“No Japanese Required” Data Entry Jobs in Japan

Lately, I’ve been seeing a number of ads on social media about data entry jobs in Japan that require no Japanese language skills. But are they legitimate? I have not clicked on or tried applying to any of the job postings, but from what I can find online, they might be.

There appears to be a growing market for remote, freelance “data rating” and “AI training” work for global technology companies. These roles are genuinely open to English speakers in Japan and involve tasks like evaluating search results, rating online ads, or annotating data. However, they are almost always freelance, offer no visa sponsorship, and come with inconsistent hours and income.

That said, it’s important to exercise caution. I’ve also read that the online job market contains a lot of scams, known as yami baito (“shady part-time jobs”), which often target foreigners with promises of easy, high-paying work.

Deconstructing the “No Japanese” Job Market

While it is possible to find work in Japan without speaking the language, these opportunities are heavily concentrated in specific sectors. The vast majority of “No Nihongo” jobs are found in:

• IT and Tech: Software engineering, programming, and other technical roles are in high demand, and many modern tech companies operate in English.
• English Teaching: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) and private English conversation school (eikaiwa) positions remain the most common entry point for native English speakers.
• Recruiting: Bilingual recruitment agencies often hire foreign staff who can communicate with international candidates.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Roles in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies in major tourist hubs often prioritize English skills.

The more common reality for “no Japanese required” data work lies in the global gig economy, specifically in roles that support the development of artificial intelligence. Large international companies are constantly seeking remote, freelance workers in Japan to perform data-related micro-tasks.

Key Companies and Roles:

• Companies: TELUS International AI, Appen (and its platform CrowdGen), and Welocalize are major players in this space.
• Job Titles: These positions are often called “Online Data Rater,” “Personalised Internet Ads Assessor,” “Search Engine Evaluator,” or “AI Trainer”.
• The Work: The job typically involves reviewing and rating the accuracy of online search queries, evaluating the relevance of advertisements, or annotating data (e.g., labeling objects in images) to train AI models.

The Pros	The Cons
No Japanese Required: Training materials and work are often conducted entirely in English.	No Visa Sponsorship: This is the most significant barrier. These freelance roles are only open to individuals who already have a valid visa that permits work, such as a spousal visa or permanent residency. They will not sponsor a new visa.
Flexibility: Workers can typically set their own hours, working between 10-29 hours per week from anywhere in Japan.	Inconsistent Work: User reviews frequently complain that projects end abruptly, and the promised number of weekly hours is often not available, making it an unreliable source of primary income.
Remote Work: All work is done online from home.	Low/Inconsistent Pay: While some roles advertise hourly rates, many are paid per task. Reviews often mention low compensation and surprise pay cuts.
Entry-Level: Most projects do not require prior experience, though you must pass a qualification exam.	Poor Support: A common complaint among freelance data workers is a lack of communication and support from the companies, with some describing the experience as dehumanising and isolated.

Where to Look

• For Broader Corporate Roles: Use the “No Nihongo” (No Japanese) filter on GaijinPot. While heavily focused on teaching, it is the best platform for finding the rare administrative role that does not require Japanese. Be prepared for most listings to still require at least conversational ability.
• For Freelance/Remote Roles: It is best to search for the companies directly (e.g., TELUS International AI, Appen, Welocalize) and apply through their career portals. You can also use keywords like “Online Rater,” “Ads Assessor,” or “Data Annotation” on general job boards like Jobs in Japan.

How to Identify and Avoid Job Scams

Red Flag	Explanation
Pay is Too Good to Be True	Offers of exceptionally high daily pay (e.g., ¥50,000/day) for simple, unskilled tasks are a primary warning sign of illegal activity.
Requests for Upfront Payment	A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay for anything during the hiring process. Scams often involve requests for money for a “staff ID card” or “registration fees”.
Unofficial Communication	Professional companies use official corporate email addresses (e.g., name@company.com). Scammers use personal Gmail accounts or insist on using encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
No Formal Interview	A real job offer is always preceded by one or more interviews to assess your skills and fit. An immediate job offer after a brief chat is a major red flag.
Vague Job Description	Legitimate listings have clear descriptions of duties and responsibilities. If a recruiter is evasive or the details are unclear, be suspicious.
No Verifiable Company	A real company will have a professional website, a physical address you can find on a map, and an online presence. If you can’t verify the company’s existence, it’s likely a scam.

So basically, for those who already have a valid work visa, the freelance world of AI data rating offers a flexible, remote option that genuinely requires no Japanese. However, don’t expect the work to provide a stable career, given the inconsistency of work and lack of benefits. In all cases, a healthy dose of skepticism is your most valuable asset. Thoroughly vet every company and trust your instincts – if an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.