Former ELT News editor Michael Chan wrote this comprehensive guide to teaching English in Japan. It covers just about any question you might have, from the kind of qualifications you need to the differences between the different kinds of schools.
This resource is aimed at those interested in pursuing a teaching career in Japan.
We welcome further additions and comments to this page. If there is information you cannot find in this guide - post your query on the Message Board or contact ELT News using our contact form
January 05, 2009
Where are the jobs?
The saying goes "All roads lead to Rome", and this could easily apply to Tokyo,
Japan's capital city. Of the 120 million Japanese, 30 million live in and around the Tokyo
area. The capital is the political, corporate, geographical, transportation and academic
center of Japan.
Most teaching vacancies are in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
If you don't want to work in a big city, then applying for a position with one of the big
chain schools would be a good idea. They have branch schools all over Japan and preferences
can be made at the interview. The smaller cities and towns offer a more Japanese lifestyle
though salaries can be lower. The Jet Program offers the opportunity to work outside
the metropolitan areas with the added advantage that the salary is the same regardless of the
teacher's location in Japan.
Further Reference Map of Japan's
major regions and cities.