Filipinos in Japan

Filipinos in Japan formed a population of 202,592 individuals at year-end 2007, making them Japan's third-largest foreign community along with Brazilians, according to the statistics of theMinistry of Justice. Their population reached as high as 245,518 in 1998, but fell to 144,871 individuals in 2000 before beginning to recover slightly when Japan cracked down on human trafficking. In 2006, Japanese/Filipino marriages were the most frequent of all international marriages in Japan. As of March 12, 2011, the Filipino population of Japan was 305,972.

According to figures published by the Central Bank of the Philippines, overseas Filipino workers in Japan remitted more than US$1 billion between 1990 and 1999; one newspaper described the contributions of overseas workers as a "major source of life support for the Philippines' ailing economy." Though most Filipinos in Japan are short-term residents, the history of their community extends back further; during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, some Filipino students studied in Japanese universities.

Filipinos have already become a huge part of the Japanese community and are not really considered that foreign anymore - which is good because it makes adjusting a bit easier. First of all there's the age issue. In the Philippines, the legal age is 18 years old. In Japan the legal age is 20.

Another issue is the language barrier. Very few Japanese can understand English, let alone speak English. You won't be able to get away without learning and mastering their language. If you want to survive in this country, learn Japanese language.

Filipinos in Japan are good. It is very important to carry ourselves in a carefully disciplined way, show that they are serious about their work. 

Yes, life as an OFW in Japan is tough, but more so than that, it is very fun and the things that you can learn are really invaluable. If you are planning to work in Japan, you will need to learn how adopt their culture.

Obviously, expat life in Japan goes well beyond shipping your belongings and taking care of red tape. Socializing with fellow Filipinos is an important facet of living abroad and can be a huge stepping stone in getting to know the Japanese mentality and way of life. Filipinos in Japan are a part of our community, calling cities such as Sapporo, the Kansai Region, Tokyo, and many others home. You can use InterNations to look for fellow Filipinos in Tokyo, for example.

Wondering where to shop for Filipino delicatessen, want to discuss your national team's latest match, or simply talk to someone in your native language? Become a member of the Japanese InterNations Community.

Additionally, InterNations hosts regular expat events and activities in Japan. Our get-togethers are sure to cater to your taste as well: as a member, you can partake in cozy gatherings to enjoy some Japanese sushi and sashimi, join one of our huge expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Tokyo’s best locations, and much more. Want to discover Japan? Go on a weekend trip with your fellow expats to see Hokkaido's wide open spaces and snowy frontier and other beautiful landmarks.