Graduating in Japan? Designated Activities No. 46 as an Alternative

Is "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" the only option after graduating in Japan? Not necessarily.

Most international students looking for work after graduation think of that status first. But there is another, more unusual option: Designated Activities No. 46 (graduates of Japanese universities).

What No. 46 allows

It lets qualifying graduates of Japanese universities use what they learned and their high-level Japanese in a broad range of jobs that require smooth communication in Japanese. For example:

• Restaurant work combining store management, customer service and interpreting
• Hotel work in customer service, planning and interpreting
• Retail work in customer service and product planning
• Jobs that require two-way communication with both Japanese and foreign people

How it differs from the usual work status

This is the big difference. If the requirements are met, No. 46 allows general service or manufacturing work, which in principle cannot be your main activity under the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services status.

Not automatic

That said, "Japanese university degree + good Japanese" does not automatically mean you qualify. Your school, Japanese-language ability, actual job duties and whether the job meets the requirements all matter.

If you are graduating from a Japanese university and unsure what to do about your status of residence while job-hunting, book a free consultation.

Understanding Japan through law.

This article provides general legal information, not legal advice on any individual case. Please consult us about your own situation; for disputes or litigation, consult an attorney.