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It would be a very good idea to apply for jobs in Japan. This is the one experience that can give you a totally new but enriching cultural experience that can definitely make you more mature. Before preparing your papers though, you need to find some answers to a couple of crucial questions.

What type of job can you get?

Most foreigners find great working opportunities in the areas of education and hospitality. Language teachers from countries where English is the main tongue spoken are particularly sought after. Of course, to be accepted for a post, you need to present good academic records and related training certificates. Jobs in resorts and hotels are often better picks because the skill and background requirements are less rigid.

Who may apply?

A lot of people would qualify for full term working visas. This is what you need to work for a long time in Japan. You might however wish to apply for a working holiday visa instead. This is a special visa that is usually only accorded to people who live in Australia, UK, Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Denmark and Germany. Also applicants need to be 18 to 30 years old and have never been in Japan before. Once accepted, visitors are primarily required to enjoy vacations trips first. The chance to get jobs in Japan is only an additional benefit.

How much can you get per month?

Naturally, specific salary rates would depend on which industry you are in and which company you work for. Usually, top Japanese schools pay their English teachers around 200,000 yen. Schools however usually do not offer free meals and accommodations. You may therefore get a better deal with resorts that pay 125,000 yen but provide free dorms and meals. Take note though that this free offer is often only available in winter resorts. Summer resorts and hotels may not provide the same benefit.

What are the usual work hours?

Each work day is about eight hours long. This however is only true for jobs in Japan that generally follow routine operations. A lot of jobs go through peak months. You can for example expect to do a lot of work in August if you are working in a resort. Aside from having to complete long daily work hours, you also need to extend your work week. You may have to work for more than twelve hours for seven days a week.

Is cultural adjustment necessary?

The Japanese are particularly known for being very respectful. You need to speak respectfully to everyone you encounter regardless of rank, age or status. Bear in mind though that there are various levels of respect that do correspond to age and position. Hence, you need to master the various types of honorific titles and speech. Japanese honorific language is often collectively referred to as Keigo.

Applying for Japan jobs and getting accepted in one is truly an enriching experience. Take note though that before you make the leap into this direction, you need to know exactly what you are getting yourself into.