Expat jobs, chosen by hand. Every Monday.
Every Monday, a handful of expat jobs an editor thinks are worth applying to.
What we're doing here.
Most job boards work for the recruiter, not the applicant. For someone moving from Manchester to Tokyo, that means thousands of listings — most closed to expats, most written for people already in the country.
We work the other way. Every Monday, an editor publishes the roles worth your time — company vetted, visa checked, description rewritten if the original didn't cut it. If we wouldn't recommend it to a friend, it isn't in the issue.
About expat jobs in Japan
Japan's foreign professional hiring market has expanded notably since 2019, following government reforms designed to attract highly skilled overseas talent. Tokyo dominates the market, with substantial concentrations in technology, finance, English-instruction education and engineering. The country is generally welcoming of UK professionals with senior experience — junior hires without Japanese language ability find the market considerably harder.
№ 01Sectors hiring UK expats in Japan
- Technology — global companies (Amazon, Google, Rakuten, Mercari) and Japanese startups scaling internationally
- English-language education at eikaiwa chains, international schools, and university positions
- Finance at global investment banks with Tokyo desks and Japanese trading houses
- Manufacturing and engineering, particularly automotive, robotics and advanced materials
- Design and creative — from architecture practices to global agencies with Tokyo offices
№ 02Visa routes for UK professionals
- Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional (HSP) Visa — points-based, offers permanent residency after one to three years
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services — the standard skilled-worker visa most professionals use
- Instructor Visa — required for teaching at recognised schools
- Business Manager Visa — for those setting up a company or running a Japan operation
№ 03Salary and compensation
Senior technology and finance roles in Tokyo typically pay ¥12M–¥25M per year (roughly £64,000–£133,000 GBP equivalent), often with a relocation package and housing allowance for the first year. English teachers at eikaiwa chains earn ¥250,000–¥300,000 per month; international schools substantially more. Tax on foreign residents is high; salary negotiations should factor net-of-tax.
№ 04Cost of living
Tokyo is expensive but not extreme by London or New York standards. Central 1LDK apartments in Minato or Shibuya run ¥180,000–₩300,000 per month; family-sized flats considerably more. Healthcare via the National Health Insurance system is excellent and affordable. Grocery costs are moderate; eating out is often cheaper than cooking Western food at home.
The weekly issue prioritises roles at companies known to hire and support foreign staff — visa sponsorship confirmed, English working environment verified where relevant, and relocation logistics clarified.