Why More Foreigners in Japan Should Work for Japanese Companies

Six reasons why you should consider working for one

You might be doing quite a bit of social drinking in a Japanese company-will that deter you? Photo by Yutacar on Unsplash

If you live in Japan or want to live in Japan, should you work at a Japanese company?

It’s thought that Japanese companies suffer from various problems. Low productivity, long hours, low-tech (fax machines continue to be a meme), and low pay are just some of the issues that are said to plague Japanese companies.

And so, for many foreigners living in Japan, the argument goes that one might be better off working in a foreign company.

But is the stereotype true? What are the benefits of working for a Japanese company? Is there any merit to choosing to work for a Japanese company versus a foreign company?

Credentials are less important than on-the-job training and a can-do attitude

Companies in the West increasingly require lengthy resumes detailing an extensive list of completed internships and an educational degree somewhat related to what the job you’re applying for.

In contrast to that, Japanese companies are (usually) much more lenient about this — especially if you are a fresh graduate.