The Companies That Want to Hire You in 2025

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The Japan Work Report
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Companies that want to hire you
Why This Edition Matters

If you’ve been dreaming of working in Japan but feel unsure where to start, the easiest first step is to look at companies already set up to hire from abroad. These employers understand the process, provide relocation support, and often work in English-inclusive teams.

2025 is the perfect time to take advantage: labor demand is high, relocation packages are generous, and the path to getting hired is clearer than ever.

Company Showcase
Mercari – Japan’s Global Marketplace Giant

Mercari isn’t just a household name in Japan, it’s one of the country’s most global-facing tech companies. Their online marketplace has expanded beyond Japan into the U.S., and their teams are already highly international.

• Who they hire: Backend/Frontend Engineers, Machine Learning Specialists, Security Engineers, Data Scientists, Product Managers.

• Support provided:

  • Visa sponsorship handled fully by the company.

  • Flights to Japan and one month of temporary housing included.

  • Relocation allowance to cover moving costs.

  • Assistance with registering as a resident, opening a bank account, and even setting up a mobile phone.

• Why it matters for you: Mercari publicly commits to being foreigner-friendly. They operate largely in English within tech teams, making it easier for candidates with little Japanese. They also have a reputation for actually following through on relocation promises, which isn’t always the case with smaller firms.

Apply here: https://careers.mercari.com/en/work-in-japan/

Company Showcase
IBM Japan – Global Corporation, Local Demand

IBM Japan represents one of the best ways for experienced professionals to build a career in Japan without having to start at entry-level. Because of their global presence, IBM Japan understands international hiring standards and relocation processes.

• Who they hire: Cloud Solution Architects, Cybersecurity Engineers, AI/ML Specialists, Business Consultants.

• Support provided:

  • Visa sponsorship + guidance for dependents.

  • Relocation packages including help with housing, utilities, and moving.

  • Career development pathways with potential transfers across Asia-Pacific.

• Why it matters for you: For those with professional experience but no Japan connections, IBM is a brand-name employer that provides credibility and stability. Salaries are competitive with global standards, not just Japanese averages, which is a huge plus for foreigners supporting families.

Apply here: https://www.ibm.com/jp-ja/careers/search

Company Showcase
Rakuten Mobile – Telecom Disruptor with Global Hiring

Rakuten is already a household name in Japan for e-commerce and fintech, but its telecom arm, Rakuten Mobile, is one of the most aggressive hirers of foreign engineers right now.

• Who they hire: DevOps Engineers, Cloud Infrastructure Specialists, QA Testers, AI/Automation Experts.

• Support provided:

  • Visa sponsorship and relocation support.

  • English-inclusive tech teams with translation support tools.

  • Onboarding help with housing, city registration, and language classes.

• Why it matters for you: Rakuten Mobile has attracted top engineers from abroad to work on cutting-edge 5G projects. For foreigners without Japanese ability, it’s one of the most accessible large firms because the work culture is already bilingual and international.

Apply here: https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/recruit/

Relocate
Tech Startups and Scaleups via Relocate.me

Beyond the household names, Japan’s startup ecosystem is quietly booming and many younger companies are looking abroad for talent they can’t find locally. Platforms like Relocate.me curate employers already prepared to handle relocation.

• Who they hire: Software Engineers, Robotics Developers, UX/UI Designers, Finance Engineers, SaaS Developers.

• Companies hiring now:

  • HENNGE – Cybersecurity and SaaS firm offering English-first environments.

  • Money Forward – Fintech company focused on apps for household budgeting and small businesses.

  • Mujin – Robotics company with international engineers working on factory automation.

  • PayPay – Japan’s largest mobile payment platform, with global tech hiring.

  • SmartNews – News aggregation app, with offices in Tokyo and San Francisco.

  • Woven by Toyota – Cutting-edge automotive R&D.

• Support provided:

  • Visa sponsorship and legal assistance.

  • Flights, shipping allowance, and onboarding packages (company dependent).

  • English support teams to help transition into Japan.

• Why it matters for you: These startups are often more flexible than giants like Rakuten. They may accept candidates with slightly less formal experience if skills are strong, and they’re motivated to make relocation smooth because they know talent is scarce.

Find listings here: https://relocate.me/companies-hiring/japan

Comparison table
Comparison

CONCLUSION
The Bottom Line

Japan in 2025 is no longer about “teaching English in Tokyo” as the only option. Major corporations like Mercari, IBM, and Rakuten, along with fast-growing startups like Mujin and Money Forward, are actively recruiting abroad. They’ve built the infrastructure to make your move possible, visa, housing, and onboarding included.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to apply, this is it. These companies want you this year.

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