The Secret Backdoor Into Japan (That Locals Want You to Use)

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Finding Jobs
Japan’s Rural Revitalization Projects: Where to Find Jobs, Visa Sponsors & Subsidies

Over the past few months, more and more readers have asked:
“Where can I actually apply to these revitalization projects in Japan?”
“Are there towns that really help foreigners move there?”

The short answer? Yes.
The long answer is this newsletter.

Why Foreigners?
What Are These Projects and Why Do They Want Foreigners?

Japan is in the middle of a quiet demographic crisis. In many rural areas, there are simply not enough people to keep towns, farms, schools, and local businesses running. Some communities have seen their population cut in half in just a few decades.

To fight this, local governments across Japan have launched revitalization programs that:

• Offer jobs with visa sponsorship

• Provide housing subsidies or rent for as little as ¥10,000/month

• Sometimes even give relocation support or startup capital for small businesses

These towns are looking for people to:

• Teach, support tourism, or work in local government

• Help with translation, inbound travel, and digital marketing

• Take roles in logistics, agriculture, hospitality, and community building

And many of them are specifically open to hiring foreigners, especially those with language skills or international experience.

Towns you can contact
Real Towns and Offices You Can Contact Right Now

Here are actual municipal offices and revitalization programs you can explore, each with a reputation for being foreigner-friendly.

Hida City (Gifu Prefecture)

• Nestled in the mountains, Hida is known for its traditional architecture and growing tourism. The city actively recruits foreigners for hospitality and inbound tourism support.

• They also work with local businesses that can sponsor visas.
  🌐 https://www.city.hida.gifu.jp
  (Use DeepL to translate and find their “Work and Life” or 移住 sections)

Kamiyama Town (Tokushima Prefecture)

• Kamiyama is a famous case study in Japan for rural innovation. They’ve revitalized their economy by inviting remote tech workers and entrepreneurs from abroad.

• The town offers co-working spaces, startup support, and visa assistance for qualified residents.
  🌐 https://www.town.kamiyama.lg.jp

Yusuhara Town (Kochi Prefecture)

• A leader in green design and sustainability, Yusuhara has programs for eco-conscious businesses and is open to foreign entrepreneurs.

• They promote “green tourism” and cultural exchange, and the local government has responded positively to foreign applicants.
  🌐 https://www.town.yusuhara.kochi.jp

Pro tip: When contacting these offices, try writing a short message in simple English, or translate it using DeepL.

Example:

These companies sponsor visas
Companies That Sponsor Visas and Want You to Apply

Some companies and industries in Japan are actively trying to fill roles through foreign hiring. Here are two to start with:

Work Japan – Visa-Friendly Job Board

• Focuses on entry-level jobs in logistics, food service, delivery, and hotel work

• Many listings include “visa sponsorship available” or “no Japanese OK” filters

• Particularly useful for people just arriving in Japan or changing visa types
  🌐 https://workjapan.jp

Niseko Resorts (Hokkaido) – Hospitality and Resort Jobs

• Niseko is a globally known ski resort area that hires hundreds of foreign workers every year

• Hotels, ski resorts, cafés, and tour agencies offer seasonal and full-time roles, often with visa sponsorship

• Some employers provide accommodation, meal subsidies, and lift passes
  Search “Niseko jobs for foreigners” on Google or check resort websites directly (ex: https://www.nisekotourism.com)

Do this next
What to Do Next

If this is your first time hearing about revitalization projects, here are three simple steps you can take today to start exploring real opportunities:

① Search Your Target Area + “移住” (Relocation)

If you already have a region in mind (like Nagano, Hokkaido, or Kyushu), Google the town or prefecture name followed by “移住”, this is the Japanese word for relocation.

② Visit Town Websites and Translate

Don’t be afraid of Japanese websites! Most of the best opportunities are only listed in Japanese. Use tools like DeepL or Google Translate to read through the page and look for sections like:

• 移住・定住支援 (Relocation & Settlement Support)

• 空き家バンク (Empty House Bank – affordable housing)

• 地域おこし協力隊 (Community Revitalization Team – often open to foreigners)

③ Consider Reaching Out Directly

Many local offices are surprisingly responsive. If you find a town you like, write a simple, polite message in English (or using DeepL to translate into Japanese). Express interest in their programs, share a bit about your background, and ask if there are any opportunities open to foreign applicants.

CONCLUSION
Final Thoughts

Japan’s revitalization efforts aren’t just about saving rural towns, they’re creating new doorways for people like you to build a meaningful life here. Whether you dream of quiet countryside living, want to escape the overcrowded Tokyo grind, or just want an easier pathway into Japan with real support, these programs are worth exploring.

The truth is, Japan needs new talent, and more towns and companies are waking up to the idea that foreign professionals can play a key role in their future. These aren’t headline-grabbing changes, they’re happening quietly, town by town, ward by ward. But if you know where to look, you’ll find real opportunities that most foreigners miss.

Stay curious, stay proactive and don’t be afraid to start small. The path to Japan might be closer than you think.

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