Indian English Lit graduate aiming to teach English in Japan — what qualifications do I really need?

Hi everyone,

I’m an Indian (25M) with a Master’s degree in English Literature from India, and I’m exploring options to teach English in Japan.

I’d really appreciate some guidance from people currently working there or who’ve gone through the process.

A few questions I have:

As a non-native English speaker, how realistic are my chances of getting an English teaching job in Japan?

What are the necessary qualifications or certifications I’d need — e.g. JLPT, TEFL/TESOL, or others?

Do schools in Japan generally prefer native speakers only, or are there opportunities for qualified non-natives too (especially in private schools or language institutes)?

How’s the job market and living situation for teachers right now — salary, work culture, and visa process?

I’d also love to know if my Master’s in English adds any advantage in getting hired or improving pay.

I’m open to teaching in regional areas as well, not just big cities.
Basically, I want to understand the realistic pathway — both qualifications and practical challenges — before investing time and money in this direction.

Thanks in advance for any insights or experiences you can share! 🙏