Jobs in Japan for Foreigners Without a Degree

Many foreigners dream of working in Japan, but a common concern is whether they can get a job without a degree. The good news? Yes, it’s possible! While a degree is typically required for many professional roles, there are still plenty of job opportunities for non-degree holders in Japan.

From hospitality and tourism to caregiving and factory work, several industries hire foreign workers based on skills and experience rather than educational qualifications. In this guide, we’ll explore these job opportunities, visa requirements, salary expectations, and tips to secure employment in Japan.

2. Can You Work in Japan Without a Degree?

Yes, you can work in Japan without a degree, but there are some challenges:

✔️ You need to find an employer willing to sponsor your visa.
✔️ Some job categories have alternative visa options.
✔️ Work experience and Japanese language skills can help boost your chances.
✔️ Jobs that require manual labor, caregiving, or skilled work are more accessible.

A degree is usually required for the standard Work Visa, but other visa types, such as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa and the Working Holiday Visa, allow foreigners to work in Japan without one.

3. Best Jobs in Japan for Foreigners Without a Degree

1. English Teaching Jobs (Alternative Routes)

Most teaching jobs in Japan require a degree, but exceptions exist.

🔹 Private English Tutoring – You can work independently as a private tutor.
🔹 Conversation Cafés – Some language schools hire conversational English tutors without a degree.
🔹 ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) with Experience – If you have teaching experience, some schools may sponsor a visa.

💰 Average Salary: ¥2,000 – ¥3,500 per hour for private tutoring

2. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs

Japan’s booming tourism industry has created many opportunities in hospitality. Hotels, ryokans (traditional inns), and restaurants hire foreigners, often without requiring a degree.

🔹 In-demand roles: Hotel staff, bartenders, waiters, tour guides, front desk receptionists
🔹 Top locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido

💰 Average Salary: ¥180,000 – ¥300,000 per month

3. Factory & Manufacturing Jobs

Japan’s manufacturing industry frequently hires foreign workers, especially for factory jobs. These jobs often provide visa sponsorship under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa.

🔹 In-demand roles: Car assembly, food packaging, electronics manufacturing
🔹 Top employers: Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic

💰 Average Salary: ¥200,000 – ¥350,000 per month

4. Agriculture & Farming Jobs

Farms and agricultural businesses in Japan regularly hire foreigners, especially for seasonal work. The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) allows foreigners to work in agriculture without a degree.

🔹 In-demand roles: Fruit picking, vegetable farming, livestock care
🔹 Top locations: Hokkaido, Nagano, Fukuoka

💰 Average Salary: ¥180,000 – ¥250,000 per month

5. Caregiving & Nursing Jobs

Japan’s aging population has led to a high demand for caregivers and nursing assistants. The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa allows foreigners to work in caregiving roles without a degree.

🔹 In-demand roles: Elderly caregivers, nursing assistants, home care providers
🔹 Top employers: Elderly care homes, hospitals, private caregiving agencies

💰 Average Salary: ¥200,000 – ¥350,000 per month

6. IT & Tech Industry Jobs

Surprisingly, some IT jobs in Japan don’t require a degree but focus on skills and certifications instead. If you have coding skills, you can land a job as a programmer or web developer.

🔹 In-demand roles: Software development, web development, IT support
🔹 Top employers: Startups, foreign tech companies in Japan

💰 Average Salary: ¥300,000 – ¥700,000 per month

4. Understanding Japan’s Work Visa for Non-Degree Holders

While a regular work visa requires a degree, these visa types allow work in Japan without one:

✔️ Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa – For jobs in agriculture, caregiving, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction.
✔️ Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) – Allows foreigners to train and work in Japan for up to 5 years.
✔️ Working Holiday Visa – Available for citizens from certain countries (valid for one year).

5. Top Websites to Find Jobs in Japan Without a Degree

🌐 GaijinPot Jobs – Good for hospitality and service jobs
🌐 HelloWork Japan – Government-run job site with various listings
🌐 Jobs in Japan – Offers job listings for non-degree holders
🌐 YOLO Japan – Specializes in part-time jobs for foreigners

6. Salary Expectations for Foreign Workers

7. Requirements & Qualifications for Jobs in Japan Without a Degree

✔️ Relevant work experience or skills
✔️ Basic Japanese language skills (for most jobs)
✔️ Visa sponsorship from an employer
✔️ Certifications (for IT, caregiving, and skilled trades)

8. How to Apply for a Job in Japan Successfully

🔹 Prepare a Japanese-style resume (Rirekisho)
🔹 Highlight skills over education in your application
🔹 Apply through job websites that cater to foreigners
🔹 Learn basic Japanese to increase job prospects
🔹 Attend job fairs and networking events

9. Cultural Adaptation & Work Ethics in Japan

Japanese work culture emphasizes respect, teamwork, and punctuality. Learning cultural etiquette, such as bowing and using polite language, can help you integrate smoothly.

10. Conclusion

Working in Japan without a degree is possible, especially in industries like hospitality, caregiving, factory work, and IT. By choosing the right visa and preparing well, you can build a successful career in Japan.

FAQs

❓ Can I work in Japan without a degree?
✔️ Yes, but job options are limited to certain industries.

❓ Which visa can I apply for without a degree?
✔️ The SSW Visa, TITP, and Working Holiday Visa.

❓ Do I need Japanese language skills?
✔️ For most jobs, basic Japanese is recommended.

❓ Is factory work in Japan a good option?
✔️ Yes, it pays well and often comes with visa sponsorship.

❓ Can I become a permanent resident without a degree?
✔️ Yes, through long-term employment in Japan.