Over the past years, Japan gained a solid status when it comes to the tourism industry. The huge market in Japan is bolstered by an array of reasons to visit the country. With such high demand for tourism services comes the demand for workers, including foreign ones.
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Tourism Sector of Japan
Japan is considered as one of the prime tourist destinations not just in Asia but across the globe. Japan offers diverse unique activities to tourists such as breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, mouthwatering authentic Japanese cuisine, majestic architectural giants, and an opportunity to witness unique cultural activities and traditions such as a simplistic lifestyle, and respectful and hospitable people. This is the reason why Japan attracted over thirty (30) million tourists in 2019. Everyone wants to have a glimpse of Japan.
※ Japan Tourism Statistics, "Visitor Arrivals to Japan and Japanese Overseas Travelers"
Having the tourism sector prosper in Japan is great news for the Japanese economy. Having more people come in to a country has domino effects on the following aspects:
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Sales and Profit - An influx of foreign tourists in Japan means that they would buy food in Japan, rent accommodations, use transport mechanisms, and buy merchandise in Japan. An increase in foreign tourists also equates to an increase in the country's overall sales and profit.
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Jobs - Because more and more people want to visit Japan, more and more businesses related to the tourist industry such as food establishments, hotels, transportation, travel tours, and souvenir kiosks are also sprouting up. Because business is booming, it opens more employment opportunities not just for Japanese locals but also for foreign workers who want to establish or pursue a career related to Japan tourism. In 2019, Japan has employed more than sixty seven (67) million individuals altogether, which resulted in a .06% increase of the employment rate from the previous year.
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Tax Revenue - Because more businesses are opening due to the influx of tourists, business permits and licensing become a lucrative business. This means that more businesses and organizations are paying tax revenues to the Japanese government, which is a good thing because there are sufficient funds for the Japanese government to utilize for the public to benefit.
Overall, the economic impact of travel in Japan is immense, with an international visitor consumption figure of 4.5 trillion yen in 2018.
※ Statistics Bureau of Japan, "2019 Yearly Average Results" ※ Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "WHITE PAPER ON LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND TOURISM IN JAPAN, 2019" p. 10
Writer's Pick
Jobs in Japan’s tourism sector
It is undeniable that Japanese tourism sector is booming given that 2019 had more than six hundred thousand visitor arrivals than the previous years. There are more and more jobs that are opening to cater to the tourist’s needs, especially in the hospitality industry and travel agency industry. Let’s take a look at some of the jobs that even foreigners can apply to, related to the Japanese tourism industry.
※ Statistics Bureau of Japan, "Statistical Handbook of Japan 2020," p.102
Managerial positions in Hotel and Restaurants
One of the abundant job openings in Japan are managerial positions, especially in hotels such as Marriott and Hyatt as they cater to foreign guests.
Their job descriptions are as follows:
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Proficiency in the English and Japanese Language; fluency is an edge or may be required depending on the hotel
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Experience in guest services is a must, at least two-year experience
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Oversee and manage the hotel’s day-to-day operations with the highest caliber of quality and customer service;
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Discussion and preparation of budgets based on previous operations and on forecasts;
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Ensure that the inventory of hotel items are sufficient
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Resolves customer complaints or issues professionally and through a win-win mindset;
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Some supervisory tasks as needed
The manager’s average annual salary ranges from 5.7 million yen to 9.4 million yen at the Imperial Hotel, for example, depending on skills and experience.
※ Heikinnenshu, "Imperial Hotel Annual Income"
Service Staff in Hotels
Job Description, Roles, and Responsibilities:
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At least high school graduate
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Experience in service hospitality and certifications from manners courses
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Can follow directions to precision
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Can communicate with clients of both local and foreign nationality;
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Can respond and follow-up to client’s inquiries and requests;
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Good interpersonal skills with both colleagues and guests;
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Ranges from positions as front desk, bell boy, event staff, and so on
The average monthly compensation for full-time service staff in hotels is approximately 230,000 yen.
For a job not requiring as much Japanese, hostels are a good work environment to look into, as they cater mostly to foreign visitors. The pay is less, comparatively, but it’s a good place to start especially if you are working on the language and trying to gain experience. Hostels may require a person to have a wide range of tasks, from management to dealing with customers to cleaning.
※ Heikinnenshu, "Hotel man annual income"
Tour guides & coordinators
Job Description, Requirements, and Responsibilities:
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Conduct travel tours within Japan’s tourist’s spots offered in the package while using Japan’s public transport systems
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Know accurate historical facts and interesting information about Japan’s famous tourist spots
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Ability to properly and professionally communicate with foreigners for any of their inquiries and questions
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Strong communication skills
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Ability to remain calm during stressful events
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Fluency in Japanese and English is a must
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A valid visa to work in Japan
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Can coordinate a tour plan that fits the clients’ needs
The average annual salary for a tour guide or conductor is 3.7 million yen, while the average annual salary for a tour coordinator or planner is 4.4 million yen, but of course depends on location and experience.
※Heikinnenshu, “Tour Conductor” ※Heikinnenshu, “Tour Planner”
Requirements
The usual requirements for any of the jobs related to the Tourism industry in Japan are the following:
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For Foreigners, working in Japan requires a Work Visa. In order to apply for a Work Visa, you at least need to provide a valid passport, letter from your future employer indicating the nature of the job and the salary, curriculum vitae, Certificate of Eligibility, latest passport-size portrait photograph, certificates of degree, diploma, and/or awards, and a Work Visa form.
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Strong language proficiency especially in both the English and Japanese languages. Other language proficiencies are considered as an advantage, especially Chinese and Korean. It is also important to note that some companies require other language abilities aside from English and Japanese.
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Some companies also require a hospitality and tourism management degree. For example, for you to apply for a hotel manager job, you may have to have either an MBA degree or a hospitality and tourism degree.
Summary
As evidenced by the information above, there are tons of opportunities in Japan, especially in the tourism sector, particularly for foreigners who are fluent in different languages and are fond of the Japanese culture. Japan is a first-world country that is constantly sharing opportunities and dreams to the world. Consider the opportunities and tips above for you to successfully establish your career in the tourism industry. You may find yourself saying “ようこそ (Yokoso)! いらっしゃいませ (Irrashaimase)! Welcome!” often! See you in Japan!
