Junior High School Jobs in Japan are an attractive option for qualified teachers and English-language professionals who want to build an international teaching career. Opportunities are available in public schools, private schools, international schools, and through Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) programs.
Foreign teachers can work with Japanese teachers to support English education, while qualified school teachers may apply for dedicated teaching positions depending on their qualifications and experience.
Junior High School Teaching Jobs in Japan
Junior high school students in Japan generally study English from elementary school through junior high school. Foreign teachers may work as:
- English Teachers
- Assistant Language Teachers (ALT)
- EFL/ESL Teachers
- Private School Teachers
- International School Teachers
- Part-Time English Teachers
The JET Programme, for example, places Assistant Language Teachers in schools throughout Japan. ALTs generally assist Japanese Teachers of English rather than independently leading all classes.
Teacher Salary in Japan
Teacher salaries vary significantly depending on the employer, qualifications, experience, working hours, and contract.
Recent job advertisements illustrate this range. One full-time junior/high school English teaching position listed an annual salary of ¥3 million to ¥5 million, while another junior/high school ESL position listed an annual salary of ¥4 million.
Part-time positions can also pay hourly rates. For example, a current British Council Tokyo junior-high-school teaching vacancy lists ¥4,484 per hour for teachers with CELTA or equivalent and ¥4,993 per hour for teachers with DELTA or equivalent.
Actual salary and benefits should always be confirmed in the individual job advertisement.
Requirements
Requirements depend on the type of teaching position.
Common requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher
- Strong English-language ability for English teaching positions
- Teaching experience, depending on the position
- TEFL, TESOL, CELTA or similar certification for some jobs
- Teaching license for certain school-teaching positions
- Good communication and classroom-management skills
For example, a recent full-time foreign-national English teacher vacancy required a bachelor’s degree or higher, native-level English proficiency, and at least one year of English teaching experience. TEFL/TESOL/CELTA and Japanese-language ability were listed as preferred qualifications.
Is a Teaching License Required?
A teaching license can be important for direct teaching positions in Japanese schools.
Japan’s Ministry of Education states that becoming a school teacher generally requires a teaching license and employment by the relevant school or education authority. Public-school teachers are generally hired through education-board recruitment examinations, while private schools conduct their own recruitment.
However, requirements differ for ALT, language-teaching, private-school, and international-school positions. Applicants should check the exact requirements of each vacancy..
Visa for Teaching Jobs in Japan
Foreign teachers need an appropriate status of residence to legally work in Japan.
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency lists the “Instructor” status of residence for teaching activities at Japanese elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and other educational institutions.
The specific immigration requirements depend on the position, employer, and applicant’s circumstances.
How to Find Junior High School Jobs in Japan
You can search for vacancies through:
- Japanese school websites
- Official recruitment websites
- JET Programme information
- Education job portals
- Private and international schools
- Universities and educational institutions
- Teaching organizations operating in Japan
Current recruitment listings show that junior high school English opportunities can include both full-time and part-time positions.
How to Apply
The application process usually includes:
- Find a suitable vacancy.
- Check the education and experience requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV/resume.
- Prepare a cover letter.
- Submit degree and teaching certificates when requested.
- Complete an interview.
- Provide additional documents for employment and immigration procedures if required.
Always apply through the employer’s official recruitment channel and carefully check the employment contract before accepting an offer.
Benefits
Depending on the employer, a teaching position may offer benefits such as:
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance
- Pension contributions
- Paid holidays
- Commuting allowance
- Bonuses
- Professional development
- Experience in an international education environment
Benefits vary by employer and contract.
Foreigners
Foreign applicants can find opportunities in Japan’s English education sector. ALT positions can be particularly relevant for applicants who want to work with Japanese students while supporting English lessons.
For example, current ALT recruitment information includes positions at Japanese public junior high schools and elementary schools for the 2027 school year.
Applicants should check nationality, degree, language, experience, and visa requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners get junior high school teaching jobs in Japan?
Yes. Foreign teachers can work in Japan through ALT programs, private schools, international schools, and other education providers, subject to the requirements of the position.
What degree do I need to teach in Japan?
Many English-teaching positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some professional school-teaching positions may have additional teaching-license requirements.
How much do junior high school teachers earn in Japan?
Salary varies by employer and experience. Recent job listings show annual salaries ranging from approximately ¥3 million to ¥5 million for some full-time English teaching positions, while other positions offer different salary structures.
Do I need Japanese to teach in Japan?
Not always. Some English-teaching jobs do not require Japanese, while certain school positions prefer strong Japanese communication skills.
Can I apply from outside Japan?
Some employers recruit overseas candidates, while other positions require applicants to already have permission to live and work in Japan. Always check the individual vacancy.
Final Words
Junior High School Jobs in Japan offer opportunities for qualified teachers, English educators, and international teaching professionals. Candidates should carefully compare the job requirements, salary, working hours, benefits, teaching qualifications, and visa conditions before applying.
For the best results, prepare a professional CV, verify your qualifications, and apply directly through legitimate school or employer recruitment channels.