Do you dream of working in Japan? Why not opt for Osaka? The country's third-largest city is known for its dynamism and relaxed lifestyle. An excellent alternative to sprawling Tokyo, Osaka is ideally located in the center of Japan, less than 3 hours away from the capital, and closer to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Here is a practical guide to optimize your search and find the job of your dreams.
Mapping Osaka
Osaka, the third most populated city in Japan, is located in the Kansai region in the center of Japan. With its neighbors Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, Osaka attracts a flow of tourists comparable to Tokyo's.
Kansai is another prominent Japanese tourist destination. The region has seven prefectures: Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, and Wakayama.
Kansai is also an economic powerhouse, worth 775 billion dollars in 2021, or nearly 15% of the country's wealth. Osaka prefecture generates 362 billion dollars, and the city contributes 181 billion.
Osaka's assets
Many people claim that Osaka is an excellent place to reside in. Unlike Tokyo, the city and its prefecture are known for being more tranquil and less formal. Tokyo is often criticized as a capital city for its fast-paced lifestyle, strict rules, and immense size. In contrast, one can easily walk across Osaka in just over 2 hours, starting from Osaka station, located in the Umeda district in the North and reaching Namba in the South. Moreover, both the city and the surrounding region have excellent transportation links.
Osaka is conveniently connected within its city limits, serving as a hub for neighboring cities like Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe. Many Japanese and foreign workers choose to live in Osaka and commute to these nearby cities for work. If you ever find yourself yearning for the bustling streets of Tokyo, fear not! A quick two-and-a-half-hour Shinkansen ride will transport you to the heart of the capital.
Osaka is not just a practical choice for work and travel; it is also a city of culture and culinary delights. Each district in Osaka boasts its own unique identity, much like Tokyo. In the North, you'll find Umeda, a bustling business district. At the same time, in the South, Namba awaits with its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. Moreover, don't forget Tennoji, a district that offers a perfect blend of history and modernity.
With its open-mindedness and global outlook, Osaka is an ideal location to kickstart your career and find a job in Japan.
The job market in Osaka
Many large companies choose to set up businesses in Osaka to take advantage of its rail and port network. Hanshin Port (Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation) is the largest port in Japan for both exports and imports. Its ships are among the largest in the country and can carry thousands of tons of cargo.
In 2018, a report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport revealed that Hanshin Port exported just over 115,000 tons of goods and imported nearly 70,000.
The port of Tokyo is far behind, with just 49,826 tons of goods exported and 47,718 tons imported. The port sector is indeed a major provider of employment in the region.
In 2021, exports from the Port of Osaka totaled 4,698.1 billion yen, a significant increase of 23.3% over the previous year, accounting for 5.7% of the nation's total. Imports totaled 5,096.7 billion yen, up 12.8% from the prior year, and accounted for 6.0% of the national total (source: Osaka City).
In 2022, Osaka exported ¥ 12.9T, ranking as the third highest exporter among the 41 exporters in Japan. Similarly, Osaka imported ¥ 13.7T, securing the third position among the 41 importers in Japan for the same year. From October 2022 to October 2023, Osaka's exports dropped by $−136B (−11.5%) from ¥1.19T to ¥1.05T. Similarly, imports decreased by ¥−127B (−10.2%) from ¥1.25T to ¥1.13T (source: OEC).
In addition to the port sector, the manufacturing and service industries are also well represented. Industry accounts for nearly 17% of jobs in Osaka. On the service side, trade is on par with industry, reaching almost 17%.
Next comes the real estate sector with 11%. Jobs in the scientific and technological sectors represent 8.7% of the workforce, while health represents 8% and transport 5.6%.
IT, communication, finance, education, and public services close the list, representing between 2 and 4% of the market.
The most prominent fields for foreigners in Osaka
Becoming a language teacher in Osaka
The small share of communication and teaching professions does not mean there is no demand. On the contrary, these activities are constantly recruiting. Foreigners will find job offers on Internet sites specializing in international recruitment. Among the most popular job offers, language teacher comes first. Teaching English and/or French is an excellent opportunity for foreigners who wish to work in Japan with a degree and experience in the field.
However, having a teacher's work visa means you will only have to work in this field. If you are not aiming for this type of job, it is better to look for one in the field you studied. Contrary to popular belief, being a language teacher is not the "gateway" to a work visa in Japan. The job is very demanding and requires specific qualifications, especially if you want to work in a Japanese or an international school. Teaching a language is not a side job in the Land of The Rising Sun.
Finding teaching jobs in Osaka
Many websites have job offers for candidates wishing to become language teachers in Japan. You can find such offers on websites such as Ohayo sensei, Jobs in Japan, Learn 4 Good, Go Abroad, and Glassdoor. You will see more job offers for private tutors, often less well-paid than school teachers. It is worth noting that the teacher work visa is intended for positions that can be "sponsored" by recognized institutions.
You should leave with a letter of recommendation from your previous school. Use your network to join the Lycée Français de Tokyo, the American Lycée, or Japanese schools. Feel free to ask your embassy for more information. You can also apply directly to language schools or international schools.
Obtaining a teacher's work visa as a private tutor is still possible. You must work for a language school and not be self-employed. Internet platforms that put you in touch with students will not sponsor your work visa. Remember that selection criteria have been upgraded over the past few years, while salaries haven't, especially for private tutors in language schools. Some schools emphasize the professionalism of their employees to reassure Japanese clients. As such, you must have impeccable English and French, possibly backed up by university degrees and/or solid experience.
Working in tourism
Not surprisingly, tourism is the other sector where expatriates are sought after. Job offers include career opportunities as a guide, interpreter, translator, commercial, entertainment professional, salesman, etc.
Expats can find jobs relatively easily during the high tourist season in spring and summer. The job search is even easier if they can prove they speak Japanese, English, or French. In any case, speaking Japanese remains a must for a successful move to Japan.
As tourism is necessary, mastering another language, or even several other languages, allows you to stand out from the crowd and access better job offers.
To find a job in the tourism industry in Japan, check out GaijinPot jobs (a major website for job offers in Japan), Daijob, Expat.com, Yolo Japan, CareerCross, etc.
Other prominent sectors in Osaka
As in other major Japanese cities, the service sector is one of the main drivers of the Osaka job market. Among the most prolific recruiters are banking and finance, commerce, engineering, personal services, and sales. Depending on your profile and what you are looking for, you will find more offers in different seasons. During the tourist season, Osaka and all the tourist areas are full of job offers tailored for foreigners. Japan is slowly opening up again.
Major companies in Osaka
Osaka is also home to large companies that support the economic market. The giant Panasonic (electronic equipment) has its headquarters in Osaka prefecture. Sharp and Keyence, also in the electronics industry, have their headquarters in Osaka, along with Nippon Life Insurance, Sumimoto Life Insurance, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Kansai Electric Power, etc. These names may be unknown to the general public but are listed in the Fortune global ranking and are known to foreign job seekers who wish to work in these sectors.
Another major company is Asahi Kasei, which specializes in manufacturing scientific and chemical equipment. Suntory is a heavyweight in the food industry, while Itochu Corp focuses on trade. Daiwa is a giant in the construction and equipment industry.
These large companies often have international branches, such as Asahi Kasei Europe, Daiwa House Europe, Panasonic France, and Panasonic North America. Foreigners who are lucky enough to be working in a branch of a Japanese company can negotiate an intracompany transfer to Japan.
Where to work in Japan: Tokyo or Osaka?
Regarding job hunting in Japan, Tokyo is the most recommended place. The capital is seen as a mandatory gateway, if not reassuring. Tokyo is more likely to be the place to find a job.
As the capital city of Japan, it offers numerous and diverse opportunities. Salaries are potentially higher as well. You may have more chances to find a job that does not require a high level of Japanese (true for small jobs, less true for jobs that require higher skills). Whether you are on a Working Holiday Visa in Japan, a student visa, or a work visa, Tokyo offers the best conditions to start your new life in Japan.
However, Tokyo is not Japan, and neither is any other city, for that matter. It is possible to find a job in Japan outside of Tokyo. Besides, the competition in the capital is tough, and Osaka and its region are excellent alternatives. As mentioned before, major companies are present in many different ways.
Some of them are even extending further. In the south, the island of Kyushu and its prefecture Fukuoka drain the city's economy. Other expatriates go even further and turn to more isolated regions, medium or small cities, where foreigners are still few. Finding a job in these areas requires, of course, an excellent level of Japanese. It is impossible to rely only on English.
Osaka's startup ecosystem
Starting a business in Japan can be pretty challenging for many foreigners. The Japanese business landscape is known to be complex and different from the outside world, especially when dealing with big companies.
However, Osaka can make things a little easier for you. Entrepreneurship has always been a significant part of Osaka's history, and the city has a generally open and direct mindset favorable to startups.
Startups in Osaka receive extensive support through a range of initiatives and organizations. The Osaka Innovation Hub acts as a central resource hub, providing valuable assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It offers access to incubation programs, co-working spaces, and events encouraging collaboration and exchanging ideas.
JETRO Osaka is vital in supporting companies interested in doing business in the region, offering services such as business matching, market research, and tailored business support for startups.
Moreover, Osaka hosts numerous startup events, conferences, and pitch competitions that showcase the city's entrepreneurial talent. Events like the Osaka Innovation Summit and the Osaka Startup Festival bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, and business prospects.
Collaboration with universities and research institutions also contributes to Osaka's thriving startup ecosystem.
Additionally, the city provides attractive tax deductions for businesses in the new energy and life sciences industries within its Special Zones (Osaka Station Area, Yumeshima/Sakishima Area, and Hanshin Port Area). Companies can enjoy exemptions from corporate tax, property tax, business office tax, and city planning tax for up to five years.
Access to funding is another significant advantage of Osaka's startup ecosystem. Venture capital firms, angel investors, and government-backed funding programs offer financial support at various stages of startup growth. Notable investors like Globis Capital Partners, SBI Investment, and Innovation Network Corporation of Japan actively support startups in Osaka.
Compared to cities like Tokyo, Singapore, or Shanghai, the rents in Osaka are more affordable, and beneficial financial opportunities are available.
While attention to detail is still essential in Osaka, mistakes along the way are understood and accepted. Osakans are also enthusiastic about working long-term with entrepreneurs to achieve global and innovative success.
How to find a job in Osaka?
Diplomas
There is nothing like a university degree to stand out as a potential candidate in Osaka. Whether you are applying for a position in a language school, a bank, a general business, or an IT company, your level of education will weigh significantly.
The Japanese CV is very codified and does not leave room for personalization. It is a very impersonal form to fill out where, exceptionally, a passport-size photo is mandatory, even for a small job. Do highlight your diplomas, especially if they come from an internationally recognized institution.
Japanese language skills
Expats have mixed opinions on this issue. Some found a job without speaking Japanese, while others found it challenging. Wouldn't it be better to learn the language, if only out of respect for the country?
Certainly! But we understand that speaking Japanese is more complicated than speaking English or Spanish. Thankfully, everything, including the Japanese language, can be learned, especially when one knows how heavy the language barrier can weigh for those who don't know Japanese.
Learn how to apply for a job
Foreign Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other international organizations support and organize various events related to employment in Japan. Consider associations, social media, and other online resources as well. Attending relevant events and meeting people there will help you build your professional and social networks.
Take the time to understand how the Japanese apply for jobs. In Japan, they usually go from "student" to "employee" status without transition. During their final year at university, students spend most of their time looking for a job. Universities prepare them for this, so you should get ready, too if you're an international student in Japan.
Learn how to express yourself using keigo (strong language), how to introduce yourself, and how to speak in a calm and fluid manner.
Tips for a successful move to Osaka
Ideally, start your stay with some sightseeing. You have just arrived in Osaka and will be here for a long time (one year if you have come on a temporary work visa, more if you have a student or work visa). Nothing is better than a brief vacation to prepare for your new life.
Revise your kanji regularly. Practice Japanese as much as possible, especially when shopping and asking for information. This is the best way to get used to the language.
Dare to ask for help when things are not going well. Give yourself time and believe in yourself.
Useful links:
Navi deau (in Japanese)
Doda (in Japanese)
Hataraku jobs (in Japanese)
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
