Internships in Japan for International Students: Types, Applying and Japanese Level
An internship in Japan is one of the best ways for an international student to get a job offer from a Japanese company, because many companies use internships as an early stage of graduate recruitment. Programmes range from one-day company events to paid internships of several weeks or months. To get one, you usually apply online with a Japanese CV and a short motivation statement, then go through interviews, often in Japanese. Business-level Japanese, or at least strong conversational Japanese, makes a big difference, though some tech and global companies run English-language programmes.
Types of internship
| Type | What to expect |
|---|---|
| One-day or short programmes | Company introductions, group work and talks with staff. Often called 仕事体験 (work experience). Good for learning about companies. |
| Summer and winter internships | A few days to a few weeks, usually for university students in the year before graduation. Closely linked to job hunting. |
| Long-term paid internships | Several months of real work, common at start-ups and IT companies. |
| University exchange or credit-based internships | Arranged through your university, sometimes with a visa arranged as part of the programme. |
How internships connect to job hunting
Japanese graduate recruitment, called 就活, follows a yearly calendar. Many companies watch interns closely, and a good internship can lead to an invitation to a fast-track selection. If you are planning to work in Japan after graduating, see shūkatsu for international students and finding a job in Japan.
What you need to apply
- A Japanese CV (履歴書) or the company’s own entry sheet (エントリーシート). See how to write a rirekisho.
- A reason for applying and a self-promotion section. See writing a shibō dōki and writing a jiko PR.
- Interviews, often online, sometimes a group discussion. See job interviews in Japan and group discussions.
- Sometimes an aptitude test such as the SPI. See the SPI test.
- The right visa. Rules depend on your nationality, whether the internship is paid and whether it is part of your degree. Check with the company and the Japanese embassy or consulate early.
How much Japanese do you need?
For most Japanese companies, expect interviews and daily work in Japanese, so around JLPT N2 is a common expectation. Some IT, engineering and international companies run internships in English, but even there, basic Japanese helps you join in with the team and stand out. See the Japanese level for jobs in Japan.
Making the most of your internship
- Learn the basic workplace phrases before day one: よろしくお願いいたします, お疲れさまです, 失礼します. See your first week at a Japanese company.
- Report, contact and consult (報連相): keep your supervisor updated without being asked.
- Take notes and ask questions. Interns who show curiosity are remembered.
- Send a thank-you email at the end. See Japanese business email.
How Hanabuddies can help
We are not a recruitment agency and don’t place interns. We help you prepare: online lessons with a native Japanese tutor on workplace Japanese and keigo, mock interviews, and feedback on your entry sheet and CV so they read naturally. Tell us your timeline and the kind of company you are aiming for.