ¥600,000 | $1,600 – $4,100 |
| Engineering (Automotive, Robotics, Construction) | ¥450,000 – ¥600,000 | $3,100 – $4,100 |
| Sales & Business Development | ¥400,000 – ¥550,000 | $2,800 – $3,800 |
| Tourism & Hospitality (Tour Guides, Hotel Ops) | ¥300,000 – ¥450,000 | $2,100 – $3,100 |
*USD equivalents calculated at ¥145 = USD 1 (May 2025).
1. Information Technology
With domestic firms scrambling to digitise and global names such as Amazon Japan, Google Cloud and Mercari expanding, software engineers and cloud specialists enjoy some of the most lucrative expat packages. Bilingual ability is a plus but not essential for many international teams. Expect annual bonuses and relocation allowances on top of base pay.
2. English Teaching
Roughly 3,000 new U.S. participants arrive each year through the JET Programme, and thousands more teach in private eikaiwa schools or international schools. Experienced teachers with a teaching licence can reach the upper end of the pay range and receive housing subsidies.
3. Engineering
From EV battery plants in Kyushu to renewable‑energy projects in Hokkaido, engineers remain in short supply. U.S. citizens with experience in automotive design, semiconductor fabrication or civil engineering can secure positions under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa or the expedited J‑Skip pathway for high‑salary hires.
4. Sales & Business Development
Japanese manufacturers, fintech start‑ups and real‑estate firms value native‑level English for global expansion. Roles often include performance bonuses and the opportunity to move into regional APAC leadership.
5. Tourism & Hospitality
Japan’s historic visitor surge has led hotels, tour operators and theme parks to add English‑speaking staff. Certified guides can also work freelance under the new digital‑nomad framework, provided their clients are overseas.
Popular Cities for Jobs in Japan for Americans
If you are moving to Japan from the USA, you will have many choices for career opportunities because Japan is a big country. However, when being on the job hunt, it’s always better to start with the big cities first. In addition, you are likely to meet more Americans in these places, which is very helpful when you are a newcomer in the country.
- Tokyo. Tokyo, as the capital, is the economic hub in Japan, with plenty of high-tech jobs in Japan for Americans and other foreigners.
- Kobe. If you want a quieter but still a big enough city for employment opportunities, Kobe is your bet. If you are from the West Coast of the US, you will be pleasantly surprised to find many similarities, including advanced culture and city life.
- Osaka. This is an industrial town and can be perfect for occupations such as maintenance engineers, mechanics, stationary engineers, and many others. Although you’ll have to brush up on your Japanese to communicate with locals, it’s still a beautiful place to relax after work in the local bar.
- Kyoto. A bundle of traditional culture and ultra-modern amenities, Kyoto might be a good alternative to busy and noisy Tokyo. It homes the major college center, which means you have a good chance to find other English-speaking expats here.
Jobs in Japan for Americans: Helpful Resources
If you are looking for a job in Japan, we advise that you check out the following resources.
- Fair Work Japan – https://workjapan.fairness-world.com/en/ – Search openings by location, occupation and Japanese‑language level.
- GaijinPot Jobs – https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/ – Large database covering IT, teaching and hospitality; many roles require little or no Japanese.
- Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Programme – https://jetprogramme.org/en/ – Government‑run ALT placements for new and experienced teachers.
- Daijob – https://www.daijob.com/en/ – IT‑centric listings plus thousands of mid‑career bilingual positions.
- CareerCross – https://www.careercross.com/en/ – Executive‑level jobs in finance, sales and consulting.
- Hello Work – https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/employ_labour/hello_work/index.html – Government employment centres with English support in major cities.
