In this series, we’ll explore the knowledge and information you’ll need when you actually start working in Japan.
Living in a foreign country involves more than just overcoming language barriers—systems, laws and regulations also come into play. Understanding the local culture and business etiquette will make everyday life much smoother.
First, we’ll focus on employment. In Japan, the type of work you can do, the hours you may work and the period you may stay all depend on the residence status (visa) you hold. So the very first step is to confirm and fully understand your own visa category.
With that in mind, we’ve created a table listing the key points you should know—and the items you should check—before deciding on a workplace.
Take a look at this checklist first.
| No. | Heading | Description | ✔︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good Working Environment | Is the workplace atmosphere positive with active communication among staff, creating an environment where trainees can easily seek advice? | □ |
| 2 | Fair Salary & Benefits | Are wages appropriate compared with other companies/regions, is overtime paid accurately, and are benefits comprehensive? | □ |
| 3 | Convenience of the Area | Is the living environment well-equipped with good access to supermarkets, medical facilities, and transportation, and are there community events with local residents? | □ |
| 4 | Clear Company Information | Are job details and working conditions transparent, and are workplace rules and safety measures explained in detail beforehand? | □ |
| 5 | Reliability of Supervising Organization | Does the supervising organization function properly and provide support to protect trainees’ rights? | □ |
| 6 | Availability of Japanese Language Education | Is there support for learning Japanese so trainees can overcome language barriers more easily? | □ |
| 7 | Freedom to Change Jobs | Is it possible to change jobs, and are the conditions for doing so clearly stated? | □ |
| 8 | Reduction of Financial Burden | Are travel expenses and living costs subsidized to lessen trainees’ financial burden? | □ |
| 9 | Company Philosophy & Culture | Does the company’s philosophy and culture align with your own values? | □ |
| 10 | Post-Resignation Support | Is there support or assistance for re-employment after leaving the company? | □ |
Many technical intern trainees working in Japan often face common problems such as harsh working conditions, low wages, and poor living environments.
Some people report that they don’t receive proper overtime pay, or that it is hard to take time off even when they are sick.
In Japan, workers are protected by a law called the Labor Standards Act, which sets rules about working conditions. These are basic rights that all workers have.
Also, if you are injured or have an accident while working, you may be able to get support from Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance.
It is important to know what will happen in such situations.
You should ask:
“What happens to me if I get injured?”
“What does the law say about this?”
This time, instead of going into detail, we will introduce some simple checklist items.
Please review the checklist first to understand the overall picture.
| No. | Heading | Description | ✔︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comfortable Work Environment | Is the workplace comfortable and easy to talk with coworkers? Can you get support from your boss or seniors? It’s also important to know if you can take a break when feeling sick. | □ |
| 2 | Fair Salary and Benefits | Is your salary fair compared to other companies? Do you get paid properly for overtime work? Good benefits like insurance and housing support make life easier. | □ |
| 3 | Convenient Living Area | Are there supermarkets, hospitals, and transport near your home? Check if you can live easily without a car. Events with local people can also help you feel less lonely. | □ |
| 4 | Clear Company Information | Does the company clearly explain the job and workplace rules? Photos or videos of the workplace can help you understand the working environment better. | □ |
| 5 | Reliable Supervising Organization | Is there a good organization that protects your rights and supports you? A reliable group helps you feel safe. | □ |
| 6 | Japanese Language Support | Is there help to learn Japanese? With support, it’s easier to work and live in Japan. | □ |
| 7 | Freedom to Change Jobs | Can you move to another company if needed? It’s good to know the conditions for changing jobs. (This depends on your visa.) | □ |
| 8 | Less Financial Burden | Does the company help with travel or living costs? Less money stress makes life more stable. | □ |
| 9 | Company Values and Culture | Do the company’s ideas and culture match your values? It’s more fun to work at a place that fits you. | □ |
| 10 | Support After Leaving | Will the company help you find a new job after you leave? Post-job support helps you feel secure about the future. | □ |
In this part, we looked at a basic checklist for working environments.
Next time, we will go a bit deeper.
We will talk about the important points in the Labor Standards Act—the law that protects workers in Japan—and what you should know as a worker.
the Writer
Megumi Ikeura, R.Ph. — Community Pharmacist & Multicultural-Care Specialist
Staff pharmacist, Welpark Higashi-Urawa Pharmacy (Saitama, Japan)
Board Director
Saitama City Pharmacists Association (also Experiential Training Committee member)
Saitama Prefectural Pharmacists Association
School Pharmacist and Prefectural Disaster-Relief Pharmacist / Disaster Pharmacy Leader
Secretariat, CCCIPS (Committee for Cultural Competency Improvement for Pharmacy Services)
Japanese Red Cross First-Aid Instructor and Locomo Coordinator*
15+ years advising foreign residents in Japan on healthcare and daily-life issues; contributor to Chozai to Joho magazine on foreign-patient support
*Locomo = local mobility & fall-prevention program