Work in Japan for Filipinos: Jobs, Visa Options, Salary, and What to Expect
Lio, Japanese Career Consultant (National license)
Many Filipinos are searching for opportunities to work in Japan due to better salaries, stable employment, and Japan’s growing need for foreign workers.
This guide explains how Filipinos can work in Japan, what jobs are available, visa requirements, salaries, and the realities of Japanese work culture.
Lio Author
Representative at BANSO Works
I am a Tokyo-born Japanese professional writer with a bachelor’s degree in intercultural communication, and I have lived in five countries.
I am also a nationally certified Career Consultant in Japan, with practical expertise in behavioral psychology.
In addition, I have hands-on HR experience at four major Japanese companies.
This combination of academic training in intercultural communication and extensive professional experience allows me to provide practical, experience-based insights into Japanese workplace culture.
Can Filipinos Work in Japan?
Yes. Filipinos can legally work in Japan, as long as they have the correct work visa.
Japan is facing a serious labor shortage due to its aging population, and Filipino workers are highly valued for their English ability, hospitality skills, and strong work ethic.
Because of Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population, the country is suffering from a severe labor shortage. This means that workers are in high demand, and if the conditions are right, there are many opportunities to work in Japan.
At the care facility where my grandmother resides, many of the caregivers are from the Philippines, and they offer dedicated and compassionate nursing care. Each year, it feels that the number of foreign caregivers continues to grow.
Popular Jobs in Japan for Filipinos
Here are the most common job categories where Filipinos work in Japan:
1. Caregiver (Kaigo / Nursing Care)
- Very high demand
- Often supports Filipino workers with training
- Japanese language required (N4–N3 level)
- Monthly salary: ¥180,000 – ¥250,000
2. Factory & Manufacturing Jobs
- Entry-level positions available
- No advanced Japanese required
- Monthly salary: ¥160,000 – ¥230,000
3. Hospitality & Hotels
- Hotels, resorts, restaurants
- English skills are an advantage
- Japanese level: N3 recommended
4. IT & Engineering
- Software engineers, system engineers
- English-friendly environments exist
- Higher salaries: ¥300,000+ per month
5. English-related Jobs
- English teachers, bilingual staff
- Not limited to native speakers
- Experience matters more than nationality
Work Visa Options for Filipinos
To work in Japan, Filipinos need a Japanese work visa. Common visa types include:
● Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
- Office jobs, IT, translation, marketing
- College degree required
● Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
- For construction, caregiving, food service, factories
- Japanese language test required
- Designed specifically for foreign workers
● Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)
- Training-based work program
- Often criticized, but still widely used
- Limited job mobility
⚠️ Important: Tourist visas do NOT allow work in Japan.
Do Filipinos Need to Speak Japanese?
Basic Japanese is strongly recommended.
- Factory jobs: Minimal Japanese
- Caregiving & customer service: Japanese required
- IT jobs: English-only positions exist, but are limited
Learning Japanese greatly improves:
- Job options
- Salary
- Long-term career stability
Salary & Cost of Living in Japan
Average Monthly Salary
- Entry-level jobs: ¥160,000 – ¥220,000
- Skilled jobs: ¥250,000 – ¥400,000+
Typical Monthly Expenses
- Rent: ¥40,000 – ¥80,000
- Food: ¥30,000 – ¥50,000
- Utilities & transport: ¥15,000 – ¥25,000
Many Filipinos can save money, especially outside Tokyo.
Work Culture in Japan: What Filipinos Should Know
Before working in Japan, it’s important to understand cultural differences:
- Overtime is common (It depends on job)
- Indirect communication (people rarely say “No” directly)
- Punctuality is critical
- Team harmony is valued over individual opinion
Understanding these cultural norms helps avoid misunderstandings and workplace stress.
Is Working in Japan Worth It for Filipinos?
Yes — if you prepare properly.
Japan offers:
- Stable income
- Safe living environment
- Long-term residency options
- Career growth for those who adapt
However, challenges include:
- Language barrier
- Strict work culture
- Homesickness
Proper guidance makes a huge difference.
Need Support to Work in Japan?
Looking for career support to work in Japan?
A career coach who understands Japanese work culture and foreign workers’ challenges can help you:
- Choose the right visa
- Prepare for interviews
- Understand Japanese workplace expectations
- Build a long-term career plan in Japan
👉 Get professional guidance before making your move to Japan.
FAQ: Work in Japan for Filipinos
Q: Can Filipinos work in Japan without experience?
A: Yes, especially in factories and caregiving.
Q: Is Japan open to Filipino workers now?
A: Yes. Japan actively accepts foreign workers due to labor shortages.
