Job opportunities

8 comments

1. [deleted]

2. 1. that would be quite limiting. You would not have Japanese accounting credentials.

   2. since you are a Japanese citizen, you have many options other than teaching English.

   3. if you are N4, simple work in a factory, etc.

   and N3, convenience stores, restaurant clerks, etc.

   4. no. However, this is because Japanese people are considered to speak Japanese so naturally that there is no need to do so. Frankly speaking, unfortunately, I think there exists a bit of discrimination against Japanese who do not speak Japanese.

3. You do know that the choosing nationality form （国籍選択書）is an internal document for the Japanese government, right? It has no effect on your other nationality so technically you can remain a dual national. The Japanese government, from what I know, in your case is not going to ask for proof that you renounced your other nationality. This may change but as of this writing I assume this to still hold true.

   I am in HR and interview job applicants for our Japanese company, both native Japanese speakers and non-native Japanese speakers. I can tell you that if your Japanese is fluent you can ace that interview regardless of any “score” and if not, you will not do well even if you have a perfect score.

   From an HR perspective, I can tell you that JPLT and TOEIC scores only serve *as an indicator* as to what an applicant’s level is. The real proof of the pudding will be during the actual interview. If you can speak fluently and with confidence then you will do well. If not, you won’t. This is regardless of your level.

   I have not given second interviews to applicants with great scores for this reason. Reversely, I have given second interviews and have even hired those with N2 or TOEIC of 800 because they were able to speak well. After all, once hired their “score” is irrelevant, but their working knowledge of Japanese/English is going to be crucial in our company (financial services).

   Some applicants are Japanese citizens, both born and naturalized, but not native speakers of Japanese. They very often do not have JPLT but again, from their written documents as well as their interviews given with us as well as the recruiting firm who recommends them to us, we will know their level.

   As I know little about you I can’t tell you what job you can do soon after arriving in Japan. You may want to try the English language schools. Larger schools are more apt to hire regardless of ethnic background, whereas many smaller schools still look for white or black candidates. This is becoming less common to be sure but still exists, unfortunately. Just know that the English teaching profession is not the best to be in any more. Pays are stagnant the jobs are more or less dead ended. However, if you have a degree, or especially an advanced degree in ESL and can get a job at a university (not easy to get, BTW), then the situation changes greatly.

   If your Japanese is not up to par, then other jobs may be lower level jobs in the service industry as in food service or even retail such as Uniqlo.

   I hope this helps. If you have any more specific questions please ask me here or PM me.

4. You should really consider going to language school in Japan if you can’t speak anywhere near business level. Otherwise, as people have pointed out, you are only really eligible for part time work at stores, restaurants etc. since you have no language skills or experience that make you suited for office work. At this stage, you couldn’t go for the new grad hiring rush either because, well, you can’t speak Japanese.

   You’d also need accounting certification, and that’ll be hard to come by if you can’t speak or read at an advanced level.

   As far as teaching English, all you need is a pulse. However, since you’re not “white” and American / Canadian / British / Australian, you’ll likely face some discrimination from companies that hire part-time teachers since you don’t fit the aesthetics people expect from English teachers.

5. 1. Very, very, very unlikely. Your only bet would be international/foreign-based companies. This kind of job for Japanese firms would require pretty high level of Japanese. The fact you have zero job experience just makes it all the more difficult.
   2. You don’t need a visa, so you wouldn’t need any certification. You’d just have to convince the school to hire you.
   3. Apply? Any. You’re a citizen, so you don’t need a visa, nothing stopping you from applying to jobs. *Getting* a job will be pretty hard. On account of no experience, no Japanese etc. You can look at other low level jobs, such as working at konbini, factory etc until you get your Japanese up. Or hope to find a foreign-based/international company to hire you.
   4. No. People will know your Japanese level from talking to you.

6. I’m first year college here in the PH and I plan to live in Japan too, seeing your post just motivated me a lot. Good luck my friend! See you someday 😉

7. Stay in the Philippines, get your CPA and work in audit firms (has to be big 4) for three years.

   Then move to Japan. That will make it less hard to find a job in foreign companies.

   Do not renounce your citizenship. I know people who never renounce their other citizenship.

8. you already have an advantage with your japanese citizenship, just work on your japanese and you are good to go!