Teaching English in Japan – Visa, Requirements, Salary and More (with a Real-World Lens)

Introduction – The Dream and the Reality Check

Ask anyone who’s dreamt of living in Japan, and teaching English almost always pops up as the golden ticket. Whether it’s the serene temples of Kyoto, neon-lit nights of Tokyo, or the quiet charm of countryside towns that you can’t actually pronounce well 🙂 – something about teaching in Japan just feels… doable. Even exciting.

But let’s cut through the Instagram filters for a second.

While the idea of being a beloved foreign teacher in a land of polite students and punctual trains sounds lovely, the day-to-day reality is quite different. The truth is, teaching English in Japan today (especially post-2020) is no longer the plug-and-play adventure it used to be.

With visa processes getting more finicky, hiring preferences shifting toward people already in Japan, and more private companies treating teachers as “contractual staff” than “cultural ambassadors”, you’ll want to go in with eyes wide open.

And here’s the thing most guides gloss over:

• Many job boards are outdated or riddled with bait-and-switch offers
• ALT positions are being quietly slashed in rural areas
• A lot of first-year teachers feel lonely, underprepared, and frankly – surprised at how underwhelming the salary feels when rent, taxes, and transport kick in

So no, this won’t be your typical “just get a degree and fly to Tokyo” guide.

In this article, we’re digging into:

• What the job market actually looks like in 2025-26 and beyond
• How visa processes have shifted and what can slow you down
• Which jobs pay enough to live (and which ones barely scrape by)
• What they won’t tell you at orientation – but you need to know
• And most importantly, whether the dream is still worth chasing

If you’re TEFL-certified, or planning to get certified, and considering Japan – this is your reality tour.

No sugarcoating, no sales pitch. Just real talk from someone who’s been through the TEFL mill and seen too many people get blindsided by things that were never mentioned on the job ad.

What Has Changed in the Past 3 Years? (Hiring, Schools, Expectations)

Let’s just say-if you’re still reading articles from 2018 about teaching in Japan, you’re going to be in for a surprise. A lot has changed. And we’re not talking minor tweaks. We’re talking systemic shifts in how schools hire, how long they take, and what they actually expect from a foreign English teacher.

1. The Big Picture Shift

After the pandemic, many schools started cutting down on costs and slowed down on hiring. So, things haven’t really gone back to normal since 2022. In fact, the landscape is now shaped by:

• Fewer direct-hire opportunities – Boards of Education (BOEs) in smaller cities are cutting back on ALTs due to budget constraints.
• Dominance of dispatch companies – More schools now rely on third-party companies (think Interac, Borderlink, Altia) to supply teachers. You’re technically working for the dispatch firm, not the school.
• Hybrid teaching models – Some schools now prefer candidates with online teaching experience thanks to blended learning structures.

2. What Schools Look for Now (That They Didn’t Before)

There’s a noticeable shift from “anyone with a degree and passport” to something more refined. Employers increasingly prefer:

• Teachers already in Japan – They’re easier to onboard (no visa headaches, no flight costs)
• Bilingual or semi-fluent speakers – Not a must, but a bonus that’s gaining weight
• TEFL-trained with real classroom hours – A 120-hour online TEFL? Good. But combine it with observed teaching practice? Much better.
• Candidates who understand Japanese work culture – Someone who won’t ghost the job after 3 months

3. The JET Programme Isn’t What It Used to Be

Let’s be honest. The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme used to be the holy grail. Stable pay, support, prestige. But now?

• JET intakes are smaller, more competitive, and limited to certain countries
• Some schools are quietly moving away from JET to save money
• People already in Japan are still applying to JET just to escape poor dispatch jobs

In short, it’s no longer the easiest route, and certainly not the only one.

4. Hiring Timelines Are All Over the Place

This one trips up a lot of people.

• Some companies start hiring 8-10 months in advance
• Others advertise in March for an April start date – barely enough time to get a visa
• Last-minute cancellations (even after contracts are signed) aren’t uncommon anymore

So flexibility and backup plans? Non-negotiable.

5. Dispatch Companies: Not All Doom and Gloom

There’s a ton of Reddit hate on dispatch companies, and yes-some of it is earned. But let’s be fair:

• Some dispatch companies offer stable contracts with housing support, transport reimbursement, and paid leave
• Others exploit loopholes, delay paychecks, and assign teachers to multiple schools with little notice
• Your experience depends wildly on region, manager, and luck

So before signing anything, ask:

• Will I be paid monthly, even during school holidays?
• How many schools will I be teaching at?
• Am I allowed to speak Japanese in class or not?
• Is there a training period or do I get thrown in?

The “teach in Japan” dream is still alive, but it has matured. It’s less backpack-and-go and more paperwork-meets-professionalism. The candidates getting hired today? They’re flexible, a bit more prepared, and willing to navigate grey areas.

Visa Pathways – And Why It Is Not Always Smooth

Let’s get one thing straight – having a degree is just the entry ticket. What follows is a series of paperwork loops, odd delays, last-minute emails, and a quiet fear of getting stuck in limbo. On paper, Japan’s visa system for English teachers looks neat. In real life, it can feel like you’re navigating a forest with a half-burnt map.

1. Main Visa Types for English Teachers

There are two primary work visa categories used by most foreign teachers. They sound similar but are treated very differently by immigration.

Instructor Visa (教育ビザ)

This is for teaching at public institutions like:

• Public elementary, junior high or high schools
• Technical colleges
• In some cases, Boards of Education (BOEs)

Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務ビザ)

Used for:

• Private language schools (Eikaiwas)
• Business English roles
• University positions or corporate training
• Most dispatch company placements

The kicker? Some employers do not even know which visa you should be on. There are cases where ALTs were mistakenly offered the wrong visa type and had to restart the entire process.

2. Getting the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

This is the one piece of paper that causes more delays, tears, and rescheduled flights than anything else. Without it, you cannot apply for a work visa.

Here’s what often catches people off guard:

• The COE is not something you apply for yourself. Your employer does it for you in Japan.
• Processing times range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on region and how organised your employer is
• Delays happen more often than you’d think, especially during peak hiring seasons (March-April, July-August)

It is not uncommon to get your job offer in February, but only get your COE in May – after the school term has already started.

3. Working Holiday Visa – A Loophole with Limits

If you’re under 30 (sometimes 35 depending on your country), you might qualify for a working holiday visa. Sounds like a great shortcut, but it has a few caveats:

• Not available to all nationalities
• Often not accepted for full-time ALT or Eikaiwa roles
• Some employers will hire you only if you already have this visa in hand

Still, it can be a good way to get your foot in the door, especially for short-term gigs or part-time teaching.

4. What Gets People Rejected or Delayed

This part gets messy. And it is where a lot of Reddit horror stories start. Common issues include:

• Employer submits incomplete or inconsistent documents
• You have a gap in your academic or employment history that is not explained
• Your passport has less than 6 months validity (easy to miss)
• Employer is blacklisted or flagged (yes, that happens, especially with smaller dispatch outfits)
• You try to switch visa sponsors mid-process – not always illegal, but can be a red flag

5. Changing Jobs While in Japan – Not a Straight Swap

Let’s say you got to Japan and want to jump ship after a few months. Technically, you can change jobs with the same visa, if:

• The job is still under the same visa category
• The immigration office is satisfied with your new contract and explanation
• You notify immigration of the change in employer within 14 days

But even then:

• Some employers may refuse to give you a letter of release
• The immigration officer may ask a lot of uncomfortable questions
• If your job shift seems sketchy (like ALT to bar host), expect problems

6. Can You “Sponsor Yourself”? Some Try – Few Succeed

There are stories of people staying in Japan long-term by becoming freelancers or “self-sponsoring”. While technically possible under the Specialist in Humanities visa:

• You must prove consistent income (usually above 3 million yen/year)
• Submit contracts from at least two clients
• Handle your own taxes and social insurance filings

Let’s just say – this is not for first-year teachers. Or the faint-hearted.

Getting a job offer is the easy part. Getting the visa? That is where many plans fall apart quietly. Always double check what visa type your role falls under, and work only with employers who are transparent and experienced with immigration paperwork.

Job Types – And What You Should Know Before You Say Yes

Not all teaching jobs in Japan are created equal. Some offer stability, decent hours, and a friendly work culture. Others? Well… let’s just say you’ll learn more about patience than pedagogy. The tricky part is that job ads often look the same on the surface – it’s what’s behind the scenes that makes all the difference.

Here’s a breakdown of the major job types you’ll come across, along with some real talk on what to expect.

1. Public Schools (ALT Positions)

These are Assistant Language Teacher roles, either through the JET Programme, direct hire by Boards of Education, or via dispatch companies.

The Good

• Generally stable working hours (8 am to 4 pm)
• Weekends and holidays off
• No pressure to do sales or meet student quotas
• Chance to work with Japanese co-teachers and see inside real classrooms

The Not-So-Great

• You may not actually teach – often reduced to reading scripts or doing flashcard games
• Being treated as a “human tape recorder” is still a thing
• Some co-teachers might not collaborate at all
• If placed in rural areas, expect isolation – both in school and socially

Also, ALT roles through dispatch companies often pay less than direct-hire. Some even withhold pay during school vacations unless your contract says otherwise.

2. Private Language Schools (Eikaiwas)

These are for-profit English conversation schools. Think big chains like ECC, Berlitz, AEON, or smaller neighbourhood ones.

What to Know

• Evening and weekend shifts are the norm (think 1 pm to 9 pm)
• Expect to sell your personality – it is part teaching, part customer service
• Students are all ages: toddlers, businessmen, retirees
• Contracts may be hourly with unpaid prep time

Pros

• Usually located in cities, so lifestyle is more vibrant
• Smaller class sizes
• Faster-paced work environment

Cons

• Burnout is common – especially during peak seasons (April, October)
• Some companies rotate your schedule every month, which can mess with your life
• High student turnover = unstable income in some schools

3. International Schools

If you’re certified to teach in your home country or have a PGCE or B.Ed, international schools are the golden ticket.

Here’s the catch – they’re super competitive.

Why People Want These Jobs

• Salaries are much higher (250,000 to 500,000+ yen/month)
• Professional work environments, real curriculum planning, and great facilities
• Opportunities for career growth and long-term contracts
• Some offer housing allowances, relocation support, and even tuition for your own kids

But…

• You need real teaching credentials, not just a TEFL
• Hiring cycles are strict and usually run a year in advance
• Interviews are long and layered (demo lessons, panel calls, portfolio reviews)

4. Universities – The Mythical Unicorn of English Teaching

Many people talk about these jobs like they’re the promised land. And in many ways, they are.

The Perks

• Fewer working hours (8 to 12 classroom hours/week)
• Long vacations (up to 3 months)
• Academic freedom and respect
• Better pay, often above 300,000 yen/month

But there’s a reality check:

• You need a Master’s degree (usually in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a related field)
• Publications and conference presentations are often required
• Jobs are mostly part-time or contract-based with yearly renewals
• Hiring is very network-driven – knowing someone helps

5. Dispatch Companies – A Mixed Bag

They technically hire you and send you to schools – you’re not employed by the school itself.

Things to Ask Before Accepting a Job

• Is your salary fixed year-round, or only during teaching months?
• How many schools will you be working at?
• Is commuting paid separately?
• Do you get proper sick leave, or only “unpaid personal days”?

Reality

• Some dispatch companies are well-run and offer support, training, and community
• Others treat teachers like placeholders – rotating them out with little notice

6. Online English Teaching While in Japan

Sounds like a good backup, but it is complicated.

• If you’re on a work visa, you cannot legally take up side gigs without special permission
• Some people risk it by working online under the radar, but immigration rules are tightening
• It is also hard to justify your stay in Japan if you’re not working for a Japan-based company

Bottom line? Online teaching from Japan is not a clean, legal long-term plan – unless you’re a dependent, student, or on a working holiday visa that allows it.

When looking at job ads, go beyond the salary figure. Ask about holidays, class sizes, lesson planning, and contract length. Read between the lines. A flashy Tokyo job with a high salary might mean 50-hour workweeks, while a sleepy town placement could offer more freedom and free rent.

The Money Talk – Not Just Salary, But Living Realities

Let’s be honest – salary is one of the first things most people check before saying yes to a job abroad. But in Japan, what you earn on paper and what you actually pocket can be two very different things. Between taxes, health insurance, rent, and sudden train pass expenses, your monthly budget can shrink fast.

Here’s what you should know before banking on your paycheck.

1. Average Salaries for English Teachers

These are realistic ballpark figures for full-time positions – based on current job listings, updated forums, and recent teacher reports.

• Public School ALT (via dispatch): ¥200,000 – ¥250,000/month
• JET Programme ALT: ¥280,000/month (first year), increases each year up to ¥330,000
• Eikaiwa (private language schools): ¥240,000 – ¥270,000/month
• International Schools: ¥300,000 – ¥550,000/month (with benefits)
• University Lecturer (part-time): ¥3,000 – ¥6,000 per class hour (but often low total hours)
• University Lecturer (full-time): ¥300,000 – ¥500,000/month (with long breaks)

Now, these numbers might seem fine until you start living. That’s when the reality hits.

2. Cost of Living – A Monthly Snapshot

This will obviously vary by location. Tokyo is not Takamatsu. But here’s a typical monthly breakdown for a solo teacher living modestly in a city.

Monthly Living Costs:

• Rent (studio apartment): ¥45,000 – ¥90,000
• Utilities (gas, water, electricity): ¥7,500 – ¥12,000
• Groceries: ¥22,000 – ¥35,000
• Transportation: ¥8,000 – ¥15,000 (unless reimbursed)
• Health Insurance + Pension: ¥21,000 – ¥30,000
• Mobile/Internet: ¥6,000 – ¥10,000
• Misc (meals out, clothes, essentials): ¥12,000 – ¥25,000

Even on a decent ALT salary of ¥250,000/month, you might only save ¥40,000 – ¥60,000 if you’re being careful. Eikaiwa teachers may have similar margins depending on housing costs.

3. Hidden Costs People Forget About

And then there’s the stuff no one tells you about in the job ad.

• Key Money: Some landlords ask for non-refundable ‘gift’ payments equal to 1-2 months’ rent
• Furnishing: Many apartments are unfurnished – as in no fridge, no curtains, no light fixtures
• City tax bills: They arrive months after you’ve settled in, and they’re not small
• National Pension: Mandatory unless you’re a student or on certain exemptions – not always mentioned by employers
• School closures: If you’re working for a dispatch company, some don’t pay during long holidays (spring, summer)

4. Can You Actually Save Money Teaching in Japan?

Short answer? Yes, but not a lot – unless you’re smart about it.

You can save more if:

• You live outside major cities
• You’re on the JET Programme or an international school contract
• Your rent is covered or heavily subsidised
• You avoid lifestyle inflation (daily Starbucks, Tokyo weekends, or shopping sprees)

You’ll save less or struggle if:

• You’re working for a dispatch company with reduced summer pay
• You’re in central Tokyo and paying market rent
• You take on debt to move there and spend the first 6 months catching up

5. Can You Take on Side Gigs? (Short Answer: Usually No)

A lot of teachers assume they can teach online or do private lessons on the side. But Japanese work visas are very specific.

• Most work visas tie you to one employer
• Any extra work – even private tutoring – requires permission from immigration
• Getting caught without that permission can result in warnings, visa cancellation, or even blacklisting

Some people still do it under the radar. But again – know the risk.

Japan won’t make you rich. But it can give you stability, a sense of safety, and a unique life experience. If your goal is to save a lot of money quickly, there are better-paying countries (like South Korea or the Middle East). But if you’re after balance – a slower pace, cultural immersion, and enough income to live decently – Japan still holds its charm.

Requirements That Actually Matter (Not Just on Paper)

Yes, technically you can land a job teaching English in Japan with just a bachelor’s degree and a smile. But in 2025, that’s rarely enough to stand out – especially when schools have their pick of candidates already in-country, already trained, and already aware of how things work in Japan.

So what really counts now? Let’s dig in.

1. A Bachelor’s Degree (Still Mandatory, but Not Magical)

This is still the minimum legal requirement to get a work visa for teaching.

• Any subject is fine – English Lit, Zoology, Engineering, even Dance
• But it must be from a recognised university and be a full bachelor’s, not a diploma
• If you’re applying from certain countries (like the Philippines, India, Nigeria), additional documentation or embassy attestation may be required

Note: A degree alone won’t impress recruiters anymore – it just gets you past the immigration filter.

2. A TEFL/TESOL Certificate – But Not All Are Equal

Let’s be honest – Japan has a love-hate relationship with TEFL certificates. Some employers barely glance at them. Others will shortlist you because of them. What matters most?

• 120-hour TEFL with teaching practice is the sweet spot
• CELTA or CertTESOL will get you noticed by better schools, universities, and international schools
• Avoid “express” TEFLs under 40 hours – many hiring managers treat those like trash

If your course includes real classroom practice (even if online), mention it clearly in your CV and interviews.

3. Native-Level English – But What Does That Even Mean?

This is one of those grey zones. Job ads often say “Native speakers only,” but what they usually want is:

• Fluent, clear, accent-neutral English
• Strong grammar awareness and the ability to explain concepts
• Confidence and presence in the classroom – not just fluency

Many non-native speakers get hired every year, especially if they:

• Have a strong TEFL certification
• Are already in Japan
• Know some Japanese (helps more than people realise)

That said, visa approval can be tougher for non-native applicants – not impossible, just slower and more paperwork-heavy.

4. Japanese Language Skills – Optional, But Powerful

You don’t need to speak Japanese to teach English. In fact, some schools prefer you don’t, to keep the class “immersive.”

But having basic conversational Japanese helps massively when:

• Navigating the staff room
• Handling life admin (bank, doctor, train announcements)
• Building rapport with co-teachers
• Avoiding isolation in rural placements

A few schools are now preferring bilingual teachers – especially in private schools and international kindergartens.

5. Soft Skills – The Hidden Dealbreaker

This is the stuff that never shows up on job boards but absolutely makes or breaks your experience.

• Punctuality: Being even 2 minutes late is frowned upon
• Professional dress: Even in summer, shorts and sandals are a no-go in most schools
• Humility and patience: You’ll need it – with co-teachers, paperwork, and cultural missteps
• Communication: Smile, nod, and read between the lines – a lot of Japanese workplace communication is non-verbal or indirect

Being the “fun foreigner” is not enough anymore. Schools want someone who will blend in, stay committed, and not bounce mid-semester.

6. A Clean Background Check – No Red Flags

Schools will almost always ask for:

• Police clearance from your home country
• Possibly your last country of residence if different from home
• Digital footprint review – some employers do check social media

Nothing unusual here, but a DUI from 10 years ago or an angry Facebook rant about Japan’s visa system? That could hurt you.

If you’re serious about teaching in Japan, invest in more than just the bare minimum. Do a quality TEFL. Brush up on classroom management. Learn a few Japanese phrases. And above all, be the kind of candidate you’d want working with your kids – professional, prepared, and self-aware.

Inside the Classroom – Cultural Curveballs No One Prepares You For

This is the part where most TEFL brochures go quiet. Sure, you’ll hear about “respectful students” and “well-organised schools”, but step into a real Japanese classroom and you’ll quickly realise that things work very differently here – sometimes in ways that feel completely upside-down.

Whether you’re teaching first graders in Hokkaido or high schoolers in Osaka, be ready for some surprises. Not bad, not good – just… different.

1. Silence Is Not Awkward Here

In many Western classrooms, silence usually means something’s gone wrong – confusion, boredom, or disengagement. In Japan?

• Silence often means students are thinking
• Or that they’re being polite, waiting for you to finish
• Or honestly, they’re just too shy to speak up in front of others

Expect entire classrooms to go quiet when you ask an open-ended question like, “What do you think?”

It’s not a protest. It’s cultural. Many students are afraid to say the wrong thing in public, especially if they’ve been trained to give textbook-perfect answers.

2. You’re Not the Boss – You’re the Guest

This one hits first-timers hard.

• As an ALT or part-time teacher, you’re often viewed as a guest, not an equal
• The Japanese homeroom teacher (JTE) holds the authority
• In many cases, you’re expected to follow their lead, even if you’ve prepped an entire lesson

Sometimes, your co-teacher might:

• Skip your activity entirely
• Translate everything you say (even if unnecessary)
• Stand at the back and grade papers while you teach
• Give you zero feedback, ever

Frustrating? Definitely. But also common.

3. Discipline Is Subtle, and Your Hands Are Tied

• You’re not expected to discipline students
• Even if a kid is sleeping, throwing erasers, or playing with their phone
• Teachers often avoid confrontation to maintain classroom harmony

That means:

• Don’t call out a student harshly in front of others
• Instead, signal to your JTE or address it quietly after class
• Public correction or sarcasm – even jokingly – can backfire badly

You’ll often see teachers completely ignore bad behaviour, or manage it later with a parent call or school-wide guidance meeting. It can feel passive – but it is intentional.

4. Expect Obsession with Worksheets and Structure

Japanese schools love structure. You’ll see it everywhere – from shoe lockers to lesson plans. But this extends into the way English is taught too.

• Lessons are often grammar-heavy, especially in junior high
• There’s an intense focus on tests, accuracy, and memorisation
• Even creative tasks like writing an essay might come with a rigid format

You might have planned a dynamic group activity, but find your students glued to their desks, silently filling in blanks. It is not personal – it’s just how many have learned to learn.

5. Creativity Is Welcome… But in Small Doses

Here’s the contradiction.

• Schools say they want teachers who are “energetic” and “innovative”
• But try doing something too different – and it can raise eyebrows
• “Fun” activities are okay, as long as they don’t disrupt classroom flow or look messy

It’s a fine line:

• Games? Great. But explain the rules clearly and tie it to textbook content
• Group work? Possible. But make sure no one is left behind or embarrassed
• Music or movement? Okay in kindergartens. Less so in junior high.

Basically, you can be creative – but quietly creative.

6. Praise Works Differently

• Over-the-top praise can make students uncomfortable
• Some students prefer to receive feedback privately, not in front of others
• Instead of “Good job!” try things like:
  • “That’s a clear answer”
  • “Nice effort”
  • “Your sentence was very natural”
• These small, specific comments go further than big cheers or high-fives

Also, students rarely ask for help out loud. You’ll need to observe who’s struggling and quietly approach them.

7. You’ll Sometimes Feel… Invisible

This isn’t about rudeness – it’s about hierarchy and subtlety.

• Teachers might not include you in meetings
• You may not get invited to staff parties (or get the invite an hour before)
• Your role might feel performative – like you’re there for atmosphere, not input

But here’s the thing – if you show up on time, stay consistent, and remain respectful, things slowly change. Teachers warm up. Students start waving in the hallway. And by December, someone might actually laugh at your jokes.

Teaching in Japan isn’t about being a rockstar in front of a classroom. It’s about adapting, observing, and understanding the unspoken rules. If you go in expecting things to be like your home country, you’ll burn out. But if you lean into the differences, ask questions, and stay flexible – you’ll grow, both as a teacher and as a person.

Frustrations, Loneliness, and the Expat Bubble

Let’s be honest. A lot of people come to Japan expecting a Studio Ghibli experience – kind-hearted locals, bowls of ramen under cherry blossoms, students who bow after every lesson. And yes, sometimes it is like that.

But other times?

It is cold. You’re riding a train in silence. No one makes eye contact. You haven’t spoken to another human outside of “Good morning class” in three days. That’s when it hits – you’re not just living in Japan. You’re living in your own head.

1. Social Isolation Is a Real Thing

Especially if you’re:

• Placed in a rural town with no other foreigners
• Working as an ALT where no one chats with you in the staff room
• Teaching split shifts in an Eikaiwa and getting home at 10 pm
• New to the language and culture, with no clue how to meet people

Even the most extroverted teachers have confessed to moments where the quiet becomes too loud. That’s not failure – it’s a common adjustment phase.

2. Making Friends Takes Time (and Effort)

Japan isn’t cold – it’s reserved.

• Locals often take months before they open up beyond small talk
• Invites may be subtle or come through group dynamics, not one-on-one
• Many expats rely on international meetups, online communities, or hobby groups to find their circle

The trick? You have to show up regularly. Join a local tennis club, sign up for a cooking class, volunteer at school events – whatever gets you in the loop.

3. The Expat Bubble – Comforting, But Limiting

It’s easy to fall into it:

• You hang out only with fellow teachers from your country
• Your nights are spent at the same Irish pub that plays 2000s hip-hop
• You start speaking English in convenience stores out of habit

No judgment – the bubble gives comfort, especially in the first year. But if you stay there too long:

• You might miss the deeper cultural cues
• Your Japanese might never progress beyond “sumimasen” and “arigatou“
• You may feel more like a visitor than a resident – even after 2 years

4. Drinking Culture and the Pressure to Fit In

Let’s talk about nomikai – office drinking parties.

• These are often unspoken expectations, especially in public schools
• Teachers may subtly pressure you to join – skipping out can seem antisocial
• Things may get rowdy, emotional, or downright awkward

If you don’t drink, that’s okay – but you’ll need to navigate it with polite excuses, or better yet, show up and enjoy the food without getting sloshed.

Pro tip: Attending just one nomikai can open social doors at school like nothing else. Suddenly, the shy science teacher starts saying hello. The principal nods at you in the hallway. It works.

5. Dating, Relationships, and Mixed Signals

A full section could be written on this. But briefly:

• Dating in Japan is… different. Slower, often more formal, and filled with indirect communication
• Apps like Tinder and Bumble work, especially in cities – but not always for serious connections
• Cultural differences around affection, expectations, and “reading the air” can lead to frustration

Also, interracial relationships can attract unwanted attention – stares, comments, or assumptions. It’s uncomfortable but real.

6. Culture Shock Isn’t a One-Time Event

It sneaks up on you in waves.

• The first few weeks are magical
• Then the confusion kicks in – train delays, paperwork, why does my boss never say what he means?
• Eventually, it levels out… but expect random dips, especially around holidays or milestones

One teacher described it like this:

“You don’t even notice it. But one day, a conbini runs out of your favourite onigiri, and you just stand there staring like the world has ended”.

That moment? That’s culture shock.

What Helps (According to Teachers Who’ve Been There):

• Get out of your apartment, even if you’re tired
• Learn just enough Japanese to handle daily life – it builds confidence
• Connect with other teachers outside your company
• Travel when you can – Japan is full of tiny joys and weekend resets
• Have one small comfort from home – even if it is just peanut butter or a dodgy rom-com on Netflix

Living in Japan as a teacher isn’t just a job – it is a slow transformation. Some days you’ll feel invisible. Other days, students will wave at you like you’re a celebrity. The key is knowing that both are normal. Growth happens in the space between.

But Still – Why Some Teachers Stay for 10+ Years

For every teacher who packs up after one contract, there’s someone who casually mentions they’ve been in Japan for 14 years, married a local, bought a car in Nagano, and now owns three suits they never wear.

So what keeps them here?

The truth is, once you get through the adjustment phase – the silence, the paperwork, the bento fatigue – Japan starts to feel oddly comfortable. Not perfect. But peaceful, predictable, and quietly addictive.

1. Everyday Life Is Just… Easy (Most of the Time)

• Public transport runs on time
• Cities are clean
• Crime is low
• Customer service is thoughtful, even when it’s robotic

There’s something calming about knowing that the garbage truck will play a tune at exactly 7:30 am, or that your umbrella will still be there when you leave it at the station.

For many, this kind of order – especially coming from chaotic home countries – becomes hard to give up.

2. Teaching Becomes Less Performance, More Purpose

The first year, it is all trial and error. You’re learning how to survive the school system. But by year two or three:

• You’ve built real connections with your students
• You understand how to work with your co-teachers, not around them
• You’re trusted more – sometimes even asked to help train others
• Your lessons flow better, and so does your confidence

Teaching shifts from something you do to something you’ve become good at – and that’s a powerful reason to stay.

3. You Start Building a Life, Not Just Living Abroad

This is the pivot point for many long-termers.

• You join a local club or hobby group
• You can order food without panic
• You know the names of the staff at your konbini
• You might even get a Costco card or start planning ski weekends

Suddenly, going back “home” feels harder than staying. You’ve built routines here. Friends. Maybe even a family.

4. Career Growth (Yes, It’s Possible)

Not everyone stays as an ALT or Eikaiwa teacher forever. Over time, people move into:

• University teaching
• Curriculum development roles
• Corporate training gigs
• Starting their own English schools
• Editing, translating, or freelance work with local businesses

Some even become full-time YouTubers, tour guides, or open cafes. Japan has room for those willing to evolve.

5. Financial Stability + Perks Add Up Over Time

The first year might feel tight. But with time, teachers find ways to level up:

• Renewed contracts often come with raises
• Long-term visa status (like Permanent Residency) opens up new work options
• Knowing the system helps you save more – from budgeting to insurance hacks
• Some employers start offering housing, flight bonuses, or language class reimbursements

And let’s not forget – Japan’s national pension can be withdrawn as a lump sum if you leave within 10 years. Some teachers plan around that.

6. A Deep Appreciation for Japanese Culture Sets In

This one creeps up slowly. What felt strange in year one – the bows, the silence, the endless apologies – starts to make sense.

• The seasonal changes begin to feel meaningful
• You start celebrating tsukimi (moon viewing) or tanabata (star festival)
• You stop questioning why everything is so orderly – and start enjoying it

Some say Japan teaches you how to pay attention – to details, to people, to the moment. That’s not a bad life lesson to hold onto.

People come to Japan for different reasons – but the ones who stay usually say the same thing: “I came for a year. Then something shifted”.

Maybe it was the peace of a solo train ride. Maybe it was a student who said “thank you” in broken English. Or maybe, over time, Japan became less of a place to work, and more of a place to be.

Final Thoughts – Is Teaching in Japan Still Worth It?

Let’s not sugar-coat it – the TEFL-in-Japan dream has changed.

It is no longer the golden ticket for anyone with a degree and wanderlust. The system is tougher, expectations are higher, and support can feel minimal if you’re not part of the JET Programme or a major international school. The salary hasn’t kept pace with inflation, and the visa process can test your patience.

But… here’s the flip side.

For the right kind of person, teaching in Japan still has something special – something you don’t always find in more lucrative TEFL destinations.

You get to teach in a country that respects education, where classrooms are quiet (sometimes too quiet), where students bow to you even when they’re sleepy or disengaged. You live in a place where safety is a given, trains arrive when they say they will, and vending machines sell everything from umbrellas to warm coffee. There’s space to think. To breathe. To learn how to be okay with silence.

If you come in with open eyes – not rose-tinted glasses – here’s what you can get out of it:

• A deeper understanding of teaching, beyond just delivering a lesson
• Personal growth from navigating cultural complexity
• Friendships you’d never expect
• A slower, quieter lifestyle that rewards observation and patience
• The feeling of becoming part of a place – not just passing through it

Still on the Fence? Ask Yourself This:

• Am I looking for quick money, or am I open to long-term gain?
• Can I handle being an outsider, possibly for a long time?
• Do I want to teach, or do I just want to live in Japan?
• Am I okay with ambiguity, structure, and quiet moments?
• Can I show up – consistently – even when it’s not magical?

If you answered yes to most of those, you’re already ahead of half the applicants.

Final Tip:

If you’re TEFL-certified and planning the leap, look beyond the job title. Look at:

• How long the school has been around
• What past teachers say in forums (recent ones – not posts from 2009)
• Whether your interviewer seems rushed or actually invested
• And how you feel after the call – excited? Cautious? Confused?

Your instincts matter. In Japan, they’ll be your best guide.

Ready to explore your options?

Already TEFL-certified or planning to be? Then make Japan work for you. Not just with a job – but with the right questions, the right prep, and the right mindset.

Let the dream grow up a little. It’s still worth chasing.