Can You Teach Other Subjects in Japan as a Foreigner? Here’s What You Need to Know

When most people think about teaching in Japan, English teaching jobs immediately come to mind. Thanks to programs like JET and countless language schools, teaching English remains the most common route for foreigners.

But what if you want to teach more than English? Good news — it’s definitely possible to teach other subjects like math, science, art, or even coding in Japan. Here’s a guide to what’s possible and how to make it happen.

🏫 Where Can You Teach Other Subjects?

1️⃣ International Schools These schools follow global curricula like IB (International Baccalaureate), British, or American systems. They often hire foreign teachers for math, science, social studies, art, and more, all taught in English.

Requirements:

Teaching license from your home country.

Bachelor’s degree (some schools require a Master’s).

Relevant teaching experience preferred.

These jobs are competitive but usually offer better pay and benefits than standard English teaching positions.

2️⃣ Bilingual & Private Schools Japan’s private and bilingual education sector is growing. Schools may hire foreign teachers for STEM subjects, arts, PE, and more—sometimes fully in English or in bilingual formats.

Japanese language skills are a plus but not always mandatory, depending on the school.

3️⃣ Universities & Specialty Schools Foreigners with advanced degrees can teach university-level courses in English, especially in business, international studies, and STEM fields. Some technical schools also hire foreigners to teach coding, design, or other specialties.

Requirements:

Typically, a Master’s degree or PhD.

Research experience is a major advantage.

🚀 What’s the Catch?

Japanese Language: To teach non-English subjects in public schools, fluent Japanese (around JLPT N2 level) is typically required. International schools may not require Japanese, but basic proficiency helps.

Visa Requirements: Employers sponsor work visas, usually “Instructor,” “Professor,” or “Specialist in Humanities/International Services” depending on the role.

Cultural Fit: Japanese schools value respect, punctuality, and harmony. Foreign teachers should adapt to these expectations.

🔹 How to Get Started

👉 Earn a teaching license or subject-related qualifications. 👉 Improve your Japanese (JLPT certification boosts options). 👉 Search jobs via GaijinPot, Jobs in Japan, or university websites. 👉 Connect with expat networks and forums.

🌏 Final Thoughts

Teaching subjects beyond English in Japan is achievable with the right qualifications, patience, and cultural curiosity. Opportunities exist, especially in international and bilingual schools, universities, and niche programs.

If you’re passionate about your subject and ready for the challenge, teaching your specialty in Japan can be an unforgettable adventure.