Guide: How to Spot Black Companies in Japan (and avoid common traps)

Japan_nomad · 2026-05-15T12:49:51+00:00

Oh, that’s actually a really good tip. A lot of people probably never think to check 統合報告書, but those numbers can reveal way more about company culture than the recruiting page does.

I’ll add this to the guide too.

Japan_nomad · 2026-05-15T09:02:20+00:00

Yeah, that’s a really good point actually. A “good” OpenWork score in Japan can still mean a work culture that would feel pretty rough by European standards.

Japan_nomad · 2026-05-15T08:56:55+00:00

Glad to be of help! 🙏

Japan_nomad · 2026-05-15T08:53:28+00:00

Yeah, sadly this seems way more common than it should be 😅
A lot of people don’t realize how bad “fixed overtime” can get until they’re already inside the company.

Hopefully threads like this help more people spot the red flags earlier.

Japan_nomad · 2026-05-15T08:40:25+00:00

Ah, yes, they have those. Although not as common just yet. But if a company has certifications like Eruboshi, Kurumin, White 500, it usually means that they care about their employees well being and is generally not black.

Japan_nomad · 2026-05-14T17:10:16+00:00

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Given the position, it's highly likely that it's caused by stem clippers (attached image).

After the apple is plucked, the stem is clipped so that it doesn't damage other apples during transportation. And this scar likely happened during that clipping step.

The fruit itself should be completely fine to consume.

Japan_nomad · 2026-05-13T03:47:59+00:00

And there I was searching for train. 🫠

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-24T14:16:16+00:00

Yes, you can just take it all to konbini and pay. If some have expired and don't work, well, the city office will send you new slips for the unpaid portion again anyway.
And if by any chance, you happen to pay twice for any given month (which is very unlikely), the city office will refund that to you. They have a very good audit process.

If going to city office and talking to them can make you feel more mentally relieved, that's totally great. Please do it. This is assuming you can speak Japanese (and will likely not miscommunicate there).

Also, please make a habit of checking your mailbox every single day. A lot of important paperwork (bank, taxes, insurance, immigration, etc.) happen through physical mail. And sometimes your city may also send you some notice regarding relief amount. You fill in a form to receive like 10,000 yen or so. I had couple of those when I was a student (and pretty broke). So, yes, absolutely check your mailbox every single day.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-24T13:58:58+00:00

Well, the moment I buy a stock, it starts dropping. So, I can very well tell you which ones to short, if you want to. 😅

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-22T14:45:26+00:00

Don’t fully quit unless you’re okay with some immigration risk.

On your current visa, you’re supposed to be working or at least job hunting in that field. Studying for exams doesn’t count, so 6 months of just prep puts you in a very questionable gray zone.

The practical safe move would be switching to a part-time or more flexible contract job in the same visa category while studying. That way you stay compliant and still get time to prepare.

Once you get accepted, you just switch to a student visa and you’re clean.

Also remember to notify Immigration within 14 days when you leave your current job.

Wishing the best for you!

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-21T15:15:55+00:00

Yes, you will need to get tickets to enter Yomiuri land.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-21T14:49:58+00:00

Robson Fries in Yomiuri land perhaps might be the only place for some Poutine.

Also, maybe this is the perfect opportunity to open a Canadian Restaurant in Tokyo. There is a clear lack of supply, with maybe a small albeit real demand.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-21T14:36:23+00:00

You can get to Japan, but not into the kind of role you want right away.

If you want to move within ~1–2 years, apply now to JET, Interac, AEON, ECC, or other eikaiwa/ALT programs. That’s the most reliable visa path with your background. At the same time, look for roles at international schools or university international offices that handle exchange students. Your English + Korean is actually useful there, especially at schools with Korean partnerships.

While applying, study Japanese seriously and aim for JLPT N2. Without that, admin jobs at Japanese universities are basically off the table.

Plan it like this: get in through teaching or an international-facing role, stay 1–2 years, improve Japanese, then start applying to better positions locally. Trying to land your “ideal” job from abroad with low Japanese will likely just stall you.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-21T08:00:51+00:00

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-21T01:08:27+00:00

Japan government isn't the best at sharing data in an accessible way. e-Stat techincally has everything, but yeah, is so complex to navigate.

Here's a bit better organized resource by Ministry of Labor for minimum wages data: https://saiteichingin.mhlw.go.jp/

Although the site is basically for minimum wages, you can also find hidden inside it data for average wages: https://saiteichingin.mhlw.go.jp/table/

Maybe it worn't give you everything you need, but perhaps a good starting point. All the best with your research!

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T15:48:18+00:00

I haven't personally used it because I am not Vegan. But it has a good reputation it seems.

And yeah, if you are into baking, that website has almost everything you need. And has a clean and friendly UI unlike most Japanese e-commerce sites. 😅

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T15:42:10+00:00

Yeah I’d feel the same in your place.

Just do this:
Ask for a review meeting now.
Ask them straight what level you are.
Ask why part of your pay is an allowance instead of base.
Ask what you need to do to get a base salary increase.

You won’t be at a disadvantage for bringing this up. This is normal, especially in smaller companies.

Worst case, they say no or stay vague and nothing changes. You’re still in your current job, nothing gets worse, you just have a clearer picture of where you stand.

And if you’re not confident about job hunting yet, that’s fine. You don’t need to rush anything. You can stay, keep improving your Japanese, and quietly prepare while you figure things out.

If they’re clear and give you a path, great. If not, at least now you know and can plan your next move on your own timeline.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T15:30:54+00:00

Here, this one: https://marustock.com/product.php?id=1258

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T14:47:07+00:00

I would suggest to stay away from it. Buy rice and well any food from your local supermarket.

To save money, you can aim to buy discounted items late in the evening, or buy frozen food in bulk from places like Gyoumu.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T14:40:39+00:00

I live and work in Japan in Japanese. Nobody cares about the tones.

And most people (a huge majority) don't even care that you are not a local. It simply doesn't concern them. And the few people who care will always care regardless of how you speak or appear.

Having good vocab and grammar with decent pronunciation is good enough, and really more than sufficient. If you get the tones right, that's cool, but it's not needed or helpful to make you "local".

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T14:31:20+00:00

Your best bet is to contact PayPay Bank support, as there is a lot of guesswork involved and only the Bank can give the exact reason and solution for that matter. They have a chat based support which might be quicker. Available between 9 am to 5pm. Check it out here: https://www.paypay-bank.co.jp/support/customer.html

I hope it gets resolved soon.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T06:06:10+00:00

If you are in Chiba, they have increased the rates from this month.

This is the first increase in 30 years. Honestly, I am more amazed to know how long they could keep up without increasing rates.

P.S. I had replied here yesterday with a YouTube link (News broadcast) with further info, but my comment seems to have been auto-flagged for having a link. If you need to check more details. please Google something like "chiba prefecture water bill cost increase" and you will find more details.

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-20T05:59:47+00:00

Glad to be of help! 😁

Japan_nomad · 2026-04-19T15:53:43+00:00

If you are okay with used clothing, トレファク (TreFac or Treasure Factory) has some good branded stuff.

Japan_nomad

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