Teaching English in Japan: What to Know

Teaching English is a well-trodden path to living in Japan, open to many graduates.

Common routes

• JET Programme — a government scheme placing assistant language teachers in schools.
• Eikaiwa — private conversation schools that hire year-round.
• Direct-hire and international schools — often needing teaching qualifications.

Typical requirements

• A bachelor''s degree (for the work visa).
• Native or fluent English.
• A TEFL/TESOL certificate helps for many roles.

Do you need Japanese?

Many teaching jobs don''t require Japanese to start — but learning it transforms your daily life, relationships and long-term options in Japan. Most teachers wish they''d studied more, sooner.

Teaching can be a great entry point; use the time in Japan to build your Japanese and open future doors.