At Cogs, we speak to many talented professionals outside Japan who are interested in
relocating. Most come from backgrounds in marketing, e-commerce, design, creative, and
digital — areas we know well. For anyone wondering how to work in Japan as a foreigner, this article shares insights to help you navigate the challenges.

The challenge? Nearly all the roles we hire for require Japanese language skills and local
experience. That’s not a preference — it’s what the market demands.

Chris Frost, our founder, has lived and worked in Japan for the past seven years. His insights
come from both personal experience and years of supporting clients and candidates across
APAC.

How to Work in Japan as a Foreigner: Language, Culture, and Career Fit

The vast majority of roles in Japan require Japanese. Chris estimates that only about 1 in 20
roles are open to non-Japanese speakers — usually in startups with international founders or
global teams inside large companies.

Everything else? You’ll need at least high conversational or low business-level fluency. With
business-level Japanese, an entirely new world of opportunities opens up. But if you’re not
even trying to learn the language, it’s going to be a steep climb.

Chris focused early on speaking and listening. Reading and writing came later, supported by
translation tools (including ChatGPT). One lesson a week, plenty of mistakes — but steady
progress. That’s how you learn. Even in central Tokyo, life without Japanese is limiting.
Outside of it, it gets a lot harder — professionally and personally.

Culture: Know Enough to Respect It

Japan runs on unspoken rules — in daily life, in business, and especially in communication.
You’re not expected to know everything, but understanding the basics around etiquette and
interaction goes a long way.

Chris learned quickly that listening matters. Interrupting or jumping in, which might feel
normal elsewhere, often reads as rude here. When speaking English with Japanese
colleagues, slowing down, avoiding slang, and keeping it clear makes a big difference.

And just because Japanese business culture feels different doesn’t mean it’s behind. Some
areas — like digital transformation — may be more advanced elsewhere, but Japanese
companies are highly effective in their own way. Coming in with humility instead of trying to
“fix” things is key. If you come in preaching, people may smile politely — but you probably
won’t hear from them again.

Not All “Foreign” Companies Have International Cultures

A surprising truth: some foreign companies in Japan operate more like traditional Japanese
firms than actual Japanese companies.

Many global brands have had local offices here for decades, staffed and run by Japanese
teams. In these cases, the culture can be highly hierarchical and risk-averse — sometimes
more so than local startups.

On the other hand, some Japanese companies — especially younger ones or those with global
leadership — can feel progressive, flexible, and open to new ideas. You can’t judge a
company’s culture by its headquarters. Ask how decisions are made, who leads the team, and
how they operate locally — that’s what will shape your day-to-day experience.

Being Here Matters

If you’re researching how to work in Japan as a foreigner, local presence dramatically increases your chances. Being in Japan makes a massive difference. You need to be visible, meet people, and understand how to position yourself locally.

Technical roles — engineers, developers, data specialists — tend to have a smoother path.
But for marketing, creative, and strategy roles, employers expect a deep understanding of the
Japanese market, language, and consumer.

One example Chris gives: a marketing manager from an FMCG brand abroad may struggle
here if they don’t understand the local landscape. But if they bring scarce expertise — like
digital strategy or data-driven thinking — that can shift the balance. The key is showing how
your experience adds value in Japan.

Find the Story That Translates

You won’t succeed in Japan by trying to “become Japanese.” You’ll only get so far with that.
What works is figuring out how your unique experience connects to what’s needed here.

Chris regularly attends meetings in Japanese and understands most of what’s discussed. But
he doesn’t pretend to be an expert in Japanese business culture. Instead, he positions himself
as a bridge — someone with global experience and a real effort to understand Japan.

That approach — of translating your story into something relevant and useful — is often
what makes the difference.

Network, Network, Network

Networking in Japan takes time. You’ll start by meeting other foreigners, which is fine. These
communities help you get settled. But longer term, you need to connect with local and
bilingual professionals in your industry.

The bilingual talent pool is small but in high demand. Building trust here takes longer, but it
leads to deeper, more lasting professional relationships. Chris tends to keep business and
personal networks separate, which works well in a culture where boundaries are often
respected. Either way, you need both kinds of connections to thrive.

Say Yes to Everything (At First)

When you’re new to Japan, say yes to everything. Go to that dinner. Join that club. Hike that
mountain with someone’s cousin. You can filter later. But early on, momentum matters —
personally and professionally.

Let people surprise you.

Get Practical, Get Proactive

Japan isn’t the easiest place to get set up. Compared to Hong Kong or Singapore, it’s slower
and more bureaucratic. Setting up a phone, registering an address, opening a bank account —
it all takes time.

Job hunting is the same. Many listings say “bilingual required,” but if your skills are rare and
relevant, apply anyway. Or go direct. Use LinkedIn. Reach out to mutual connections. Build a
target list. Find common ground — same university, same company, same hometown — and
start a conversation.

When we launched Cogs Japan, the biggest difference came from working with the right
partners. Not the cheapest, but the most knowledgeable. Legal, accounting, consulting —
good advice is worth the investment.

Final Thought: It’s a Long Game — But It’s Worth It

Japan doesn’t make it easy. But it rewards people who are consistent, humble, and invested in
the long term.

Once you build credibility, relationships, and a track record, things get easier. In Japan,
careers are more stable and long-term than in many other markets. If you show up, do good
work, and stick around, you can build a strong, lasting future here. Anyone learning how to work in Japan as a foreigner should expect a long-term journey, but the rewards can be substantial.

Cogs is an executive search and recruitment agency specialising in connecting creative-minded individuals with global career opportunities.

For further reading and resources, check out our other blogs: Cogs Agency.

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