Thinking about working for a Japanese company? if you speak Japanese and live in the UK, you might be wondering what to expect: language use, work culture, or even chances to work in Japan.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear, that can help you feel more informed and confident in your next step.
1. What level of Japanese is required to find a job?
For roles that require Japanese language skills, employers often look for candidates with Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 or N2 certification. This is especially true for positions involving direct communication with clients or teams in Japan.
That said, even if your Japanese is at a conversational level, it can still be a strong asset especially if you demonstrate a genuine interest in Japanese culture. In fact, showing enthusiasm for Asian cultures more broadly can also be advantageous, as many companies value cultural adaptability and regional awareness.
Additionally, being proficient in an additional language such as Mandarin, Korean, or a European language can further boost your employability, particularly in multinational firms or roles involving cross-border communication.
If you have experience as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) or CIR (Coordinator for International Relations) through the JET Programme, your background may be especially appealing to employers. These roles often involve cross-cultural communication, public speaking, and bilingual coordination skills that are highly transferable to international business environments.
2. How much Japanese is used in the workplace?
This depends on the company and position. Even within Japanese companies, some use English as the official internal language, while others operate entirely in Japanese.
Despite operating primarily in English, you can still find opportunities to use Japanese in casual conversations with colleagues from Japan.
Even for those who are not fluent, demonstrating a willingness to speak or learn Japanese is often met with positive responses and encouragement.
Moreover, some companies offer support for Japanese language lessons as part of their employee benefits. These initiatives ensure that, regardless of the primary working language, there are meaningful chances to improve your Japanese proficiency.
3. Are there opportunities to work in Japan?
It depends on the company, role, and level. In some cases, there may be opportunities to travel to Japan for training or business trips. Certain positions may even offer expatriate assignments.
4. Are there job openings based in Japan?
Since JAC Recruitment UK primarily focuses on local hires within the UK and Europe, we typically do not handle roles based in Japan. If you're seeking job opportunities in Japan, we recommend reaching out to JAC International, which specialises in supporting multilingual professionals in the Japanese job market. Their consultants are fluent in multiple languages, so you can comfortably communicate with them in English.
5. Is the reporting line to Japan? Is the manager Japanese?
This varies by company and department. While some roles report to headquarters in Japan or have a manager based there, in most cases, the reporting structure is handled locally or within Europe.
6. Is the company culture more Japanese or localised?It varies. Practices often associated with Japanese work culture such as long working hours or unpaid overtime are very rare. However, for roles requiring Japanese, expectations may align more closely with Japanese business standards, including formal etiquette and communication. |  |
7. Will the interview be in Japanese or English?
It depends on the company and the position. For Japanese-speaking roles, part of the interview may be conducted in Japanese.
Even if you lack confidence in your Japanese skills, your willingness to communicate in Japanese is likely to be viewed positively. Rather than striving for perfection, maintaining a calm and composed tone is key to making a good impression.
We support professionals with interview practice when necessary or requested, especially prior to interviews with client companies. If you are applying a position that involves a Japanese-language interview, don’t hesitate to ask your consultant for practice opportunities.
8. Do you handle jobs that do not require Japanese?
Yes. While it depends on the industry and role, we also handle positions that do not require Japanese.
For example, some IT roles or those requiring local legal and regulatory knowledge may not demand Japanese language skills.
9. How many Japanese speaking employees are in the office?
This differs by company. Some offices have a majority of Japanese employees, while others may have none.