For foreigners considering a career in Japan, understanding Japanese job titles is essential. Grasping the hierarchical structure of Japanese companies can help you find the right position and adapt smoothly to the work environment. This article introduces the major job titles and department names you should know when working in a Japanese company, along with some key tips for success.
Japanese Corporate Culture
Japanese companies typically have a hierarchical structure starting from top positions like Chairman and President. Middle management roles, such as General Manager and Section Manager, oversee team members and communicate company policies.
Unlike many Western companies, where there is often close interaction with supervisors, Japanese businesses place great importance on seniority and job titles. Even if you are skilled at your job, it is essential to follow the etiquette aligned with this structure. Showing respect and using appropriate language when addressing executives, including managers, is vital to avoid misunderstandings in a Japanese workplace.
Job Titles in Japanese Companies
Japanese companies follow a pyramid-like structure, and the responsibilities of each position vary according to the job title. Below are some common job titles and their roles. Note that these terms may not always correspond directly to their English equivalents, and some companies might use different titles or have roles not listed here.
Executive Level
- 会長 (Kaicho): Chairman – Determines the overall direction and policies of the company. Sometimes, it is an honorary position focusing on advisory or external activities rather than direct management.
- 社長 (Shacho): President – The top executive overseeing the entire company, often equivalent to a CEO.
- 副社長 (Fuku-Shacho): Vice President – Supports the President and may act on their behalf when needed.
- 専務 (Senmu): Senior Managing Director – Manages company operations or multiple departments.
- 常務 (Jomu): Managing Director – A member of the executive team responsible for specific departments or key projects.
Middle Management
- 部長 (Bucho): General Manager – Oversees an entire department and manages staff.
- 課長 (Kacho): Section Manager – Manages a subsection within a department, directing and supervising projects.
- 係長 (Kakaricho): Assistant Manager – Leads specific teams or projects within a section and supports the Section Manager.
Other Positions
- 主任 (Shunin): Supervisor – Manages specific tasks or small teams, and is involved in training and developing staff.
- 平社員 (Hirashain): Regular Employee – Staff members without a managerial title who handle day-to-day tasks.
- 新入社員 (Shinnyu-Shain): New Employee – Not an official title, but commonly used to refer to new hires.
Typical Departments in Japanese Companies
Below are common departments found in Japanese companies and their roles:
- 総務部 (Soumu-bu): General Affairs Department – Manages administrative tasks to support overall company operations.
- 人事部 (Jinji-bu): Human Resources Department – Oversees recruitment, employee management, and labor-related issues.
- 営業部 (Eigyou-bu): Sales Department – Handles client relations, contracts, and sales growth.
- 経理部 (Keiri-bu): Accounting Department – Responsible for financial management, including accounting and tax matters.
- 技術部 (Gijutsu-bu): Technical Department – Focuses on product development and provides technical support.
- マーケティング部 (Maaketingu-bu): Marketing Department – Conducts market research and develops promotional strategies.
Each department is led and supervised by managers like the General Manager or Section Manager.
Tips for Business Success in Japan
When working in Japan, apart from understanding job titles and department structures, learning business etiquette and labour laws is also important. Familiarising yourself with the work culture will also make it easier to navigate daily tasks.
For more details, check out the articles below:
Job titles, roles, work culture, and hierarchical structures in Japanese companies may differ from those in your own country. But understanding these elements will definitely help your professional life in Japan!
