Teaching English in Japan After Attending a Japanese Language School: A Promising Career Worth Pursuing?

Why English Teachers Are Still in Demand in Japan

English is a mandatory subject in Japanese schools, yet many Japanese people still struggle to actively use the language. This creates a high demand for English teachers, especially in:

·       Public schools (elementary, junior high, high school)

·       Private language schools (Eikaiwa)

·       Private tutoring sessions

Interestingly, Japan is not only hiring native speakers, but also non-native speakers from various countries—especially those who speak Japanese and have a relevant educational background.

What’s the Path Like for Indonesians?

For Indonesian citizens, here's a common path:

1.     Enroll in a Japanese language school

2.     Continue to a vocational school or apply for a job (with a work visa)

3.     Teach English in formal or informal institutions

With the right strategy, this can lead to a long-term career and even open doors to permanent residency!

Requirements to Teach English in Japan

Even if you’re not a native speaker, you can still become an English teacher in Japan if you meet these criteria:

1.     At least a bachelor’s degree (any major; education or language-related majors preferred)

2.     Strong English skills (having TOEFL or IELTS scores is a plus)

3.     Japanese proficiency at JLPT N3–N2 level

4.     Teaching skills and experience are added value

5.     A suitable work visa (e.g., Instructor or Humanities/International Services visa)

Some institutions also hire part-time teachers, including international students attending vocational schools or universities in Japan.

How Much Do English Teachers Earn in Japan?

Salaries vary based on location, employer, and experience. Generally:

·       Full-time teacher at Eikaiwa: ¥220,000 – ¥280,000/month

·       ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) via programs like JET or private

companies: ¥250,000 – ¥300,000/month

·       Private tutor: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000/hour

Newcomers from Indonesia with experience or certifications (like TESOL or TEFL) have a good chance of earning a competitive salary!

Advantages of This Career

·       Fun and interactive work environment

·       Relatively flexible working hours

·       Opportunity to live in Japan long-term

·       Career growth into senior instructor or even starting your own business

·       International work environment

Japanese Language School: Your Strategic First Step

Enrolling in a Japanese language school is a smart first move. It helps you:

·       Improve Japanese skills to a working level (JLPT N3/N2)

·       Adapt to Japanese culture and work ethics

·       Build a network and discover job opportunities

·       Prepare documents to switch to a work visa after graduation

How Can Nakamura Study Japan Help You?

As an education and career consultant focused on Japan, Nakamura Study Japan is ready to support your journey—from the beginning until you succeed as an English teacher in Japan:

We help you enroll in top Japanese language schools
We assist with visa and departure preparation
We guide your career-building and job search strategies
We connect you with institutions that accept non-native speakers

Even if you don’t have a degree in education or teaching experience yet, we can help you design a suitable education and career path to achieve your goal!

Conclusion

Teaching English in Japan after completing a language school is not just possible—it can be one of the best career paths, especially for those with passion, language skills, and a willingness to learn. With the right guidance and strategy, you can build a stable career in Japan, even as an Indonesian

Interested?
Contact Nakamura Study Japan today, and let’s design your future in Japan—starting from studying to working!