Are you interested in working in Japan but unsure which industry or company would be the best fit for you? This is especially challenging if it's your first time.

One important factor to consider when choosing a workplace is whether other foreigners, like yourself, are already working there.

In this article, we’ll introduce the industries and companies in Japan with a high number of foreign employees.

At the end of the article, you’ll find job listings for companies currently hiring foreign workers, so be sure to read through to the end!

The Number of Foreign Workers in Japan

According to the latest data from 2024, the number of foreigners working in Japan has reached 2,048,675. The number of foreign workers in Japan has been increasing year by year, and with the current severe labor shortage, it is expected that the acceptance of foreign workers will continue to expand in the future.

Top 5 Industries with High Foreign Employment

In which industries and sectors are these many foreign workers employed? Here, we will introduce the top 5 industries where foreign workers are most commonly found.

Manufacturing Industry

The industry with the highest percentage of foreign workers is manufacturing, accounting for 26.6%. This is likely due to the shortage of young workers in the sector.

Depending on the job, the manufacturing industry can hire foreigners with residence statuses such as "Technical Intern Training," "Specified Skilled Worker," and "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services."

(For part-time jobs and permanent residents, they can be employed in any occupation under the same conditions as Japanese workers.)

Manufacturing typically requires less advanced Japanese language skills, and it’s a field where even those with no prior experience can easily start. Over time, they can acquire specialized skills, making this industry particularly attractive to foreign workers.

Service Industry

The second largest industry is the service sector, with 16.2% of foreign workers employed in this field. The term "service industry" is broad, but in this context, it refers to all services excluding accommodation, food and beverage services, retail, healthcare, welfare, and education. It’s particularly common for foreigners to work in roles related to foreign public services and automotive maintenance.

The service industry covers a wide range of jobs, including sectors like transportation and cleaning, where advanced Japanese language skills are often not required. This makes it a more accessible option for many foreign workers.

Wholesale and Retail Industry

The third largest sector is wholesale and retail, where 13.1% of foreign workers are employed. One reason many foreigners work in this industry is the high number of businesses that employ foreign workers. The proportion of foreign worker employment establishments in the wholesale and retail sector is higher than in other industries, accounting for 18.6% of the total.

Foreign workers need to obtain a residence status of "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" to take on these roles. However, it's important to note that this status does not permit engagement in manual labor, such as customer service in retail or inventory management in warehouses.

Japanese brands are particularly popular overseas for their quality, so many companies hire foreign staff to ensure smooth communication and service for their foreign customers.

Hotel and Restaurant Industry

The fourth largest sector is the Hotel and Restaurant industry, where 11.5% of foreign workers are employed. This is another industry facing a severe labor shortage, largely due to the difficulty in taking time off on weekends or during long holidays.

Foreign workers need specific residence statuses to work in these sectors—such as "Specified Skilled Worker" or "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" for accommodation, and "Specified Skilled Worker" or "Skilled Labor" for food service.

One significant advantage of hiring foreign workers in this industry is the ability to offer multilingual services to customers. With the number of foreign tourists increasing every year, multilingual support is becoming essential.

However, many foreign staff struggle with the strict standards and formalities of Japanese service, which are often more rigorous compared to those in other countries.

Construction Industry

The fifth largest sector is construction, where 6.4% of foreign workers are employed. Construction industry is facing a significant challenge with an aging workforce and the need to pass on skills to the younger generation. As a result, it is one of the industries actively seeking to hire more foreign workers.

The government is also encouraging an increase in foreign workers in construction, offering a wide range of residence statuses that allow foreigners to work in this field, including "Technical Intern Training," "Specified Skilled Worker," "Designated Activities No. 32 (Construction Workers)," and "Skilled Labor."

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Top 3 Companies Focused on Hiring Foreign Workers

When it comes to working in Japan, certain companies stand out for their high number of foreign employees. These companies not only value diversity but also offer supportive environments for foreign workers.

Rakuten

Rakuten is a well-known e-commerce giant that has embraced English as its official corporate language, making it an attractive workplace for foreign employees.

The company has a diverse workforce, with employees from over 70 different countries. Rakuten’s global outlook and commitment to innovation make it a leading employer for foreigners in Japan.

SoftBank

SoftBank, one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies, is another major employer of foreign talent.

The company’s international presence and ambitious projects, such as its Vision Fund, require a workforce with a global perspective. SoftBank actively recruits foreign professionals, particularly in areas like technology and finance.

Uniqlo (Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.)

Uniqlo, a global fashion retailer under the Fast Retailing group, is known for its commitment to diversity.

The company has a significant number of foreign employees, particularly in its international business division. Uniqlo’s focus on global expansion and its need for multilingual staff make it a key employer of foreign talent.

Start Your Career in Japan!

In this article, we introduced workplaces in Japan with a high number of foreign employees. Living and working in a foreign country can be a big challenge and may feel daunting, but having colleagues who share a similar background can make the experience much more reassuring.

Be sure to check out Guidable Jobs to find your ideal job in Japan!