Contents
Introduction
In recent decades, the job of an English teacher in Japan has become very popular among native English speakers. The massive internationalization program in Japan means that schools, colleges, and universities throughout Japan are always looking for native English speakers. In Asia, the salaries for teaching English in Japan are also the most respectable.
However, you may find it difficult to find the most suitable program for you. In this article, I have listed the best programs for teaching English in Japan. These programs are hosted by many parties such as the government, non-government, corporations, and other non-public companies. I hope this will help you to find the perfect program to apply for.
1. JET Program USA

First of all, the most popular teaching abroad program in Japan is the JET program. Founded in 1987, JET has dispatched extra than 70,000 members from around the globe (including more than 35,800 Americans). To work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. JET’s uniqueness is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the Japanese government. Or stately it is an official program.
Then, country participation is very broad in scope. More than 55 countries around the world are currently participating in the JET program. This program offers a double purpose opportunity, namely a unique cultural exchange. To meet people from all over the world, even being able to live and work at the same time, in Japan. Alumnae also conducts and organizes numerous social, voluntary, and professional development activities. To assist individuals through the transition process. Becoming a JET member places you in an elite network of extraordinary individuals.
Eligibility Criteria for JET Program
If you want to join this program, please look at the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a citizen of the United States by the application deadline
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or obtain such qualifications
- Have not participated in the JET Program
- TESL/TEFL Certification
- Japanese Language Certification.
2. Interac

Interac is one of the largest non-governmental employers of foreign nationals in Japan. Employing nearly 3,500 people in Japan across a network of 13 offices. About 3,200 of these employees are non-Japanese. Founded in 1972, Interac is one of the largest non-governmental issuers of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) program for Japanese public schools.
Interac‘s mission is: “By providing academic opportunities for the whole person that enrich the hearts, minds, and lives of people of all ages, we will achieve a more meaningful society.” Interact is a title coined by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). You work as a native English speaker in Japanese classrooms.
As an Interac ALT, you have a dual role: language teacher and cultural ambassador. These two aspects are inextricably linked. You will become a professional in both areas as a profitable Interac ALT. You can expect to teach the lessons on your own, with a Japanese trainer to assist you in directing the lessons.
Eligibility Criteria of Interac Program
Please look at the glance for the Eligibility Criteria for this program as the followings:
- Native English speaker.
- You have completed at least 12 years of education in English.
- You have graduated or are about to graduate from a university with at least a bachelor’s degree (in any subject).
- Applicants should be professional in every aspect, team players, flexible, cheerful, and energetic.
Moreover, you will get a plus point if you meet the following criteria:
- Have a driver’s license.
- Have experience in teaching.
- The applicant has a teaching qualification, e.g., CELTA, DELTA, and TEFL.
- Have experience studying a second language at school or university.
- You speak some basic Japanese.
As mentioned above, if you have basic Japanese, you will get the plus point. It will help you much to live in Japan. Here is in our media, we have many articles about Learning Japanese from scratch. Only taking a few minutes, you will get an abundance of useful phrases as well as Japanese culture. Please go here and freely leave your comment below if you have any inquiries.
3. Westgate

Westgate or Westgate Japan is a non-public company founded in 1983, offers a standard Monday to Friday work week and a competitive salary. Their contracts start in Spring and Autumn phrases and are shorter than different programs. One of the largest private companies dealing with short-term contracts in providing jobs in the field of English language teaching is Westgate Corporation. Employs more than 250 instructors (instructors) to teach at any of their 57 campuses and schools. They offer three programs.
Many wonderful aspects of the job, Productive and fun. Perfect for the young teacher just getting started, and for anyone who has at least one year of teaching experience and wants to teach English in Japan, Westgate may be a great place to start. Based in Tokyo, the college software offers outstanding instructors with the possibility of working for only three or four months, either in the spring or fall. For people who really want to experience Japan, but are still hesitant to live there, this contract is perfect.
Eligibility criteria of the Westgate Program
- ESL teaching experience 1000+ hours EFL teaching experience in lieu of a teaching certificate or qualification.
- You have got a bachelor’s degree or higher
- EFL teaching experience in a classroom setting
- TEFL certificate and/or a teaching qualification with experience working with young learners
4. AEON: Teach English in Japan

Founded in 1973, with over 250 schools throughout Japan, and teachers from all over the world. AEON corporation is a private company that Recruits teachers for hundreds of language schools across Japan. The AEON Corporation of Japan is an innovator in the field of English language teaching.
Providing exceptional opportunities for learning and mastering the language in the classroom and online. With more than 2,000 employees. The current number of students exceeds 50,000 in each of the branch schools located in every prefecture of Japan. AEON employs a teaching staff of more than 400 teachers and education specialists from English-speaking countries.
Eligibility criteria of AEON Corporation Program
- A bachelor’s degree in any major.
- Or a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to English or English Education.
- 10 years of education from native English schools.
- Applicants should possess a genuine interest in japan people and culture.
- Please find the details here.
5. GABA: Teach English in Japan

GABA welcomes applications from any nationality who are proficient in English at a native level. This corporation provides professional aid and a flexible schedule system. Therefore, you can experience teaching in Japan in your personal way. If you are looking to teach adults in Japan, Gaba is one of best your choices. GABA specializes in supporting adult English learners to achieve their learning goals in a 1-1 lesson format.
Currently, they are recruiting for Kobe, Kawasaki, and the Seijo learning studio area. What’s even more special for new teachers is that there is a five-minute gap between lessons, but it may feel short for those unfamiliar with the structure of GABA lessons. Experienced instructors will tell you enough time. Hence, the new teachers will be more accustomed to teaching at Gaba corporation. Monthly salaries will vary, nonetheless, the application fee is 1500 yen per 40-minute lesson with a bonus for outstanding teachers.
Eligibility criteria for GABA Corporation program
- Native English level.
- Hold a bachelor’s diploma in any major.
- ESL certificate.
- Experience in corporate surroundings.
- Please find more of the requirements here.
6. NOVA: Teach in Japan

Well, thinking about educating overseas in Japan? Then, you’re possibly going to come throughout the foremost English Conversation School franchise, NOVA. NOVA employs masses of English native speakers. NOVA is one of a handful of English Conversation Schools in Japan, recognized as ‘Eikaiwa’. The good news is that some educators start their NOVA careers with previous experience as educators. Regardless, each instructor completes a comprehensive training program before they begin teaching for NOVA.
Moreover, NOVA japan offers you an easily accessible doorway to Japan by giving you a visa, a place to live, and a competitive income. Then, if you later decide to take teaching to the next level, your time at NOVA could springboard you with something better as well. Many Nova teachers go on to public schools or other private companies. The special one is Nova does not allow speaking Japanese in class as they want the students to be totally immersed in English.
Eligibility criteria of NOVA-Teach English in Japan Program
- No education experience required
- Fluent in English
- Bachelor’s diploma
- Lower Entry Requirements
- Easy hiring process
If you are interested in this program, please find more about NOVA Japan, here.
7. BE Studio – Teach English in Japan

If you love to interact with children and teach them English, then you should consider this program. Yes, the teaching English in Japan program hosted by Benesse BE Studio. This program would support you to nurture your communication skills with children. By joining this program, you would be able to spread your value to the young generation in Japan.
Benesse BE Studio has been around in providing language services for the young in Japan for over 40 years. Benesse BE studio is looking for amazing and enthusiastic teachers to join their great company. For you as a first starter, BE Studio even welcomes teachers without professional teaching experience. As long as you have a passion, love to work with children, BE Studio would be perfect for you! Please find more about their wonderful English teaching programs here.
8. Teach Away

As you ever heard, this online worldwide platform is very popular over the past years. Yes, Teach Away now is well-known as a worldwide leader in international teacher recruitment. Teach Away will assist you to find the best jobs teaching abroad in over 50 countries all around the world. This leading startup provides tons of work opportunities. From ESL jobs to classroom teaching jobs abroad, to principal and administrative positions, Teach Away has a diverse selection of teaching abroad programs as well.
Furthermore, Teach Away’s partner institutions include major educational boards, Ministries of Education, leading international and private schools, ESL institutes, and vocational schools all around the world including Japan. For teaching jobs that require TEFL certification, Teach Away would recommend TEFL Online to cut the teacher burden. A TEFL course developed by the University of Toronto offers the best in academic quality and accessibility. Please learn more about Teach Away, here.
9. Tamaki TEFL Recruitment (TTR)

If you need intensive support and advice from an English teaching expert in Japan, the Tamaki TEFL Recruitment (TTR) program would be the best for you. With more than 12 years of experience in the TEFL industry in both teaching and recruitment capacities, Tomoko Tamaki (the founder) would always give the best advice and place candidates in the most suitable job.
According to its official website, until now, TTR has successfully placed hundreds of teachers in Japan, China, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia since being founded in 2015. The founder, Tomoko has taught extensively in Japan, Vietnam, and China before moving into the recruitment industry and deciding to channel her passion for teaching overseas into the founding of her own TEFL recruitment company, Tamaki TEFL Recruitment. If you want to know more detail about this program, please take a look here.
10. Amity – Useful English for Children

Amity Corporation has become a leader in providing English teaching programs in Japan for more than 25 years. Their specialty is to provide teaching programs for children in Japan. As stated on their official website, formerly, Amity began as the children’s division of AEON Corporation founded in 1973. In 1994, Amity began independent operations by opening its own branch schools and by creating its own curriculum as it was growing quickly.
On this day, Amity welcomes over 24,000 students to class each week at over 85 branch schools all around Japan. Amity offers exciting opportunities for enthusiastic professionals who enjoy sharing their knowledge with children. Amity teachers have the greatest opportunity to gain invaluable teaching skills in Japan as they are always developing their education quality.
Are you interested to be a part of Amity Teacher? Then, please find more about it here.
Conclusion
If you have a strong eagerness to teach English in Japan, why do not you try to explore the English Teaching program we have listed above.
- Not only get paid, but you would also be able to gain rich experience of living in a beautiful cherry blossom country, Japan.
- As well as nurture your professionalism, this will enrich your learning environment.
- Let’s create an abundance of teaching English experiences in Japan.
If you have any comments, please freely drop them below! See you in the next article.