🇯🇵 How to Become an English Teacher in Japan

Understanding the Market, Job Types, Qualifications, and Salary Reality

Chapter 1: Why Japan Needs English Teachers

Japan has long been known for its strong education system, but when it comes to English proficiency, it consistently ranks lower compared to many other developed countries. Despite decades of compulsory English education, conversational fluency among students remains limited.
This gap has created a steady and ongoing demand for foreign English teachers—not just native speakers, but also competent second-language speakers with a clear accent and strong teaching skills.

1.1 English Education Reform

The Japanese government has been investing heavily in English education reform, especially since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

• English is now introduced in elementary schools from Grade 3.
• Oral communication and “active learning” have become national priorities.
• MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) has encouraged schools to hire Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and native-level instructors to improve authentic communication skills.

1.2 Demographic Shifts and Globalization

Japan’s population is declining and aging rapidly, leading to labor shortages across many sectors. To remain globally competitive, the country is trying to open more doors for foreign professionals. Education, particularly English instruction, plays a central role in this globalization effort.

1.3 Increasing Demand in Rural Areas

While Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have always attracted English teachers, local governments in rural areas now actively recruit foreign educators.
They often offer housing subsidies, travel reimbursement, and cultural immersion programs to encourage teachers to move outside major cities.

Chapter 2: Main Types of English Teaching Jobs in Japan

Japan’s English teaching industry is diverse. Each type of job offers different work conditions, expectations, and career paths. Understanding these distinctions is essential before applying.

2.1 ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)

• Workplace: Public elementary, junior high, or high schools
• Main Role: Assist Japanese teachers of English (JTEs) in classes
• Schedule: Usually 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
• Salary: ¥220,000–¥280,000/month
• Vacation: Long summer/winter breaks (unpaid in some dispatch companies)

Pros: Stable schedule, government holidays, cultural exchange opportunities.
Cons: Lower salary, limited autonomy, sometimes repetitive tasks.

Major Employers:
JET Programme, Interac, Borderlink, Altia Central, Heart Corporation.

2.2 Eikaiwa (English Conversation Schools)

• Workplace: Private language schools, often open evenings and weekends
• Students: Children, adults, business professionals
• Salary: ¥250,000–¥300,000/month average
• Schedule: 5 days/week, shift-based, often 1 p.m.–9 p.m.

Pros: Interactive environment, chance to meet many students, structured curriculum.
Cons: Sales pressure, weekend work, limited long holidays.

Major Chains: AEON, ECC, Berlitz, NOVA, Shane English School.

2.3 International Schools

• Workplace: Private K–12 schools following foreign curricula
• Requirements: Teaching license (from home country) + degree
• Salary: ¥350,000–¥600,000/month
• Vacation: 8–10 weeks per year (paid)

Pros: High salary, professional environment, English-speaking workplace.
Cons: High competition, stricter hiring standards, fewer openings.

2.4 Private Tutoring & Online Teaching

• Workstyle: Freelance or platform-based
• Rate: ¥2,000–¥5,000/hour in person; ¥1,200–¥3,000/hour online
• Platforms: Cafetalk, italki, Preply, HelloSensei

Pros: Full flexibility, work-from-home options, direct contact with students.
Cons: No visa sponsorship, income instability, self-promotion required.

2.5 University and Corporate Training

• University Lecturers: Require MA or extensive experience. Pay: ¥300,000–¥600,000/month (often part-time).
• Corporate Trainers: Teach business English or presentation skills to professionals.

Pros: Mature students, professional teaching environment, higher pay.
Cons: Irregular hours, competitive recruitment, administrative work.

Chapter 3: Qualifications and Requirements

Japan’s hiring standards for English teachers are well-established, but they vary depending on the position and employer.

3.1 Educational Background

Most employers—especially those offering visa sponsorship—require a bachelor’s degree in any field. This is a legal requirement for the Instructor or Humanities visa categories.

3.2 TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certification

While not legally required, these certifications improve your employability, especially at Eikaiwa or international schools.

• TEFL/TESOL (100+ hours): Widely accepted.
• CELTA: Highly valued by employers seeking professional teachers.

Many dispatch and Eikaiwa companies now prefer applicants with at least a TEFL certificate, particularly those with online teaching experience.

3.3 Japanese Language Skills

Fluency in Japanese is not mandatory, but it’s helpful.

• Basic greetings and classroom phrases improve rapport with students.
• For ALTs, understanding school announcements or staff conversations makes daily life smoother.
• JLPT N3–N2 is often enough for comfortable living and communication.

3.4 Criminal Background Check

Applicants must submit a background check to obtain a work visa. Any serious offense can disqualify you. Minor issues (like traffic fines) generally do not.

3.5 Personality Traits That Help

• Flexibility and patience
• Respect for hierarchy (senpai–kohai system)
• Willingness to adapt to Japanese work culture
• Enthusiasm for teaching and cultural exchange

Chapter 4: Salary and Cost of Living in Japan

Your income as an English teacher varies widely depending on location, experience, and job type.

4.1 Salary Ranges (Monthly)

4.2 Cost of Living (Monthly Averages)

Most teachers can save around ¥30,000–¥80,000/month if they live modestly and avoid major nightlife expenses.

4.3 Housing Options

• Company-provided apartment: Common for Eikaiwa/dispatch. Often small but convenient.
• Private rental: Requires guarantor and upfront costs (key money, deposit).
• Share houses: Affordable and social; great for newcomers.

Chapter 5: How to Find English Teaching Jobs

Finding a job in Japan is easier than ever, but competition for desirable locations (like Tokyo or Kyoto) remains high.

5.1 Online Job Boards

• GaijinPot Jobs – Most popular English-friendly job site.
• Ohayo Sensei – Classic email newsletter for teaching jobs.
• Dave’s ESL Cafe – Longstanding international listing.
• Jobs in Japan – Includes ALT and Eikaiwa positions.

5.2 ALT Dispatch Companies

If you don’t qualify for the JET Programme, private dispatch firms are a great alternative.
Top companies include:

• Interac
• Borderlink
• Altia Central
• Heart Corporation
  They handle visa sponsorship, placement, and sometimes housing—but salaries can be lower than JET.

5.3 Major Eikaiwa Chains

These schools hire year-round and often interview overseas.

• AEON – Structured training, clean facilities.
• ECC – Long-established, supportive environment.
• Berlitz Japan – Business-focused clients.
• Shane English School – British-style instruction.
• NOVA – Flexible but demanding schedule.

5.4 Direct Hire Opportunities

Some public schools and private institutions recruit teachers directly, often through local boards of education or personal referrals.
Direct-hire jobs pay better and offer full benefits—but usually require teaching experience or Japanese ability.

5.5 Networking and Job Fairs

Attending JET alumni events, TESOL Japan conferences, or GaijinPot Job Fairs can open doors. Personal connections matter a lot in Japan’s hiring culture.

Conclusion of Part 1

Teaching English in Japan can be a rewarding career path that combines stable income, cultural exploration, and personal growth. However, it’s not as simple as “just moving to Japan.”
To succeed, you must understand the system—visa requirements, job types, and living costs—and prepare accordingly.

In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into:

• The application and interview process,
• Daily life as an English teacher,
• Visa renewals, taxes, and insurance,
• Career growth, and
• Cultural adjustment tips for long-term success.

Working Life, Career Growth, and Long-Term Living for Foreign Teachers

Chapter 6: The Hiring Process Explained

Finding an English teaching job in Japan is not only about sending your resume — it’s about understanding Japanese hiring culture and showing respect for formality, punctuality, and teamwork.

6.1 Application Documents

• Resume (CV): Keep it clean, one to two pages. Include a professional photo — yes, photos are standard in Japan.
• Cover Letter: Mention why you’re interested in Japan specifically. Show enthusiasm for education and cross-cultural exchange.
• References: Two professional references (ideally from education-related work).
• Degree Proof & Certificates: Scan of diploma and any TEFL/TESOL credentials.

6.2 The Interview Process

Most schools conduct one to two interviews, either online or in person.
Be prepared for:

• Questions about your teaching philosophy.
• Why you want to live in Japan.
• How you would handle shy or unmotivated students.
• A short demo lesson (5–10 minutes) showing your interaction skills.

Pro Tip: Japanese employers value politeness and reliability more than flashy charisma. A humble, friendly tone wins more hearts than confidence alone.

6.3 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being late (even one minute is seen as disrespectful).
• Overly casual language or attire.
• Focusing on travel and anime instead of teaching.
• Failing to research the company.

Chapter 7: Life as an English Teacher in Japan

Every English teaching position offers a distinct rhythm of life. Below are typical examples of daily routines.

7.1 ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) – Daily Routine Example

8:15 a.m. – Morning meeting with Japanese teachers
8:45–12:00 – Teach 3–4 English classes with the JTE
12:00–12:45 – Eat lunch with students (often in classroom)
1:00–3:30 – Lesson prep, cleaning time, club activities
4:00 – Leave school

ALTs enjoy close contact with Japanese staff and students but have limited control over lesson planning.

7.2 Eikaiwa Instructor – Evening-Oriented Lifestyle

12:00 p.m. – Arrive at school, prepare materials
1:00–9:00 p.m. – Teach 6–8 lessons, mostly conversation-based
9:30 p.m. – Head home or socialize with colleagues

Schedules are busier but flexible; Eikaiwa teachers often bond with students of all ages, from kids to retirees.

7.3 International School Teacher

A more Western-style environment with licensed educators, smaller class sizes, and higher expectations.
Teachers participate in staff meetings, parent conferences, and extracurricular events — similar to schools abroad.

7.4 Workplace Culture

Japan’s professional culture values respect, punctuality, and teamwork.

• Always greet coworkers with “Ohayou gozaimasu” (Good morning).
• Participate in school activities, even if optional.
• Avoid confrontation; express concerns politely.
• Teachers often stay late out of courtesy, even when work is done.

Chapter 8: Visa Renewal, Taxes, and Legal Responsibilities

Understanding your legal obligations helps avoid trouble and ensures long-term stability.

8.1 Visa Renewal

Most work visas are valid for 1 or 3 years.
To renew:

• Submit your employment contract, tax payment record, and residence card.
• Apply 2–3 months before expiration at the local Immigration Bureau.
  If you change employers, you must file a Notification of Change of Employer within 14 days.

8.2 Taxes

1. Income Tax (所得税) – Automatically deducted from salary.
2. Resident Tax (住民税) – Paid to your city office from the second year onward.
3. National Pension (年金) – Mandatory for all residents; partial refunds available when leaving Japan permanently.

Most employers assist with paperwork, but freelancers must file taxes independently in March each year.

8.3 Health Insurance

Japan has two main systems:

• Shakai Hoken (Social Insurance): For full-time employees; includes health, pension, and unemployment coverage.
• Kokumin Kenko Hoken (National Health Insurance): For part-timers or freelancers.

Typically, you’ll pay about 10–15% of your income toward health insurance and pension combined.

8.4 Changing Jobs Legally

If you switch employers, ensure:

• The new job aligns with your current visa category.
• You report the change to Immigration.
• Your previous company’s tax records are properly closed.

Failure to update information can lead to visa issues or delays in renewal.

Chapter 9: Career Growth and Long-Term Opportunities

Many English teachers start in entry-level roles but later transition to more specialized positions or even other industries.

9.1 Moving Up Within Teaching

• Head Teacher or Trainer: Oversee curriculum and new teacher training.
• Academic Coordinator: Manage lesson plans and quality control.
• School Manager: Combine education and administration.

9.2 Transitioning to Higher Education

• University Lecturer: Requires MA in TESOL or Applied Linguistics.
• Adjunct Professor: Part-time, teaching specialized English courses.
  Universities offer stability, professional prestige, and longer vacations — but hiring is competitive.

9.3 Corporate English Training

For professionals who enjoy business communication, corporate English is lucrative.
You might teach:

• Presentation skills
• Email writing and negotiation
• Cross-cultural communication

Rates range from ¥4,000–¥7,000 per hour, often on a contract basis.

9.4 Building an Independent Career

Some teachers start their own online schools, YouTube channels, or private tutoring services.
Digital platforms like Cafetalk, YouTube, and X (Twitter) can help you attract students worldwide.
Entrepreneurial teachers often transition from “teaching English” to running personal brands.

Chapter 10: Living in Japan as a Foreigner

Japan offers safety, efficiency, and unique culture — but it can also be isolating if you don’t prepare mentally.

10.1 Cultural Adjustment

The “honeymoon phase” of excitement often gives way to frustration with bureaucracy, indirect communication, or rigid rules.
Adapting means learning patience and empathy toward differences.

10.2 Learning Japanese

Even basic Japanese changes everything:

• Easier friendships with locals
• Access to better housing and part-time jobs
• Improved trust from coworkers

Apps like Anki, HelloTalk, and BunPro make self-study efficient.

10.3 Social Life and Community

Join:

• Local international meetups (e.g., Meetup.com)
• Volunteer programs or sports clubs
• Online groups for teachers (e.g., ALT Facebook communities)

Making Japanese friends takes time, but consistency and openness go far.

10.4 Dating and Relationships

Cultural norms around relationships can be quite different.
While cross-cultural relationships are common, open communication is vital — avoid stereotypes or unrealistic expectations.

10.5 Travel and Exploration

Teachers enjoy generous holidays, perfect for exploring Japan’s diversity — from Okinawa’s beaches to Hokkaido’s mountains.
Affordable options like the Japan Rail Pass make travel easier.

Chapter 11: Pros & Cons — Is Teaching in Japan Worth It?

11.1 Pros

✅ Stable employment opportunities
✅ Safe, clean, and convenient environment
✅ Rich cultural immersion
✅ Supportive students and communities
✅ Potential for personal and professional growth

11.2 Cons

❌ Limited salary growth compared to Western standards
❌ Rigid workplace hierarchy
❌ Possible isolation from Japanese coworkers
❌ Long hours and unpaid prep time
❌ Difficult to transition into non-teaching careers without Japanese fluency

11.3 Real Voices

“Japan changed my life — I came for one year and stayed for ten.”
— Sarah, UK, ALT in Niigata

“Eikaiwa work is intense, but I learned more about communication than any course could teach.”
— Daniel, USA, ECC Instructor

“It’s not easy, but if you love teaching, Japan offers stability and adventure together.”
— Michelle, Canada, International School Teacher

Chapter 12: Tips for Success in 2025 and Beyond

The English teaching landscape is evolving rapidly. To thrive, teachers must adapt to technology and cultural trends.

12.1 Embrace EdTech

AI-assisted learning tools, digital classrooms, and hybrid teaching will dominate future education.
Understanding tools like Google Classroom, Zoom, ChatGPT, and Kahoot adds value to your career.

12.2 Build a Digital Presence

A personal website, teaching blog, or YouTube channel can help you:

• Showcase your expertise
• Attract freelance students
• Collaborate with other educators

12.3 Lifelong Learning

Japan respects teachers who continuously improve.
Pursue certifications, attend TESOL conferences, or even learn Japanese pedagogy to stand out.

12.4 The Future of Teaching in Japan

As Japan opens to global talent, English teaching will expand beyond language into global skills education — critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural competence.

Final Words

Teaching English in Japan isn’t just a job — it’s a cultural journey, a chance to inspire, and a way to grow personally and professionally.

Whether you’re here for a year or a decade, remember this:

Your classroom may be small, but the impact you make can be global.