My experience finding a job in Japan as a foreigner

• Networking. I joined a French Chamber of Commerce event and a language exchange in Shibuya. A woman I met at the exchange worked in HR at a language school group and told me about an opening before it was posted.
• A Japanese CV (rirekisho). I had been sending a European-style CV. A friend helped me prepare a proper rirekisho with a formal photo and a shokumu keirekisho (work history). My reply rate improved immediately.
• Being clear about the visa. In interviews I explained that I needed sponsorship for an Instructor or Specialist in Humanities visa, and that the process was straightforward for them. Small companies sometimes worry it is complicated.

I got an offer as a French and English instructor at a language school: 270,000 yen a month, social insurance, and visa sponsorship. My status changed from Working Holiday to Specialist in Humanities without leaving Japan, although I understand this is not possible for every nationality.

The job itself

The work was rewarding. I taught adults in the evening and children on Saturdays. The downsides were the hours (1pm to 9:30pm and Saturdays), few paid holidays in the first year (10 days, as legally required), and a salary that is fine for a single person in Tokyo but hard to save on.

Things I wish I had known

• Start Japanese early and get to N2 if you want an office job. It opens a completely different job market.
• Hiring in Japan often follows the fiscal year. Many positions start in April or October, and recruiting happens months before.
• Foreigner-focused recruitment agencies are useful for bilingual roles, but they mostly want experience in sales, IT or finance.
• Your savings will go faster than you think. Bring at least three months of expenses plus a buffer.

Would I do it again?

Yes. My two years in Tokyo were some of the best of my life, and the job search taught me a lot of humility. But I would come with better Japanese and a clearer plan. After two years I moved to Busan for a teaching job with better hours, which is another story.