How to Teach English in Japan

Becoming an English teacher is the best opportunity to move to Japan. The salaries are respectable, and many teachers love teaching in Japan so much that they stay for years and make a career out of it. If you want to become a teacher in Japan, this article is for you. I have been doing it for 10 years.

The Requirements for Teaching English in Japan

So what does it take for the Japanese Board of Education to hand you the responsible task of educating their children?

Be a Native Speaker

This goes without saying, but teaching another language only works if you’re proficient at it. That’s why Japan is pretty strict about hiring natives.

Teachers usually come from the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Caribbean. However, if you are from non-native English-speaking countries, especially the Philippines, don’t lose hope. Many English teachers in Japan are from the Philippines, and students give them great reviews.

Bachelor’s Degree 

A Bachelor’s degree is usually required for most full-time teaching positions in Japan. Before you freak out—it doesn’t have to be majoring in English or Education, but it is required that you have a degree. Yes, your culinary arts degree can get you a job in Japan.

Clean Criminal Record

Japan is very strict about crime, so if you’re interested in teaching in Japan, make sure your record is squeaky clean.

English Certification

Getting your TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification can be a big help to you landing a teaching job in Japan. This is especially true if you are applying for a job in an international school where the salary can be as much as $60,000 a year.

When to Apply for a Teaching Job in Japan

There are two hiring seasons. One is just before the school year starts in April, from January to March, and the other is just before September, between June and August. These are the best times to find a job in Japan with a direct-hire school, Board of Education, international school, conversation school, or even with dispatch companies.

Where to Apply for English Teaching Jobs in Japan

How to Teach English in Japan in 2022

Usually, getting a job in Japan is a lot easier if you are already in Japan. However, you have several options if you are outside of Japan.

 Go Overseas Teaching Board

This is one of the best places to start. It’s specifically created for native English Speakers who want to teach abroad. New jobs are posted daily, and there are many resources regarding qualifications, such as the TEFL and TOEFL. There are also online programs if you would like to teach online before going for the real thing.

 Gaijinpot

Gaijinpot offers many options, including private schools or higher education as well. There are resources on the site about, health insurance, work policy, finding a place to stay, and everything you would need to know as a foreigner moving to teach English in Japan.

Japan English Teacher

The interface is simple and looks like a newspaper jobs listing page with contact information and some job details. However, it’s hassle-free and easy to use.

 Daijob

Daijob is perfect for you if you’re looking to build a long-term career in Japan as an English Teacher. It has a lot of job offers and a lot of professional advice from people with experience in the Japanese Education System.

It even offers fantastic networking opportunities as it encourages you to create a profile and apply for their “Scout” section, which potential employers would see. Daijob is the dream for aspiring professionals.

Sendai English

Last but not least, this website shows job availability in Sendai and Miyagi Japan. Moving to Tokyo can be a lot of fun, but the experience you can have in the rural parts of Japan can be unmatched by anything else in Japan.

How Much Money Can You Make Teaching English in Japan

According to Salary Explorer, an English teacher in Japan usually makes earns around ¥ 411,000 per month, however the salaries range between ¥ 214,000 to ¥ 629,000. Well, I have been living in Japan and I have never seen or heard anyone making over more than ¥ 450,000 a month. I am not saying that it is not possible, but I have never seen it.

This is the average monthly salary, including housing, transport, and other benefits. Teacher salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown based on many criteria.

Conclusion

If you are a native English speaker, with a clean criminal record and the desire to teach English in Japan, I am here to tell you it is possible.

If you do not have a TEFL/TESOL certificate, getting one can aid your chances of getting a teaching job in Japan. So, stop second guessing yourself and start your Japanese teaching journey today.

If you want to learn about English teaching opportunities in other countries, you can learn more here.

Please note that Japan currently has entry restrictions. Keep up to date with government information here.