No Degree, No Japanese? Here’s How People Still Find Jobs in Japan

Stay up-to-date with AI

The Rundown is the most trusted AI newsletter in the world, with 1,000,000+ readers and exclusive interviews with AI leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Demis Hassibis, Mustafa Suleyman, and more.

Their expert research team spends all day learning what’s new in AI and talking with industry experts, then distills the most important developments into one free email every morning.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

Insights: What Most People Get Wrong About Work Visas
Can You Work in Japan Without a College Degree?

When people think about moving to Japan for work, they often hear one thing: “You need a college degree.”
And while that's mostly true for traditional office jobs, it's not the whole story.

In fact, Japan has been quietly opening more doors for foreigners without degrees over the past few years — especially in industries facing major labor shortages.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the number of foreigners working in Japan under the "Specified Skilled Worker" (特定技能) visa hit over 150,000 in 2023 — and almost none of them needed a college diploma to qualify.
Food service, agriculture, construction, and nursing care are just a few sectors actively looking for overseas talent.

Why is this happening?
Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce are driving companies to reconsider old hiring norms. If the trend continues, even more non-traditional paths will open up in the next few years.

If you're flexible, willing to start with blue-collar or service roles, and able to pick up some basic Japanese, it’s entirely possible to live and work here — no university degree required.

Strategies: 5 Realistic Ways to Work in Japan Without a Degree

Language Schools + Part-Time Work (Student Visa Route)
Many people enroll in Japanese language schools, which allow you to work up to 28 hours a week on a student visa. It’s a slower entry point, but it’s a fantastic way to improve your Japanese and start building connections.

Working Holiday Visa (If You're Eligible)
If you’re from countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, or several European nations, the Working Holiday Visa allows you to live and work in Japan for up to a year. It's flexible and doesn’t require a degree, but it's only available up to a certain age (usually under 30).

Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) Visa
Japan created this visa specifically to address labor shortages in industries like food service, agriculture, nursing care, and construction.
You’ll need to pass a basic skills test and a Japanese language exam (around N4 level), but no degree is required. Learn more about it here.

Restaurant and Hotel Jobs Under Specified Skills
If you like the idea of working in food, tourism, or hospitality, this could be an option. Some restaurant chains and hotel groups actively sponsor foreign workers through the Specified Skilled Worker visa — especially if you have basic Japanese skills.

Family and Long-Term Resident Visas
If you have Japanese heritage, or if you marry a Japanese citizen, you can work in almost any job without employer sponsorship. These visa types are much more flexible — no degree required.

Stories: How Real People Make It Work

One reader, let's call him David, didn’t have a college degree but had always dreamed of living in Japan.
He took a bold first step: enrolling in a Japanese language school in Tokyo.
To pay his bills, he worked part-time at a konbini (convenience store) near Shinjuku, earning just enough to cover rent and basic expenses.
Over time, his Japanese improved from barely conversational to functional — and by his second year, he passed the basic language exam for the Specified Skilled Worker visa.
Soon after, a small hotel chain hired him full-time. They even helped him transition from a student visa to a full-fledged work visa.

Another story:
A woman from Australia arrived in Japan through the Working Holiday program.
She took on waitressing jobs, seasonal work at ski resorts, and even taught basic English at a café part-time.
During that year, she built a strong network, improved her Japanese to around N3 level, and eventually found a full-time job with a restaurant group willing to sponsor her visa.
Today, she’s a manager at a busy restaurant in Osaka.

According to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, nearly 30% of foreigners working under the Specified Skilled Worker visa in 2023 were employed in the food and beverage industry — one of the easiest entry points for newcomers.

These stories show that even without a degree, the right combination of effort, flexibility, and networking can open real doors in Japan.

CONCLUSION
Is It Possible? Yes, But Be Realistic

If you don’t have a degree, your path to Japan might look different — and a little tougher — than the average office worker.
You’ll likely start with entry-level service jobs.
You'll need at least conversational Japanese (especially for customer-facing roles).
And you’ll have to be prepared for a bit of hustle early on.

But if you're serious about making the move, it’s absolutely achievable.
Japan's labor market is evolving. And sometimes, the non-traditional paths are the ones that lead to the most meaningful experiences.

Need Help Landing a Job in Japan?
Here are a few ways I can support you:

✅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.