Kyoto Guide

English language

It is perhaps easiest to find a job as a teacher in Japan - work is available for native speakers of many languages. Due to the economic situation and an overabundance of people looking for work, the employment situation has worsened slightly. However, it is almost guaranteed that anyone with a university degree can find teaching of some sort.

There are four main conversation schools. Apart from NOVA, who do not close for public holidays, there is little difference between them. The internet has a handful of negative articles about chain language schools, but any opinions should be taken with a pinch of salt. Teachers (and students) can generally, get what they want from the companies. It is unusual to have to take your work home with you and the hours can be quite flexible, allowing you enough free time to pursue other activities. The salary is good, especially compared with other jobs for Japanese Nationals.

It is also possible to get a teaching job as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) working in elementary, junior high and high schools. Positions can either be found through conversation schools or on various employment websites. The jobs are similar to those available on the JET program. ALT positions offer a lot of holidays and it is a valuable way to improve your Japanese. However if you are going to be an ALT, it's important that you don't dislike children.

There are also opportunities to work as a more traditional teacher at some schools or universities. This will entail having relevant qualifications such as a teaching degree, and candidates may well be required to have a reasonable level of Japanese. It is certainly worth considering if you plan to stay in the country for some time. Typing 'ESL', 'EFL' or even 'English teaching in Japan' into a search engine should bring up websites with information about this kind of job.

Private lessons are another possibility - it is a useful way to supplement your income. These can be troublesome to prepare for unless they are just 'conversational'. Message boards in Kyoto Station or KICH are a good place to advertise for or find students. Messages can also be posted in the forums.

Translation/ interpreting

Translation and interpreting jobs are fairly hard to come by, unless you have previous experience or proper qualifications in this particular field. A high degree of ability in Japanese and at least one other language is essential, as is an area of speciality, for example medicine or law. Several sites that deal with these kind of positions can be found online.

In this line of work experience is valuable, so if you are looking for your first job it is useful to take anything you can find. Some of these companies may be Japanese, therefore you might also want to prepare a Japanese resume. They are written in a different style to western CVs. A section offering guidance on this will be added soon.

 

Modelling

Again, due to an increased number of foreigners in Japan there is less of a choice when it comes to modelling work. However, jobs are available. It is worthwhile to have a portfolio and references - anything that can make your application stand out. It is hard to find full time employment, but it can be a useful and enjoyable sideline.

It's also worth bearing in mind that not only 'good looking people' can find modelling work. There is a demand here for all kinds of foreigners.

Hospitality/ Hostessing

Hospitality positions are available in bars, 'authentic' restaurants and also as nightclub security. Work seems to be plentiful and is often found in Irish/ English pubs, clubs or hotels. The pay isn't that good, but the hours may allow you to hold more than one job. Previous experience is not always necessary - it's often the case that a foreign face is wanted.

Hostessing can be lucrative. However, it is advisable to approach this kind of job with caution unless you know someone who can recommend a reputable place. Information can be found online, or you could try posting something in the forum.

Other work

Long term options include office work, jobs in big companies and managerial positions. It is almost essential to have experience or qualifications. There are a vast number of headhunting companies in Japan and although a lot of them focus on Tokyo, there are some options in Osaka, Kobe and more rarely, in Kyoto. If you have specific queries, please post them in the forum and I will try to help.