Interested in becoming an art teacher in Japan? A rather niche career in Japan, we introduce where to find art teaching opportunities in Japan, what the job requirements are, and how much you can earn.
First Published: 2021-01-14
Updated: 2024-05-07
Table of Contents
- Where to Find Art Teacher Jobs in Japan
- Art Teacher Job Requirements in Japan
- Art Teacher Salary in Japan
- Other Popular Jobs for English Speakers in Japan
- Find a Teaching Job via WeXpats
In Japan, art education starts early in nursery schools where young children engage in singing, dancing, and arts & crafts. Art education continues in elementary, junior high, and high school with several hours a week dedicated to arts and crafts, fine arts, and other creative endeavours like music.
From this, it sounds like there are many job opportunities for those seeking to become an art teacher in Japan. However, the reality is that many Japanese public schools favour hiring local Japanese teachers who are familiar with the Japanese curriculum. Even so, with the increase of international institutions and the growing recognition of English as an important second language, there are still opportunities for foreign nationals to become art teachers in Japan provided you know where to look.
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
Where to Find Art Teacher Jobs in Japan
Art Teacher Jobs in Japan can be found at:
- Public Schools
- International Schools
- Universities
- Art Preparatory Schools (aka Cram Schools)
- Pre-Schools (Kindergarten & Nursery Schools)
- Art Class Providers
These may be full-time or part-time positions. As previously mentioned, public schools and art preparatory schools tend to favour local teachers because classes are conducted in Japanese and they are more familiar with the local curriculum.
For foreign nationals aiming to become an art teacher in Japan, there are better opportunities at international schools, universities, and preschools where art classes are conducted in English. Some schools like Shinagawa International School offer art teacher opportunities from kindergarten to high school level, and other prestigious universities like Waseda University may offer full time teaching jobs in a related field.
If you have difficulty finding an art teaching job in Japan, many pre-schools (kindergarten & nursery schools) are looking for English teachers who will also conduct art, craft, drama, music, or dance classes. This is something you can consider - teaching English and art in tandem.
Writer's Pick
Art Teacher Job Requirements in Japan
Each school will have their own set of hiring requirements, but these are the general requirements to become an art teacher in Japan.
Teaching Credentials & Experience
A Bachelor’s Degree in Art and at least 2 years teaching experience is usually required for art teacher positions in Japan. However, if you are happy to teach art on the side, then pre-school English teaching jobs will instead require English teaching credentials, or simply native level English proficiency, depending on the school.
Language Skills
The ability to communicate in Japanese is necessary in many cases, as there is a high chance you will be working with Japanese colleagues. What level of Japanese is required depends entirely on your workplace. For example, a higher level of Japanese (eg. native or close to native level) is necessary at public schools, while intermediate level of Japanese (eg. N3 to N2 level) is sufficient for international schools where English is used more.
Needless to say, if you opt for the pre-school English teaching with art teaching on the side job, your English must be native level.
Art Teacher Salary in Japan
For art teachers in Japan, salary greatly differs based on what type of institution you are working at, and your experience.
For example, full-time teachers in nursery schools have an average salary of 4 million yen per year, full-time teachers in public schools have an average salary of 7 million yen per year, and full-time teachers in universities have an average salary of 10 million yen per year.
Other Popular Jobs for English Speakers in Japan
If you are looking for other English-speaking jobs in Japan, there are plenty. For example,
- English Teaching
- Eikaiwa (English Conversation School)
- Hotel Front Desk Reception
- Tourist Guide and Reception
- Call Center Agent
- Interpretation & Translation
Find a Teaching Job via WeXpats
WeXpats operates a service for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. There are jobs in a variety of industries including education and teaching jobs. There are 2 services available on WeXpats - WeXpats Agent for full time jobs and WeXpats Jobs for part time jobs.
Looking for a Full Time Position? Leave it to WeXpats Agent!
WeXpats Agent is a career support service that specialises in employment for foreign nationals living in Japan.
Recruitment agencies in Japan are a service where dedicated career advisors will assist you with your job hunt for free. In addition to introducing open positions, we also provide support to help you create your Japanese resume and practice for interviews. Worried about job hunting in Japanese? We are here for you.
Features of WeXpats Agent
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We have many job openings that are a good fit for foreign nationals to work in, such as translation, interpretation, inbound, etc. jobs that make use of your language skills, as well as engineering etc. jobs that do not require Japanese skills.
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Our career advisors support and help you prepare your resume and practice job interviews with you. Clearly communicate your strengths to the hiring company.
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We will handle communication with companies on your behalf, such as arranging interview dates and negotiating conditions. And thereby reducing your stress and time spent.
Finding a Part Time Job? Browse on WeXpats Jobs!
WeXpats Jobs is a part time job site for foreign nationals living in Japan. You can search for jobs in 11 languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese), including Japanese. Find jobs that suit you by specifying your Japanese language level, occupation, location, and etc.
※ You can register from outside Japan, but only those living in Japan can apply for jobs.
