The biggest factor in a successful job change is not just leaving a bad company — it is finding the right one. Many SSW (Specified Skilled Worker / Tokutei Ginou / 特定技能) visa holders in Japan know they want better working conditions, but the question that stops them is: "Where do I even start looking?"

A poor choice can lead to the same problems — or worse. A good choice can mean higher pay, better treatment, proper support, and a stable life in Japan for years to come. This article walks you through 5 practical methods to find a trustworthy employer, explains the warning signs of bad companies, and shows you what to verify before accepting any offer.

If you have not yet read the basics of changing jobs on an SSW visa, start with our complete guide to SSW job changes first.

Looking for a better company? Talk to TreeGlobalPartners for free →

5 Ways to Find a Good Company in Japan

There is no single "best" method. The most successful job seekers combine multiple approaches. Here are five reliable ways to find your next employer.

01Use a Licensed Recruitment Agency

A licensed recruitment agency (有料職業紹介事業者) connects you directly with companies that are actively looking for SSW workers. The key advantage: they screen companies before introducing them to you, which significantly reduces your risk of ending up at a bad employer.

TreeGlobalPartners is a licensed recruitment agency (許可番号 13-ユ-317879) that specializes in placing foreign workers in Japan. Workers are never charged any fees — all costs are covered by the hiring company. Our group company, Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree), handles all visa application procedures and provides registered support services, creating a seamless one-stop experience.

When choosing an agency, always confirm they hold a valid government license. You can verify this on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's website.

02Visit Hello Work (ハローワーク)

Hello Work is Japan's public employment service, operated by the government. It is completely free for both workers and employers. Hello Work offices are located throughout the country, and many offer multilingual support in English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, and other languages.

In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, there are specialized Foreign Employment Service Centers (外国人雇用サービスセンター) with dedicated staff to assist non-Japanese workers. You can search for jobs, get help writing your resume, and receive interview coaching — all at no cost.

While Hello Work has a wide range of listings, keep in mind that not all companies listed there have been specifically vetted for SSW employment conditions. You should still do your own research on any company you find.

03Ask Your Personal Network

Word of mouth remains one of the most effective ways to find a good company. Talk to friends, former colleagues, and members of your community in Japan. People who have first-hand experience at a company can give you information that no job listing ever will — things like how management actually treats foreign workers, whether overtime is paid properly, and what the day-to-day atmosphere is like.

Community groups organized by nationality (on Facebook, LINE, or through local international associations) often share job information and warnings about problematic employers. If someone you trust is happy at their company, ask if they are hiring.

One caution: even when a friend recommends a company, always verify the employment conditions yourself. What works for one person may not work for you.

04Research Online

The internet offers a wealth of information for your job search. Consider these resources:

Job listing sites: Platforms like Indeed Japan, doda, and specialized foreign worker job boards frequently list SSW positions. You can filter by location, industry, salary, and language requirements.

Company review sites: Websites such as OpenWork (formerly Vorkers) and Lighthouse allow current and former employees to rate their employers. While reviews should be taken with some caution, patterns of negative feedback — especially about unpaid overtime or poor treatment of foreign staff — are meaningful warning signs.

Immigration Bureau database: You can check whether a company is registered as a Specified Skilled Worker accepting organization through the Immigration Services Agency's public records. A company that is already registered has completed the necessary compliance requirements.

05Attend Job Fairs and Events

Job fairs (就職フェア / 合同説明会) give you the opportunity to meet multiple employers face-to-face in a single day. Many local governments and international associations organize events specifically targeting foreign workers.

Meeting company representatives in person allows you to ask questions directly, get a sense of the company culture, and make a personal impression. Some employers conduct first-round interviews on the spot.

Check event calendars at your local city hall (市役所 / 区役所), international exchange association (国際交流協会), and Hello Work. Events are often announced in multiple languages.

Pro tip: Combine methods for the best results. For example, find job listings online, then ask your network if anyone knows the company. Or use a recruitment agency while also attending job fairs to broaden your options.

Red Flags — Signs of a Bad Company

Not every company that hires foreign workers treats them fairly. Knowing the warning signs can save you from a terrible situation. If you encounter any of the following, proceed with extreme caution — or walk away entirely.

Illegal salary deductions: Some companies deduct excessive amounts from your paycheck for housing, meals, or "management fees" that were never agreed upon. Under Japanese law, deductions must be clearly stated in your employment contract and must not reduce your pay below the minimum wage.

Unpaid overtime: If a company expects you to work beyond your contracted hours without paying overtime (残業代), that is a violation of the Labor Standards Act. Overtime must be compensated at a premium rate (at least 125% of normal pay).

Confiscating your passport or residence card: This is illegal under Japanese law and is considered a form of forced labor. No employer has the right to take or hold your personal identification documents for any reason. If this happens, contact the police or the Immigration Bureau immediately.

No social insurance enrollment: Companies are legally required to enroll workers in health insurance (健康保険) and pension (厚生年金). If a company says "we don't provide insurance" or "you don't need it," that is a serious violation.

Threatening visa cancellation: Some employers try to control workers by saying things like "If you quit, your visa will be cancelled" or "I will report you to immigration." This is intimidation. Your visa is tied to your status of residence, not to a specific employer. You have the legal right to change jobs — as explained in our SSW job change guide.

Where to report problems:

Foreign Workers' Consultation Hotline: 0120-76-2199 (free, multilingual)

Labor Standards Inspection Office (労働基準監督署): handles violations of labor law

Immigration Services Agency: 0570-013904 (information center)

What to Check Before Accepting an Offer

You have found a company that looks promising. Before you sign anything, take the time to verify these critical points. This due diligence can prevent major problems down the road.

Salary and Compensation

Compare the offered salary against the industry average and the regional minimum wage. Salaries for SSW workers should be equal to or higher than what a Japanese worker in the same position would earn — this is a legal requirement. Ask specifically about:

Working Hours and Days Off

Confirm the weekly working hours, shift schedule, and number of holidays per year. Under Japanese labor law, the standard is 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Workers are entitled to at least one day off per week. Be cautious of companies that are vague about working hours or mention "flexible hours" without specifics.

Overtime Policy

Ask how much overtime is typical per month. Under the Labor Standards Act, overtime beyond 45 hours per month requires a special agreement (36協定). If a company regularly expects 60, 80, or more hours of overtime, that is a major risk to your health and quality of life. Make sure overtime is recorded and paid, not handled "informally."

Housing Support

Many SSW employers offer housing support, either company housing (社宅) or assistance finding an apartment. Clarify the cost, location, and conditions. Key questions:

Registered Support Organization

For SSW Category 1 workers, the company must either provide support directly or contract with a Registered Support Organization (登録支援機関). This organization assists with daily life, language support, consultation on workplace issues, and more. Check:

A good support system makes an enormous difference in your experience as a foreign worker in Japan. When you use TreeGlobalPartners for job placement, our group company — Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree) — provides registered support services, so you receive consistent, reliable assistance from day one.

Location and Living Environment

Consider the city or region where the company is located. Rural areas may offer lower living costs but fewer services for foreign residents (shops, restaurants, community groups). Urban areas offer more convenience but higher rent. Think about what matters most to you.

Contract Language

You should receive an employment contract and important conditions notice (労働条件通知書) in a language you understand. If the company only provides documents in Japanese and you cannot read them, ask for a translation or bring a trusted person to review the documents with you. Never sign a contract you do not understand.

For a detailed list of documents you will need during the job change process, see our guide on required documents for SSW job changes.

Need Help Finding a Trustworthy Company?

TreeGlobalPartners pre-screens every employer we introduce. We verify working conditions, confirm legal compliance, and connect you with companies that genuinely value their foreign employees. Our service is completely free for workers — no fees, no hidden costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There is no legal restriction on searching for new employment while you are still working. In fact, it is generally recommended to secure a new job offer before resigning so you can avoid a gap in employment and income. Just be mindful of your current work responsibilities and conduct your job search during personal time.
No. Under Japanese law (the Employment Security Act / 職業安定法), recruitment agencies are prohibited from charging fees to workers. All fees are paid by the hiring company. If any agency asks you for money, that is a serious red flag. Report them to Hello Work or the Labor Standards Inspection Office (労働基準監督署).
Yes. Many Hello Work offices, especially in major cities, offer multilingual support including interpreters for English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, and other languages. You can also search for the nearest Foreign Employment Service Center (外国人雇用サービスセンター) which specializes in helping foreign workers. Check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website for locations.
Look for these indicators: the company is properly registered for your SSW field, they offer a written employment contract in a language you understand, they enroll you in social insurance (health insurance and pension), they work with a Registered Support Organization (or have an approved support plan), and the salary meets or exceeds the regional minimum wage. If possible, ask to speak with current foreign employees about their experience.
Staying within the same SSW designated field (分野) is significantly easier because you do not need to pass a new skills test. Switching to a different field requires passing that field's skills examination. If you are unhappy with your current industry, switching is possible — but plan ahead and start preparing for the exam while still employed. A recruitment agency can advise you on which fields have the most openings.

Summary

  • Use multiple methods — combine recruitment agencies, Hello Work, networking, online research, and job fairs for the best results
  • Licensed agencies charge you nothing — if someone asks you for money, that is a red flag
  • Watch for warning signs — illegal deductions, passport confiscation, unpaid overtime, and threats about your visa are all signs of a bad employer
  • Verify before you sign — check salary, overtime policy, housing, support organization quality, and make sure you receive documents in your language
  • TreeGlobalPartners provides free job placement — we pre-screen companies so you do not have to take unnecessary risks
  • Visa application procedures are handled by our group company, Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree)

Finding the right company is the foundation of a good life in Japan. Take your time, do your research, and do not settle for a company that does not treat you fairly. If you need guidance, TreeGlobalPartners is here to help — at no cost to you.

Find Your Next Company — With Confidence

TreeGlobalPartners connects SSW workers with pre-screened, trustworthy employers across Japan. Job placement is completely free for workers. Visa procedures handled by Gyoseishoshi Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree). One team, full support.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of March 2026 and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) or a qualified professional (行政書士 / attorney). TreeGlobalPartners accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.