Different options to help you in your job search in Japan

  • CV Adaptation (履歴書)

    We translate and reformat your CV into the official Japanese 履歴書 , rirekisho style with fixed sections (personal details, education, work history) and all in chronological order. The result is a recruiter-friendly document that looks exactly like one written by a Japanese candidate.

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  • Cover Letter / Shokumukeirekisho

    Stand out in the Japanese job market with a perfectly crafted shokumukeirekisho – the Japanese version of a cover letter, but more detailed and structured. We translate or draft your shokumukeirekisho to showcase your work experience, achievements, skills, and strengths in a way that resonates with Japanese companies.

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  • Diploma and Academic Translation

    Foreign diplomas and transcripts are often not recognized at face value in Japan. Schools, universities, and employers require a bilingual translation with contextual explanation. We provide accurate translations of diplomas, transcripts, and certificates into Japanese, with explanatory notes showing the Japanese equivalent of your degree (for example, a Master’s degree is translated as 修士号).

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Why get your Japanese CV with us?

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Precise Translation of the Document

Diplomas, transcripts, and certificates are translated into professional Japanese. Academic terminology is carefully adapted to the Japanese system. For instance, “Bachelor of Arts in Economics” would be rendered as 経済学学士 (Keizaigaku Gakushi)

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Explanatory Notes for Equivalence

Along with the translation, we provide contextual explanations so that Japanese universities, employers, or language schools understand what the diploma represents and understand its value.

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Fast & Reliable

We understand your time is valuable if you are looking for a job and you want the Japanese documents to be ready. That is why we will provide you your new CV in less than 72 hours and concerning the diplomas we will translate them in 1 week maximum.

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Adaptation to Institutional Requirements

Universities often require precise academic wording. • Companies may focus more on professional qualifications. • Language schools and immigration offices may need proof that the diploma is genuine and valid. • We adapt the style of translation and the level of explanation to each case.

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Simple & flexible pricing

In 72 hr
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CV Pack

€60
  • Adaptation of your foreign CV into the official Japanese format (履歴書)

  • Translation of your experiences, diplomas, and personal details into Japanese

  • Layout adjusted to a professional Japanese template

  • Handwritten document available for €30 more

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CV + Cover letter Pack

€150
  • Everything in the CV Pack

  • Writing/translation of a Japanese cover letter (職務経歴書)

  • Addition of a 職務経歴書 (shokumukeirekisho) if required: a detailed career history used in professional applications

  • Handwritten document available for €30 more

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CV + Cover letter + Diploma Pack

€200
  • Everything in the CV + Cover letter Pack

  • Official translation of your diplomas and transcripts (English/Japanese, French/Japanese or Spanish/Japanese) with a maximum of 3 diplomas

  • Inclusion of equivalence notes (e.g. a 3-year French Bachelor vs. 4-year Japanese Gakushi) in a document accepted by universities and employers

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Not sure what to choose ? Contact us at contact@cvtojapan.com with your trip details

Get your Japanese format CV

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

A rirekisho is the standard Japanese resume format required for most job applications in Japan. It is more formal and standardized than Western resumes.

Yes, most companies expect a rirekisho even from foreign candidates. It shows your ability to adapt to Japanese business culture.

It must be a formal ID-style photo: plain background, professional attire, neutral face or slight smile.

Digital or printed rirekisho are increasingly accepted in modern industries such as IT and video games, but handwritten versions remain the norm in more traditional companies.

No. It’s recommended to fill out every section, even if it means explaining gaps or transitions in your career.

Yes. For skilled positions, attach a shokumukeirekisho – a more detailed version of your career history.

If sending by post, use a large envelope and write 「履歴書在中」on it. For digital applications, use a clear PDF file.

Yes, digital rirekisho submissions are increasingly accepted, especially by modern companies. However, handwritten versions still carry cultural value.

A standard rirekisho is usually one to two pages. For technical roles, a Shokumu-keirekisho may be attached for more details.

You can download it from this official link or ask Hello Work for paper forms.

Yes. It is recommended to provide a Japanese translation or explanation of your degree equivalency for easier evaluation by employers.

Yes. You should attach a motivation letter (志望動機書 or 自己PR) written in Japanese, tailored to each job application.

Japanese is required unless otherwise specified. You can list foreign languages and certifications like TOEIC or JLPT.

Yes, many companies accept applications via email. Use PDF format and mention 'rirekisho enclosed' in the subject or body.

Name your file clearly, e.g., “Rirekisho_Firstname_Lastname.pdf”, to ensure it is easily identifiable by the recruiter.

How to Get a Job in Japan as a Foreigner not speaking Japanese



1. Use Our Service to Make a Strong First Impression


The first thing Japanese employers see is your CV (履歴書) and motivation letter. If these are not in the right format, your application may be rejected immediately. With our translation and adaptation service, you can be confident that your documents meet Japanese expectations. This gives you the best possible start in your job search in Japan.

Start today: Upload your CV and let us adapt it for Japan – fast, professional, and ready for employers.

2. Understand the Japanese Job Market

The Japanese job market is unique. Many companies still use traditional recruitment methods, especially the Shinsotsu (new graduate) system. At the same time, industries like IT, engineering, language teaching, and tourism are open to foreign professionals. Knowing which fields are hiring foreigners will save you time and frustration.

3. Prepare the Right Visa

To work legally in Japan, you need a proper work visa. Common types include the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, the “Instructor” visa, and the “Specified Skills” visa. Your employer usually sponsors your application, but you should confirm your eligibility before applying.

4. Adapt Your CV to the Japanese Format (履歴書)

In Japan, resumes are very standardized. The 履歴書 (rirekisho) must follow a fixed format, often including your photo, education history, work experience, and personal details. Unlike Western CVs, the design and wording matter less than the formality and correctness. This is why our service exists: we adapt your CV into the proper Japanese style, ready to impress recruiters.

5. Write a Japanese Motivation Letter (志望動機書)

Many employers in Japan require a short statement of purpose: why you want to join their company. This 志望動機書 (Shibō Dōkisho) is often as important as your CV. The tone must be polite, clear, and specific to the company. Our service can also translate and adapt your motivation letter to Japanese standards.

6. Use the Right Job Platforms

GaijinPot – jobs for foreigners in English and Japanese.
Daijob – bilingual job opportunities (Japanese/English).
MyNavi / Rikunabi – the largest Japanese platforms, but mainly in Japanese.
LinkedIn Japan – increasingly used by international companies.
Indeed - a very popular platform in Japan
Ninja Jobs - especially for developer jobs
Jobs in Japan - job offers in various fields
Craiglist – small jobs which rarely sponsors visa

7. Learn Business Japanese, a valuable advantage, not a requirement

While some jobs accept English speakers, most employers will expect at least basic Japanese. Aiming for JLPT N3 or higher will greatly increase your chances. For professional positions, JLPT N2 or N1 is often required. Even if you are not fluent, showing effort to learn Japanese demonstrates motivation and cultural respect.

8. Prepare for Japanese Job Interviews

Interviews in Japan are very formal. Expect multiple interview rounds, group settings, and polite rituals. Punctuality, dress code (suit), and respectful language are extremely important. Practice common questions such as self-introduction (自己紹介), strengths/weaknesses, and reasons for applying.

9. Network and Connect Locally

Many jobs in Japan are never advertised online. Networking can be key: join professional events, attend job fairs, or connect with communities of foreigners working in Japan. Building personal connections can open doors faster than applying blindly online.

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Finding a job in Japan can take time, especially if you are applying from abroad. Don’t get discouraged if you face rejections. Adapt your CV, refine your Japanese, and keep applying. Every step improves your chances of success.