Home > International Jobs in Tokyo
There are few places in the world that conjure such an air of mystery as Tokyo. As Dubai does, with it’s biggest this and newest that , many in the West imagine these fast moving technologically forward thinking places with awe. When we think Tokyo, we think of robotic efficiency, a vending machine for everything and an almost sterile cleanliness about the place, and gadgets galore.
Tokyo is one of the most westernized places in the East however and an amazing opportunity awaits the expat relocating to live and work in Japan.
The real opportunity to live and work in Tokyo is the chance to immerse yourself in the culture. Despite it being far more cosmopolitan than other Asian cities, it remains distinctly that,: Asian. A lot of public signage is in both Japanese and English however. To put this into perspective, there are over one million foreign residents in the city (over half of that figure is from Korea) but only around 80,000 expats from Europe, North America and Australia. Tokyo is made up of 23 wards (ku), 26 cities (shi), five towns and eight villages. Due to domestic migration, the population of Tokyo is growing steadily, indicating a relatively healthy economy.
Tokyo; The facts.
Local Time; GMT +09:00
Climate: Tokyo enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and rains in early summer when it really pours. Hot, humid summers are followed by typhoons during September, bringing high winds and torrential rains. Light snow falls but rarely settles on the city streets.
Working in Tokyo: The ability to speak Japanese can greatly enhance your prospects of securing a job in Tokyo. If you are unable to speak Japanese then demonstrating your commitment to learning the language can put you in a stronger position when applying.
The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the most recognised qualification.
Tokyo Industries predominantly consist of motor vehicle manufacturers, machine tool factories, electronic equipment industries, ship building, steel industries, and textile factories. Major local corporations include Mitsubishi, Nissan & Fuji.
Education
Traditionally, Tokyo was a haven for expat teachers, especially English language. Nova, the large language school chain, was recently dissolved however which has lessened the almost desperate need for staff, however qualified. Despite the previously high level of demand for English language teachers on the wane throughout the country, there are also opportunities to work in other areas requiring English language proficiency, such as journalism or editing work. Jobs with International curriculum establishments such as schools, colleges and nurseries would of course be available when needed.
Finance
The job market for foreign financial professionals in Tokyo is healthy. Deregulation has allowed foreign banks and securities companies to increase their share of newly opened markets. Many have also snapped up assets of weak local firms. Global organisations such as the HSBC group have a large presence in the country. As of 2005, financial services made up just 7 percent of Japan's economy, compared with more than 12 percent in Hong Kong and more than 10 percent in Singapore, according to FSA data. The FSA has rolled out a plan to win back foreign firms by removing the firewalls between banks and brokerages, rejigging tax laws for foreign funds and allowing a market for professional investors.
IT
Tokyo is home to some of the largest electronics companies including Sony, Canon, Sharp and Hitachi. There are all types of IT Jobs in Tokyo requiring professional skills. IT jobs in Tokyo can be very exciting due to the fast pace of change. Like many parts of the UK, Tokyo has a shortage of IT skills and so the demand for generic developer skills such as Java, C++, C# is high.
Healthcare
It is extremely difficult to find employment in the capacity as a nurse in Japan unless one is able to pass the Japanese Nursing Board Exams. This exam is only offered in Japanese and so is an unrealistic target for many. Infrequently the position of a school nurse becomes available at one of the international schools or an international clinic may be willing to employ a non-Japanese speaking nurse. Jobs can be available to provide home nursing for sick individuals, and teaching medical English.
Construction
Demand in Japan for new private housing has grown and even greater growth is expected for new urban office buildings. A number of large projects under way include Tokyo’s waterfront and other urban redevelopment and highway construction.
Japan's construction technology is among the most developed in the world. Major firms compete to improve quality control over all phases of design, management, and execution.
Corporate Culture: Business relationships, like all relationships in Japan, are guided by a complex code of etiquette. Business cards, for example, known as ‘meishi’, are religiously exchanged at first meetings. They carry much more weight than they do in the West.
Status is very important and a business card instantly reveals a person's standing within their company. The proper way to greet a first-time business associate is to introduce yourself and offer them your meishi with both hands. After accepting their card, you should briefly examine it before putting it in your wallet. Instead of shaking hands, it is customary to bow after the exchange.
Don’t panic if all of this sounds a bit too rigid - what corporate Tokyo lacks in terms of frills during the working hours of the day, it makes up for in the evening.
Few business deals are sealed without both sides heading into the streets of downtown Tokyo for a meal and a drinking session that may last into the early hours of the morning. For most Japanese, alcohol is a social lubricant like no other, allowing them to set aside the rigid social mores that bind their daily lives.
Housing: Most expats living in Tokyo would rent as a short term option. Prices are some of the highest in the world however. Some jobs come complete with company accommodation and most of those that don't provide a housing allowance so typical agency rules apply. Using an agent is pretty vital die to the language barrier. You would find it hard to 'go it alone' without a smattering of appropriate Japanese. http://tokyo.asiaxpat.com is a good resource for finding shared accommodation.
Schools: Schooling is at a premium in the Tokyo area. Whilst available there are usually waiting lists for the more popular nurseries and schools. Many Japanese send their own children to International schools due to the generally higher educational standards.
Health: Most expats go for private healthcare due to the better standards and higher frequency of English speaking doctors. The government´s national insurance plan (NHI) covers those not assisted by their employer.
Getting Around: It’s all about the Train in Tokyo, travelling either under or over ground. While buses may take you closer to home, they rarely have English signage. Driving is difficult and taxis are expensive, so many commute by bicycle or scooter.
Social: Tokyo communities play host to a mind boggling array of hobbies, sports and other social groups, so it really shouldn't be too hard to find someone with a shared interest to hang out with. Karaoke is quite literally a national pastime, and you can hire your own booth for as little as 100 yen an hour! There are many bars and nightclubs that cater to all tastes and requirements. The Kabuki Theatre shows traditional Japanese productions, and was founded in the 17th Century. Shopping Malls are plentiful, and as you can imagine, there is no shortage of 'virtual' high tech' arcade type games to play on., the 'Sega Joyopolis' being a popular hangout.
Don't forget the Sumo. Today only three Sumo Wrestling tournaments a year are held in Tokyo in January, May and September. Baseball and Ice hockey are also popular spectator sports in Tokyo.
|
