Dreaming of teaching English in Japan? 👩‍🏫 But you’re not sure where to start? Whether you’re just beginning your journey or actively on the hunt for your next teaching gig, this guide is your go-to resource for navigating the exciting world of English teaching jobs in Japan!

Written by Sakura Mobile Blog Team

Hello readers! Sakura Mobile is a SIM Wi-Fi service provider for international residents and tourists in Japan.

Our global editorial team living in Japan will introduce the country’s charms based on what we have experienced and felt.

Finding an English Teaching Job in Japan

You might have seen in the news that Japan ranks relatively low in English proficiency compared to other non-English speaking nations. However, the country is trying to improve English education, especially as the number of foreign workers rises.

Japan has a strong demand for English teachers, with opportunities available in public schools, private language schools, international schools, and even corporate training programs.

This guide will walk you through finding an English teaching job in Japan, whether you’re applying from overseas or already in Japan. We’ll cover visa requirements, job types, where to apply, and how to prepare for interviews. Let’s get started!✨

📱As you begin your job search, staying connected is key. Check out our affordable SIM/eSIM options to ensure you have reliable mobile service as you navigate the application process and get ready for life in Japan!

Requirements📋

The visa requirement is one of the first hurdles you’ll encounter when trying to move to Japan.

Things to note: 

• A Bachelor’s degree is generally required for a work visa. 👩‍🎓
• Alternative options include a Working Holiday Visa 🧳(limited to participants from eligible countries)
• Some programs claim to accept high school diploma holders (e.g., Global Work and Travel), but this is rare.🧐

*If you’re applying for jobs while living in Japan, you may only need to worry about making sure your current visa status allows you to teach English for work or the possibility of changing your residence status.

Qualifications📜

Requirements can vary depending on the specific job, but here are some general qualifications:

• TEFL certification: Useful but not always required.
  (Ex. Not necessary for JET but may be beneficial for private language schools.)
• Higher education: Universities generally require a Master’s degree or PhD, plus published research papers.
• Teaching experience: Many entry-level ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) or eikaiwa (English conversation schools) jobs do not require experience.
• International schools: Require a teaching license and classroom experience.

Salary Expectations💸

The salary for English teaching jobs in Japan varies a lot depending on the job and level of experience. But here is a basic breakdown of what you can expect:

• (Entry-level) ALT/Eikaiwa: 220,000–280,000 yen/month.
• Accredited international schools: Around 400,000 yen/month.
• University positions: Average of 600,000 yen/month.

What about health insurance in Japan?💊

In Japan, full-time employees are typically enrolled in social health insurance and pension systems through their employer, with deductions automatically taken from their salary. If not, they must enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI/Kokumin Kenko Hoken), which can be costly.

It’s important to confirm coverage with your employer and budget for health insurance and pension costs.

Not a Native English Speaker?

Can you get a job teaching English as a non-native speaker? Short answer: It depends.

This requirement varies significantly depending on the employer. Some companies require proof that most of your education was in English or may request English proficiency test scores like TOEFL/TOEIC.

If you’re from a country where English is the primary language, getting a job is generally much easier. However, some companies are more flexible and may consider applicants with strong English proficiency regardless of nationality.

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Types of English Teaching Jobs in Japan🗂️

If you’re considering teaching English in Japan, there are several job types to choose from, each with different roles and work environments. Take a look at the kinds of jobs you can find below.

ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

• Work in public schools via Boards of Education or dispatch companies (Interac, Borderlink).

• Assist the native Japanese teacher with English classes (from elementary to high school).

Eikaiwa (English Conversation Schools)

• Private companies focused on conversational skills for adults and children. (e.g., AEON, ECC, GABA, NOVA)
• Work hours often include evenings and weekends, as lessons cater to students’ availability.

Business English/Corporate Training

• Teaching English to professionals for workplace communication.
• Ex. Berkeley House Language Center, Berlitz, Toraiz
• Also English language instruction targeting preparation for study abroad/work abroad (Ex. Jstyle).

Childcare English Teaching Staff

• Teaching at hoikuen (daycare) or youchien (kindergarten) involves working with young children (between the ages of 0–6).
• Immersive, play-based English learning through songs, games, and daily interactions.
• Some schools require teachers to assist with general childcare duties, such as helping with meals or outdoor playtime.

International Schools

• International schools in Japan can be either accredited (e.g., IB schools) or unaccredited institutions.
• Stricter requirements, such as a teaching license or a relevant degree for the subject.
• You can have more independence in how you want to teach (compared to an ALT) since you will lead the class or be a homeroom teacher.
• Prior subject-matter teaching experience is often preferred, especially for middle and high school positions.

University Positions

• Highly sought-after positions due to the relatively high salaries and longer holidays.
• A Master’s degree (often in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a related field) is typically the minimum requirement.
• Some positions, especially at prestigious universities, may require a PhD.
• Publications, research experience, and teaching experience are usually expected.
• Many instructors start with part-time (hijokin) or contract-based (visiting) positions, which may not include full benefits.
• Tenured positions are rare and often require years of experience, publications, and networking.

Juku/After-school Programs

• Tutoring centers with a focus on exam preparation.
• Typically work in small-group settings or one-on-one sessions, often working evenings and weekends.
• Part-time teaching at juku (cram schools) is a popular option for generating side income.

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How to Find English Teaching Jobs🔍

Finding a job teaching English in Japan can be a competitive process, but there are plenty of opportunities if you know when and where to apply. Here’s a breakdown of the job application process, depending on whether you’re applying from abroad or already in Japan.

Timing and Application Cycles

• Most hiring for English teaching positions takes place before the new school year starts in April, as many schools want to have their staff in place for the start of the academic year.
• Applications for many positions open in autumn or winter (around September to December), giving you a few months to apply and prepare for interviews. However, some positions may also be available year-round, especially at private language schools or for short-term contracts.
• Keep in mind that public schools and larger institutions tend to follow this cycle more strictly, while private language schools or conversation schools may hire more flexibly throughout the year.

If You’re Applying from Overseas…🌎

1) The JET Program (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program) is a popular first step for those looking for entry-level ALT jobs in Japan. This government-sponsored program offers teaching positions in public schools across Japan.

Another option for ALT roles is Interac or HEART, which are private dispatch companies that hire teachers for public schools.

2) Look for job listings that are open to international applicants and willing to sponsor a visa.
Many major companies, like AEON or NOVA, hire teachers from abroad and offer visa sponsorship to successful applicants.

3) Direct applications to schools are possible, but many schools may be reluctant to sponsor a visa for teachers living outside Japan. Schools often prioritize candidates already residing in Japan.

If You’re Applying Within Japan…🎌

Being already in Japan offers several advantages when job hunting:

1) Networking: You’re in a position to attend job fairs, including those specifically tailored for former JET participants and other English teachers in Japan.

2) In-person applications and interviews: You can directly submit applications to schools or companies and attend in-person interviews, which can help make a stronger impression than applying remotely.

3) Lower startup costs: Being in Japan means you don’t need to worry about international flights/relocation fees, or visa processing, making it easier to start work quickly. If you’re already on a visa that allows you to work, companies don’t need to sponsor you, which can be a significant advantage.

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Recommended Job Boards and Resources💻

Here are some recommended platforms to help you find English teaching jobs, whether you’re applying from overseas or already in Japan.

General Job Boards

1. Ohayo Sensei

Weekly listings of teaching jobs across Japan, ideal for domestic applicants.

2. GaijinPot

One of the most popular job boards for foreigners living in Japan as well as overseas applicants. You can filter your search by location, salary, and contract type.

3. Teachaway Japan

Teachaway offers a wide variety of teaching positions across Japan. It’s particularly great for international applicants, as many jobs offer visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.

International Schools

1. Search Associates (a paid service)

This platform connects highly qualified teachers with international schools around the world, including Japan.

2. Schrole and The International Educator/TIE (paid services)

Used by many international schools to recruit teachers.

3. List of International Schools in Japan

To find schools directly, there are websites with comprehensive lists of international schools across Japan. It’s worth visiting the individual school websites to find job postings and application guidelines.

• List of international schools in Japan

University Teaching Job Boards

1. JALT Job Board

The Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT) is a major professional organization for English language educators in Japan. Their job board is a great resource for university-level teaching and other positions. Notably, JALT does not accept job postings that specify “native English proficiency,” making positions more accessible to non-native speakers as well.

2. J-RECIN and JACET

J-RECIN (Japan Research and Education Consortium of International Networks) and JACET (Japan Association of College English Teachers) also maintain job boards with university teaching positions.

Public Forums/Social Media:

1. Reddit – r/teachinginjapan

Members often post job openings, discussions about living in Japan, and tips about the teaching industry.

2. Facebook Groups (ex. English Teaching Jobs in Japan)

Many Facebook groups are dedicated to job postings and discussions about teaching in Japan.

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Tips for Landing an Interview🗣️

Here are key strategies to increase your chances of landing an interview and making a great impression.

Tailoring Your Resume

Make sure to emphasize the following:

• Teaching Experience: Whether you’ve taught before or have volunteer tutoring experience, this is crucial. Even informal teaching, such as helping classmates, can show you’re comfortable in a classroom setting.
• International Experience: If you’ve lived or worked abroad, highlight it. Employers want to know you’re adaptable and can handle the challenges of living in Japan.

Certificates and Qualifications

• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certifications can give you an edge.
• Japanese language skills or JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) certification also helps.

Interview Preparation

• Be ready to answer common questions like, “Why Japan?” and “How do you manage a classroom?”
• Show that you can handle the challenges of living in a new country.
• Reassure employers that you’re not likely to leave Japan quickly – emphasize your long-term commitment to living and working there.
• Many require a demo lesson – prepare one that’s interactive and engaging.

Professional Appearance

Make sure you dress appropriately for your interview.

• For men, this typically means wearing a suit with a tie.
• For women, a professional outfit like a blouse and skirt/dress pants or a dress and blazer is ideal.

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Conclusion

As we covered here, Japan is home to a wide range of exciting English teaching opportunities, from ALT roles to university-level positions. By understanding the different job types, visa requirements, and application processes, you’ll be well-equipped to stand out in a competitive job market.

We hope you found this guide helpful and wish you luck in your job search!🌸

Feeling overwhelmed by the process of getting a phone number in Japan?

Between language barriers and complicated contracts, it’s easy to feel lost. 😵‍💫

That’s where Sakura Mobile comes in to simplify things for you! 🌸

Why Sakura Mobile?🌸
✨ No Language Barriers – our friendly customer support is all in English!
🌏 Reliable Coverage Across Japan – 99% coverage, with the docomo network for SIMs and Softbank for Pocket WiFi!
📅 Flexible Plans – no 2-year contracts; month-to-month coverage to fit your stay duration!Ready to get connected the easy way? See our plans below!📱✨

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