Are you considering enrolling in an English-taught degree program in Japan, but worrying about your career prospects after graduation? A common concern among international students is whether it is possible to find a job in Japan without business-level Japanese skills. The good news is: Yes, it is entirely possible!
Today, we want to introduce a powerful resource that proves you can build a successful career in Japan using primarily English: the JETRO “Open for Professionals” (OFP) Company Database.
What is the JETRO OFP List?
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has created a dedicated portal called “JAPAN – Open for Professionals”. This platform offers information for global talent who are interested in working in Japan.
The OFP List is a corporate database published by JETRO. JETRO collects the voices of companies, from traditional corporations to dynamic startups, that want to grow their business together with global talent.
The Game-Changing Feature: “Only English Language Skills Required”
If you look at the Database of Japanese Companies, you will notice a specific and incredibly helpful filter: “Only English Language Skills Required”.
By utilizing this feature, the database filters for companies that do not demand Japanese fluency at the time of hiring. These companies are actively seeking to accommodate professionals whose primary language is English.
What Kinds of Jobs Are Available?
You might assume that English-only jobs are limited to specific niches, but the OFP List showcases a wide variety of professional sectors. The database features companies looking for expertise in:
Humanities: Sales/Marketing, Trade Affairs, and Management.
Sciences: Technical Sales, Engineering, and Research & Development (R&D).
Sectors range from Electrical Machinery and Software to Food & Beverage and Professional Services. Additionally, many of these companies indicate if they have an Internship Program Available, which is a fantastic way for current students to gain experience before graduating.
Your Next Steps
Knowing that Japanese companies are actively seeking English-speaking international talent should give you the confidence to pursue your English-taught degree in Japan!
While finding a job in English is possible, picking up some conversational Japanese during your university years will make your daily life more enjoyable and broaden your career options even further.
Start exploring the JETRO OFP Database today and visualize your future career in Japan.
