Useful Information Living in Yamaguchi Prefecture for Foreigners

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the western end of Honshu. This article introduces the features of Yamaguchi Prefecture and areas with many foreign residents. It is a great reference for those interested in Yamaguchi or wanting to live outside big cities.

Features of Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi is rich in nature and surrounded by the sea, making it a popular tourist destination with many hot springs and scenic spots. It's an excellent place for those looking for a peaceful and "authentic" Japanese experience.
Fishing is also significant in Yamaguchi, with Shimonoseki City famous for its puffer fish (fugu) catch and related seafood processing industries.

Good Access to Asian Countries

Adjacent to Yamaguchi Prefecture, Fukuoka Prefecture has Fukuoka Airport, which offers international flights mainly to Asian cities. This makes traveling and returning home convenient. From major cities in Yamaguchi, you can reach Fukuoka Airport by train or bus. This ease of access encourages people to move to Yamaguchi from other prefectures.

Cities with Many Foreign Residents in Yamaguchi

As of December 2022, Yamaguchi Prefecture had 17,394 foreign residents, a 30% increase compared to ten years ago. While the number of foreigners is increasing across Japan, Yamaguchi follows the same trend.

Foreign Resident Population in Yamaguchi Prefecture (as of December 2022)

Image：Map-It

Shimonoseki City has long-standing ties with Korea and many Special Permanent Residents. It also has many international students due to its universities. While Shimonoseki has the highest population, many other cities in Yamaguchi also have foreign residents.
Source：山口県「多文化共生・多文化共生の推進について」

Job Opportunities in Yamaguchi

Manufacturing Industry

Yamaguchi is active in manufacturing. Large industrial areas in Ube, Shunan, Kudamatsu, and Hofu cities offer many job opportunities. Technical Intern Trainees also play a significant role.

Ube City: Chemical products and building materials
Shunan City: Petroleum refining and chemical products
Kudamatsu City: Shipbuilding and steel
Hofu City: Auto parts and electronic components

Potential Growth in Tourism Jobs

Yamaguchi City was selected by The New York Times as one of the "52 Places to Go in 2024." The city is praised for its national treasures, cultural assets, and serene atmosphere without the overwhelming tourism seen in places like Tokyo or Kyoto. This recognition is expected to increase international tourism, potentially boosting job opportunities in hospitality where language skills are valuable

More information：山口市「ニューヨーク・タイムズ紙「2024年に行くべき52カ所」に「山口市」が選ばれました！！(2024年4月22日更新)」

Tips for Choosing a Place to Live

• Talk to Current Residents: Consulting with people currently living in Yamaguchi can provide valuable information about foreigner-friendly areas and useful tips.
• Choose a Convenient Location: Ensure the location is easily accessible to your workplace and has nearby essential stores and hospitals.
• Balance Salary and Rent: Confirm that your salary covers rent and living expenses. Some companies offer dormitories or rent subsidies to help reduce living costs.

Consultation Resources for Living and Job Hunting

やまぐち外国人総合相談センター (Yamaguchi Foreign Resident Comprehensive Consultation Center)
Offers consultations on various matters such as procedures, jobs, child-rearing, and Japanese language study. Available in 20 languages, making it accessible for those not fluent in Japanese.

 山口しごとセンター (Yamaguchi Job Center) 
Provides career counseling and seminars.Also offers job-hunting information for international students.

Both are government-run, ensuring safe and reliable consultations. Additionally, Yamaguchi provides information for foreign residents and tourists in multiple languages.

Conclusion

Yamaguchi Prefecture is rich in industries, particularly manufacturing. With the expected growth in tourism, job opportunities in the hospitality industry may also increase. The increasing number of foreign residents has led to various administrative supports.
JOB JOURNEY lists job opportunities in the Chugoku region, including Yamaguchi Prefecture. Check them out if you are considering a move or job change within Yamaguchi.
Job Listings in the Chugoku Region