A lot of people look at Japan’s labor shortage and assume getting a job should be easy.

But then they apply… and nothing happens.

The reality is this:

Japan is hiring, but only for very specific profiles.

This week, we’ll break down one of the most overlooked entry routes, a real interview question that filters candidates fast, what recruiters actually look for right now, and a company that consistently hires international talent.

One of the most reliable ways to get hired in Japan is through 外資系企業 (gaishikei) — foreign-owned companies operating in Japan.

These companies tend to:

Most hires still fall under:

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

This covers:

Gaishikei companies are:

If you’re in tech → target global SaaS or IT companies
If you’re in marketing → target international brands in Japan
If you’re in finance → foreign financial institutions are strongest

A candidate I worked with applied directly from Southeast Asia to a global SaaS company in Tokyo.

No Japanese required.
Offer in under 4 weeks.
Visa sponsored immediately.

The difference was not luck. It was targeting the right company type.

A labor shortage in tax is driving the need for a new skill set: one that blends technical tax knowledge with digital fluency.

Automation, AI and data-driven insights now define the role of tax professionals.

This new era of tax is not simply about adopting new tools, it’s about reshaping the skill set and mindset required to thrive in this field. Check out this guide for actionable insights into how to cultivate these skills with your team. See how advanced technologies can help bridge the tax tech gap to increase efficiency, ensure compliance, and drive better decision-making.

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One question comes up in almost every interview:

なぜ転職したいのですか？
“Why do you want to change jobs?”

This is not about your reason.

It is about your stability.

Situation
“In my current role, I’ve been working in logistics operations for 3 years.”

Task
“I reached a point where growth opportunities became limited.”

Action
“I began looking for roles where I could take on more responsibility in process improvement.”

Result
“That’s why I’m interested in your company, as your expansion in Japan aligns with my experience.”

前向きな理由で転職を考えています。
“I am considering a career move for positive reasons.”

Talking negatively about your current company.

Even if it’s true, it signals risk.

Reframe everything as growth.

This free newsletter is for understanding how hiring and work in Japan actually function. The paid editions are for people who want to act on that information.

If you’re actively applying to jobs in Japan right now:
Each week I send a paid edition called Japan Job List with a short list of English-friendly roles you can realistically apply to, including language requirements and visa notes.
It’s designed for people who don’t want to hunt across dozens of job boards.

One of the biggest frustrations candidates have:

“Why is everything so slow?”

Here’s what’s actually happening.

Most Japanese companies use a system called ringi (稟議).

Decisions are:

Even when a hiring manager wants to move fast:

They still need:

Slow does not mean rejection.

It often means:
your application is still moving internally

Candidates who understand this stay patient and perform better.

Stricter rules for permanent residency under discussion

Japan’s government has recently been discussing potential changes to permanent residency requirements.

Proposals being considered include:

Permanent residency has traditionally been based on:

But as the number of foreign residents grows, the government is placing more focus on long-term integration and financial reliability.

If you are planning to stay in Japan long-term:

Your tax history, pension payments, and income consistency are becoming more important than ever.

It’s no longer just about time spent in Japan it’s about how stable your life looks on paper.

Headquarters: San Francisco
Japan presence: Tokyo
Industry: Fintech / Payments Infrastructure

Stripe is one of the most globally recognized fintech companies, and its Japan office plays a key role in expanding digital payments and financial infrastructure across the region.

What makes Stripe stand out for foreign professionals:

Careers page
https://stripe.com/jobs

✏️ Application tip
Stripe values clear thinking and structured communication. Your resume and interviews should focus on how you solve problems, not just what tools you’ve used.

If your goal is to actually start applying (or apply more efficiently), Japan Job List is the most practical next step.

It’s a weekly list of roles that are already filtered for international candidates, so you’re not guessing which jobs are realistic.

You can join here

If you prefer market context and longer-term strategy, Japan Work Report is the analysis-focused edition I write alongside it.

Some readers prefer starting with a one-time resource instead of a subscription. If that’s you, the Japan Job Search Toolkit is a $10 reference covering resumes, applications, interviews, and visas in one place.