Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the Japan job market. Finding the right job or candidate requires solid data. We provide the latest statistics on employment, salaries, and economic indicators, empowering you to make informed decisions about your next career step or recruitment strategy in Japan.

    Job Market Overview: Employment Statistics in Japan

    Understanding Japan's job market is crucial for both job seekers and employers. The country's current employment indicators show:

    Key Metric Current Status
    Total Population 126.476.458 residents
    Employment Rate 61.9% (below OECD average)
    Unemployment Rate 2.57% (very competitive market)

    These Japan employment statistics reveal a tight labor market where candidates should highlight specialized skills. The 61.9% employment rate suggests moderate job availability across sectors.


    Looking for Jobs in Japan?
    Browse available Jobs in our international Job Search





    Living & Working in Japan: Economic Insights

    Before relocating or applying for jobs in Japan, consider these key economic factors:

    Economic Indicator Value Comparison to U.S.
    Average Monthly Salary 2.294,97 USD 51% of U.S. average (moderately lower)
    Purchasing Power 86.5 strong compared to U.S. (100)

    With 86.5 purchasing power, salaries in Japan provide comfortable living standards. The average monthly salary of 2.294,97 USD is particularly attractive in the Manufacturing (Automotive, Electronics) sector.

    Top Industries & Job Opportunities in JP

    Japan's thriving job market spans these key sectors:

    Leading Industry Manufacturing (Automotive, Electronics) (growing at 5% annually)
    Emerging Sector Services (Finance, Retail) (25% of workforce)
    Service Sector Agriculture (Rice, Fishery) (60% of GDP)
    Major Employers Toyota, Mitsubishi, Sony (hiring year-round)

    Job seekers should focus on Manufacturing (Automotive, Electronics) for the most opportunities, while Services (Finance, Retail) offers growth potential. Major companies like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Sony frequently post openings for skilled professionals.


    Need qualified talents in Japan?
    Post jobs free - Hire faster




    Data Sources & Methodology

    The statistical data (Population, Employment, Economic Indicators) used in this guide is compiled from the following authoritative sources:

    Disclaimer: Data Volatility Note

    We strive to update all statistics and figures annually. However, due to the nature of global economics, data like employment rates, exchange values, and average salaries can change rapidly due to political events, economic shifts, or unforeseen crises. Always verify critical figures with local governmental or financial institutions before making major decisions.

    CityJobs bridges the gap between job seekers and employers in Japan, creating a more accessible and inclusive job market for all.


    A business women is happy after her job interview and drinks a cup of coffee

    Working in Japan - FAQs

    1. What's the employment situation in Japan?

    With a population of 126,476,458 and an employment rate of 61.9%, Japan offers a competitive job market. The unemployment rate currently stands at 2.57%.

    2. Which are the top companies in Japan?

    The leading employers in Japan include Toyota, Mitsubishi, Sony. These companies offer diverse opportunities across multiple sectors.

    3. How far does salary go in Japan?

    The purchasing power ratio in Japan is 86.5, meaning cost of living should be carefully considered when evaluating job offers.

    4. How can I find jobs in Japan?

    Search our listings filtered for Japan. Focus on industries where Toyota, Mitsubishi, Sony are active, and consider that the 61.9% employment rate suggests moderate competition for positions.

    5. What should I know about working in Japan?

    With Toyota, Mitsubishi, Sony as major employers, the job market tends to favor Services (Finance, Retail) and Agriculture (Rice, Fishery).

    New Job Posts Cityjobs.info

    Top Cities and Companies across Japan


    Fukuoka (1.574.379 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Fukuoka: Fukuoka Bank, Kyushu Electric Power, Nishi-Nippon Railroad

    Hiroshima (1.194.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Hiroshima: Mazda, Chugoku Electric Power, Hiroshima Bank, Asse, Onomichi Shipyard

    Kawasaki (1.500.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Kawasaki: Fujitsu, Toshiba, NEC, Canon, JFE Steel

    Kobe (1.530.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Kobe: Kobe Steel, ASICS, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Sysmex, Sumitomo Rubber Industries

    Kyoto (1.475.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Kyoto: Nintendo, Omron, Kyocera, Murata Manufacturing, Shimadzu Corporation

    Nagoya (2.295.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Nagoya: Toyota, Denso, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, NGK Spark Plug, Brother Industries

    Osaka (2.730.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Osaka: Panasonic, Sharp, Kintetsu Group, Suntory, Hankyu Hanshin Holdings

    Sapporo (1.953.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Sapporo: Sapporo Breweries, Seiko Epson, Hokuyo Bank, Hokkaido Electric Power Company, Royce Confectionery

    Sendai (1.093.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Sendai: Tohoku Electric Power, Sendai Bank, Miyagi Co-op, Tohoku University, Iris Ohyama

    Tokyo (13.960.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Tokyo: Toyota, Sony, Mitsubishi, NTT, SoftBank, Honda, Toshiba, Hitachi, Rakuten, Fujitsu

    Yokohama (3.740.000 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Yokohama: Nissan, Fuji Xerox, Hitachi, Toshiba, Shiseido

    Explore Our Latest Blog Posts on Career Development and Personal Growth

    Dive deeper into global career planning and market insights. Read our latest articles here.

    Discover in our guide how to work online and get paid — no experience needed! Discover legit remote jobs, essential skills, and step-by-step tips to start earning from home today. Avoid scams & find your perfect online gig.
    • Career,

    How can I work online and get paid?

    Discover in our guide how to work online and get paid — no experience needed! Discover legit remote jobs, essential skills, and step-by-step tips to start earning from home today. Avoid scams & find your perfect online gig.

    Discover the best free job boards, including CityJobs.info, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired. Learn how to optimize your job postings and attract top talent—all without spending a dime!
    • Career,

    Free Job Boards Guide: Find Talent and Save Costs

    Discover the best free job boards, including CityJobs.info, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired. Learn how to optimize your job postings and attract top talent—all without spending a dime!