How to Achieve Moving to Japan with Zero Connections: A Practical Roadmap

Hello everyone. I'm Hiroaki Higuchi, an Administrative Scrivener at Mirai Fuso Administrative Scrivener Office.

In previous articles, we explained that Japan is not an immigration country and that online job hunting from overseas is fundamental. However, can you really achieve moving to Japan from a situation where "I don't know anyone in Japan," "I can't speak Japanese at all," or "I don't know which industry or occupation to aim for"?

The answer is: Yes, it's possible. However, strategic preparation and a step-by-step approach are necessary. In this article, I will explain in detail a concrete roadmap for achieving employment and moving to Japan from a complete zero starting point, organized by Japanese language ability and occupation type.

Checking Your Starting Point: Where Are You Now?

First, let's start by objectively understanding your current situation. Check which category you belong to using the following checklist.

Japanese Language Ability Check

Level A: JLPT N2 or higher, or equivalent conversation ability

• Can conduct daily conversations without problems

• Can write business emails in Japanese

• Can handle interviews in Japanese

Level B: JLPT N3-N4, or basic Japanese ability

• Can conduct simple daily conversations

• Can read hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji

• Continuing Japanese language learning

Level C: Cannot speak Japanese at all, or starting from zero

• No Japanese learning experience

• Cannot read hiragana

• English or other languages only

Education and Specialization Check

Type 1: Have IT/Engineering skills

• Computer science or engineering degree

• Programming practical experience, have portfolio

• Proficient in specific technology stacks (Python, Java, React, etc.)

Type 2: Have business-related degree/experience

• Business administration, marketing, international business degree

• Sales, marketing, planning practical experience

• Business communication ability in English

Type 3: Other specialized fields

• Education (can aim to be language teacher)

• Design, arts

• Specialized skills (cooking, sports instruction, etc.)

Type 4: No specific specialization

• General university graduation

• Office work, service industry experience

• Need to acquire specialization from now

Strategy A: Roadmap for Those with Japanese Language Ability (Levels A & B)

If you have Japanese ability at N2 or higher, or N3-N4 level, you can start job hunting relatively smoothly.

Step 1: Self-Analysis and Narrowing Down Occupations (1 month)

What to do:

• Take inventory of your education, work history, and skills

• Confirm matching between occupations in high demand in Japan and your skills

• Clarify desired work location, industry, and company size

Resources to utilize:

• Research job trends on job information sites for foreigners (GaijinPot, Jobs in Japan, Daijob, etc.)

• Search for Japanese company jobs on LinkedIn

• Research Japan's salary levels and cost of living (Glassdoor, Indeed Japan, etc.)

Deliverables:

• List of target occupations (1st to 3rd preference)

• List of applicable companies (20-30 companies)

Step 2: Application Document Preparation (2 weeks to 1 month)

What to do:

• Create Japanese-style resume and work history

• Prepare English resume (for foreign-affiliated and global companies)

• Prepare English or Japanese translation of academic certificates and graduation certificates

• Prepare copies of JLPT certificates

Important points:

• Japanese resumes require a photo (clean business photo)

• Work history should show concrete achievements with numbers

• Motivation clearly states "why Japan" and "why this company"

Step 3: Recruitment Agency Registration and Interview Preparation (1 month)

What to do:

• Register with 3-5 recruitment agencies specializing in foreign talent

• Meetings with career advisors (online)

• Conduct mock interviews

• Learn Japanese business manners and interview etiquette

Important interview preparation:

• Self-introduction (prepare 1-minute and 3-minute versions in both Japanese and English)

• Clarify motivation

• Prepare answers to "Why do you want to work in Japan?"

• Prepare reverse questions (5-10)

Step 4: Applications and Interviews (2-3 months)

What to do:

• Continuously apply to 5-10 companies per week

• Actively accept interview opportunities

• Send follow-up emails after interviews

• If not selected, analyze reasons and apply to next

Timeline:

• Application to document screening results: 1-2 weeks

• First interview: 1-2 weeks after passing document screening

• Second to final interview: 2-4 weeks after first interview

• Job offer: 1-2 weeks after final interview

Step 5: Post-Job Offer Procedures (3-4 months)

What to do:

• Confirm and negotiate employment conditions

• Sign employment contract

• Company applies for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• Apply for visa after obtaining COE

• Prepare for entry (housing search, moving preparation)

Estimated total period: 6 months to 1 year

Strategy B: Roadmap for Those Without Japanese Language Ability (Level C)

If you cannot speak Japanese at all, options are limited, but achievable with appropriate strategy.

Pattern 1: Aiming for IT/Engineering Positions (Shortest Route)

In the IT industry, technical skills tend to be valued more than Japanese language ability.

Step 1: Strengthen Technical Skills and Create Portfolio (3-6 months)

What to do:

• Enhance portfolio on GitHub (3-5 personal projects)

• Learn in-demand technology stacks (React, Node.js, Python, AWS, etc.)

• Obtain online course completion certificates (Udemy, Coursera, etc.)

• Practice coding on LeetCode, HackerRank, etc.

Step 2: Apply to IT Companies OK with English (2-3 months)

What to do:

• Target foreign-affiliated IT companies, Japanese startups, globally expanding Japanese companies

• Active networking on LinkedIn

• Enhance GitHub profile and always present when applying for jobs

• Prepare for technical interviews (algorithms, data structures, system design)

Step 3: Start Basic Japanese Learning in Parallel (Continuous)

What to do:

• Register with online Japanese schools (2-3 times per week)

• Learn hiragana and katakana

• Learn daily conversation phrases

• Appeal "willingness to learn Japanese in the future" during interviews

Estimated total period: 6 months to 1 year

Pattern 2: Via Study Route (Long-term Strategy)

If you have no Japanese ability and aim for occupations other than IT, the study route is realistic.

Step 1: Study at Japanese Language School (6 months to 2 years)

• Intensively study Japanese at language school (aim for N2-N1 level)

• Enter on "Student" residence status

• Part-time work up to 28 hours per week possible (supplement living expenses)

• Directly experience Japanese living habits and culture

Step 2: Advance to Vocational School or University (1-4 years, Optional)

• Acquire specialized knowledge at Japanese vocational schools or universities

• Create touchpoints with Japanese companies (internships, etc.)

• Can change to "Job Hunting" residence status after graduation (maximum 1 year)

Step 3: Job Hunting Within Japan

• Job hunting utilizing Japanese language ability

• Participate in company information sessions and joint company briefings

• Access to Japan's new graduate hiring market

Estimated total period: 2-6 years (depending on education)

Study Route Merits:

• Can reliably improve Japanese language ability

• Can build networks in Japan

• Can find employment after understanding Japanese life and culture

Study Route Demerits:

• Tuition and living expenses required (approximately 1.5-2 million yen per year)

• Takes time

• Switching from student visa to work visa is not necessarily guaranteed

Pattern 3: Aiming for Specified Skilled Worker Route

If you want to work in 14 fields including nursing care, construction, agriculture, and food/beverage manufacturing, there is a residence status called Specified Skilled Worker.

Requirements:

• JLPT N4 or higher

• Pass technical test in each field

• Secure accepting organization (employer)

Steps:

1. Obtain JLPT N4 or higher (6 months to 1 year)

2. Take and pass Specified Skilled Worker evaluation test (conducted in home country or Japan)

3. Match with accepting organization

4. Apply for Specified Skilled Worker visa

This route offers the possibility of working in Japan without advanced education, but note that occupations are limited and the path to permanent residency is long.

Specific Strategies by Occupation

IT/Engineering (Most Promising)

Necessary preparation:

• Enhance portfolio (GitHub, personal website)

• Write technical blog (English or Japanese)

• Contribute to open source projects

• Participate in competitive programming

Target companies:

• Foreign-affiliated IT companies' Japan branches (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.)

• Japanese mega ventures (Rakuten, Mercari, LINE, etc.)

• Startups (search on Wantedly, Green, etc.)

Salary guide:

• New graduate/inexperienced: 3-4 million yen annually

• Experienced (3+ years): 5-8 million yen annually

• Advanced skills: 8+ million yen annually

Interpreting/Translation (Utilizing Language Skills)

Necessary preparation:

• Obtain JLPT N1 (essential)

• Specialized field knowledge (business, medical, legal, etc.)

• Create translation track record (volunteer translation, crowdsourcing, etc.)

Target companies:

• Translation companies

• Language departments of globally expanding Japanese companies

• Build career as freelance translator

Salary guide:

• New translator: 2.5-3.5 million yen annually

• Experienced: 4-6 million yen annually

• Highly specialized translators: 6+ million yen annually

International Sales/Marketing

Necessary preparation:

• Deep knowledge of home country market

• Digital marketing skills (SEO, SNS management, etc.)

• Quantify sales achievements (sales, contract rates, etc.)

Target companies:

• Japanese companies considering exports to home country

• Companies expanding cross-border EC

• Inbound-related companies

Salary guide:

• New graduate/inexperienced: 3-4 million yen annually

• Experienced: 4-6 million yen annually

• Manager class: 6+ million yen annually

English Teacher

Necessary preparation:

• Bachelor's degree (major doesn't matter but education or English studies preferred)

• English teaching qualifications such as TEFL, TESOL, CELTA

• Being from English-speaking country (in many cases)

Target companies:

• English conversation schools (NOVA, AEON, ECC, etc.)

• Private school ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

• International schools

Salary guide:

• English conversation instructor: 2.5-3.5 million yen annually

• ALT: 2.8-3.8 million yen annually

• International school teacher: 4-6 million yen annually

Important Precautions to Avoid Failure

Precaution 1: Beware of Scams and Malicious Brokers

Scams exist targeting foreigners hoping to work in Japan.

Warning signs:

• Demanding "deposit" or "fees" in advance

• Guaranteeing "definitely can get work visa"

• Employment contract is vague or doesn't exist

• Abnormally low salary (monthly salary under 150,000 yen, etc.)

Safe verification methods:

• Verify company registration information (searchable on Japan's Corporate Number Publication Site)

• For recruitment agencies, verify if licensed by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

• Have specialists (administrative scriveners, etc.) verify employment contract contents

Precaution 2: Prior Verification of Residence Status Requirements

Even if you get a job offer, it's meaningless if you cannot obtain residence status.

Must verify:

• Relationship between your education and job duties

• Company's business operations and financial condition

• Whether salary is equal to or higher than Japanese nationals (guideline is at least 200,000 yen monthly)

• Whether job duties fall under "simple labor"

Precaution 3: Realistic Living Cost Estimates

Living costs in Japan vary greatly depending on region.

Monthly living cost guide in Tokyo (single person):

• Rent: 60,000-100,000 yen (studio apartment)

• Food: 30,000-50,000 yen

• Utilities: 10,000-15,000 yen

• Communications: 5,000-10,000 yen

• Transportation: 10,000-20,000 yen

• Other: 20,000-30,000 yen

• Total: 130,000-200,000 yen

With a monthly salary of 250,000 yen (take-home about 200,000 yen), there's little room for savings. In regional cities, rent is about half, making life more comfortable.

Summary: Planning and Patience Are Keys to Success

Let me summarize the points to grasp for achieving moving to Japan from zero connections and zero Japanese.

Accurately grasp your current position:

• Objectively evaluate Japanese ability, education, specialization, and financial capacity

• Choose the optimal route for yourself (direct employment, IT specialization, via study, etc.)

Proceed with preparation strategically:

• IT/engineering positions have the highest feasibility

• Without Japanese ability, narrow to English-OK occupations or consider study route

• Preparation period is minimum 6 months, typically 1-2 years, via study 2-6 years

Avoid risks:

• Beware of scams and malicious brokers

• Verify residence status requirements in advance

• Estimate living costs realistically

Continue with patience:

• Continuous rejections from applications are not uncommon

• Continue applying without giving up

• Apply feedback to next attempt

Moving to Japan is not easy, but with appropriate preparation and strategy, it's achievable even without connections. Our office provides residence status application support for foreign nationals, so please consult us once your concrete plans are solidified. We also separately introduce information about "Japan's residence status system" and "job hunting from overseas" in related articles, so please refer to them.

Was this article useful information for foreign nationals seriously considering moving to Japan? If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to contact us through our office's inquiry form. We hope to be of some help toward realizing your new life in Japan.

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