The Go-to Resource for Japanese Jobs in Singapore

This list was curated by Phylicia Bishop (LinkedIn). 

Table of Contents (updated: 1/2021)

• Recruiters
• Job Boards & Job Fairs
• Governmental Organizations & Visas
• Exchanges/Scholarships to Japan
• Japanese Language Tests & Programs
• Translation & Interpretation
• Cultural Organizations

If you want to work specifically in Japan, don’t forget to check out the Japan Resources page. 

Regardless of the country you want to live in, be sure to see the Online Resources page for informative websites, YouTube channels, podcasts, apps, and more!

Sponsors

Recruiters

• Reeracoen Singapore: Established in 2011, this agency matches thousands of employees with employers yearly. They offer a career consultation service and their website features an advanced search option for job vacancies in which you can search by industry, salary, experience level, etc. 
• JAC Recruitment: The longest established international recruitment company group in the region, providing a variety of opportunities to highly skilled professionals in Singapore and beyond. JAC has placed many business Management leaders in these areas in Singapore throughout the years. Areas of specialization include: Accounting & Finance, Banking & Financial Services, Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing, Healthcare/Pharmaceutical, Human Resources & Office Support, IT & Telecoms, Marketing/Advertising, Sales, SCM, Logistics & Procurement, and Top-level & Consultancy roles.
• Pasona Singapore: Well-established, leading Japanese-based recruitment firm providing staffing services of Japanese-speaking, local, and other multilingual talents for various industries. Also supports clients with international placements through the strong network of their parent company, Pasona Group, as well as 40 other overseas branches across the world. Their scope of services includes Japanese Speaking Placements in Singapore and across Asia.
• RGF Executive Search Singapore: Part of Recruit Holdings, Japan’s largest recruiting and information services company. Provides executive search and recruitment for multinational corporations, Japanese companies, and local small to medium companies. Provides junior to mid-level staffing services and mid to senior level recruitment.
• RIKEN Singapore: Japan’s largest research institution conducting research in a diverse range of scientific disciplines. Their Singapore Office acts as a regional coordinator for scientific research exchange and collaboration between RIKEN and Southeast Asian countries. RIKEN is always seeking talented young scientists, skilled technicians, and experienced researchers, offering opportunities to work in nearly any field due to their broad research scope and large number of centers and labs. (Home > Careers/Recruitment)

Job Boards & Job Fairs

• DISCO International (CareerForum.Net): This company sponsors a yearly career forum in Singapore, offering the opportunity for job-seeking students and professionals to apply and connect with a wide array of companies that are currently hiring Japanese bilinguals. (Home > Career Forum)
  • They offer free services: With CFN Scout, you can upload your resume to the system to have employers find you. Their CFN Agent service introduces jobseekers to various job openings not available at their career forums, and you can consult with professional agents on the job application process. Their website also maintains a database of job postings. 
• Mynavi Global: Job board with listings in Singapore and other countries. Offers different ways to browse listings, such as by country, industry, or even spoken language. Website offers information, tips, and more for job seekers, though more intended for Japanese nationals seeking international work. (Home > マイナビグローバル) (Japanese only)
• JETWit: Serves as a career center with regular job postings, in addition to being an alumni magazine and communication channel for JET alumni worldwide.

Governmental Organizations & Visas

• Embassy of Japan in Singapore: The embassy website offers information on Japanese visas and Japan-related resources such as studying in Japan, immigration, Singapore-Japan relations, and foreign policy. The embassy also offers free counseling for students interested in studying in Japan.
• Ministry of Manpower (Singapore Government): Non-Singapore citizens who plan to work or study in Singapore must have a valid pass (also known as a work visa). This is the government’s official website with information about different types of work passes and how to obtain them. (Home > Work Passes)
• Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Singapore (CLAIR): CLAIR was created as a joint organization of local governments for the purpose of promoting and supporting local internationalization. CLAIR Singapore conducts activities in the 10 ASEAN countries, India, and Sri Lanka, including dispatching Japanese experts to foreign local governments, organizing study tours for officials, and supporting the establishment of sister city programs.
• JETRO Singapore: Non-profit organization that provides support services to companies entering or expanding in the Japanese market. Offers business support services as well as industry-specific exhibits, seminars, and events for networking and partnership purposes.
• Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore: Established 1969, JCCI aims to contribute towards the advancement of Japan and Singapore’s economy and promote friendship and mutual cooperation between members of the Chamber. Members can benefit from engagement in activities such as networking sessions and seminars.
• JR East Business Development SEA Pte Ltd.: SEABD aims to promote JR East’s range of lifestyle businesses as well as Japanese products and brands. The company also strives to be the bridge for potential Japanese products and brands to enter the South East Asia markets through providing market research, store development, and more. SEABD manages Japan Way Three Sixty, a 3-in-1 concept store with a restaurant, cafe, and retail store, with the aim of connecting customers to authentic Japanese lifestyle and culture.

Exchanges/Scholarships to Japan

• The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program (Global Website)/JET Program (Singapore Website): Founded in 1987, JET sends participants from around the globe to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. Managed by the government of Japan, the program offers a unique cultural exchange opportunity to meet people from all around the world, living and working in Japan. (Navigation for Singapore website: Home > Culture & Education/JCC)
• Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program (Embassy of Japan in Singapore): Since 1954, the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT or Monbukagakusho) has provided scholarships to assist students in studying at Japanese universities. They offer 4 different scholarships, the one with the highest age limit being 35. Scholarship benefits include a monthly stipend of 117,000 yen, airfare to/from Japan, and exemption of school fees such as tuition. (Home > Culture & Education/JCC)
• Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies: The Center, located in Yokohama, is the premier American program for the teaching of advanced Japanese and is intended for those embarking on careers in Japanese studies or a profession in which fluent Japanese is necessary. Both university students and professionals are eligible for programs, with durations from 3 weeks to 10 months. In addition to being the only program in the world focused exclusively on advanced Japanese language training, the IUC is the only program offering specialized language courses in business, economics/politics, law, history, literature, anthropology, and art.
• Singapore Students’ Association (Japan): An association which connects Singaporean students studying in Japan — their website provides information about life in Japan for prospective students (see their mini guide under Resources for Students on the homepage).
• Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore (JUGAS): Association for non-Japanese citizens in Singapore who have completed their university education in Japan. JUGAS offers scholarships and resources on studying in Japan — their activities also include promoting the understanding of Japanese culture and organizing reunion trips.
• Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan (Japan Student Services Organization): Offered by JASSO for qualified international students who have been accepted by a Japanese institute of higher education to participate in a short-term exchange program arranged through their home institution (up to one year). (Home > Study in Japan > Scholarships for Study in Japan > Student Exchange Support Program)
• Japan Foundation: The Japan Foundation strives for comprehensive and effective development of its international cultural exchange programs, with a focus on arts & cultural exchange, Japanese studies, and Japanese-language education. Offers grants for Japanese studies, research on Japanese art, training for programs for Japanese language teachers, and more. (Home > Program Guidelines > Program List)

Japanese Language Tests & Programs

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): The JLPT is the most well-known test for evaluating and certifying Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers. The test covers language knowledge, reading ability, and listening ability. (Home > Examinations > JLPT)
• Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) (Japanese site)/BJT (English site): Kasia’s favorite test! Designed to objectively measure a non-native speaker’s practical communicative skills in a Japanese-language business environment. The BJT differs from the JLPT in not measuring Japanese language knowledge but rather measuring one’s communicative ability to utilize and respond to given information, ability to express thoughts and opinions, and at the same time promote ideas or projects to people of different backgrounds and expertise. (Please note that the Japanese link may have the most up to date information)
• Kanji Kentei (Japan Kanji Aptitude Test/KanKen): Exam that tests one’s ability to read and write kanji, understand their meanings, use them correctly in sentences, and identify their correct stroke order. Although the test was originally intended for native Japanese speakers, non-native speakers may also take the tests. This page lists their test sites abroad — testing dates depend on the hosting organization and you’ll have to inquire with them for more information.
• Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students: Exam for evaluating whether international students who desire to study at higher educational institutions in Japan have the necessary Japanese language and basic academic skills. The EJU is administered in Singapore (among other countries) and includes the following subject tests: Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Japan and the World, and Mathematics. Applicants select subject tests based on their prospective university’s requirements and can opt to take them in English or Japanese (with the exception of Japanese as a Foreign Language). (Home > EJU)
• National University of Singapore Department of Japanese Studies: One of the largest Japanese studies departments in the Asia-Pacific region. Offers BA, MA, and PhD degree programs, with courses on various disciplines including Japanese linguistics, business studies, sociology, anthropology, history, literature, religion, politics, and international relations. Their website has information about programs, study abroad, clubs, career prospects, and more.
• The Japanese Cultural Society (JCS), Singapore: Local organization which promotes Japanese cultural activities and is the largest organization for the education of Japanese language in Singapore, with over 2,000 students enrolling yearly.
• Hougang Japanese Language School: Singapore’s first Japanese school, founded in 1983. They claim to offer the most reasonable Japanese course in Singapore, and have three different schools around the city state. Courses focus on the JLPT after completing the basic course.
• Pyaess Japanese Language School: Unique system where each three-hour session is taught by two teachers, allowing students to hear different ways native speakers speak and learn from two teachers with different personalities. Offers various kinds of classes.
• Lingo Language School: Offers private classes, semi-private classes, group classes, corporate training, and online classes. Class sizes are small with an emphasis on conversational skills. All instructors are native Japanese speakers.
• Tomo Japanese Language School: Offers courses in six levels, with an emphasis on conversational skills and employing speech shadowing learning techniques. Their school ensures you learn not only language, but the culture of Japan as well. Students range from school students and undergraduates to working professionals and hobbyists.
• Japanese Explorer (Language School): Certified and guided by the official syllabus from the Association for Japanese-Language Teaching (AJALT), all teachers are certified native Japanese teachers. Japanese Explorer offers small classes, public group classes, custom group courses, and more.
• Bunka Language School: Offers small class sizes with a maximum of 12 people in each class. All of their instructors are native speakers and are registered with the Ministry of Education. In addition to regular courses and private lessons, they also offer JLPT prep classes.
• IKOMA Language School: Offers JLPT courses as well as courses in 5 different levels, from Basic to Further Advanced, which are available to take once or twice a week. The school also offers intensive Monday to Friday daytime classes.

Translation & Interpretation

• Chambers Translation: Translation agency with offices in Japan as well as other countries. Provides Japanese translation services for various fields including legal, medical, technical, and financial translation. Also offers interpreting services and more. 
• Asia Translate: Translation service specializing in Asian languages and business translation services, mainly providing services from/to English.

Cultural Organizations

Inquire about employment and volunteering opportunities at the Japanese businesses/organizations listed here.

• The Japanese Cultural Society (JCS), Singapore: Local organization which promotes Japanese cultural activities and hosts their annual Japanese Cultural Festival. JCS is the largest organization for the education of Japanese language in Singapore, with over 2,000 students enrolling yearly.
• JET Alumni Association Singapore: JETAA SG aims to strengthen ties between JET Program participants in Singapore through various activities, and gives support to new and returning JETs. Their Facebook page features content about the JET experience from alumni and current ALTs, as well as cultural information about their local areas as a JET (a great reference for prospective JETs).
• Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Singapore Office: JST is an organization which aims to establish Japan as a nation built on the creativity of science and technology and implements Japan’s science and technology policy. The Singapore office connects South and Southeast Asia with Japan’s universities, research institutes, and companies, with a focus on strengthening cooperation and promoting mutual understanding between JST and these regions’ counterpart organizations, scientists, and researchers. The office is a resource for information and various opportunities for cooperative programs and projects in these regions.
• The Japanese Association, Singapore: JAS was originally established as a mutual aid group for Japanese residents to look after one another’s welfare, set up educational facilities, maintain the Japanese cemetery, and promote exchange. Postwar, the Japanese Association has also more actively promoted exchange with the local Singapore community with the objective of serving as a center for people to meet, socialize, and exchange culture. Their offerings include events and Japanese courses, and they even have their own clubhouse with various facilities (membership may be required).
• Japan Foundation Asia Center: The Japan Foundation is dedicated to implementing international cultural exchange programs worldwide — JF’s Asia Center focuses on conducting and supporting collaborative initiatives with their counterparts in other Asian (primarily ASEAN) countries. Their goal is to become a bridge between these nations and promote a sense of friendship as neighboring countries. You’ll find information on their projects, as well as news, events, interviews, and more.
• Japan Foundation: Japanese government agency promoting arts, culture, and language worldwide. Hosts a variety of cultural events, and offers scholarships, grants, and educational resources.
• The Japanese School Singapore: Japanese international school founded in 1912, with two elementary schools and one junior high school. Their educational system and curriculum are similar to that of public schools in Japan, with most certified teachers being sent by The Ministry of Education of Japan. Inquire for volunteer/employment opportunities.
• The Japanese Supplementary School, Singapore: JSS is an elementary and junior high school with a curriculum that adheres to the government of Japan’s guidelines. The school strives to give students an understanding of Japanese culture through hands-on experience. Their website not only offers job postings, but also has detailed information on what it’s like working at the school. (Japanese only)
• Waseda Academy Singapore: Cram school with two different locations that offer support for Japanese expats from elementary through high school levels. Also offers courses to prepare students for university entrance exams. Inquire for volunteer/employment opportunities.
• OISHII Magazine: A free English-language publication with information on Japanese food and lifestyle in Singapore, as well as culinary culture, travel destinations, and more in Japan. Informs readers on the best food and drinks, destinations, hotels, lifestyle, recipes, and events. Available online and in print.
• WAttention Singapore: WAttention is the largest-circulating free magazine of its kind worldwide, introducing Japan’s culture and tourist sights to readers with the aim of being a one-stop source for all things Japan. Their website delivers the latest news on sights, destinations, food, and shopping.

Be sure to reach out to Phylicia Bishop on LinkedIn. If you have any other suggestions to be added to this list, please submit them here.

Don’t forget to check out the other Resource pages, too! The Japan page is all about working in Japan. The Online Resource page is all about culture, language and job search tips, regardless of your home country.