Finding Your Footing in Japan’s Job Market as an Indonesian Speaker

I’ve onboarded over 30 foreign colleagues in my career, and almost every single one made the same mistake in their first month. As a Japanese person, I’ve seen that many foreigners, including those from Indonesia, struggle to navigate the job market in Japan due to language barriers.

Japan’s Expanding Job Market

Did you know that Japan has a growing demand for foreign workers? According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there were 2.04 million foreign workers in Japan in 2023. Many of these workers come from Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

However, language barriers often hinder their career advancement. I’ve seen colleagues from Vietnam struggle with this for years, and it’s not easy for them to integrate into Japanese companies.

Breaking Down Language Barriers

For foreign workers who want to work in Japan without speaking Japanese, there are some options available. One option is to obtain a Japan work visa, such as the Specified Skilled Worker visa, which requires a certain level of language proficiency and skills.

Another option is to look for jobs in industries where English is widely spoken, such as IT or international business. Japan’s IT industry has a high demand for skilled workers, with salaries ranging from ¥250,000 to ¥500,000 per month, depending on experience.

For instance, Japan’s IT industry has a high demand for skilled workers, with salaries ranging from ¥250,000 to ¥500,000 per month, depending on experience. According to the Japanese government, the average salary for foreign workers in Japan is around ¥280,000 per month, although this can vary depending on the industry and location.

Real-Life Examples

Andhika, an Indonesian engineer, now works as an engineer in Tokyo. He’s been able to send his children to international school and enjoy Japan’s vibrant culture. This is just one example of the many foreign workers who have made the most of their move to Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most common type of work visa for foreign workers in Japan?

A: The most common type of work visa for foreign workers in Japan is the Specified Skilled Worker visa, which requires a certain level of language proficiency and skills.

Q: How much does it cost to live in Japan as a foreign worker?

A: The cost of living in Japan can vary depending on the location, but on average, a foreign worker can expect to pay around ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 per month for rent, food, and other expenses.

Q: Can foreign workers bring their families to Japan?

A: Yes, foreign workers can bring their families to Japan, but they will need to obtain a dependent visa, which requires a certain level of income and proof of financial support.

🏆 G-SHOCK Ranking TOP 20

Best-selling G-SHOCK watches · Ships worldwide

Shop Now →

Photo by dotzero on Unsplash