Ok, well i'm about to graduate from college at the end of the school year (sping 07). I'm planning to start my acctual career job which would be in the automotive field. I'm just wondering if it is even worth my time to start looking for jobs in Japan or if it is even possibly be able to work there NOT as an English teacher. If you are wondering about my Japanese skill, its at conversation level. Just kind of curious to see if people were able to work as something like a professional job, ie IT, Business, Engineering, etc. I guess the only thing I got under my belt is that my college is the only one in the United States that offers the program i'm in....
If you are able to speak fluently, and read/write Japanese, there should be a world of oppurtunities available for you in Japan.
You just need to look in the right places, and having good connections always helps.
I've heard of many foreigners going to Japan to be foreign reps for companies.
Basically you would be using your skills mostly in translating, and communication processes between your company and their partners or investors.
There are some job fairs sponsored by Japanese companies. I think the big ones are in Boston and L.A. Most jobs probably require business-level Japanese but why not try your luck?
I got into my IT company through internship. Some of my friends found jobs in various IT companies while in Japan. It is hard but you can try especially because there are a lot of headhunting offices in Tokyo who can help you. You dont have to speak Japanese if you choose to work for a foreign company based in Japan. My Nigerian friend found such job in two weeks. But of course if you are thinking of finding a life time employment you should consider more carefully.