As of June 2024, the Vietnamese community has grown into one of the largest foreign populations in Japan, totaling over 600,000 residents. This rapid growth has made Vietnamese the second-largest group of foreign residents in the country, trailing only behind Chinese nationals. So, what do Vietnamese people do in Japan, and where can you find them? Let’s find out!
What Do Vietnamese People Do in Japan?
Vietnamese nationals make up a significant portion of the foreign population in Japan. According to recent data, there are various categories of Vietnamese residents in Japan, each contributing to different sectors of Japanese society. Here’s an overview of what Vietnamese people are doing in Japan, based on their visa and employment types.
Professional Roles
A significant number of Vietnamese in Japan are engaged in highly skilled work, contributing to various professional fields. Among them, 101,674 individuals hold positions under the Technology, Humanities, Knowledge, and International Services visa category. They work as software engineers, system developers, and network specialists, supporting Japan's growing tech industry. Others are employed as market researchers, translators, and interpreters, facilitating communication for international clients. Many provide customer service for global businesses, while export specialists and sales representatives manage international trade operations. This group plays a vital role in bridging technological and cultural connections between Japan and the global market.
Care Workers
Along with other Southeast Asians such as Filipinos and Indonesians, Vietnamese have become an important part of Japan's caregiving workforce through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This program provides qualified caregivers with the opportunity to work in Japan’s healthcare facilities, helping meet the growing demand for elderly care services. Vietnamese candidates undergo thorough Japanese language training and caregiving preparation before being placed in hospitals and care homes.
Caregivers typically begin their careers in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Program or the Specified Skilled Worker visa. These initial programs offer valuable experience and skills in caregiving. However, for those who meet the necessary qualifications, including passing language proficiency and caregiving exams, there is an opportunity to obtain a Care Worker visa. This visa allows them to work long-term in Japan, providing stability and career growth in the healthcare industry. As of 2024, nearly 5,000 Vietnamese caregivers are working in Japan under the Care Worker visa.
Technical Intern Trainees
Vietnamese have been working as technical interns in Japan since the introduction of the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) in 1993. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that the number of Vietnamese workers significantly increased under this program. Japan's Technical Intern Training Program was designed to transfer technical skills to workers from developing countries, and Vietnam became one of the main countries participating in the initiative. Over the years, the number of Vietnamese technical interns in Japan has grown steadily, making them one of the largest groups working under this program, with a total of 203,977 Vietnamese trainees. They are mainly employed in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture.
Specified Skilled Worker
Notably, under the Specified Skills visa category, a significant number of Vietnamese workers are contributing to Japan's workforce. A total of 126,832 Vietnamese are employed under the Specified Skills 1 visa, which allows them to work in various industries such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and caregiving. These workers play a crucial role in filling labor shortages in these essential sectors, showcasing the importance of foreign talent in supporting Japan's economic growth.
In contrast, only 92 Vietnamese hold the Specified Skills 2 visa, which is notably more challenging to obtain compared to other nationalities. The Specified Skills 2 visa is designed for workers with more advanced technical expertise in certain fields, such as construction and shipbuilding. To qualify for this visa, individuals must pass rigorous exams that test both their technical skills and Japanese language proficiency. As a result, obtaining a Specified Skills 2 visa is often seen as a significant achievement, requiring a high level of expertise and determination.
Student Visas
Vietnamese students are among the top foreign student groups in Japan. They have been increasingly choosing Japan for higher education and language studies, attracted by Japan's strong academic institutions, cutting-edge technology, and career opportunities. In 2024, Vietnamese students numbered over 43,000, reflecting their growing presence in Japan’s education system. Many Vietnamese students come to Japan with the hope of improving their language skills and gaining valuable work experience, often leading to long-term careers in Japan's expanding industries.
Family Members and Permanent Residents
Japan has become a second home for many Vietnamese, with deepening connections and growing communities. Over the years, the bond between the two countries has strengthened, reflected in the increasing number of Vietnamese living in Japan as family members or permanent residents. As of recent data, 57,946 Vietnamese individuals are residing in Japan under family stay visas, a clear sign of the expanding familial ties. Many others have made Japan their long-term home, with 25,919 Vietnamese permanent residents.
The strong cultural exchange is also evident in the rising number of mixed marriages. Approximately 6,999 Vietnamese people are married to Japanese nationals, while 2,518 are married to permanent residents of Japan. These marriages not only highlight the close relationships between both countries but also contribute to a more diverse and harmonious society in Japan. As Vietnam-Japan ties continue to flourish, it is clear that for many Vietnamese, Japan is no longer just a place to work; it’s a place to live, grow, and build a future.
Where Do Vietnamese People Live in Japan?
The Vietnamese population is spread across Japan, but certain areas are home to larger communities:
Tokyo
As the country’s capital and economic hub, Tokyo is a magnet for Vietnamese workers and students. Districts like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro are known for their multicultural vibes, with Vietnamese restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural events becoming increasingly common.
Osaka
Osaka, particularly the Ikuno-ku area, is another hotspot. Known for its diversity and vibrant atmosphere, Osaka attracts many Vietnamese who work in retail and service industries.
Kanagawa Prefecture
Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture has a long history with foreign communities, and Vietnamese residents are no exception. Proximity to Tokyo makes this area popular for those working in urban industries while enjoying a slightly slower pace of life.
Aichi Prefecture
Cities like Nagoya have a significant Vietnamese presence, partly due to the manufacturing industry in this region. Many Vietnamese workers find employment in factories and production lines here.
Hyōgo Prefecture
Kobe, particularly in Nagata-ku and Hyogo-ku, has historically been a popular settlement area for Vietnamese refugees and their descendants. Today, it remains a hub for Vietnamese culture.
Vietnamese workers are key contributors to Japan’s economy, filling critical roles in caregiving, manufacturing, and skilled professions. Their efforts help address labor shortages and support Japan’s aging population while fostering cultural exchange between the two countries.
If you’re from Vietnam and considering a career in Japan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Learn about average salaries, cultural insights, and how to find the right opportunities. Visit Tokhimo Reviews to explore real employee experiences and make informed decisions for a successful future in Japan.
