Which prefectures in Japan have jobs?

When changing jobs, many foreigners want to work in the Kanto or Kansai regions, or in their current area of residence, and some are particular about where they want to work.

Of course, the place of work is important, but you will find a job more quickly if you do not limit yourself to the place of work, as if you can work anywhere as long as there is work available there.

The success rate of foreign nationals changing jobs is currently lower than that of Japanese nationals.

However, please read the last part of the article for a detailed explanation of how to find a job quickly so that you can expand your opportunities and find a good job.

 

The employment rate of people who can work anywhere in Japan is high.

 

The following table shows the employment rates of those who are not able to limit their work location or transfer to another location.

 

Employment rate of those who can work anywhere in Japan (transferable): 80% of the total number of employees.

Employment rate for those who are restricted to a certain work location and cannot be transferred: 20%.

※This questionnaire is for companies that have branch offices throughout Japan that employ foreign nationals.The adoption rate will differ if the number of branches is small or if there are only branches in western Japan or eastern Japan.

 

Thus, if you are particular about where you work when you change jobs, your job offer rate will also drop.

Why do companies hire foreigners who can work or relocate anywhere in Japan, regardless of where they work?

This is because there are a variety of projects throughout Japan, and jobs that match your skills and experience are available not only in the Kanto region, but throughout the country.

For example, let’s say there is a job in Aichi Prefecture that matches your needs.

The job is in need of someone to fill the position right away.

If your skills match the job and you are available to work in Aichi Prefecture, the company will hire you immediately.

If you limit your job search to the Kanto area, the company will have to search for a job that matches your needs within the Kanto area.

There is no guarantee that a job that matches your experience and skills will be available anywhere in the country.

If you want a job in Japan as soon as possible, we recommend you to find a job there without limiting the place of work.

 

A prefecture with lots of jobs

 

What kind of jobs are in the Kanto region and Kansai region?

The work location is determined to some extent by the job.

Let’s take an example of a job that is popular among foreigners in Japan and see what prefecture you would go to if you were to get that job.

 

Mechanical and eEectrical design engineers

Kanagawa Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture etc.

This is because there are many jobs related to major automobile manufacturers in these prefectures.

 

IT Engineers

Kanto, especially Tokyo, All over Japan

IT-related companies are located in Tokyo and other parts of Japan.

If you are working as an IT engineer, you may be able to choose a relatively more convenient work location as jobs are everywhere.

 

Factory

Local area (a place with a large area of land and few people, such as deep in the mountains)

Most factories are located deep in the mountainous areas.

This is because factories are so large that they can only be built deep in the mountains on large tracts of land.

In addition, it is very expensive to build a large box like a factory in the Kanto region.

The above information is only an estimate and may vary depending on the location.

 

You can choose where to work.

 

From the worker’s point of view, there are many people who want to change jobs in their current location when they change jobs, or who cannot relocate.

For example, if you live with your family and your wife is working in the same area as you, and she has to change her place of employment, she will need to change jobs as well.

Or, if the child attends school, the child must change schools if the place of work changes.

Please use the following best answers when you are asked about your desired place of work or transferring to a new company during a job interview.

 

（Q) Where is your preferred place of work

 

where is your preferred place of work

私わたしの妻つま（夫おっと）も○○県けんで正社員せいしゃいんとして働はたらいていますので、可能かのうであれば今いまと同おなじ○○県けん、もしくは○○県周辺けんしゅうへんを希望きぼうします。

My wife and I are both working as full-time employees in XX prefecture, so if possible, we would like to work in the same prefecture as we do now, or in an area around XX prefecture.

 

Answer if you are attending a school such as a Japanese language school or a driving school.

現在げんざい、JLPTN1を取得しゅとくするために、日本語学校にほんごがっこうに通かよっております。
学校がっこうを卒業そつぎょうするまでは○○県けんでの勤務きんむを希望きぼうします。学校がっこうを卒業そつぎょうしたらまたご相談そうだんさせていただきます。

I am currently attending a Japanese language school to acquire JLPT N1.
I wish to work in XX prefecture until I graduate from school. I will consult with you again when I graduate from school.

 

（Q) Can you transfer?

 

Answer if you are unable to transfer because your child is attending school.

はい、将来的しょうらいてきにはできます。今いまは私わたしの子こどもが学校がっこうに通かよっているので、可能かのうであれば○○県けんを希望きぼうしますが、一度いちど、家族かぞくと前向まえむきに相談そうだんさせていただきます。

Yes, I will be able to transfer in the future. My child is currently attending school, so I would like to work in XX prefecture if possible, but I would like to discuss this with my family in a positive manner.

 

If the wife (husband) does not speak Japanese and is not familiar with Japan

はい、できますが、可能かのうであれば○○県けんを希望きぼうします。私わたしの妻つまは日本にほんに来きたばかりなので私わたしのサポートが必要ひつようです。
関東かんとうには妻つまの友達ともだちが多おおいので私わたしも安心あんしんできます。ですが、妻つまと相談そうだんして前向まえむきに検討けんとうさせていただきます。

Yes, I can do it, but I would prefer to work in XX prefecture if possible. My wife is a newcomer to Japan and needs my support.
I feel safe and secure in Kanto because I have many friends who are friends with my wife. However, I will consult with my wife and and will consider this matter with a positive attitude.

 

Thus, the way to answer a question that is difficult to answer is to use a subtle way of answering that is neither yes nor no.

If you clearly communicate, you may not be able to change the place of work if the place of work is unexpectedly located in a different place than you expected.

If you do not want to be relocated, you should consult with the company once and not give an immediate answer, while showing that you are willing to work anywhere in Japan.

As long as you have proper reasons for that, the company will understand the circumstances of your family and situation.

For more information on the rationale, please consult with a Japanese person.

Let’s work together to create the best answers that are neither “Yes” nor “No” .