The Easiest Way to Move to Japan (That No One Talks About)

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Foreign Professional
April 20, 2025

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Insights: Real-life lessons from my journey
The Easiest Way to Move to Japan (That No One Talks About)

Most people think the only way to move to Japan is to land a job from abroad. But that’s not entirely true — and definitely not the easiest route.

What if I told you there are paths that don’t require perfect Japanese, don’t require a job offer upfront, and don’t require you to wait months for recruiters to reply?

This week, we’re talking about the under-the-radar ways people are moving to Japan — quietly, consistently, and without the stress of the usual job search grind.

The Path Less Traveled — and Why It Works

Japan's immigration system isn’t as rigid as many people think. While full-time employment is a common way in, it’s far from the only one.

In fact, many of the foreigners you see living in Japan didn’t get here through traditional job hunting. Instead, they came through:

  • Student visas via Japanese language schools

  • Internships that lead to full-time work

  • Remote jobs that transition into relocation offers

  • Freelance gigs that eventually turn into sponsorships

Why aren’t people talking about these options more? Because they’re not as straightforward as sending in a resume. But they work. And once you're here — even on a student visa — it's exponentially easier to network, attend interviews, and find long-term opportunities.

Strategies: Actional tips to develop skills and adapt
4 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Get Here

Let’s break down four specific methods that people are using right now to move to Japan — no high-level Japanese, no corporate job offer required.

1. Study First, Work Later — Language Schools
Language schools are more than just places to learn Japanese — they’re a built-in support system. Many offer:

  • Visa sponsorship

  • Housing assistance

  • Career coaching after graduation

Once you’re here on a student visa, your odds of finding work go way up. Plus, you'll already be immersed in Japanese daily life — which accelerates both your learning and your networking.

2. Internships That Open Doors
Internships are a powerful “foot in the door” strategy. They show Japanese companies you're willing to start small and prove yourself. Some offer stipends or housing, and many lead to full-time offers.

3. Remote Work Now, Relocation Later
Foreign-friendly tech companies in Japan are open to remote employees. If you can start working from abroad and show you're a good fit, many will sponsor your visa later. I’ve seen this happen a lot in the last two years.

4. Freelance until someone sponsors you
I’ve met writers, designers, marketers, and engineers who started freelance and then converted their work into visa sponsorships. You can also switch to a self-sponsored visa if you’re making enough on your own.

Stories: Humbling, funny, and inspiring anecdotes
How I Found My First Job in Japan (Without Japanese)

After graduating from university in Tokyo, I hit a wall. Despite studying in Japan, I still didn’t speak fluent Japanese — and the job boards weren’t helping. I kept applying and hearing nothing back.

So I changed tactics. I made a list of every English-speaking recruiter I could find on LinkedIn and messaged them. I asked questions, shared my goals, and tried to build real conversations — not just send cold resumes.

That one strategy changed everything. I got responses. I got interviews. I landed my first job. And the confidence boost I got from finally breaking through helped me build a career in Japan that I truly enjoy.

The moral? Don’t just sit around waiting for job boards to say “yes.” Get creative. Reach out. Take action — even if it feels unconventional.

CONCLUSION
There’s More Than One Way In

Japan isn’t a one-size-fits-all country, and moving here isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The easiest way in might not be through a job board — it might be through a classroom, an internship, or even a remote Slack channel.

If you’ve been stuck waiting for the perfect offer to appear, maybe it’s time to explore a path less visible — but far more achievable.

And if you’re not sure which path is best for you, I can help you map it out.

Just reply to this email or send me a message — I’m always happy to talk strategy.

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.