Originally published August 2023
Dreaming of a life in Japan? For Jesse and me (and honestly… a lot of people), that dream can hit a wall the moment work and visas enter the chat.
Since moving to Japan in 2018, we’ve taken the scenic route — starting with English teaching, then shifting into non-traditional rural jobs. These days, we live and work in the Japanese countryside (the inaka), and we’ve learned a lot the hard way.
So here’s our story: how we found work, what visas we’ve held, what we do now, and the tips we wish someone had explained to us early on.
Key Takeaways (TLDR)
If you want to live and work in Japan long-term (especially outside the big cities), here’s what matters most:
Our Work & Visas in Japan (What We Do Now)
I’m a YouTuber and content creator, which grew out of my earlier remote work with a Japan-based inbound media company. Before Japan, I worked as a print + web designer in Canada, then built skills in writing, SEO, and content marketing at a Tokyo-based company during my first four years in Japan.
See my current gear list for making my YouTube videos.
That combination — plus remote work — is what made it possible for me to live in the countryside long-term.
Jesse is a blacksmith, specializing in Japanese knife-making. His prior metalworking education, his professional experience in Canada, and native English skilled played a big role in giving him the credibility (and references) needed for his visa.
Our Visa
I currently hold a Business Manager visa, which is necessary for me to legally earn income through my YouTube business in Japan.
Before that, I held the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, which covered my work in with an inbound tourism marketing company based in Japan.
Jesse currently holds the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa. He originally came to Japan through the JET Program on an Instructor visa, then transitioned to a Cultural Activities visa during the first year of his blacksmith apprenticeship before moving into his current work visa.
What is the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Visa?
This is one of the most common and broad Japanese work visas for foreigners.
In simple terms, it tends to cover jobs where your:
- international background
- language skills
- specialized work experience
…are a key part of the role.
It can include occupations like:
- teachers
- accountants
- corporate sales
- copywriters/marketers
- physical therapists
- musicians
(and yes — it’s a surprisingly wide range. Check out the job categories in the visa renewal/application forms below.👇)
From English Teaching to Our “Dream Jobs” in Japan
Our personal career evolution in Japan, and perhaps, some inspiration on how you can forge your own path.
Why English teaching was our strategic first step
Like many people, we started in Japan as English teachers.
- Jesse joined JET
- I worked at an eikaiwa (英会話)
Even though teaching wasn’t our long-term plan, it was a solid first step because it helped us:
- secure a visa sponsor
- set up life basics (apartment, bank account, utilities)
- build local stability
- learn how the job market actually works here
And most importantly: it gave us time. Time to network, learn Japanese, build skills, and find a better long-term fit.
How we transitioned out of teaching (our personal roadmap)
For me, writing became my unexpected “door-opener.”
I started by writing for my own blog and building a small Instagram presence around Japan travel and culture. Over time, that consistent work helped me get noticed — and eventually, a company reached out with a paid writing opportunity.
That first “yes” turned into:
- more work
- more responsibilities
- remote employment
…and eventually, a body of copywriting, SEO, and marketing work that became my proof of concept and experience that would go towards my Business Manager visa.
How Jesse transitioned into blacksmithing
Despite having prior training and experience as a blacksmith in Canada, Jesse spent his last year with JET actively searching for blacksmithing opportunities. He:
- visiting workshops
- taking classes
- building relationships
Eventually, that effort paid off when he secured an apprenticeship — and then a viable visa path.
Our Work Timelines
Mika: Eikaiwa Teacher → Business Manager Visa *
2018: Applied online at an eikaiwa company → Interview → Job Offer notification→ COE ( Certificate of Eligibility) processed by the company → Visa approved
2018–2019: Taught English, started blog + Instagram
2019: Left full-time teaching → began freelance writing → notified immigration
2019–2021: Part-time teaching + inbound marketing remotely (SEO/content/social)
2022: Moved to Shikoku, continued remote work
2023: Started YouTube, growth exploded
2023–2024: Consulted an administrative scrivener → switched to Business Manager visa
*Timeline Notes (What Actually Made the Visas Possible)
- COE + visa step: My employer processed my Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Visa application step: After COE approval, I did a visa run to Korea to submit my application (common for people already in Japan).
- Immigration compliance: Every time I changed or added work, I notified immigration using the Immigration Bureau e-notification system.
- Multiple jobs reality: My new copywriting role at the Tokyo inbound marketing company still fit under my original visa category, but it fell under a different subcategory — so I treated it as something that needed careful handling (and professional advice).
- The YouTube turning point: Once YouTube began gaining traction, I learned monetizing it wasn’t allowed under my existing visa, which is why I switched to Business Manager.
- Who did what: A judicial scrivener (司法書士) handled business registration; an administrative scrivener (行政書士) prepared the immigration paperwork.
Jesse: JET → Apprenticeship → Work Visa (Timeline)*
2017: Applied to JET, accepted
2018: Arrived in Japan, Instructor visa
2021: Visited workshops + took classes
2021: Secured an apprenticeship, changed to a Cultural Activities visa (1 year)
2022: Used administrative scrivener → approved for work visa
Key strengths: blacksmithing experience + English-led classes for inbound tourists
*Timeline Notes (What Actually Made the Visas Possible)
- Cultural Activities visa limitation: You cannot earn income from the craft on this visa. Part-time work can be possible, but only with immigration permission via the “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” form.
- Why his work visa was viable: The workshop already offered English-led knife-making classes for inbound visitors, and Jesse’s English was a genuine job requirement.
- Documents immigration needed: Jesse submitted documentation like training credentials (metalwork diploma), references, and evidence of prior professional blacksmithing experience.
- Key lesson: The visa approval wasn’t just “he’s a blacksmith.” It was the combination of blacksmithing skills + documented experience + native English speaking abilities + an employer need that wasn’t easily filled locally.
My Top Tips for Work & Visas in Japan
Next, let’s dive into the most valuable lessons we’ve learned during our work journey in Japan – essential insights that I strongly believe everyone should know when seeking employment and renewing visas here.
1. Hire an Administrative Scrivener (Gyousei-shoshi)
Hiring an administrative scrivener is, in my opinion, the single most important investment you can make if you want to live and work in Japan long-term. Japanese visas are complicated — and if your dream job doesn’t have experience sponsoring visas (or supporting paperwork), trying to navigate everything alone is… honestly, close to impossible.
In Japan, this professional is called an administrative scrivener, or gyouseishoshi (行政書士). They’re licensed specialists who are legally authorized to prepare and submit official documents to government offices — including the kinds of paperwork involved in visa applications, renewals, and status changes.
And to be completely frank: Jesse and I would not still be in Japan without ours. They’ve guided us through every confusing step, explained what immigration actually expects, prepared documents correctly, and saved us an incredible amount of stress. When it comes to visas, a good gyouseishoshi isn’t just helpful — they’re your translator, strategist, and peace of mind all in one.
How to Find a Gyousei-shoshi in Japan
Search “行政書士” (gyousei-shoshi) + “ビザ” (Visa) + your region/city to find one that specializes in visas.
2. Don’t rely only on MOFA — read the application forms
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website is technically the official resource for all visas in Japan, I find it to be, well, not very helpful.
Instead, the visa application and renewal forms often contain clearer breakdowns of:
- eligible job categories
- requirements
- examples of qualifying roles
For instance, this MOFA Extension of Period of Stay Form outlines who qualify for which visa and includes a detailed breakdown of the jobs eligible under each visa category. They’ll help you understand what visa actually fits your work (and what won’t).
Take the time to read through the lists. It will only empower you to ask more informed questions when consulting with a scrivener.
3) Use English teaching as a launchpad (even if it’s not your dream)
I know. I know. “Teach English in Japan” is not exactly the exciting suggestion. (Though, spoiler, I loved it.)
But if you are a native English speaker, it’s often the most realistic entry into Japan, and it has incredible strategic advantages:
Teaching roles often provide immediate employment, which makes it far easier to:
- get your first visa
- stay legally employed
- build a stable foundation in Japan
Programs like JET and many eikaiwa (英会話) schools are also experienced visa sponsors, which can make the first visa process far smoother.
Most teaching jobs help sponsor your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — one of the biggest hurdles when moving to Japan.
The COE is essentially immigration “pre-approving” you to live and work in Japan for a specific purpose. Having an employer handle the paperwork is a huge relief (and honestly… it can save you a lot of stress).
This is the part people underestimate.
While teaching, you gain time to:
- settle into daily life in Japan (and learn how everything works)
- improve your Japanese
- network and meet people locally
- build a portfolio, certifications, or skills for a non-teaching job
For us, that “buying time” period was what made the rest possible.
🧑🎓 Beyond the Degree (a quick note)
A university degree is often listed as a requirement for teaching visas — but I’ve personally met people at eikaiwa who were hired with a college diploma (and the right experience). So if you don’t tick every box on paper, don’t assume it’s impossible. Do your research and ask directly. Sometimes, real-world experience or specific circumstances can open unexpected doors.
4. Explore Short-Term or Niche Visas
Long-term work visas are usually the end goal — but don’t overlook Japan’s short-term and specialized visas. Even if they aren’t your forever solution, they can be powerful stepping stones that let you legally enter Japan, build a local presence, and network in real life (which is often where the real opportunities come from).
Short-term / niche visa options to consider:
The Digital Nomad Visa
Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa allows eligible remote workers to live in Japan for up to 6 months (with certain conditions). It requires proof of a high yearly income (often cited around ¥10 million/year).
You can’t work for Japanese employers on this visa — but it can give you valuable time on the ground to:
- explore different regions
- learn the rhythms of daily life in Japan
- network and make connections that could lead to future sponsorship
Cultural Activities Visa
This visa is designed for people studying or training in traditional Japanese cultural fields (examples include martial arts, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and more). You’ll typically need to show enough savings to support yourself, and it comes with strict limitations on paid work.
That said, it can be an amazing way to:
- live in Japan legally while building experience
- meet teachers, mentors, and communities
- create connections that sometimes lead to long-term pathways later
Key things to know (before committing):
Networking is the biggest benefit. Even when you can’t work freely, being physically in Japan gives you access to events, introductions, and opportunities you simply won’t find online.
Income/savings requirements are real. Be prepared to show financial stability.
Work restrictions are strict. Don’t assume you can “just earn a little on the side.” Working outside your visa scope can seriously jeopardize your future in Japan — always confirm what’s permitted before accepting paid work.
5. Always Notify Immigration of Job Changes
Yes, always. Even if it feels minor.
Keeping immigration informed of any changes to your employment status is crucial for maintaining the validity of your visa in Japan. When you end or start a new job, send a notifications through the Immigration Bureau e-Notification System.
If immigration sees inconsistency during renewal, it can cause delays (or worse). Use the Immigration Bureau’s e-notification system and ask a scrivener if you’re unsure.
💡 Want more examples of how others found work in Japan?
We’re definitely not the only ones who’ve transitioned into non-teaching work in Japan. Here are a few great creators sharing realistic non-teaching career paths in Japan:
- Marketing → Tokyo Creative: Watch Seerasan’s journey from Australia into a creative marketing role in Japan.
- Language + education → career: Watch Allison in Japan’s detailed path through grad school before landing work.
- Student → Webdesigner: Read Bene in Fukuoka’s honest, detailed guide on how she became a web designer in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Working in Japan
Here are some of the frequently asked questions that land in my inbox.
Q: Is English proficiency enough to get a job in Japan?
English helps, but it’s usually not enough on its own unless you’re teaching or in a very specific role.
Being a native English speaker can open doors (especially teaching), but long-term work in Japan depends more on your professional skills, experience, and what you can offer beyond English. In our case, skills like SEO/content work and craft experience mattered far more than English alone.
Q: Is teaching English in Japan really the easiest way to get a work visa?
For many people, yes — it’s often the most straightforward first visa.
Teaching isn’t everyone’s dream job (it wasn’t ours either!), but it’s a common path because programs like JET and eikaiwa are experienced visa sponsors. It can be a strategic “launchpad” while you build skills, network, and plan your next move.
Q: Do I need Japanese fluency to work in Japan?
For most traditional Japanese companies, yes — business-level Japanese is often essential.
Jesse and I were lucky to find work where English is a major part of the job, but that’s not the norm. If you want a typical Japanese company role, plan on needing strong Japanese for daily work, meetings, and communication.
Q: How can I make myself more hireable in Japan (outside of teaching)?
Build a portfolio that proves your skills — Japan loves clear evidence.
A strong CV + portfolio (even personal projects) goes a long way, especially if you’re aiming for marketing, design, writing, or creative work. Certifications and degrees can help too, but proof of real skill is what opened doors for me.
Q: Can I get a job in Japan from overseas?
Sometimes — but it’s usually if you’re already in Japan.
Programs like JET recruit internationally, and large global companies may hire from abroad. But for many jobs, employers prefer someone already in Japan because it reduces the burden of COE paperwork, visa steps, and relocation logistics.
Q: What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A COE is a key document that helps you get a Japanese work visa.
Your employer usually applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf, and once it’s approved, you use it to apply for your visa. It’s basically immigration “pre-approving” you for a specific purpose of stay (like work).
Q: Can I work more than one job in Japan?
Yes, but you must stay within your visa category and notify immigration of any changes.
Side jobs are usually allowed if they fit your visa type, but you should notify immigration of job changes (and ask a scrivener if unsure). If work falls outside your visa category, you will need special permission like “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted.”
Q: What documents do I need for visa renewal if I have more than one employer?
You’ll need renewal documents from every employer — not just one.
Immigration typically requires employment contracts or confirmation letters for each job (often with a hanko stamp), so they can verify your full work situation and income sources.
If you work with smaller companies, immigration may ask employers to provide proof of stability such as business registration, tax records, and financial statements, since they assess the viability of your overall employment setup.
Q: Is there a minimum income required to renew a work visa in Japan?
Yes, income matters a lot. Immigration generally wants to see that your monthly income (from all jobs) meets a reasonable living standard, often cited around ¥200,000/month (though this can vary based on your region and individual situation).
Can I make money from YouTube on a Japan work visa?
It depends on your visa, and it can be restricted.
This was a big turning point for me: monetizing YouTube was not allowed under my previous visa setup, which is why I switched to a Business Manager visa. If you plan to earn online income in Japan, I highly recommend getting professional visa advice first.
Can I get a visa for a craft job in Japan?
Yes, but craft visas usually require a sponsor and strong proof of skill/experience.
In many cases, you’ll need an employer to sponsor you and demonstrate why you are needed for the role. In Jesse’s case, his past professional blacksmithing experience plus the need for English-led classes helped justify his position.
Key Takeaways From Our Work + Visa Journey
We don’t have a perfect blueprint (every situation is different), but these are the biggest lessons we learned on our path from teaching → rural non-traditional work:
1) Start with a strategic entry role
Teaching English (like JET or an eikaiwa) isn’t everyone’s dream, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to:
- secure your first visa
- get a sponsor for your COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
- buy time to improve Japanese, network, and build new skills
2) Don’t ignore stepping-stone visas
Visas like the Digital Nomad Visa or a Cultural Activities Visa can help you get into Japan legally and build connections — but they come with strict savings/income requirements and work limitations.
3) Visa expertise is not optional (in my opinion)
If you can afford it, hire an administrative scrivener (gyouseishoshi / 行政書士). It’s the single best investment we made in staying in Japan long-term — especially when your work doesn’t fit neatly into a standard “company employee” box.
4) The application forms are your secret weapon
MOFA websites are official, but often vague. The visa renewal and change-of-status forms frequently include the most detailed (and realistic) breakdown of eligible job categories and requirements.
5) Always notify immigration of job changes
Even if it feels minor: notify immigration when changing jobs, adding work, or shifting roles. It’s one of those unglamorous steps that can make your renewal process far smoother.
6) English helps — but it isn’t enough
English might open the door, but long-term stability comes from:
- professional experience
- specialized skills
- adaptability
- being able to show proof (portfolio, references, credentials)
7) Business Japanese matters (for most careers)
If your goal is to work for a traditional Japanese company (not just international departments), business-level Japanese is often non-negotiable.
8) Be patient (and expect the scenic route)
Most career paths in Japan aren’t instant. Ours certainly wasn’t. But if you’re consistent — building skills, showing up, meeting people, and staying flexible — the odds of finding your own path go up dramatically.
At the end of the day, Jesse and I feel incredibly lucky to have built our lives not just in Japan, but here in the Japanese countryside. The truth is, opportunities in the inaka can feel more limited than in the cities — which means job hunting often requires a bit more creativity.
In rural Japan, it helps to stay flexible: lean on community connections, develop niche skills, or build remote work that isn’t tied to one location. That’s what worked for us — from my path into remote content work and YouTube, to Jesse’s blacksmithing career supported by English-led workshops.
If you’re dreaming of making Japan your home (especially beyond the urban centers), know that your path will be uniquely your own. I can’t offer a perfect blueprint, but I hope our story has shown that with strategic planning, patience, and the right support, a fulfilling life in Japan is absolutely possible.
Wishing you the very best of luck — you’ve got this.
What are your biggest concerns about working in Japan outside of teaching? Have you found unique ways to build your skills for the Japanese market? Let me know in the comments below!
Hi Mika! I just wanted to say thank you for all the helpful info you shared. I’ve been dreaming of moving to Japan for years, and even thought about studying Japanese there on a student visa. But after lots of research, it seems like getting a visa might be really hard for me even a student visa, because of my age. I was wondering if you could help me out by answering a couple of questions?
At what age did you decide to relocate to Japan as teachers?
I was wondering if you could help me with some advice, based on your experience? I’m in my mid-40s and have been working as a UX Designer for some time, but I don’t have a Bachelor’s degree, and English isn’t my first language. I do have a Higher Education Diploma in Graphic Design, and I’ve been working as a graphic designer for over 10 years in both offline and online advertising agencies. In 2015, I moved to digital design and began working as a UI Designer. After completing the online UX Academy of Designlab and getting certified, I moved into a Product/UX Designer role. For the past couple of years, I’ve been working remotely for a European startup. I’ve applied for jobs with Japanese companies before and after COVID, but they always seem to prefer someone located in Japan. Although I hold a Higher Certification in English from Cambridge University, I would be willing to go back to school to get English teaching certification if it helps. Pursuing a BA in something related to my profession would take a lot of time. I recently started studying Japanese, but I’m still a beginner. My dream is to move to Japan, work there, take ceramics classes, and eventually relocate to a small village where I can buy an old Japanese house and start my own ceramics studio.
I appreciate you taking the time to read through my lengthy comment! 🙏
Hi Helen, thank you for your comment!
We were in our thirties when we moved to Japan as teachers.
I’m sure you’ve done all your research on student visas for universities and Japanese language schools. However, I’d still suggest reaching out to an immigration lawyer to confirm what you’ve researched to make sure it’s not an option or in case there’s an option you missed.
As for your UX / UI designer, I don’t know enough about the job market for those positions in Japan to be able to provide any comprehensive ideas on how you can proceed. Assuming that your UX/UI experiences are similar to my experience as a designer, I have a few thoughts: First, even with several years of experience as a designer, those skills were not transferable in Japan for many reasons — I was skilled in Western design aesthetics, not Japanese, and I was not a fluent Japanese speaker.
Since you’re applying to Japanese companies, it would necessitate that you have both business Japanese proficiency to be able to work in a Japanese office and a strong understanding of Japanese design aesthetics to be able to stand alongside other applicants who have similar qualifications. Even if you have those qualifications, if you don’t live in Japan, a company will be more compelled to hire someone already living in Japan over someone living abroad. If you’re coming from an outside country, your company would have to apply for your COE before you get your visa, process your visa application, and get you set up in Japan (apartment, bank, etc.), so unless there is a good reason to hire you (such as you’re a world-famous UX/UI designer), they’ll likely turn to someone living in Japan, even if they have less experience or qualification than you.
You could apply to international companies based in Japan, though I think you would still be at a disadvantage if you’re not set up in Japan.
I’m sure you’ve already read this article, but just in case, this article talks specifically about finding work as a UX/UI designer in Japan, which sums up what I’ve said above.
Bene in Fukuoka also has great insight into this (link in the article above). Essentially, she had to learn Japanese design aesthetics and have business-level Japanese to compete with other applicants who also had native Japanese speaking skills, understood Japanese design, and already lived in Japan.
Since these suggestions are based on my assumptions, I cannot guarantee that they are 100% correct. You may want to consider attending a tech networking event by researching any relevant tech fields and seeing if there are any you can visit, even if you are on a tourist visa (just be sure not to engage in work in Japan while you are on it).
You mention ceramics. If you have a strong portfolio, you could potentially visit different ceramic workshops in Japan to build relationships with other ceramicists. You could go down the cultural visa route, which allows you to study a Japanese craft. You won’t be allowed to earn an income making ceramics during this time (though you can get permission to do other work if you get permission from immigration), you need to prove that you have the savings to support your length of stay and get a ceramists (company) to sponsor you. Cultural visas aren’t really a long-term solution, and certainly not an easy route, but I thought I’d put it out there.
Finally, please note that I am not qualified to provide legal advice. Please don’t interpret any of my responses as such. What I do hope for however, is that these suggestions help you with questions you may wish to pose to your immigration attorney, which I highly recommend you do.
Good luck!
Hey, Mika! I just wanted to say a huge thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and providing me with such valuable information and tips. Your reply was so detailed and your insights have been incredibly helpful. You’re doing an amazing job, keep it up!
ありがとう ございました
Hi Mika!
just stumbled upon on your youtube video and i wanna say thank you for sharing these info!
i watched your video about your jobs and visa. what interest me most is your partner job. i wonder if i could ask some questions regarding his work?
i’ve been searching about crafts jobs (specifically leathercraft) in japan, and i found tons of them, but im not sure if they are willing to sponsor visa since it is not a “formal” job that typically would sponsor a visa.. and not mentioned anything about visa sponsorship and foreigner in the job description.
may i know more about his story on acquiring visa to work as blacksmith? is it difficult to obtain a sponsorship in this type of work?
thank you very much for your time!
Hey Bhaskara, thanks for commenting! Your question is a bit tricky to answer in a straightforward way, but I’ll break it down for you. Basically, if you want to apply for a visa to work in a Japanese craft, it’s not that simple. You have to show that you have a unique skill that isn’t easily found among Japanese folks.
Jesse’s English skills have become essential for him because the workshop where he works offers English courses to visitors. He wears multiple hats as a “translator” and a blacksmith in the workshop. His previous experience as a blacksmith plays an important role as well, as he needs to convince immigration authorities not only of his English proficiency but also of his expertise in blacksmithing.
If you’re a foreigner with unique skills like fluency in English or another relevant language, or if you have specialized expertise, it’s worth exploring craft jobs that value those abilities. Don’t forget to visually demonstrate your crafting skills to immigration authorities — it’s important to provide concrete facts and evidence rather than relying on hearsay.
Getting a job like this isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Take Jesse for example, who spent 7+ years honing and building his blacksmithing portfolio before coming to Japan, spent 4 years living and working as an English teacher before finding this opportunity, and saved for a non-paid apprenticeship during a one-year cultural visa before transitioning to a work visa.
I’ve added your question above. Hope it bit of info helps, and good luck!
Would Jesse ever take an apprentice blacksmith? 😅
Ha ha! Probably not while he is still an apprentice himself. 😅 Very flattered though. 😊
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