TOKYO - The number of foreigners living in Japan has reached a record 3.67 million. Some have realized long-held dreams of working in the country, such as a Polish woman who became an animator, while others are keeping traditions alive, like a French rickshaw puller in Kanazawa. What kind of work do these residents do, and how much do they earn?
Average monthly pay in Japan hit a record 330,000 yen in 2024, but comparisons with overseas wages highlight gaps. A man from California working in IT said his annual salary is around $79,000, or about 11 million yen—nearly three times the Japanese average on a monthly basis. But he added that high living costs in the U.S. make life difficult, with rent alone reaching around 400,000 yen. A German flight attendant said his monthly pay exceeds 500,000 yen, but stressed that Japan’s salaries are low compared to Europe. He also noted that Germany typically offers 30 days of paid leave a year, far more than Japan.
Still, many choose Japan for reasons beyond money. A French woman working at a university office in Tokyo said she appreciates punctual trains and attentive service, though her monthly salary of 270,000 yen leaves her vulnerable to the weak yen as she repays loans in euros. To manage, she seeks out late-night discounts at supermarkets.
For some, Japan offers the chance to fulfill lifelong ambitions. A Polish woman who loved anime since childhood moved in 2024 to work as an animator, earning about 400,000 yen a month. She admitted she spends much of it on anime merchandise but said she is happy to live out her dream.
Others are still preparing to enter the workforce. A Spaniard named Marina, who arrived five months ago, is studying Japanese in hopes of becoming a voice actress. Living in Saitama, she pays 56,000 yen in rent for a one-room apartment—cheaper than in Spain—and said she appreciates Japan’s affordability and safety, noting she can walk alone at 11 p.m. without worry.
Some foreigners are even embracing traditional Japanese roles. In Kanazawa, French engineer Joris pulls rickshaws once a week, earning about 50,000 yen a month on top of his main job, which pays over 400,000 yen. He said he was drawn in by the chance to experience something uniquely Japanese and to share the city’s culture with visitors.
As Japan’s foreign resident population grows, their stories reflect not only salary comparisons but also the attractions of life in the country—from safety and service to the opportunity to turn personal passions into a career.
Source: TBS
