English Teaching Jobs in Japan

Naturally there are jobs to be had teaching other languages, but the vast majority of the 5,000 or so language schools in Japan are focused on teaching English. The English-study boom may have lost some steam since it peaked in the late-80's but it's still going. Once the economy picks up again, it's likely to fuel even more growth in the industry. Also, the Mombukagakusho (Ministry of Education) has finally realized that the best way to improve English fluency at the high school level is to start early. So they have finally got around to including eikaiwa (English conversation) as part of the elementary school curriculum, which will create even more demand for native speakers. Although the number of young people is on the decline, you can be sure that there will continue to be jobs available for both those who just want to make a bit of money and also people who want to establish a teaching career in Japan. There are several different options open to people looking for a teaching job: eikaiwa schools, the JET Program and private primary, secondary and third-level schools. Once you've got yourself established with a job and a valid visa status, there is also the possibility of teaching lessons privately.

Unless you're both qualified and experienced, the entry-level salary is pretty much the same as it has been since the English-study boom started in the 1980s - around 250,000 yen per month. With the 90's having been a period of deflation and falling prices, this is enough for a single person to live on, even in Tokyo, but it won't make you a millionaire. Qualified and experienced teachers or those with luck and connections can expect to make two to three times that.

Related pages:
Eikaiwa Schools | The JET Program | Private Schools

Recommended sites:
ELT Books - Books for Teaching English in Japan