An internship is a great way to experience work life in another country, or to improve your knowledge within an area of expertise. Read on to learn more about how internships work in Japan and how to get one.
First Published: 2021-07-19
Updated: 2024-06-19
Table of Contents
- Internships in Japan: Why should you do one?
- Difference Between Internship and Part Time Jobs
- Types of Internships in Japan
- How to Find Internships in Japan
- Visa Requirements for Internships in Japan
Internships in Japan: Why should you do one?
Writer's Pick
There are many reasons to consider doing an internship in Japan. For many, it is an opportunity to experience Japanese work culture to determine whether it would make a good fit for them. Here are reasons why you should consider doing an internship in Japan.
Experience Japanese Work Culture
There are many people who move to Japan thinking to start a career only to be disillusioned by reality and realise it is not what they expected. Some people are able to adapt to the work culture, some cannot, which is why it is so important to study up on how Japanese work culture is like and whether it fits you. And, if it is possible, even better to experience and see for yourself what it is like.
Have a Feel for the Work Environment
Different companies have different work environments, some more flexible than others. If you are worried about whether an organisation is the right fit for you, there’s no better way than experiencing it yourself. Familiarise yourself with the flow and atmosphere before making your decision to apply for a permanent position.
Learn from the Professionals
Interns get to work with professionals and full-time workers and see them in action. This not only gives interns an opportunity to learn from experienced seniors but to build a network connection with people they might encounter in their professional circles in the future.
Enhance Your Resume
Having internship experience listed on your resume shows that you have actual work experience in the relevant field. It also shows personality, that you are passionate and hard worker with a drive to pursue your ambitions.
Helps You Decide on Your Future
Most importantly, an internship can help you decide on big life decisions, either to pursue a career, decide that it is not for you and go soul searching for another, or to lock down a career in a particular company.
Difference Between Internship and Part Time Jobs
In Japan, an internship is an opportunity for students to work at or visit a company they are interested in. They gain actual work experience and a feel for the work environment, in addition to understanding their future career better. As for corporations, it is an opportunity to source talent, which is why more companies are offering internships these days.
But why do an internship and not a part time job? What’s the difference?
- Internship (インターンシップ, Inta-nshippu):
- The purpose is to understand the job and whether you have aptitude for it.
- Pay little to no pay as the purpose is for learning.
- Part-Time Job (アルバイト, Arubaito):
- The purpose is to earn money.
- The more hours you work, the more you earn.
Types of Internships in Japan
There are 3 types of internships available in Japan.
1-Day Internship
Internship that lasts a single day. Most 1-Day internships consist of an information session about the company, a group session, and a roundtable discussion with company leaders. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the company, and to narrow down your search for your ideal job and workplace.
Short Term Internship
Internship that lasts a week to a month. These are usually summer and winter internships that are held during summer and winter vacations. The content includes group work with other students, and company information sessions. In some cases, short-term internships may even lead to selection and hiring.
Long Term Internship
Internship that lasts more than a month to 4 years! This type of internship usually comes with a salary. Participating students can gain actual work experience and by the end have acquired skills necessary for work. In many cases, long-term internships lead to direct job offers. It also provides a good opportunity to network with people in the field, and can help you decide whether the job is right for you.
How to Find Internships in Japan
Interested in doing an internship in Japan? Here’s where you can find internship opportunities.
University Career Centre
Students in Japan can seek help from their university’s career centre for internship offers. Your career centre may have recommendations or connections with partner organisations offering internships.
Job Search Sites
There are job searching sites that offer internships. Some of the advertisements there will offer an internship with visa sponsorship for an international company so make sure to check your chances with sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed, 01 Intern.
Internship Agencies
Internship agencies specialise in handling interns including finding internship opportunities that suit you, securing everything that you need overseas, and organising outreach events to build up skills and connections. Notable agencies that you should check are The Intern Group, CRCC, and Zentern.
NOTE
Use legitimate services to avoid scam internships or fake positions that may extort you for free or cheap labour. If you are living abroad, go through a Japanese Embassy, a Chamber of Commerce, or a university that will connect you with legitimate organisations
Due to the popularity of internships, organisations usually have a strict screening process to select the best candidates. Paid long-term internships may have stricter screening processes akin to a full time job hiring. Here is a general idea of how the process goes.
- Application
- Screening and Interview
- Final Evaluation and Results
- Contract
Visa Requirements and Immigration Procedures for Internships in Japan
What status of residence (visa type) you require depends on what type of internship you are doing, and whether you are receiving remuneration.
Those Coming From Outside Japan
Designated Activities Visa
Students coming from outside Japan can obtain a “Designated Activities (特定活動, Tokutei Katsudou)” status of residence (visa type). This type of visa allows activities that are not included in other types of status of residences. There are many types of designated activities, including “Internship, Summer Job, International Cultural Exchange: for foreign university students”.
The “Designated Activities” visa for internships allows for a period of stay of up to 1 year. You are allowed to earn remuneration under this status of residence.
Read more about “Designated Activities” Visa here.
Cultural Activities Visa
Students coming from outside Japan can obtain a “Cultural Activities (文化活動, Bunka Katsudou)” status of residence (visa type). This type of visa allows students to engage in culture and arts unique to Japan (Japanese cultural activities) for academic studies, research, or training purposes.
The “Cultural Activities” visa for internships allows for a period of stay from 90 days. You are not allowed to earn remuneration on this visa.
Read more about “Cultural Activities” visa here.
Short-Term Stay Visa
The “Short-Term Stay (短期滞在, Tanki Taizai)” status of resident (visa type) allows for short-term stays in Japan, for example tourism, and in this case internships.
The “Short-Term Stay” visa for internships allows for a period of stay of up to 90 days. You are not allowed to earn remuneration on this visa.
For Those in Japan with an Existing Status of Residence
International Student Visa
Students enrolled in a university, vocational school, or language school in Japan will be on a “Study Abroad (留学, Ryuugaku)” status of residence (visa type). This type of visa allows for unpaid internships related to your studies.
If you wish to do a paid internship, you need to apply for a “Permission to Engage in Other Activities”.
Designated Activities Visa
Those with “Designated Activity (Continue Job-Hunting/継続就職活動)” or “Designated Activity (Prospective Employee/就職内定者)” status of residence are allowed to join internships. This type of visa allows for unpaid internships.
If you wish to do a paid internship, you need to apply for a “Permission to Engage in Other Activities”.
※ MOJ, “インターンシップに関する在留資格等”
To Close
If you think that applying for an internship could help you in building your career, then don't hesitate to aim for it, or aim higher with an overseas internship like in Japan by applying for an internship in Japan where opportunities are endless for those who are determined and passionate.
