So, you’re thinking about teaching English in Japan? Maybe you’ve dreamed of cherry blossom-filled commutes, lively izakaya nights, or finally using that Duolingo Japanese you’ve been grinding. But let’s be real—it’s not all Studio Ghibli magic. Teaching English here is equal parts rewarding, frustrating, and downright bizarre at times.
I’ve been in the game for a few years now, from ALT gigs in rural towns where I was the only foreigner for miles to eikaiwa jobs in Tokyo where students asked me to explain why Americans love guns. Buckle up—here’s the unfiltered lowdown.
The Jobs: From “Human Tape Recorder” to Party-Sensei
1. The JET Programme (AKA the Golden Ticket… Mostly)
JET is the cushy, government-backed option. You’ll be an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher), which can mean anything from co-teaching actual lessons to being a glorified pronunciation machine.
Pros:
- Solid salary (¥3.36M+ a year)
- Paid vacation (unheard of in some teaching jobs)
- The closest thing Japan has to a “safe” entry-level teaching gig
Cons:
- Placement roulette—you could be in trendy Fukuoka or a village where the nearest conbini is a 30-minute bike ride
- Some schools treat you like a living mascot rather than a real teacher
2. Eikaiwa (The “Entertainer” Teacher Life)
Private English schools like AEON, GABA, or NOVA are where things get… interesting. You’re not just a teacher—you’re a performer. Smile big, energy high, and for the love of God, never let the awkward silences win.
What No One Tells You:
- You’ll teach everyone from bored housewives to salarymen who just want someone to nod while they rant about their boss.
- Some students will ask you to role-play first dates (yes, really).
- If you work at a kids’ eikaiwa, prepare for tiny humans climbing you like a jungle gym.
3. Dispatch ALT Companies (The JET Alternative… Sort Of)
Companies like Interac or Borderlink hire ALTs, but pay less than JET (around ¥2.3M–¥2.8M/year). The upside? More flexibility in location. The downside? You might get bounced between five schools a week.
Biggest Complaint:
- You’re a contractor, so no paid holidays. Sick? Better hope it’s a Sunday.
The Good, The Bad, and The “Only in Japan” Moments
The Good
- Students who actually want to learn (rare but magical).
- Random acts of kindness—like the obaa-san at your school slipping you homemade onigiri.
- The sheer absurdity—like being asked to judge an impromptu English rap battle between 10-year-olds.
The Bad
- The “Gaijin Smash” trap—some schools expect you to be the “fun foreigner” rather than a real educator.
- Endless enkais (work parties). Fun at first, until it’s your third this month and your boss keeps refilling your beer.
- The “Why don’t you look like Chris Hemsworth?” stares—some students (and coworkers) have… very specific expectations of foreigners.
The “Only in Japan”
- Being handed a karaoke mic during class because “singing improves pronunciation.”
- A student asking, “How do I tell my Canadian e-girlfriend I love her?”
- Your school’s English textbook featuring sentences no human has ever said (“This is a pen. Where is the library?”).
How to Not Just Survive—But Actually Enjoy It
- Learn Some Japanese – Even just basics. It’s shocking how many teachers leave after years barely able to order coffee.
- Set Boundaries Early – No, you don’t have to attend every enkai. No, you don’t have to let students add you on Instagram.
- Embrace the Chaos – Some days, you’ll feel like a fraud. Other days, a kid will say “I understand!” and you’ll feel like a genius.
- Get Out of the Eikaiwa Bubble – Make local friends. Join a club. Do anything that doesn’t involve talking about English grammar.
Final Verdict: Should You Do It?
If you’re looking for an easy paycheck or a way to live out your Lost in Translation fantasy, think again. Teaching English in Japan is work—sometimes exhausting, often weird, but undeniably memorable.
But if you’re cool with rolling with the punches, laughing at the absurdity, and occasionally feeling like you’re making a difference? Then yeah, do it. Just… maybe avoid the eikaiwa that makes you wear a company polo.
Anyone else taught English here? Share your wildest classroom stories below. 👇
Written by EJ
Former ALT, current Tokyo eikaiwa survivor, and expert at pretending to understand Japanese small talk.