Finding a job in Utsunomiya

Mapping Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture is located on the main island of Honshu, between Fukushima in the North, Gunma in the West, Saitama in the South, and Ibaraki in the East. As of Nov 1, 2023, the total population of this prefecture was 1,894,522 people. The prefecture's capital is Utsunomiya (the southern half of the prefecture). Utsunomiya is the most populated city of Tochigi, with 518,757 inhabitants in 2020. 

The other big cities of the prefecture are much less populated than the capital: Oyama, the second biggest city, has 166,666 inhabitants. Oyama is located in the extreme south of the prefecture, near the border with Ibaraki prefecture. A bit further north is the city of Tochigi, with 155,549 inhabitants. Ashikaga is the third biggest city (144,746 inhabitants) in the extreme southwest, near the border with Gunma. The other cities have between 116,000 and 70,000 inhabitants. The famous Nikko has 77,661 inhabitants.

Utsunomiya

The population of the capital city is gradually increasing. It has grown from just over 487,000 in the early 2000s to 515,831 by December 2023. The 40–49 age group is the most numerous (75,954 inhabitants), followed by the 50–59 age group (75,382 inhabitants) and the 30–39 age group (59,705 inhabitants) (source: Utsunomiya City website).

As in many other Japanese prefectures, there are few foreigners in Utsunomiya. There are 9,797 foreigners in the city as of December 2022, a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year (source: Statistics Bureau of Japan).

History of Utsonomiya

Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi's history is marked by the Tokugawa's imprint. In the 12th century, the aristocrats lost power to the shogunate. A dark period of civil wars began between the Genji and Heishi clans. It was not until the 17th century and the reunification of the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543–1616) that the war stopped. In 1917, the Toshogu shrine, built in honor of the late shogun (military leader), was inaugurated in Nikko.

Utsunomiya

This is the city of ravioli (gyoza), jazz, and performing arts. About 50 minutes by train from Tokyo, Utsunomiya is the economic city of the prefecture. It is also one of the top cities to settle in. Its advantages are its infrastructure and transportation, which easily connect it to the Japanese capital and other major cities while allowing it to maintain peace. The dynamism is not less present; on the contrary, Utsunomiya is also one of the best cities for raising children. A point that the city emphasizes is to attract new residents.

Read also Working in Japan

The economic pillars of Tochigi Prefecture

It is not called the "monozukuri" prefecture for nothing (the prefecture where things are made). In Tochigi, industry is predominant. Many companies come here to benefit from a qualified workforce and infrastructures allowing their sound development. The main sectors are automotive, pharmaceutical, medical equipment, transportation, and food. 

International trade

Regarding international trade, in October 2023, Tochigi had a positive trade balance of ¥7.58B. The exports decreased by ¥−1.35B (−9.03%) from ¥14.9B to ¥13.6B, while imports fell by ¥−1.34B (−18.4%) from ¥7.33B to ¥5.98B between October 2022 and October 2023.

The top exports of Tochigi in October 2023 were raw plastic sheeting (¥3.31B), glues (¥1.76B), LCDs (¥1.46B), industrial food preparation machinery (¥803M), and optical fibers and optical fiber bundles (¥720M). The top imports of Tochigi in October 2023 were vaccines, blood, antisera, toxins, and cultures (¥4.06B), polyamides (¥514M), hard liquor (¥376M), mirrors and lenses (¥224M), and medical instruments (¥108M).

In October 2023, the main export destinations for Tochigi were China (¥2.9B), South Korea (¥2.1B), the United States (¥1.95B), Vietnam (¥1.69B), and Hong Kong (¥1.66B). The primary import sources for Tochigi in October 2023 were South Korea (¥4.07B), the United States (¥517M), China (¥361M), Thailand (¥313M), and the United Kingdom (¥159M).

In October 2023, Tochigi's exports declined mainly due to a decrease in exports to Switzerland (¥−3.15B or −77%), China (¥−364M or −13.5%), and the United Kingdom (¥−179M or −99.2%). 

Additionally, there was a decrease in exports of vaccines, blood, antisera, toxins, and cultures (¥−3.09B or −74.3%), electric batteries (¥−286M or −48.5%), and commodities not elsewhere specified (¥−255M or −68.9%). 

On the other hand, Tochigi's imports in October 2023 decreased primarily due to a decrease in imports from the United States (¥−1.3B or −57.3%), the United Kingdom (¥−64.8M or −48%), and Italy (¥−3.97M or −90.2%). Additionally, there was a decrease in imports of self-adhesive plastics (¥−20.3M or −81.3%), raw plastic sheeting (¥−9.7M or −22.4%), and fruit juice (¥−3.81M or −32.3%) (source: https://oec.world/en/profile/subnational_jpn/tochigi).

Would you like to work in international trade? Knowing the main partner countries of Tochigi will allow you to put forward your assets. In addition to Japanese and English, speaking German, Thai, French, Mandarin, Korean, or Italian will enhance your resume.

Also, consider "converting" your technical skills (mastering several languages) into soft skills. Indeed, speaking several languages goes hand in hand with an ability and facility to adapt, a speed of implementation, and a capacity for autonomy and decision-making in a team spirit. Speaking several languages also shows your open-mindedness. 

Law, finance, logistics, analysis, consulting, sales, diplomatic relations, marketing, communication, development strategies, ecology, purchasing, administration, translation, interpreting, import–export? If you dream of working in Japan and are still a student, why not pursue your studies in Japan? You will have the advantage of having a recognized training in the country. If not, you should only put forward your curriculum if it was done in a university recognized in the world. Otherwise, the companies in Tochigi you apply to will not know about your university.

In the latter case, rely on your experience and/or your network and your recommendations. Have you ever worked in a large international company? Do you have a letter of recommendation, or can you get one? Gather everything that will set you apart from your Japanese and foreign competitors.

Large companies in Tochigi

Industry plays a significant role in both Tochigi Prefecture and Utsunomiya City. The region is one of the largest industrial centers in Japan. Industrial clusters and several specializations, transportation (cars, airplanes, etc.), and health (manufacturing of medicines and medical equipment) are very present in the territory.

Numerous companies, including major international groups (Honda, Canon, Nissan, etc.), exist in the prefecture and its capital. To encourage the creation of new companies, the prefecture has set up a system of subsidies and tax benefits (installation grants, subsidies on rented areas, tax reductions, etc.). Subsidies have also been issued to support companies affected by COVID-19.

Tochigi Prefecture – major companies by industry

Automotive

• Automotive: Bridgestone Corporation, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor, Keihin Corporation (R&D)
• Automotive equipment: Honda engineering
• Automotive castings: Hitachi Metals
• Transmission parts: GKN Driveline Japan
• Diesel engines and other components: Komatsu, Isuzu Motors Limited
• Anti-lock brakes: Bosch Corporation
• Internal combustion engine development: Honda R&D

Healthcare

• Medical equipment: Toshiba Medical System Corporation
• Dental equipment: Nakanishi
• Drugs: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
• Pharmaceutical preparations: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Factory
• Perfumes: Kao Corporation

Optics, high-tech, and food

• Lenses for cameras and glasses: Tochigi Nikon Corporation
• Aircraft equipment: Tokyo Keiki
• Optical instruments: Fujifilm Optics
• Cell phones: Fujitsu Limited 
• TV: Sharp Corporation
• Refrigerators, air conditioning: Hitachi Appliance 
• Beverages, food products: Kagome, Marudai Food, Suntory Liquors Limited, House Food Corporation, Morinaga. 

Major companies in Utsunomiya City

• Aerospace: Subaru Corporation (or Fuji Heavy Industries)
• Pharmaceuticals: Chugai Pharma Manufacturing, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical, Mani
• Camera lenses: Canon
• Optical products, R&D centers: Canon optics R&D
• Measuring instruments, calipers: Mitutoyo Corporation
• TV: Panasonic AVC Networks Company 
• Food products: Calbee

Tourism, culture, and art in Tochigi

Besides industry, Tochigi Prefecture has invested in services, tourism, and entertainment. The city highlights its cultural heritage: its Oya-ji temple, whose main hall is preserved within a cave. Utsunomiya, its capital city, promotes its expertise in gastronomy and crafts. The capital has more than 2000 gyoza (ravioli) restaurants; hence its other nickname, "City of gyozas". 

A reputation that brings in locals and tourists and contributes to the city's economy and the prefecture, the neighboring city of Mashiko – nicknamed "the city of potters" – is famous for the quality of its products. They are real works of art displayed yearly during the "Mashiko Pottery Market".

Read also The Japanese labor market

How to look for a job in Utsunomiya?

English websites

Jobs in Japan, GaijinPot, Careercross, Jobs Guidable, Goodjobs Plus, Glassdoor, etc. – many general websites propose job offers in Japan. However, you will find more job offers in the biggest cities. These are also the ones that foreigners are most familiar with and in which they will more easily settle (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and, recently, Fukuoka).  

Japanese websites 

You will have better chances of finding a job in Japan by searching on Japanese language websites. Apply, when possible, on the website of the company you want to work for. This will avoid the tedious ordeal of filling out a paper CV yourself. Although the Western CV is gaining ground (computerized CV), the Japanese CV remains a must, so get some practice before applying for a job.

Among the general job websites, go to Indeed Japan, Kyujin Bokkusu ("kyûjin" means "job offers"), Hatalike, TownWork, etc., are the most popular. The "Work Work Tochigi" website is dedicated to job search in the prefecture. You can search for a job according to your status (student, senior citizen, a person with a disability, etc.). The website also organizes seminars, conferences, and other meetings with companies that are recruiting. The Tochigi Prefecture website also publishes job offers.

Other resources

If you are settling in Utsunomiya, consider getting help from their help desk. Utsunomiya has set up a website in English to help foreigners settle in. The website is also available in Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. You can also seek help from the Utsunomiya International Association, which offers services in various languages. They will advise you on your immigration and job search.

Working in Utsunomiya, additional advice

The impact of COVID on Japan's labor market 

Finding a job in Japan is difficult. We are discussing "permanent" work, which allows you to obtain a work visa in Japan. Small jobs (baito) are not of concern. Nevertheless, the health crisis has also impacted the job market. Many foreigners in Japan during this period (students and working holidayers) could not find a job or were laid off. Many Japanese people also found themselves in a similar situation. To better prepare for your relocation to Japan, remember that COVID has darkened the job market a bit more. 

Japan's economy has rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic but still faces challenges due to the uncertain global trade outlook. The latest OECD Economic Survey of Japan predicts that the growth rate will be driven by domestic demand. In contrast, external demand may be affected by global uncertainty. 

The GDP growth rate is expected to continue increasing in 2023, with a steady growth of 1.0% in 2024 and 1.1% in 2025. Consumer price inflation is projected to decline moderately from 3.2% in 2023 to 2.6% in 2024, eventually reaching 2.0% in 2025 as government subsidies end and wages increase. 

The recent spring labor trade results, the highest in almost 30 years, indicate a positive cycle where rising prices lead to higher wages and consumption, ultimately stabilizing the inflation rate near the government's target of 2% (source: https://www.oecd.org/tokyo/newsroom/japan-needs-to-rebuild-fiscal-space-address-population-ageing-and-reinvigorate-productivity-growth-japanese-version.htm)

Learn Japanese

Learn Japanese. Don't rely solely on English; you'll end up disappointed. Learning the language of the country should be your first instinct. Ideally, go to Japan with the best possible background. Take the Japan Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) if you can. This is the international exam that companies based in Japan require. You will need at least Level 2 (upper intermediate). Some companies require Level 1 (bilingual). 

If you have the budget, learn the language directly in Japan, but you can also learn it at home, and keep in mind that there will be no progress without regular practice. 

Discovering Tochigi Prefecture

The routine "subway-work-sleep" will come quickly. Once at work, you will have less time to enjoy the landscapes of Utsunomiya, Tochigi and leisure activities in Japan. Take advantage of the few weeks before you start your job to get some fresh air and discover your new environment (especially if it is your first move to Japan or a move to the prefecture). Do activities, and discover new ones. Sports, cultural activities, walks, favorite restaurants, etc. Recreate your new daily life in Tochigi.

Useful links:

Utsunomiya City International Association Tochigi Prefecture Job Opportunities

Hello work Tochigi (in Japanese, multilingual translation available) Information Service for Foreigners

Living in Tochigi Prefecture (Websites in Japanese)

Tochigi, a prefecture where life is good

City of Tochigi (multilingual translation available)

Utsunomiya guide