As a current ESL teacher in the U.S., should I get a TEFL or CELTA cert to get a job in Japan?

For context, I am planning to move next fall, when I have completed my Master’s in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (so not a TESOL MA, but extremely similar). I will also have 5 years of experience working with language learners, 4 of those as a teacher of record.

It sounds like the CELTA goes further towards the higher paying jobs, but also is more costly up front to get. Since I will have the MA, should I still go for a CELTA certification or would the less prestigious TEFL be okay (paired with my experience and MA degree)?

It would be a dream to work at an international school, but I know that’s a long shot, so I’m looking at university and high school positions as well.

Any and all advice is appreciated!

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