Working Abroad Career Guide for Japan

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Country Profile
A country of islands, Japan extends along the eastern (Pacific) coast
of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido,
Honshu (the largest island), Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. About
3,000 smaller islands are included in the archipelago. About 405 AD,
the Japanese court officially adopted the Chinese writing system;
Buddhism was introduced during the sixth century. These two events
revolutionized Japanese culture and marked the beginning of a long
period of Chinese cultural influence.

While retaining its time-honored culture, Japan rapidly absorbed
Western technology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of
high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (one
percent of the GDP) have helped Japan advance with extraordinary
rapidity. Although the emperor has retained his throne as a symbol of
national unity, actual power now rests in networks of powerful
politicians, bureaucrats, and business executives.

Over 126 million people live in Japan, and the population is largely
homogenous; 99.4 percent are of Japanese descent. The Japanese
are known for their long life spans and low birth rates. Over 99
percent of the population over the age of 15 can read and write,
making Japan one of the most literate societies in the world.

Professional Resources
Focus Japan and the Journal of Japanese Trade and Industry are two
excellent resources for those seeking jobs in Japan's business and
financial services sectors. Focus Japan, an English language monthly
publication, features general articles on Japan's economy and
industries, business trends, and other business related issues. Past
issues have included articles on language barriers in conducting
business and Japan's economic outlook. The Journal of Japanese
Trade and Industry, published in Japanese and English, covers
Japanese economic and trade policy, business trends, and the
international economy.

Job-seekers should also check out the Japan Yellow Pages, the
country's only classified telephone and telefax directory. Published
every June and December, the directory includes over 28,000 listings
covering hundreds of industries and businesses. Townpage, an
English telephone directory published in Japan, contains contact
information for thousands of companies. The directory's website also
contains links for information about living and working in Japan

Job Resources
Finding employment in Japan requires both marketable skills and
personal contacts. Without the right qualifications and connections,
the best job-seeking efforts may not be enough to even obtain an
interview. Networking is the best approach for finding the right
position. Employers rely heavily on referrals for foreign candidates.
Japanese or western contacts in Japan are highly advantageous
when searching for employment.

Seeking employment in Japan can be difficult, unless one is
transferred from an overseas affiliate or has already established a
residence and work history in Japan. The best approach is to apply
directly to employers in your home country who have a strong
Japanese presence. Once a relationship is established with the
affiliated corporation, an employee may have the necessary support
to transfer to Japan. Referrals from an affiliated organization
significantly improve a candidate's chances of obtaining a position in
Japan.

Recently, executive search firms and online job sites have surpassed
traditional print media as the most prevalent means of securing
employment in Japan. These recruiting methods have increased
dramatically in the marketplace throughout 2000 and 2001, and now
the Internet is becoming a standard job-searching tool for both
Japanese and foreign job-seekers. Daijob.com is an excellent place to
start your job search. The site is specifically tailored to expatriates
living in Japan.

Financial Considerations
Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world.
Expatriates will find the most job opportunities in Tokyo, which is
crowded and high-priced. Taxi fares from airports to downtown
Osaka and Tokyo can cost hundreds of dollars. Outside of Tokyo,
living accommodations are larger and less expensive and personal
transportation is an affordable option.

Salaries are on a par with American wages, but the exchange rate is
quite different. Expatriate salaries are generally higher than salaries
paid to Japanese nationals. Average monthly salaries are in the range
of 300,000 to 500,000 JPY ($2,560 to $4,270 USD). Japan also has a
bonus system, which is a major part of the salary structure. On top
of a monthly salary, two bonuses are paid annually; often this
amount can equal as much as one-third of a salary. In terms of wage
differential, full-time workers of medium and small companies
generally earn less than employees of large companies.

Japanese companies are required to register all employees on a group
medical plan with the Japanese health care system. The company
pays for half of the yearly fees while the employee pays the other
half. Foreign companies organize their own plans through the
Japanese system or by using private health care. Expatriates who
plan to come to Japan to work should have health care from their
home country. After one year, expatriates can change to the
Japanese plan or a private health care system. To apply for Japanese
health care, visit the local government office.

Employment Trends
Throughout the 1990s, Japan suffered one of the worst and longest
recessions in its history. Although the media may present a
discouraging picture, job opportunities in Japan continue to exist,
and the number of expatriates and foreign companies has
skyrocketed in the past two years. The combination of deregulation
of the Japanese economy in the world, as well as the country's
commitment to IT growth, is creating more job opportunities.

Economic growth in other parts of the world prompted many
international companies to open corporate offices in Japan, and
Internet start-ups flourished. The need for foreign staff exceeded all
previous demands. Expatriates from the United States and Europe
came to Japan to lead start-ups, applying their technical knowledge
and Western management philosophies to the new businesses. As
the U.S. economy has fluctuated, the rate of foreign investments in
Japanese high growth industries has decelerated. However, new
start-ups continue to enter the economy, and executive recruiting
firms report that recruitment in the Internet market has remained
steady.

Resume/CV's
When applying for a position in Japan, an expatriate may submit a
"rirekisho," a standard two-page form in Japanese with no cover
letter, or a two-page American- style resume and cover letter in
English. In the more modern companies, e-mail applications are
accepted.

If using the American-style resume, you should have your name and
contact information centered at the top. The resume should begin
with a summary of qualifications such as: nine years experience with
IT, experience with international companies, strong Japanese-English
bilingual skills.

Under "Employment Experience," list the names, locations and focus
of all former employers, with your dates of employment, title(s) and
responsibilities. You need not list job accomplishments on the
resume; you will discuss them at the interview.

Under "Education," list all schools you attended, dates of
attendance, and diplomas or degrees. Add honors received, and
special skills, such as fluency in specific computer applications, and
standard language test scores.

End your resume with personal information: date of birth, marital
status, and nationality. There are no enclosures necessary (except
the cover letter) with the English resume; the "rirekisho" states that
a photo should be attached.

Information Technology
Similar to many industrialized nations, the Japanese education
system has not been able to keep up with the country's
rapidly-developing IT sector, and foreign recruitment has been
necessary in all areas of technology. The Japanese government has
publicly declared that its primary initiative is to develop an IT
strategy for the future. As part of the plan, Japan will relax its
policies of granting work visas in this industry. Over 10,000 foreign
knowledge workers are expected to obtain work visas in the IT
industry in the next few years.

IT job-seekers in Japan can check out networking organizations,
such as the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries
Association. This organization is divided into six industry sectors,
each represented by its own committee. The mission of each
committee is to study and propose comprehensive responses to
legal, environmental, and other issues. The organization also
promotes many exhibitions and seminars for industrial clients.

Interviewing Advice
Before an interview, you should do several things. First, get a map in
both Japanese and English, showing the address for the meeting, so
that neither you nor a taxi driver will get lost. Second, plan your day
so that you will arrive early for the meeting. Third, dress
conservatively. Men normally wear dark gray or blue suits; women
wear suits with smart accessories. Fifth, do not forget your business
cards. Business cards or "meishi" are important in identifying the
status of those present.

· During the interview, if you are not fluent in Japanese, speak slowly
and clearly.
· Be respectful. Japanese society is traditional and hierarchical.
· Because hiring is a group decision, expect a number of people to be
involved in the interview process.
· It is considered rude to interrupt. Be patient and always wait for
the interviewer to finish speaking.
· The Japanese will not hesitate to ask personal questions about you
and your family. Answer courteously and briefly.
· Never overstate or make boastful comments about your
accomplishments.
· Since a major purpose of the interview is to see if you will fit into
the company, you should demonstrate that you are a hard worker
and a team player.

Engineering
Japan enjoys some of the greatest engineering research and
development practices in the world. Expatriates can participate in
work exchange programs to enhance their expertise and skill base.
Japanese engineering developments are extensive and the industry is
immense, and foreign companies specializing in engineering do not
have a great deal of representation in Japan. However, Japanese
companies do hire engineers from other countries. The best way to
land an engineering job in Japan is to receive a transfer from an
affiliate company, or establish a strong network of personal contacts
within a Japanese firm or organization.

Degrees in engineering and other specialized fields, as well as field
experience, are necessary for an engineering expatriate to be
considered over a Japanese citizen with an equivalent degree. The
title of Advanced Engineer is bestowed only on those engineers who
have passed a national engineering test, based on Japanese
engineering laws. This title indicates that the Japanese government
acknowledges the superior ability in applied science and technology
of the recipient. The title brings considerable credibility to the
employee and to their employer; only about 15 percent of those who
take the exam pass the test. The Association of Japan Consulting
Engineers (AJCE) strives to enhance the position and reputation of
private consulting engineers in the country.

Work Permits
A work permit (work visa) is required prior to working in Japan. There
are fourteen major classes of occupational work visas delineated by
the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Work visas are good for a
period of one to three years, and are renewable before expiry. The
method for determining whether one will receive a one- or three-year
visa is rather subjective. Landed immigrant status is much more
difficult to obtain and normally is not an attainable option for
expatriates living in Japan for work purposes. Dependents and
students require a different type of visa than a work visa, and in
most cases are prohibited from working or changing their visa status
while in Japan.

Citizens from most Western countries planning to visit Japan do not
need a non-work visa, since Japan has visa exemption arrangements
with 61 countries. For expatriates coming from a developing country,
individual status and visa application procedures will be needed. In
these cases, clarification is necessary by contacting the Japanese
embassy or consulate in the home country prior to travel. The
allowed length of a non-work visit to Japan is dependent upon the
visitor's country citizenship. For instance, 90 days is allowed for
visitors from Europe and the Americas.

Accounting & Finance
The deregulation of the Japanese economy and increased foreign
competition has triggered a significant increase in finance and
accounting job opportunities. As the global financial services industry
becomes progressively more dependent upon computers and
technology, expatriate employees with strong IT skills are growing in
demand. An increasing number of foreign banking institutions are
merging with Japanese banks, creating more job opportunities for
foreign job-seekers.

Qualified finance and accounting applicants should have a college
degree, plus strong IT and management skills. Japanese accounting
licenses and certifications include Certified Public Accountant and
Certified Financial Planner.

Job-seekers should check out the Federation of Bankers Association
of Japan, which provides information on the Japanese banking
industry. Its aim is to create a more open trade association and meet
the growing needs. The principal objective of the Federation of
Bankers Association, or Zenkoku Ginko Kyokai, is to contribute to
economic growth and the nation's welfare by pursuing the sound
development of banks in Japan.

Cultural Advice
If you're planning a move to Japan, keep the following cultural tips in
mind:

· When arranging meetings with Japanese business people for the
first time, appointments should be made weeks in advance. It is
customary to send details regarding the topics for discussion, but
not an agenda.

· Greetings may include a handshake or a traditional Japanese bow.
It is important to follow the lead of the host. If greeted with a bow,
observe the depth of the bow and reciprocate in like manner, keeping
eyes lowered and hands to the sides. People are introduced in Japan
in order of seniority, using last names followed by "san," which means
"Mr." or "Ms." Titles should always be used if known.

· The exchange of business cards (meishi koukan) is considered
important during business meetings. The card should be held with
both hands and given to the recipient with a slight bow. Upon
receiving a business card, it should be briefly reviewed before
shaking hands or bowing again. The card should be placed upon the
table during the meeting as a sign of respect. Cards should be
printed in English or the visitor's language on one side, with a
Japanese translation on the other. Studying cards received in a
business setting shows respect and provides an opportunity to learn
the individual's name and title - placing a card in a pocket or bag
indicates it is of no significance and is considered an insult.

· Gift-giving in Japan is extremely important and follows strict
formalities and traditions. Gifts are given upon establishing a
relationship with a Japanese firm, closing a deal, and when one is
invited to a Japanese home. Gifts should always be well-made and
preferably from the visitor's home region or area. Japanese like to
receive personalized gifts. It is important to avoid giving an even
number of anything in Japan, particularly four of any item since the
Japanese word for "four" sounds much like the word for "death."
Wrapping the gift is also very important. Gifts should never be
opened in public.

Sales & Marketing
Japan has been called the marketing capital of the world, and
Japanese companies are well-known for their successful,
broad-based marketing and sales platforms. Foreign firms and
expatriate job-seekers are not very active in the Japanese marketing
sector, due to the number of well-trained, knowledgeable Japanese
professionals already in the field.

Foreign businesses have had a hard time even gaining a foothold in
the Japanese sales market. Traditionally, sales has been at the heart
and soul of Japanese business, and without an in-depth
understanding of Japanese culture and language, it is almost
impossible for foreign marketing companies and professionals to
compete with their Japanese counterparts. The Japan Marketing
Association provides educational training in several areas, including
marketing research, and publishes The Japan Marketing Journal.

Sales opportunities for expatriates generally exist in Tokyo and in the
IT arena. Fluency in Japanese is considered essential in this area.

Specialized knowledge and experience are useful in gaining a visa. In
order to justify granting a visa, the candidate must have skills that a
Japanese national cannot perform. No special license or certificate is
necessary.

General Business
A great number of Japanese companies are now contracting
temporary employees for clerical positions as well as mid-level,
long-term professional and management positions. Out-sourcing
foreign labor has become very competitive, and growth has been
substantial. Many foreign companies entering the Japanese markets
seek the services of consulting firms and executive recruiters to ease
the transition.

Usually, a university degree is all that is necessary to gain
employment in business and consulting. Specialized knowledge and
experience are useful in gaining a visa. In order to justify granting a
visa, the candidate must have skills that a Japanese national cannot
perform. Experience is important in landing a job, and a Management
Consulting Certificate is often useful.

A good resource for potential business and consulting job-seekers in
Japan is Toyota Production: An Integrated Approach to
Just-In-Time. Published through the Institute of Industrial Engineers,
the book gives a detailed description of how the "just-in-time"
system functions and how its strategies are relevant to modern
business.

This is only a small part what's available in the 75+ information packed pages of the Going Global Career Guide for Japan: About Going Global Career Guides:

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Country Career Guides Table of Contents

I. COUNTRY PROFILE

II. JOB-SEARCH RESOURCES
1.Online Job Sites
2.Government-Sponsored Employment Offices
3.Job Fairs/Career Events
4.Staffing Agencies/Temporary Help Firms
5.Newspapers that Publish Job Advertisements
6.Other Resources

III. EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

General Trends
Information Technology
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Engineering
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Accounting and Finance
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Sales and Marketing
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
General Business
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources

IV. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES
1.Business Organizations/Trade Councils
2.Chambers of Commerce
3.Telephone Directories
4.Publications
5.Other Resources

VI. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ( Cost of living, salaries, health insurance, taxes, vacation/leave, benefits, etc)

VII. WORK PERMITS/VISAS

VIII. JOB APPLICATION GUIDELINES
1.Cover Letter Guidelines and Sample
2.Resume/CV Guidelines and Samples

IX. INTERVIEWING ADVICE

X. CULTURAL ADVICE

XI. COUNTRY RESOURCE BOOKS