There are approximately 17,000 British Nationals currently living, studying and working in Japan. However, before you make the decision to move here, you should approach the situation like you would for any new job. Do your research, understand your contract and know what is expected of you before you start. If you get into a dispute with your employer, or with any Japanese Citizen, you are advised that the Japanese legal system differs in many ways from that of the UK, and that entering into legal proceedings is very expensive. .

As you begin your research, please understand that the Embassy cannot offer advice about employment opportunities in Japan. Most people who work in Japan arrive here with a job, although there are some opportunities for those who do not.

Contracts

There have been cases, particularly with smaller companies, bars and nightclubs, where contracts signed in the UK have been re-written or adjusted after arrival. Often the new terms come as a surprise and are unsatisfactory to the employee. It is therefore advisable for those coming to work in Japan to have a return air ticket in his/her possession or sufficient funds immediately available to purchase a ticket for return to the UK, should the working conditions or salary not be satisfactory.

The Embassy does not keep records on individual companies and is unable to investigate prospective employers on your behalf. However, before committing yourself to any company, we strongly recommend that you take all possible precautions to verify the true nature of the work you will be expected to do. Check the Internet or try speaking on the phone with current employees.

"Hostess" work

The Embassy strongly advises against anyone engaging in hostess type employment in Japan. More often than not, contracts signed in the UK fall short of what is expected on arrival at the bar or nightclub and can leave individuals open to abuse.

These types of establishments are frequently raided by the police and you could find yourself in detention, especially if you do not have a valid visa.

Visa matters

British Nationals planning to work in Japan must obtain the correct visa prior to their departure from the UK. Temporary visitors cannot engage in any form of employment no matter what the employer may tell you. Information on visa requirements can be obtained from:
101-104, Piccadilly, London. W1V 9FN,
Tel: +44-207-465-6500,
Fax: +44-207-491-9347.

The Embassy of Japan in London's website also contains links to many useful Japan-related Internet sites.

Follow this link for a Guide to Japanese Visas by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (External link)

Unauthorised employment

Japanese authorities arrest anyone caught working here without the proper visa. It is treated as a crime regardless of the circumstances. Violation of the Employment Law may lead to a period of detention while your case is investigated. The result is nearly always deportation and a possible 5-year ban on returning to Japan.

It is worth noting that British Nationals found teaching English or working in bars, including hostess bars, without the appropriate visa, have often been reported to the authorities by a neighbour or a disgruntled friend or co-worker.

Follow this link for Visas for British Nationals Travelling to Japan .