Work in Japan

While it's not mandatory, we strongly recommend having conversational skills in the native language of your chosen working holiday destination. Having the ability to speak or understand even a bit of the local language can enhance your experience in several ways. It makes it easier to connect with locals, navigate directions, order from menus accurately, and immerse yourself in the culture.

That being said, many of our Work in Japan participants do not speak Japanese and still have fulfilling working holiday experiences. Our bilingual staff is here to assist you by translating housing and job listings and directing you to resource centers designed for foreign workers. These resources will help you locate employers who are specifically looking for English speakers, ensuring you can navigate your journey effectively.

Keep in mind that not being fluent in Japanese will impact the types of jobs you can get. You'll be able to find work but you'll need to be open to jobs where speaking the local language isn't required. Keep an open mind and you'll be fine!

You won't need to schedule an appointment at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate to apply for the Working Holiday visa. Instead, we've streamlined the process for your convenience. Simply complete your application and send it to our office. Our dedicated team will then take care of presenting your application to the Consulate on your behalf.

Before submitting your application, we'll meticulously review your documents to ensure they are error-free and well-prepared, increasing your chances of a successful visa approval. Rest assured, we've got you covered every step of the way to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

While our Japan program isn't a job placement service, our dedicated support team in Tokyo is here to assist you with your job search upon your arrival. They offer valuable support such as CV editing, translating job listings, and providing referrals to employment resource centers. 

The job opportunities you'll encounter will depend on your personal interests, skills, and prior work experience. Major cities where our resource centers are located, like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, typically offer a diverse range of jobs suitable for foreign workers.

For Japan, it's advisable to have a solid understanding of Japanese if you don't plan to work as an English teacher. Most roles outside of teaching, including customer service and hospitality, often require basic conversational Japanese skills. However, it's worth noting that many of our participants have successfully found employment without speaking the language. They've secured positions with foreign tour companies, at expatriate bars, or in back-of-house roles at restaurants or hotels.

The majority of our Swappers secure a job within 2-3 weeks after commencing their search, especially if they are open to roles in tourism, food service, or hospitality. However, if you are seeking a position directly related to your career in Canada, please be prepared for a potentially longer application process.

Absolutely! If you're interested in enhancing your Working Holiday experience with Japanese language classes, we recommend registering for our Japan Language Immersion program. This option enables you to book either 2 or 4 weeks of Japanese classes through our partner school, allowing you to choose your preferred location and start date.

As an added benefit, we offer the option to include the Japanese Working Holiday visa with your experience at no extra cost. This combination provides you with a comprehensive and enriching opportunity to not only explore Japan's culture but also develop valuable language skills during your Working Holiday.