Indians have been present in Japan since the late 19th century, with early settlers arriving as traders and professionals. Despite their long-standing presence, the Indian community in Japan has remained relatively small compared to other foreign nationalities. As of June 2024, there were 51,345 Indian nationals residing in Japan, making them the third-largest South Asian group after Nepalis and Burmese. This number is less than 3% of Japan’s total foreign resident population, which is dominated by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean nationals. Let’s look at Indians in Japan today—what they do and where they live.
What Do Indians Do in Japan?
In recent years, the Indian community has been experiencing growth. Many of them work in specialized fields, business, and skilled labor, while others come as students or family members. Here’s a closer look at what Indians do in Japan.
1. IT, Engineering, and Business
The largest category of working Indians in Japan falls under the Technology, Humanities, and International Business category, with 12,908 people employed in this field. Many Indian professionals play a crucial role in Japan’s IT sector, contributing their expertise in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Indian engineers also work in industries such as automobile manufacturing, telecommunications, and electronics, helping Japan maintain its technological edge.
Additionally, 909 Indians are employed in Japan through intra-company transfers, meaning they are relocated from Indian branches of multinational corporations to their Japanese offices. These professionals often work in managerial, engineering, or consulting roles, facilitating collaboration between Indian and Japanese operations. Their presence reflects the strong business ties between the two countries and Japan’s increasing reliance on global talent to meet workforce demands in specialized fields.
2. Family and Long-Term Residents
A significant portion of the Indian population in Japan consists of family members of professionals, with 12,393 people residing under the "Family Stay" category. This indicates that many Indian expatriates do not come to Japan alone but bring their spouses and children, creating a growing Indian community across the country. The presence of families suggests that Indian professionals working in Japan, particularly in the IT, engineering, and business sectors, are establishing more stable and long-term lives in the country.
On top of that, 8,959 Indians have acquired permanent residency, reflecting a strong commitment to settling in Japan. Gaining permanent residency is a significant step, as it allows foreign nationals to live and work in Japan indefinitely without requiring visa renewals. This trend suggests that many Indians see Japan as a good place to build their careers, raise families, and integrate into society. The increasing number of Indian residents also contributes to the cultural diversity of Japan, with Indian communities forming in major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. Indian restaurants, cultural events, and religious institutions have grown alongside this population, helping expatriates maintain their cultural identity while adapting to life in Japan.
3. Skilled Labor and Technical Training
Many Indians work in skilled labor (7,008 people) under Japan’s designated work visa system. Skilled Workers (技能, Gino) refers to traditional skilled professions that require specialized training or certification. This category covers seven specific fields, including chefs (e.g., Indian cuisine chefs), foreign construction workers, shipbuilding and repair, metalworking, jewelry and precious metal processing, fur and leather crafting, and furniture making. Applicants typically need several years of experience, and employers must demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker is necessary.
The number of Indian Skilled Workers is relatively high because Indian cuisine chefs make up a significant portion of this category. Japanese restaurants specializing in Indian food often hire chefs directly from India, as authentic cooking skills are highly valued. Many of these workers have years of experience in their profession, making them eligible for the visa.
Meanwhile, 319 Indians hold a Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能, Tokutei Gino) visa, a category introduced in 2019 to address labor shortages in certain industries, such as nursing care, agriculture, food service, and manufacturing. This visa provides a more streamlined process for foreign workers, with fewer restrictions compared to the Skilled Worker visa. However, Indian participation in this category remains relatively low compared to other nationalities.
Another 884 Indians participate in Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), gaining hands-on experience in industries such as manufacturing and construction. While the TITP was officially launched in 1993, India formally joined in 2017 after signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Japan. The agreement enabled Indian workers to train in Japan, particularly in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Although India’s participation is smaller than Southeast Asian countries, the number of Indian trainees has been growing steadily.
4. Business Owners and High-Skilled Professionals
Indians are also active in business and entrepreneurship, with 523 individuals holding Business/Management visas. Moreover, 1,334 people are classified as Highly Skilled Professionals, a category that includes researchers, executives, and specialists in various fields.
5. Students and Researchers
Japan is also an education destination for Indians. 1,825 Indian students are enrolled in Japanese universities, while 164 researchers and 159 educators contribute to academic and scientific advancements. There are also 475 professors from India teaching at Japanese institutions.
6. Long-Term Settlement and Marriage
Besides permanent residents, 939 Indians hold long-term resident visas, while 589 are married to Japanese nationals and 683 are spouses of permanent residents. This suggests that many Indians are integrating into Japanese society.
Where Do Indians Live in Japan?
Japan is home to over 51,000 Indians. While many choose to settle in major cities for job opportunities, others can be found in industrial and manufacturing hubs. This article explores the distribution of Indians in Japan and the reasons behind their settlement patterns.
Tokyo, The Heart of the Indian Community
Tokyo is home to the largest Indian population in Japan, housing 19,290 individuals. Many Indians in Tokyo work in IT, finance, research, and multinational companies. The city’s Nishi-Kasai neighborhood is often referred to as "Little India", thanks to its many Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural events. With international schools and community organizations, Tokyo is an attractive destination for Indian families.
Kanagawa – A Business and Residential Hub Near Tokyo
Kanagawa, particularly Yokohama, is home to 8,161 Indians in Japan. As a major international business center, Yokohama attracts professionals working in engineering, finance, and trade. The city offers a high quality of life with international schools, Indian restaurants, and a strong expat network, making it a preferred location for many Indian families.
Chiba and Saitama – Affordable Residential Choices Near Tokyo
Chiba (2,583) and Saitama (2,239) are also popular residential areas for Indians due to their proximity to Tokyo. Chiba’s location near Narita International Airport and its more affordable housing compared to central Tokyo make it a convenient choice for those commuting to the capital. Similarly, Saitama offers relatively spacious housing and a quieter suburban environment while still providing easy access to Tokyo for work and business. Many Indian families choose these areas for their balance of affordability and accessibility.
Osaka, A Business and Tech Hub
Osaka, known for its strong economy and business-friendly environment, has a sizable Indian population, about 1,773 residents. Many Indians work in technology, engineering, and academia. The city also has a growing number of Indian restaurants and cultural events.
Aichi, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, and Shizuoka – Industrial and Manufacturing Hubs
Aichi (1,701) is home to Nagoya, the headquarters of Toyota and other major manufacturers, making it a key destination for Indian engineers, IT specialists, and business professionals in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
Ibaraki (2,085), Tochigi (1,240), and Gunma (1,310) are industrial regions with a growing Indian workforce, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, and technical roles. These areas offer employment opportunities in factories, research centers, and production facilities.
Shizuoka (1,113) is also known for its strong manufacturing sector, attracting Indian professionals working in industrial production and engineering.
Where Fewer Indians Live
Northern and rural prefectures have the smallest Indian populations due to fewer job opportunities. Prefectures like Tottori (39), Akita (40), and Aomori (52) have very few Indian residents, as they are less industrialized and have limited international business presence.
As Japan continues to welcome global talent, the Indian community is expected to grow, contributing to the country’s evolving multicultural landscape. With increasing demand for skilled professionals in sectors like IT, engineering, manufacturing, and finance, more Indians are choosing Japan as their career destination. Many have also established long-term roots by bringing their families or acquiring permanent residency.
If you are an Indian professional looking to build your career in Japan, we can help you navigate the job market. Visit our job portal, Tokhimo Jobs, to explore exciting opportunities tailored to your skills and experience. Find the right job and take the next step toward a successful career in Japan!
