​Language

Japanese language skills are not required. The projects are executed on behalf of the U.S. Government utilizing U.S. contracts and are designed to U.S. standards. The company employs bilingual engineers and coordinators who assist whenever translation is required. While the company does not provide language lessons, you are welcome to seek them out independently if desired.

Cost of Living

Tokyo and Okinawa are significantly more affordable than major U.S., U.K., and Australian cities. This affordability is primarily driven by drastically lower housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and food costs. Consequently, even with lower nominal wages in Japan, individuals and families can comfortably sustain a quality lifestyle that would cause financial pressure in most major Western cities. For local employees paying for local goods, global currency fluctuations of the Yen are irrelevant. Local inflation remains low, and core necessities are highly affordable.

Japan Cost of Living Guide

Employment and Taxes

You will be employed as a Japanese local employee, meaning you are subject to Japanese taxes and enrolled directly in the Japanese national pension and healthcare systems. For simplicity, your total pre-paycheck deductions—including taxes, healthcare, and pension—typically range between 30% and 36%, depending on your income level and where you reside.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States all share tax treaties with Japan to prevent double-taxation. However, depending on your nationality, you may still be required to file an annual tax return in your country of origin.

Standard working hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please note that there is a mandatory morning exercise routine at 7:45 AM for all employees.

View Japan National Pension information

View Japan Social Insurance information

Visas and Dependents

Visa Overview and Timeline

• Employee sponsored work visa

• Dependents qualify through the Family Stay visa (Kazoku Taizai).

• The processing time is typically 3 to 10 weeks from submission.

• The duration of your visa is subject to approval by the Japanese Immigration bureau (Typically 1-5 years).

• All visa costs for the employee and dependents are paid for in full by the company.

Dependents and Dependent Working Rights

• Dependents are restricted strictly to a legally married spouse (no common-law/de facto) and unmarried minor children (under 20).

• Passport, proof of qualifications, and a clean background check.

• Marriage and birth evidence: Official certificate registered in your home country.

• Dependents cannot work initially without a part-time permit capped at 28 hours weekly. Full-time work requires an independent sponsor.

Schooling

While foreign children in Japan have the right to attend public elementary and junior high schools tuition-free, many foreign families choose English-speaking international schools because public education is conducted entirely in Japanese.

There is one main school for foreign nationals in Okinawa, there are multiple in Tokyo and other major cities.

Okinawa International School

Pets

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan(Government ministry)

USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Travel with a Pet 

Citizenship

Most roles will not require U.S. Citizenship unless specified in the position description.

Furniture

Most people who relocate are not bringing furniture and loading shipping containers, it is recommended to travel light.

Relocation Support and Benefits

• Settlement support on arrival

• Lump-sum amount in Yen for relocation. Reimbursed upon presentation of receipts

• Up to 45 days of accommodation and rental vehicle on arrival

• Company paid rental deposit (key money)

• Lump-sum amount in Yen for vehicle purchase contribution

• One return flight per year to home country/city (Premium Economy)

• Enrollment in Japanese healthcare and pension programs

• 15 days paid time-off plus 16 days of observed Japanese federal holidays.

• Bonus eligible

• Repatriation support

*Role specific relocation support, benefits, and compensation may vary

Career Prospects and Timeline

The initial assignment is typically 2 to 3 years, with long-term career opportunities available if you decide to remain in Japan. The company is rapidly expanding, bringing in multiple large-scale projects that will open doors for future leadership positions. Gaining international and U.S. federal project experience will differentiate you from your peers, expand your professional network, and unlock future global opportunities.

Leadership, Team Structure, and Roles

The leadership team is composed of both Americans and Japanese nationals. Approximately 50% of our employees are Japanese, while the remaining 50% are foreign nationals from multiple countries.

Project delivery teams are typically made up of Project Managers, Design Engineers (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural), Quality Control Managers, and Project Engineers. Other vital roles within the company include Schedulers, Estimators, and Project Coordinators.

Traditionally, Japanese corporate culture relies on a “membership model” rather than rigid job descriptions, meaning employees are hired for the organization as a whole rather than for a specific set of tasks. This approach fosters highly fluid roles where team members adapt dynamically to company needs, shifting responsibilities organically. Ultimately, this system encourages workers to support one another, share collective responsibility, and master multiple aspects of the business over time.

Business Model and Project Types

The company operates in two primary ways:

(i) As a General Contractor directly to the U.S. Government, supporting agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC).

(ii)As a Joint Venture Partner to local contractors, providing comprehensive project management and owner’s representative services. These civil, commercial, marine, and petroleum-related construction projects are funded by either the U.S. Government or the Government of Japan.

Application Process

• Submit resume and application.

• 2-3 virtual interviews with recruitment and leadership team.

• Additional informational interviews and peer interviews on request.

• Offer accepted and commencement of visa process.