Agriculture & fisheries Jobs in Japan

Why Work in the Agriculture & Fisheries in Japan

1. Strong Government Support

Japan’s government actively supports agriculture and fisheries through subsidies, training programs, and policies aimed at revitalizing rural areas and ensuring food security. This creates a stable and secure environment for workers.

2. Opportunities for Foreign Workers

Due to labor shortages in rural regions, Japan welcomes foreign workers under specific visa categories. These include Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker programs, offering a pathway to gain hands-on experience and potentially long-term employment.

3. Technological Advancement

Despite traditional roots, Japanese agriculture and fisheries are increasingly adopting modern technologies such as robotics, AI, and sustainable practices. This provides workers with exposure to innovative systems and a chance to build relevant skills.

4. Cultural and Natural Immersion

Working in agriculture or fisheries allows individuals to experience Japan’s countryside and coastal life. It offers deeper cultural immersion, local community engagement, and a more authentic view of Japanese daily life outside urban centers.

5. Path to Career Development

These sectors provide structured learning opportunities, hands-on skill development, and in some cases, a stepping stone to other roles in food production, logistics, or management, both in Japan and internationally.

6. Contribution to Sustainability

By participating in sustainable farming and fishing practices, workers contribute to environmental conservation and the responsible use of natural resources—an increasingly important global mission.

Creative Agriculture & Fisheries in Japan for International Candidates

1. High Demand Due to Labor Shortages

Japan’s aging population and the decline of younger workers in rural areas have led to significant labor shortages in agriculture and fisheries. This creates strong demand for international candidates, especially in physically intensive roles that locals are less inclined to take.

2. Available Job Types

International workers can find roles such as crop harvesting, greenhouse farming, livestock care, aquaculture operations, fishing crew members, seafood processing, and equipment maintenance. Seasonal work is common, but there are also opportunities for longer-term or full-time positions.

3. Visa Pathways for Foreign Workers

Japan offers structured visa programs for foreign labor:

Technical Intern Training Program (TITP): Designed for developing countries’ workers to gain skills and training in agriculture and fisheries.
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa: Allows more experienced workers to stay for longer durations with potential for renewal and career advancement in the sector.

4. Training and Language Requirements

While many entry-level jobs require only basic Japanese or provide on-the-job training, certain roles—especially under the SSW visa—require passing language (JLPT N4 or equivalent) and skills tests. However, support programs and training centers are available for preparation.

5. Regional Job Distribution

Jobs are mainly located in rural prefectures such as Hokkaido, Aomori, Niigata, Kagoshima, and Okinawa. These regions offer lower living costs and often provide shared or company-subsidized housing for foreign workers.

6. Competitive but Modest Pay

Salaries are generally modest compared to urban jobs, but come with job security, social insurance benefits, and opportunities for overtime. Workers can save a considerable portion due to lower living expenses and provided accommodations.

7. Growing Interest in Sustainable Practices

As Japan pushes for more eco-friendly farming and fishing methods, there is a growing niche for international candidates with backgrounds or interest in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, or marine conservation. This may open new job categories in the near future.

Types of Agriculture & Fisheries Jobs in Japan

1. Crop Farming

Jobs in this category involve planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Workers may also assist with soil preparation, irrigation, pest control, and greenhouse management.

2. Livestock Farming

Roles include caring for cattle, pigs, chickens, and other farm animals. Tasks range from feeding and cleaning to assisting with breeding and monitoring animal health on dairy, poultry, or meat production farms.

3. Greenhouse Agriculture

Many farms use controlled environments to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers year-round. Jobs here involve temperature control, irrigation management, pruning, and harvesting in high-tech greenhouses.

4. Agricultural Processing and Packaging

After harvest, crops are sorted, processed, and packaged for shipment. Workers in this area handle cleaning, grading, cutting, and packing produce, often in semi-automated facilities.

5. Aquaculture (Fish Farming)

Aquaculture involves raising fish, shellfish, and seaweed in controlled marine or freshwater environments. Jobs include feeding, net cleaning, harvesting, monitoring water quality, and disease prevention.

6. Offshore and Coastal Fishing

Workers join fishing crews to catch fish and other seafood using boats. Responsibilities include handling nets, sorting catches, maintaining gear, and processing seafood on board or at ports.

7. Seafood Processing

This involves cleaning, cutting, sorting, freezing, and packaging seafood for domestic and international markets. Jobs are usually based in coastal areas and may involve shift work in refrigerated environments.

8. Agricultural Machinery Operation

Some farms require workers skilled in operating tractors, harvesters, and other machinery. These roles also include routine maintenance and repairs of equipment.

9. Research and Development Support

In more advanced settings, workers may assist agricultural or aquacultural R&D teams with testing new techniques, recording data, or managing experimental plots or tanks.

10. Farm Management and Supervision (Advanced Roles)

For experienced workers or those fluent in Japanese, opportunities exist in team leadership, training, and coordinating operations, particularly on larger commercial farms or fisheries.

Average Salary of Top 20 Job Profile of Agriculture & Fisheries in Japan

Job Profile	Salary (JPY/month)	Salary (USD/month)	Salary (INR/month)
Crop Farm Worker	¥180,000	$1,240	₹102,600
Livestock Farm Worker	¥190,000	$1,310	₹108,300
Greenhouse Technician	¥200,000	$1,380	₹114,000
Rice Field Operator	¥195,000	$1,345	₹111,150
Poultry Farm Worker	¥185,000	$1,275	₹105,450
Aquaculture Technician	¥210,000	$1,450	₹119,700
Fishery Deckhand	¥220,000	$1,515	₹125,400
Seafood Processing Worker	¥180,000	$1,240	₹102,600
Agricultural Machine Operator	¥230,000	$1,585	₹131,100
Agricultural Product Packer	¥175,000	$1,205	₹99,750
Irrigation System Technician	¥200,000	$1,380	₹114,000
Farm Supervisor (Mid-Level)	¥250,000	$1,725	₹142,500
Fisheries Supervisor (Mid-Level)	¥255,000	$1,760	₹145,350
Aquatic Feed Specialist	¥240,000	$1,655	₹136,800
Greenhouse Manager	¥260,000	$1,795	₹148,200
Hatchery Technician	¥205,000	$1,415	₹116,850
Soil & Fertility Technician	¥200,000	$1,380	₹114,000
Tractor & Harvester Operator	¥215,000	$1,485	₹122,550
Organic Farm Worker	¥190,000	$1,310	₹108,300
Agricultural R&D Assistant	¥270,000	$1,865	₹153,900

Job Eligibility to Work in Agriculture & Fisheries in Japan for International Job Applicants.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Age Requirement	Typically between 18–35 years (varies slightly by program and employer)
Educational Qualification	No specific degree required for entry-level jobs; higher roles may require relevant education
Relevant Experience	Not mandatory for Technical Interns; 1–2 years preferred for Specified Skilled Workers
Language Proficiency	Basic Japanese (JLPT N4 or equivalent) required for most jobs under SSW visa
	Some entry-level jobs may not require Japanese but offer on-the-job training
Visa Type	Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) for beginners
	Specified Skilled Worker (SSW Type 1) for semi-skilled workers
	SSW Type 2 (limited, only in some roles) for long-term and advanced positions
Skills Test	Required for SSW visa (must pass Japan’s Skills Proficiency Test in Agriculture or Fisheries)
Health & Physical Fitness	Must be physically fit for outdoor labor-intensive tasks
No Criminal Record	Clean legal background required for visa approval
Employment Contract	Must have a job offer and signed employment contract before applying for visa
Sponsorship	Employer must act as visa sponsor
Training & Certification	Mandatory pre-departure orientation for TITP
	Skill certification may be required in home country or in Japan
Cultural Adaptability	Willingness to adapt to Japanese work culture, rural life, and seasonal work schedules

General Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture & Fisheries Jobs in Japan with 20 Job Profiles

Job Profile	General Roles & Responsibilities
Crop Farm Worker	Planting, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting crops; operating hand tools; maintaining field hygiene
Greenhouse Technician	Managing temperature/humidity, planting in trays, pollinating, pruning, and harvesting vegetables
Rice Field Operator	Preparing paddies, transplanting rice seedlings, water management, and harvesting
Livestock Farm Worker	Feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, and breeding livestock such as cows, pigs, or goats
Poultry Farm Worker	Collecting eggs, feeding birds, cleaning coops, checking for disease or injuries
Aquaculture Technician	Monitoring water quality, feeding fish or shellfish, cleaning tanks or cages, and recording growth
Fisheries Deckhand	Assisting on boats, handling nets, sorting catch, cleaning fish, maintaining fishing equipment
Seafood Processing Worker	Cleaning, cutting, freezing, sorting, and packaging seafood for market or export
Agricultural Machine Operator	Operating tractors, harvesters, tillers; performing basic maintenance and safety checks
Farm Supervisor (Mid-Level)	Managing farm staff, scheduling tasks, inventory tracking, ensuring safety and productivity
Fisheries Supervisor	Overseeing fishing crew, scheduling operations, supervising sorting and logistics
Hatchery Technician	Monitoring breeding, fertilization, and early life stages of aquatic species
Agricultural Product Packer	Sorting, grading, and packing vegetables or fruits; labeling and quality checks
Irrigation Technician	Installing and maintaining irrigation systems, scheduling water flow, detecting leaks or inefficiencies
Organic Farm Worker	Using organic farming practices, composting, hand-weeding, natural pest control
Soil & Fertility Technician	Soil testing, applying fertilizers, improving nutrient balance, tracking soil conditions
Tractor/Harvester Operator	Driving and maintaining large farming vehicles; handling plows, seeders, and harvesters
Greenhouse Manager	Supervising greenhouse operations, managing staff, ensuring plant health and production targets
Aquatic Feed Specialist	Developing feed schedules, mixing feed, ensuring proper nutrition for aquaculture species
Agricultural R&D Assistant	Assisting with field trials, recording data, testing new crops or techniques, and reporting findings

General Job Eligibility to work in Agriculture & Fisheries in Japan with 20 Job Profiles

Job Profile	Minimum Education	Japanese Language	Visa Type	Experience Required
Crop Farm Worker	High School or none	Basic (JLPT N4 preferred)	TITP / SSW	Not mandatory
Greenhouse Technician	High School	Basic to Intermediate	TITP / SSW	Preferred (6–12 months)
Rice Field Operator	High School or none	Basic	TITP / SSW	Not mandatory
Livestock Farm Worker	High School	Basic (JLPT N4)	TITP / SSW	Not mandatory
Poultry Farm Worker	High School	Basic	TITP / SSW	Preferred
Aquaculture Technician	Diploma/High School	Intermediate (JLPT N4–N3)	SSW	1+ year preferred
Fisheries Deckhand	None	Basic (JLPT N4)	TITP / SSW	Not mandatory
Seafood Processing Worker	High School or none	Basic	TITP / SSW	Not mandatory
Agricultural Machine Operator	High School + License	Basic	SSW	Required + equipment skill
Farm Supervisor (Mid-Level)	Diploma or higher	Intermediate (JLPT N3+)	SSW (Type 2 if eligible)	3–5 years
Fisheries Supervisor	Diploma or higher	Intermediate (JLPT N3+)	SSW (Type 2)	3–5 years
Hatchery Technician	High School	Basic	TITP / SSW	Preferred (1 year)
Agricultural Product Packer	None	Basic	TITP	Not mandatory
Irrigation Technician	High School or Diploma	Basic	SSW	Preferred (1–2 years)
Organic Farm Worker	High School	Basic	TITP / SSW	Not mandatory
Soil & Fertility Technician	Diploma or Degree	Intermediate (JLPT N3)	SSW	2+ years
Tractor/Harvester Operator	High School + License	Basic	SSW	Required (with certification)
Greenhouse Manager	Diploma or higher	Intermediate to Fluent	SSW (Type 2)	3+ years
Aquatic Feed Specialist	Diploma or Degree	Intermediate (JLPT N3)	SSW	2+ years
Agricultural R&D Assistant	Diploma or Degree	Intermediate (JLPT N3–N2)	Engineer/Humanities Visa	Required (research background)

Experience Required to work in Agriculture & Fisheries in Japan

Job Profile	Experience Required
Crop Farm Worker	Not required (training provided on the job)
Greenhouse Technician	Preferred: 6 months – 1 year
Rice Field Operator	Not required
Livestock Farm Worker	Preferred: 6 months – 1 year
Poultry Farm Worker	Preferred: 6 months
Aquaculture Technician	Required: 1–2 years
Fisheries Deckhand	Not required
Seafood Processing Worker	Not required
Agricultural Machine Operator	Required: 1–2 years + machinery handling experience
Farm Supervisor (Mid-Level)	Required: 3–5 years in farming operations
Fisheries Supervisor	Required: 3–5 years in fishing or aquaculture
Hatchery Technician	Preferred: 1 year
Agricultural Product Packer	Not required
Irrigation Technician	Preferred: 1–2 years in irrigation or plumbing systems
Organic Farm Worker	Preferred: 6 months – 1 year (especially in organic methods)
Soil & Fertility Technician	Required: 2+ years + technical knowledge
Tractor/Harvester Operator	Required: 1–2 years + driving certification
Greenhouse Manager	Required: 3+ years in greenhouse/agriculture operations
Aquatic Feed Specialist	Required: 2+ years in aquaculture or feed formulation
Agricultural R&D Assistant	Required: 1–2 years in research, field testing, or labs

Top Hiring Companies in Japan of International Candidates in Agriculture & Fisheries

Company / Cooperative Name	Industry Focus	Region / Prefecture	Known for Hiring International Workers
JA Group (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives)	Agriculture (Various crops, livestock)	Nationwide	Yes (through TITP & SSW)
Zengyoren (National Federation of Fisheries Co-op Associations)	Fisheries, Aquaculture	Coastal Prefectures	Yes (mainly for deckhands & processing)
Nishikawa Farm Co., Ltd.	Greenhouse vegetables	Hokkaido, Chiba	Yes
Yokohama Reito Co., Ltd.	Seafood Processing & Cold Storage	Nationwide	Yes
Maruha Nichiro Corporation	Commercial fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing	Nationwide	Yes (SSW & TITP programs)
Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (Nissui)	Fisheries, aquaculture, seafood	Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto	Yes
Asahi Nouen Co., Ltd.	Fruit farming (grapes, apples)	Yamanashi, Nagano	Yes
Farm Alliance Co., Ltd.	Organic and smart agriculture	Hokkaido, Niigata	Yes
Ichikawa Farm	Strawberry and vegetable farming	Tochigi, Shizuoka	Yes (seasonal workers)
Kagoshima Fisheries Cooperative	Aquaculture & fishing	Kagoshima	Yes
Tokushima Fisheries Association	Coastal fishing & seafood processing	Tokushima	Yes
Yamato Farm	Dairy and livestock	Hokkaido	Yes
Matsuda Nouen	Rice & vegetable farming	Niigata	Yes
Ehime Fisheries Union	Seafood harvesting and processing	Ehime	Yes
Takii & Co., Ltd.	Seed production, R&D support	Kyoto	Sometimes (for skilled professionals)
Moriyama Farm	Poultry and egg production	Aichi	Yes
Fujinami Nouen	Organic agriculture	Fukuoka	Yes
Oita Fisheries Cooperative	Fish farming and packaging	Oita	Yes
Agri-Innovation University (affiliated)	Training + placement agency	Nationwide	Yes (training then job match)
Chiba Reien Seafood Co., Ltd.	Seafood processing	Chiba	Yes