Working in Kanagawa: Appeal & Support
Key facts about Kanagawa Prefecture
Companies in the prefecture 2021197,213
Source: Statistics Bureau of Japan, 2021 Economic Census (PDF)Number of foreign-affiliated companies headquartered here (2025, 2nd in Japan)175
Source: JETRO, FY2025 Survey on Business Conditions of Foreign-Affiliated Companies in Japan (PDF)Minimum wage (hourly) 2025¥1,225
Source: Kanagawa Labour Bureau
Kanagawa's manufacturing base is concentrated in the Keihin coastal area and the central and Shonan regions, led by transportation equipment such as automobiles. The prefecture ranks 2nd in Japan by value of industrial shipments. Its gross prefectural product (¥35.16 trillion in FY2022) is comparable to Finland's GDP, giving Kanagawa the economic weight of a mid-sized country.
Kanagawa is home to roughly 9.2 million people, about 5.6 million of working age. That working-age share of around 61% ranks 2nd in Japan, as does its total population. Cosmopolitan by any measure, Kanagawa is currently home to some 310,000 foreign residents from 179 countries and regions, and the prefecture is working to make it a place where international professionals can build a career and feel at home.
Key industries
Manufacturing (automobiles, electronic components, machinery, etc.)
At roughly ¥19 trillion in sales, manufacturing is the prefecture's largest industry. It anchors one of Japan's foremost industrial belts and drives Kanagawa's economy
An unmatched economic base
Wholesale and retail (trading companies, distribution, major retail chains, etc.)
With more establishments and employees than any other sector in the prefecture and roughly ¥16.8 trillion in sales, wholesale and retail is the core of local consumption and distribution.
The backbone of local employment
Healthcare and welfare (nursing care, health services, etc.)
Demand is climbing fast as the population ages, and both sales and value added continue to grow steadily.
A growth sector
Transportation and postal services (international logistics, warehouse management, etc.)
Backed by excellent transportation infrastructure, including ports and major highways, the sector is seeing strong sales growth as a logistics hub.
A logistics hubCareer support
Career support
from KANAFAN
Resume help, interview practice, networking events with employers, and one-on-one career advising, all free of charge.
Kanagawa Program for Promoting International Student Employment
This project, commissioned by the national government, helps international students find work in Japan. Centered on Yokohama National University and Yokohama City University, it offers comprehensive support built around three pillars: Japanese language, career development, and internships.
Success Stories
Interviews with foreign employees thriving at companies in Kanagawa Prefecture.
They share advice on working at a Japanese company and on job hunting.
Useful external links | Working and living in Kanagawa
Work & Life in Kanagawa
Kanagawa Prefecture's official site "Work & Life in Kanagawa" provides job listings and useful support information for daily life, in Japanese and English. Please make use of it when looking for work or handling everyday procedures.
Learn more (external site)