I’m 35 and planning to move to Japan within the next year or so. I already have JLPT N1 and around 14 years of professional experience, mostly in import/export roles. My background isn’t in IT, which makes it hard to understand what my actual chances are, since most online discussions seem to focus on tech.
I’m trying to figure out how age plays into this. Some people say mid-30s is still fine, others say companies in Japan tend to prefer younger candidates unless you already have local experience. If anyone has gone through this transition or works in hiring, I’d love to hear what the situation really looks like.
Another thing I’m worried about is salary. I currently make close to 5,000 USD a month in my home country, so I know that moving to Japan will likely mean taking a pay cut at the start. I’m trying to get a realistic idea of how big that downgrade usually is for someone starting fresh in Japan, and whether it’s something that can be improved after a few years.
Overall, I’m just trying to understand how feasible it is for someone my age, with N1 and long experience in international trade, to build a stable career in Japan outside the IT world. Any honest advice or personal stories would be really appreciated.
by TottreJP
15 comments
yes
My buddy is moving to Japan as a 36 year old, wife, newborn frikkin newborn baby, into IT. If you can do it, do it. Bro inspired me to make a way and do WTF I want to do.
If you look for a chance you will find it. if you are afraid dont try it. Im taking the plunge as soon i get N3 and getting ready for N2. sure my background is IT heavy, but Im also 35 with little japanese knowlege. My salary will go to hell aswell but hey, im still young with shitload of experience, fuck it we ball its adventure time!
Your age is not the problem, but even with IT it would be hard. What skills do you have? You absolutely should find a good company BEFORE you move here.
As long as you find a company before you move here. Also for making family etc it is not too late. Good luck!
Assuming 155 yen per USD, you’re currently earning around 80 万円 per month, which is a pretty decent wage in Japan. Assuming your spoken skills are as good as your reading and listening skills and you can find a company willing to hire you in your current field, you may be able to get the same wage or suffer a minimal wage drop (this is just a guess as I’m not familiar with your field.
If you enter the English teaching industry, you can expect to lose about at least 65-75% of your wage. I’m not sure sure about the IT industry, but pretty much in any industry in Japan, you start off with a low wage (you might lose about 40-50% of your current wage at first) and then it will gradually rise as your experience in the field and at the company increases (the rate at which it increases usually depends on your skill level, hire much your skills are needed by the company, and how hard you work (or are perceived to work)).
The more skills you have (including understanding English and any other languages), the more valuable you’ll be to the company and the better your situation will improve.
You should be aware though that the Japanese authorities are becoming more strict regarding visa regulations for foreigners, and that may impact your plans.
N1 is a huge asset. What’s tricky is many companies are not necessarily going to sponsor you, or even consider your application if you don’t already have a visa. I have a Taiwanese friend who got into Hospitality Management in Tokyo. He first started interning while he was at a Japanese language school on an Education Visa. And the hotel chain offered him a position and sponsored his work visa.
If you want to go the teaching route (age is a lot less of a factor), I’d recommend first getting a k-12 license or the equivalent. Frankly the eikaiwas and dispatch companies are more likely to suck up your time and any financial resources. Instead, go for the JET program (I believe they pay licensed teachers a bit higher). Try out JET for a year, then look into direct-hire positions through the Board of Education. Consider getting a teaching license through the Japanese system. Or take the JET experience and leverage that toward an International School job in conjunction with a license.
Are you looking for housing?
Harsh truth. It’ll depend on how good your Japanese actually is. In an industry where communication with customers / potential customers, typing a shit load of documents in Japanese, N1 only gives you the pass to be selected for the interview. Once it’s time for 面接, they will test how proficient you actually are in the Language. Unless the role specifically asks for English speaker, such as 外資系 etc, you’ll most likely be stuck in the english teacher/英会話 hell hole.
Again this is the best case scenario and the worst case scenario. There may be something between the middle, but you should also prepare for the worst.
Moved here at 43 with N5 on a digital nomad visa, switching to student visa next year with N1 being the eventual goal. Having N1 is huge and opens a lot of doors as I’m sure you already know. Seriously wish I had it. Even non-IT you can find lots in sales or marketing, just look around.
It isn’t easy and takes a lot of dedication, but don’t let anything stop you from your goals, especially age. I had a great life up until COVID, when divorce, lost business, and death in the family threw me, and I’m still recovering. 2024, decided Japan was where I wanted to start again, and I’m not looking back. If you’re going to do something at your age make sure you don’t half-ass it. Keep your body and mind healthy. Wish you all the best.
Just apply to jobs and see? Experience is the best teacher. You won’t know if you try. And if age is really a concern, then start now since you’re growing older by the day.
I’m planning to move to Japan in a few years when I’m 32 🫡
Hell no, come here and meet a beautiful woman and a better life.
You can probably find work in your field with N1, don’t think about IT if it isn’t your hobby you probably don’t have a chance at swapping to that field.
N1 opens so many doors. As will your 14 years experience, plus English language ability. You’ve got a better chance than most people that try.
Maybe ¥9m isn’t a huge stretch – maybe think of it as the high end (although I don’t know the industry). Obviously that goes a longer way in Japan than most places.
Also, if I’d spent the time & effort to get to N1, I’d definitely want to be living in Japan at some point.
We have had the largest ever influx of foreigners. The job market is saturated.
It’s your choice.
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