From 10,000km Away to a Tokyo Office: How I Turned Distance Into an Advantage

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Insights: Real-life lessons from my journey
The Reality Check (And Why It’s Not Hopeless)

When I first started job hunting in Japan from abroad, I thought my biggest challenge would be the language barrier. It wasn’t.

It was geography.

No matter how polished my resume was or how well I tailored my cover letters, I’d often hit a wall the moment recruiters or companies found out I wasn’t already in Japan. “We’re looking for someone who can start soon.” “We’re not sure about visa sponsorship.” “Do you already have a Japanese address?” These questions became a familiar refrain—some polite, others more direct.

At one point, it felt like applying from abroad was like shouting into the void. I’d refresh my inbox religiously, and nothing. Not even a polite rejection.

And yet—this isn’t a story about failure.

Because despite the hurdles, I eventually found the right opportunity. And the journey taught me something important: distance can be a disadvantage—but it’s also a powerful filter.

It forces you to:

• Be more strategic

• Build a stronger application package

• Communicate with clarity and purpose

• Show that you're serious

It weeds out the passive job seekers. Which means if you do it right, you actually stand out more—not less.

And no, it’s not always about being in the “right place at the right time.” It’s about learning how to make yourself visible in a hiring market that wasn’t designed with you in mind.

So in this newsletter, I’m sharing:

• The job hunt hack that finally moved the needle for me

• A visual breakdown of which jobs in Japan are actually open to hiring from abroad

• The mindset shift that made all the difference

Let’s get into it.

Strategies: Actional tips to develop skills and adapt
The Job Hunt Hack That Worked (And How You Can Use It)

How I Reframed My Job Search From Abroad

When you’re applying for jobs in Japan from abroad, one of the most important things to do is become the type of candidate companies actively want to hire remotely. But how do you do that when they might not even give you a second look?

It starts with understanding why some companies are open to hiring international talent from abroad, while others aren’t.

1. Industry Matters

Certain industries are more willing to take on international talent—especially those that are globally connected. IT, digital marketing, education, translation, and manufacturing are a few sectors that consistently hire from overseas. If you’re in one of these fields, you’re more likely to find employers open to remote candidates.

Some other industries (think finance, law, and healthcare) may be more conservative about remote hires. They often require specific Japanese language skills or cultural knowledge that’s tough to gauge from afar. But don’t let that stop you from applying. Just know that you might need to work harder to demonstrate your value and address any potential gaps upfront.

2. Job Types to Watch For

If you’re applying from abroad, the best jobs to look for are those that:

• Offer remote-first options

• Are project-based (temporary or contract work)

• Are part of global teams (which means they’re accustomed to working with remote employees)

Here’s where the magic happens: when you find one of these roles, it’s not just about applying—it’s about crafting your application to fit that remote-first mentality.

Be upfront about the fact that you’re abroad, but also highlight the skills and tools you’ve mastered that make working from anywhere an asset—things like:

• Familiarity with remote collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom, Trello, etc.)

• Cultural adaptability from previous international experience

• Time management skills (working across time zones? You’ve got it covered!)

3. Where to Look for These Jobs

Now, let’s get to the practical part—where to actually find these jobs. Here’s a curated list of platforms and services that specialize in international job seekers, including those specifically focused on Japan:

• GaijinPot Jobs – A great resource for jobs where Japanese is not mandatory. They list many positions from international companies and those open to remote candidates.

• Jobs in Japan – Another excellent platform for job seekers who want to apply for positions in Japan without worrying too much about the Japanese language barrier.

• LinkedIn – A classic, but it’s crucial to use LinkedIn effectively. Set your location to Japan and filter jobs by those who list “remote work” as an option.

• Indeed Japan – While traditionally known for local job listings, Indeed Japan has an increasing number of listings for global or remotely available roles.

• Bilingual Recruitment Agency Websites (such as Robert Walters Japan or Michael Page Japan) – These recruitment agencies often specialize in finding international talent for top roles in Japan.

You’ll notice a theme here—being proactive in your search and knowing the right platforms is half the battle. It's essential to understand where your skill set fits in and which companies are likely to appreciate your international perspective.

Stories: Humbling, funny, and inspiring anecdotes
Japanese Job Search Phrases and Key Etiquette to Know

Language and Etiquette: The Small Things That Make a Big Difference

When job hunting in Japan from abroad, understanding cultural nuances and learning a few key Japanese phrases can make a significant difference in your application process. These small gestures show that you’re committed and respectful of the culture, which can go a long way with Japanese employers.

While most job postings in Japan will be in English (especially for international companies or bilingual roles), the way you present yourself during your application and interview will be influenced by Japanese workplace culture. Here’s how to navigate the language barrier with finesse:

1. Master Key Phrases for Job Applications

The language of respect in Japan is highly important. For example, when applying for jobs or in your resume, including phrases like the following can leave a positive impression:

• 履歴書（りれきしょ）をご覧いただき、ありがとうございます。
  (Thank you for reviewing my resume.)

• 貴社に応募させていただき、大変光栄です。
  (I am honored to apply to your esteemed company.)

• 何卒、よろしくお願い申し上げます。
  (I humbly ask for your kind consideration.)

Using these phrases in your cover letter or email can demonstrate politeness and show that you understand the importance of formality.

2. Understanding Japanese Job Etiquette

Etiquette isn’t just about what you say, but how you say it. Here's what you should keep in mind:

• Emails & Correspondence: Always start your emails or cover letters with a polite greeting, such as 拝啓（はいけい） (Dear [Company Name]) and end with a respectful closing line such as 敬具（けいぐ） (Sincerely). This adds a touch of formality that is valued in Japanese culture.

• Responding to Invitations: If you get an interview or are invited for a second round, responding with gratitude is crucial. For example:

  • 面接のお招き、誠にありがとうございます。 (Thank you very much for the invitation to interview.)

• Punctuality: Being on time is non-negotiable in Japan. Ensure you’re punctual for interviews or any follow-up calls. If you're attending an online interview, always be ready early to test your technology and make sure everything runs smoothly.

3. The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of Japanese Job Interviews

Japan’s interview process can seem a bit formal at first glance, but it's all about showing respect, humility, and dedication. Here are some tips to help you excel:

Do’s:

• Dress appropriately: Even for virtual interviews, wear business attire. Business casual can be acceptable depending on the company, but it’s always safer to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

• Show your knowledge: Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company thoroughly. Showing your interest in their business culture or history helps build rapport.

• Be humble: In Japan, humility is valued. When asked about your strengths, try to balance them with some self-awareness about areas for improvement.

Don’ts:

• Avoid being overly confident: Confidence is important, but overconfidence can come off as arrogance in Japan. Instead, let your skills and experiences speak for themselves, but always with humility.

• Don’t rush your answers: Take your time when answering questions, especially in interviews. It’s better to pause for a moment and carefully consider your response than to rush into it.

Bonus Tip: How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Work in Japan?"

This is a question you’ll most likely face in your interviews. It’s crucial to show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’ve thought about your future in Japan and how it aligns with the company’s goals. Here’s an example answer:

• 「日本の文化やビジネス環境に魅力を感じており、貴社で働くことができれば、日本でのキャリアを深める素晴らしい機会だと思っています。」
  (I’m fascinated by Japan’s culture and business environment, and I believe working at your company will be a great opportunity to deepen my career in Japan.)

This type of thoughtful response shows that you are passionate and ready to commit to living and working in Japan for the long haul.

CONCLUSION
Conclusion: Stay Focused, Stay Persistent, and Stay Open-Minded

Navigating the job market in Japan from abroad can seem like an intimidating challenge, but with the right mindset and tools, it’s entirely possible to land your dream job in the Land of the Rising Sun. Here’s a quick recap of what we've covered:

1. Start your job search with the right resources – Use job boards like GaijinPot and Daijob, but also tap into networks and leverage your professional LinkedIn connections.

2. Evaluate job opportunities carefully – Don’t just apply for any job that sounds good. Take time to assess job descriptions and ensure they match your skills and career goals.

3. Prepare your language and etiquette skills – Learn the essential Japanese phrases and understand the cultural expectations in interviews and correspondence.

While the journey to finding a job in Japan may have some hurdles, patience and persistence are key. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks. If you’re proactive, patient, and prepared to navigate Japan's unique job search landscape, you’ll increase your chances of success.

Remember, the path to landing a job in Japan won’t be quick, but the reward of living and working in such a dynamic, fascinating culture is well worth the effort.

Final Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Stay organized: Keep track of the jobs you've applied to and follow up regularly. Companies in Japan can take time to respond, so being persistent (without being pushy) is essential.

• Network locally: Even if you’re still abroad, try to network with people in Japan. Many job opportunities come from personal connections, so find opportunities to attend virtual meetups or events.

• Embrace the learning process: Japan’s job culture can be quite different from what you're used to, but take every step as a learning opportunity. Every small success will build your confidence and bring you closer to your goal.

As always, I’m here to help you throughout your journey. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Let’s keep moving forward, and together, we’ll make your dream of working in Japan a reality.

Need Help Landing a Job in Japan?
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✅Resume Writing Tutorial + Templates
Step-by-step written guide + the exact Japanese resume formats I used to get hired. Perfect if you’re not sure how to write a 履歴書 or 職務経歴書.