How to Work in Japan: Join an Overseas Office → Transfer to Japan

Hello, this is TJ, the founder of Alpha Advisors.

Each year, more and more international professionals aspire to build their careers in Japan. However, applying directly to Japanese companies often proves difficult, as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited local experience create significant challenges.
That is why increasing attention is being given to the route of “first joining an overseas office, and then transferring to the Japan office.”

In global companies, international transfers are not unusual—on the contrary, they are often encouraged as part of career development. By gaining experience and achievements in the United States or other overseas markets and then transferring to Japan, global talent can unlock significant career opportunities.

Challenges International Professionals Face When Seeking Jobs or Career Moves in Japan

When international professionals aim to build a career in Japan, they often face challenges such as:

・Limited Japanese language proficiency, which can put them at a disadvantage in the hiring process
・Cultural differences that make workplace adaptation take time
・Difficulties with visa acquisition and renewal
・Many roles requiring “prior work experience in Japan” as a condition
・Obstacles in finding housing and establishing a stable living environment
・Adapting to Japan-specific workplace communication styles (such as reading between the lines)
・Fewer job opportunities and support systems outside major cities
・Unclear career paths or contracts that are less stable compared to permanent positions

These factors are major reasons why applying directly to Japanese companies often feels challenging.

From Overseas Office to Japan｜Why This Career Transfer Route Is Advantageous

Joining a U.S. or other overseas office first, and then transferring to Japan, offers several clear benefits:

・Recognized as an immediate contributor: Achievements in an overseas office can help earn trust and speed up adaptation to the Japan office.
・Smoother visa process: The company typically manages visa procedures and provides necessary support.
・Career consistency: Experience spanning both overseas and Japan enhances your profile as global talent and increases market value.
・Language and cross-cultural advantages: Maintain strong English while improving Japanese, and use both in professional contexts.
・Easier adaptation to company culture: Knowledge of corporate culture and workflows from the overseas office accelerates your integration in Japan.
・Leverage internal networks: Relationships built overseas can support recommendations and ease your transfer.
・Support for daily life: Companies often assist with housing and relocation needs in Japan, making the transition smoother.
・Flexible career paths: Having both overseas and Japan experience opens doors to broader global roles and future transfers.

These advantages explain why this transfer route can enable a smoother, more strategic career path compared to applying directly in Japan.

Recommended Industries and Companies for Global Talent｜Where Overseas-to-Japan Transfers Are Common

This route is particularly active in the following sectors:

・Global finance (investment banking, asset management, hedge funds)
・Global consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, PwC, EY, and others)
・Global tech companies (Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and more)
・Major trading companies and leading multinational manufacturers

All of these industries require global talent and have well-established systems for internal transfers.

Steps to Transfer from an Overseas Office to a Japan Office

If you aim to follow this route, the following steps are particularly effective:

・First, join a U.S. or other overseas office
・After joining, clearly communicate your interest in transferring to the Japan office
・Build strong relationships with managers and the HR team
・Strategically identify the right timing for the transfer
・Continue to actively develop Japanese language skills and deepen your industry knowledge

It is essential to prepare thoroughly before joining, but continuous effort after entering the company is equally important. You must demonstrate that your achievements and know-how gained overseas can translate into success at the Japan headquarters.

Preparation Needed for International Professionals to Succeed in Japan

To make the “overseas office → Japan transfer” route successful, early preparation is critical:

・For finance or consulting roles: expertise in finance and strategy analysis
・For tech roles: data science, AI, or software development skills
・Understanding of the Japanese market and business culture
・Practical strategies for interviews and effective networking

Achieving the initial career move is the first milestone. At this stage, there are areas that standard recruiters cannot fully cover—such as highlighting cultural fit for Japan, the quality of résumés and career documents, and performance in interviews.

Recruiters do provide valuable networks and access to unlisted job postings, but networks alone are rarely enough to secure offers.
At Alpha Advisors, our personalized coaching provides comprehensive support—from company selection to interview preparation and overall career strategy.

Conclusion｜The Fastest Route to Building a Career in Japan

One of the most effective paths for building a career in Japan is joining an overseas office first, and then transferring to Japan. Of course, there are other routes, but it is essential to design the right strategy—and Alpha Advisors can guide you every step of the way.

This route allows you to strengthen your language skills, professional expertise, and global track record, while starting a solid career in Japan. Acting early will give you a decisive edge over competitors.

For career success in Japan, Alpha Advisors’ personalized coaching is the answer!
With unmatched experience: from Sumitomo Corporation → Chicago Booth MBA → Goldman Sachs IBD, Alpha’s founder TJ personally trains candidates to win. Don’t wait—consult Alpha today!

Win your Japan career move now—book a free consultation here! ＞ Free Consultation

Explore our advisory programs with countless success stories ＞ Career Advisory for McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Mitsubishi Corporation, and more

【Related Articles】Recommended Reads for Professionals Considering a Career Move

・GAFAM Career Strategy｜How to Land a Job at Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, or Microsoft—even with a Non-Technical Background

・Mitsubishi Corporation Back Office Career Opportunities Start September 10! What Sets Successful Candidates Apart from Those Who Fail?

TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.