How Much Do Foreigners In Japan Make?

Summary

In this insightful video, various foreigners share their experiences working in Japan, discussing monthly earnings, cost of living, and cultural adjustments. They reveal the impact of a weak yen on their lives and offer advice for aspiring expats, emphasizing the importance of learning Japanese and adapting to local customs. The diverse range of professions from tech to marketing highlights the opportunities available in Japan's job market, while personal anecdotes provide a glimpse into the realities of working abroad.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The interviewees are from various countries and work in diverse sectors in Japan, including tech, gaming, marketing, and town revitalization.
• 💰 Monthly salaries in Japan vary significantly among the interviewees, ranging from 150,000 Yen for an office assistant to 300,000 Yen for a marketing manager.
• 🏠 Rent costs also differ greatly, with some paying as low as 10,000 Yen in rural areas to over 300,000 Yen for a 2LDK in Tokyo.
• 📈 The value of the Japanese Yen has weakened, impacting the cost of living and the ability to travel or send money home for foreign workers.
• 🔍 Finding a job in Japan often involves using platforms like Stack Overflow, consulting companies, or government programs for town revitalization.
• 📚 Learning Japanese, especially business Japanese, is crucial for job opportunities and adapting to the work culture in Japan.
• 🤝 The Japanese work culture is described as hierarchical and punctual, with expectations to arrive early and not leave before one's superior.
• 💼 High-paying jobs for foreigners in Japan are often found in tech, IT, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors, with software engineering being a particularly lucrative field.
• 🌐 Remote work and freelance opportunities exist, allowing for diverse income streams and the potential to work in USD or other currencies.
• 🤔 Interviewees express a range of plans for the future in Japan, from indefinite stays to considering leaving due to salary concerns or the weak Yen.
• 👍 Many interviewees appreciate the quality of life in Japan, citing the healthcare system, cleanliness, and polite society as positive aspects.

Q & A

What is the general sentiment regarding salary and living costs in Tokyo among the interviewees?

The interviewees express a range of experiences regarding salaries and living costs in Tokyo. Some mention making a comfortable income with rent and utilities covered, while others discuss the challenges of living on lower salaries, especially when starting out in their careers in Japan.

How do the interviewees find jobs in Japan?

The interviewees found jobs in Japan through various means, including consulting companies, government programs, job websites like Stack Overflow and Wantedly, and personal connections. Some also started their own businesses or found freelance work.

What is the impact of the weak Japanese Yen on the interviewees' lives?

The weak Japanese Yen affects the interviewees in different ways. Some find it expensive to travel outside Japan, while others prefer to stay in Japan due to the lower cost of living. The weak Yen also influences their desire to find jobs that pay in USD or other stronger currencies.

What advice do the interviewees give for salary negotiation in Japan?

The interviewees suggest learning about salary negotiation as a crucial skill. They mention that companies often base new offers on current salaries, but with negotiation, one can potentially achieve a significant increase in pay.

What is the importance of learning Japanese for working in Japan according to the interviewees?

The interviewees emphasize the importance of learning Japanese, especially business Japanese, for job opportunities and cultural integration. Some recommend finding a private teacher with experience in the Japanese business environment.

How do the interviewees describe the work culture in Japan?

The work culture in Japan is described as hierarchical and time-conscious, with expectations of punctuality and respect for superiors. Some mention the need to adapt to Japanese customs and attitudes in the workplace.

What are some of the higher-paying jobs for foreigners in Japan according to the interviewees?

The interviewees mention that higher-paying jobs for foreigners in Japan often include positions in IT, software engineering, finance, marketing, and pharmaceutical sectors, especially within foreign companies.

What are the challenges faced by foreigners when trying to assimilate into Japanese culture?

The challenges include learning the language, understanding and adapting to Japanese customs, and dealing with the shyness of locals which can make making friends difficult. The interviewees suggest being prepared to be independent.

How do the interviewees feel about the possibility of staying in Japan long-term?

The interviewees express a range of feelings, from a strong desire to stay in Japan indefinitely due to love for the culture and lifestyle, to those who are undecided or may consider leaving due to financial or professional reasons.

What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of working for a foreign company in Japan as per the interviewees?

Benefits include a more familiar work culture, better language support, and potentially higher pay. Drawbacks may include the challenge of adapting to Japanese business practices and the desire for more financial compensation.