Japan has long been a popular destination for Filipinos seeking employment abroad. With its stable economy and demand for foreign workers, many Filipinos are drawn to Japan for better career prospects. This article explores the Filipino community in Japan, highlights available job opportunities, and provides practical advice on how to apply and get accepted for work there.
Filipino in Japan
Filipinos have been working in Japan since the 1970s, initially in the entertainment industry, where many came as singers, dancers, and performers. Over the years, the demand for foreign labor in Japan expanded to include factory workers, domestic helpers, and caregivers, although strict immigration laws limited access to many of these sectors. The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) in 2006 marked a turning point, allowing more Filipino healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and caregivers, to legally work in Japan, addressing the country’s growing need for elderly care.
By the end of 2022, there were 298,740 Filipinos living and working in Japan, making them the fourth largest foreign national group in the country. In recent years, Japan’s aging population and labor shortages have opened more opportunities for Filipino workers in various fields. Programs like the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa have enabled Filipinos to work in sectors such as caregiving, construction, agriculture, and IT. Today, Filipinos are a valued part of Japan’s workforce, especially in caregiving and skilled professions, contributing to the country’s need for both skilled and semi-skilled labor.
Several Filipino communities and organizations in Japan, including the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG), play an important role in connecting and supporting Filipinos. These groups offer guidance to newcomers on matters such as language, employment, and cultural adjustment. They also organize the annual Philippine Festival, which unites Filipinos from across Japan and helps promote Filipino culture to the Japanese public.
Job Opportunities for Filipinos in Japan
Job opportunities for Filipinos in Japan have expanded significantly in recent years, with more sectors welcoming foreign workers. While there is no strict limitation on what jobs Filipinos can pursue, certain industries tend to be more in demand. Here are some popular options.
Caregiving and Nursing
Japan has a significant demand for caregivers, particularly due to its aging population, which is leading to an increasing need for healthcare services. As the number of elderly citizens rises, the Japanese government is actively seeking foreign workers to fill the gap in caregiving roles. Many Filipinos enter this sector through Japan’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) program, which facilitates the deployment of skilled workers, particularly in nursing and caregiving.
Under the EPA, Filipino nurses and caregivers undergo comprehensive training to ensure they meet the standards required in Japan. This training often includes language courses to help them communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, as well as hands-on experience in caregiving practices specific to Japanese culture. Once qualified, they can work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care services, providing essential support to elderly individuals and their families.
The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is not the only option for Filipinos to become caregivers in Japan, although it is particularly beneficial as only three countries have this program. In addition to the EPA, Filipino workers can also pursue caregiving opportunities through the nursing visa or the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa.
Technical Intern Training Program/Specified Skilled Worker
If you’re young and have not so many working experiences, the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) offers a quick chance to work in Japan. The program allows interns to train in fields like manufacturing, agriculture, and construction for three to five years. It helps them learn valuable skills, which they can use back in the Philippines or as a stepping stone toward other employment opportunities in Japan.
Many former interns choose to stay in Japan by switching to the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. This visa was introduced to tackle labor shortages, and you don’t need to have completed the TITP to apply. As long as you have the required skills and basic Japanese language proficiency, you can qualify. The SSW visa covers 14 industries, including nursing, caregiving, food service, accommodation, fishing, and industrial machinery. While the visa initially allows workers to stay in Japan for up to five years, it also opens the door to long-term residency or even permanent settlement.
IT and Engineering
Japan’s need for skilled IT professionals and engineers is steadily increasing, driven by the country’s focus on technology and innovation. Filipinos with experience in areas like software development, network engineering, cybersecurity, and data analysis can find promising opportunities, especially in tech hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. These cities are home to a mix of multinational companies, start-ups, and established tech firms looking for foreign talent to support their growing demands. As Japan continues to expand its digital landscape, there are more openings for professionals who can contribute to fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cloud computing, making it a good destination for Filipinos in the tech industry.
Education
English teaching positions remain a popular option for Filipinos looking to work in Japan, as the demand for English education continues to grow. Many Filipinos find opportunities as English teachers in public and private schools, as well as in language centers. Programs like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program provide a structured pathway for Filipinos to teach English in Japanese schools, typically as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). The JET Program is one of the most well-known and competitive avenues, offering benefits such as training, cultural exchange, and support throughout the teaching assignment.
Other than JET, there are other ways to secure English teaching roles, including through direct hiring by schools, applying to language institutes, or joining eikaiwa (conversation schools) that cater to children and adults. These positions often require strong communication skills and a good understanding of English teaching methodologies, and for Filipinos, the ability to relate to non-native English learners is a valuable asset.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
To be legally deployed and receive government protection as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), securing an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is essential. The POEA, under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), oversees and regulates the deployment of Filipino workers abroad. It grants licenses to recruitment agencies that send workers overseas and closely monitors their operations to prevent illegal recruitment. Additionally, the POEA enforces the use of standard employment contracts to ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and proper benefits, while safeguarding the rights of workers.
For those applying through a recruitment agency, it’s important to ensure that the agency is POEA-licensed, as this guarantees the legitimacy of the job offer and its compliance with legal requirements. A list of accredited agencies can be found on the POEA website, and these agencies assist with the entire application process, including connecting applicants with employers in countries like Japan.
If you apply directly to a company in Japan, the employer must still be accredited by the POEA. Either you or your employer will need to submit relevant documents for verification and accreditation, such as the company’s profile, business license, and employment contract. This accreditation ensures that the employer adheres to Philippine labor standards, providing a layer of protection even for direct hires.
As people say, all roads lead to Rome—or Japan, in this case. There are many ways to work in Japan. If you’re from the Philippines and dreaming of working in Japan, we can help make that journey easier for you. Start by visiting our job portal, Tokhimo Jobs, to explore a wide range of job opportunities designed for international applicants. But finding a job is just the beginning. It’s also crucial to understand what it’s like to work in Japan as a foreigner. That’s where Tokhimo Review comes in. Our company review website offers real insights from other foreign employees about their experiences working in Japan. Together, our platforms provide the comprehensive resources you need to find the right job and thrive in your new career. Visit Tokhimo Jobs and Tokhimo Review today to start your journey with confidence. See you in Japan soon!
