Kaigo (介護) refers to caregiving or nursing care in Japan. It encompasses a wide range of services provided to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities due to ageing, illness, or disability. Learn all you need to know about working as a caregiver in Japan.
First Published: 2020-07-14
Updated: 2024-06-25
Table of Contents
- What is Kaigo (介護)? High Demand for Caregivers in Japan
- Work as a Caregiver in Japan includes...
- Requirements of Caregiver Jobs in Japan
- Caregiver Salary in Japan
- Find a Caregiver Job in Japan with LGS
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
What is Kaigo (介護)? High Demand for Caregivers in Japan
Kaigo (介護) refers to caregiving or nursing care in Japan. It encompasses a wide range of services provided to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities due to ageing, illness, or disability. The demand for caregivers in Japan has been steadily increasing due to its ageing population and declining birth rate, which has resulted in a significant elderly demographic needing caregiving services.
Due to the high demand for caregivers in Japan, especially with its ageing population, the country has pursued initiatives to attract foreign caregivers. Here are some examples of Japan’s efforts to attract foreign caregivers:
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Specified Skilled Worker (Nursing Care) Visa: the SSW visa was introduced in April 2019 to alleviate labour shortages in certain industries including kaigo (nursing care)
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Technical Intern (Nursing Care) Visa: the Technical Intern visa is for interns enrolled in the Technical Intern Training Programme that functions to teach participants from developing countries technical knowledge and skills from Japan, one of the categories for technical intern is “Care Worker”
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Nursing Care Visa: the Nursing Care visa that allows up to 5 years period of stay in Japan with unlimited visa renewals and dependant stay is available for Certified Care Workers in Japan
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Designated Activities Visa: the Designated Activities visa allows for specific activities to be conducted in Japan, including nursing care by EPA Nurses, EPA Care Workers, and their families
With these efforts, it has become much easier for foreign caregivers to seek job opportunities in Japan. In addition, international students can also study caregiving at Japanese universities and vocational schools.
Writer's Pick
Work as a Caregiver in Japan includes...
Kaigo (介護) refers to caregiving or provision of support to people who have difficulty living their daily lives due to ageing or illness. The role of caregivers in Japan involves various tasks, such as:
- Meal Assistance
- Bathing Assistance
- Excretion Assistance
- Dressing Assistance
- Medication Assistance
- Going Out Assistance
- Positioning Assistance
- Transportation Assistance
- House Chores Assistance (cooking, cleaning, laundry)
- Rehabilitation
- Recreation Planning and Management
The scope of work depends on each facility and can range from basic caregiving skills to specialised medical care depending on the needs of the individual.
Type of Caregiver Facilities in Japan
So where can you expect to work as a caregiver in Japan? Here are where caregivers can seek employment in Japan.
Special Nursing Home for the Elderly (特別養護老人ホーム)
Specialised nursing homes are public insurance nursing care facilities for the elderly are catered to elderly people who require moderate to intense care and find it difficult to live at home. Users usually spend the rest of their lives in these facilities.
Nursing Care Facility for the Elderly (介護老人保健施設)
These are nursing home facilities for the elderly who require regular nursing care. They are catered to all levels of care from minor to intense. The aim is for users to receive care and rehabilitation until they are able to return home.
Daycare for the Elderly
Just as the name implies, these are daycare facilities where elderly people go during the day for assistance with meals, bathing, recreation, exercise, etc. as needed and return home after they are done. Daycare services may also be provided at the other facilities.
※ Braves, “介護職の基礎知識”
Requirements of Kaigo (Caregiver) Jobs in Japan
Each caregiving facility will have their own set of requirements, but these are the general requirements for kaigo jobs in Japan.
Educational Background and Experience
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Specified Skilled Worker (Nursing Care) Visa: Though no specific educational background is required for nursing care, you need to have sufficient caregiving knowledge to pass the “Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test” required for this type of visa
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Technical Intern (Care Worker) Visa: No specific educational background required, but need to have experience working in the same field of work in your home country
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Nursing Care Visa: To be eligible for this visa, you must be a Certified Care Worker who has passed the national qualification examination
For those interested in studying in Japan, you can study caregiving at a vocational school. The added benefit of completing your education at a vocational school is that many vocational schools are able to help you find jobs upon graduation.
Language Skills
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Technical Intern (Care Worker) Visa: Those who have passed JLPT N4 for technical intern trainees (i) and JLPT N3 for technical intern trainees (ii)
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Specified Skilled Worker (Nursing Care) Visa: Minimum JLPT N4 is recommended in order to pass the Japanese language proficiency test for SSW (i) visa. Though no language requirement is necessary for SSW (ii), it is said that for practical working purposes, JLPT N3 or higher is recommended
※ The language proficiency test is exempted for those who have completed the Technical Intern Training Programme -
Nursing Care Visa: Minimum JLPT N2 or N1 is recommended in order to understand the curriculum and sit for the exam which is conducted in Japanese
Caring and Helpful Mindset
Caring mindset is crucial for a caregiving position. Caregivers should possess empathy, patience, and a respectful attitude towards elderly clients and their families. Understanding and respecting Japanese cultural norms and traditions related to elderly care is also important.
Physical and Emotional Resilience
The job of a caregiver can be physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina to assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility. Emotional resilience is also vital as caregivers often deal with challenging situations and the emotional needs of their clients.
Caregiver Salary in Japan
The average salary for caregivers in Japan is around 3.8 million yen a year. Depending on position and qualification, the salary for caregivers can go up to 4.2 million yen. For example, certified care workers earn on average 3.9 to 4 million yen a year, while certified social workers earn up to 4.2 million yen a year. In comparison, unqualified caregivers earn on average 3.2 million yen a year.
For part-time caregivers, the average hourly wage is 1,130 yen. The rate may vary depending on region, and higher pay is recorded in urban areas. Hourly wage is also dependent on type of facility, qualifications held, and size of the facility.
Find a Kaigo (Caregiver) Job in Japan with LGS
Leverages Global Support is a career support service that introduces jobs that require specific skills to specified skilled workers.
We also help with all the procedures required for employment and job changes, such as change of status of residence (visa type) and interview practice. If you have any problems after starting work, please feel free to contact us as well.
If you would like to know more about specified skilled workers and specific skills, please read this article, or contact a career advisor.
Recommended For
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Specified Skilled Workers who are thinking about changing jobs
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Technical Interns who want to switch to becoming a Specified Skilled Worker (You can try working in a new industry even with no experience!)
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International Students who have graduated from a Japanese school but are having trouble finding a job
How to Use Leverages Global Support
Ask for Job Recommendations
A career advisor will support you with your job search based on your desires. If you would like to be introduced to a specific skill job, feel free to send us a message using the link below.
Mention “WeXpatsを見た” at the beginning of your message, and our staff will respond promptly.
※ A Facebook account is required. Responses will be in Japanese.
Browse Jobs Yourself
You can search for the perfect job by specifying your Japanese level, occupation, work location, etc. We have many jobs available not only for Specified Skilled Workers, but also for Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services.
※ You can register from outside Japan, but only those living in Japan can apply for jobs.
