Business & Media Internships in Tokyo

Japan Internship Abroad Business & Start Ups

Many startup companies in Japan have a global mindset, being oriented toward foreign markets and international sales. Business & Media interns in Tokyo contribute toward the cross-cultural exchange of ideas within these workplaces, while also engaging in reciprocal learning with their placements.

Internship Highlights:

Experience the renowned Japanese culture
Gain insight into what it's like to contribute to a Japanese company
Live in a sharehouse, getting to know other international interns or language students in Tokyo
Spend time in Tokyo, a fascinating city famous for its pop culture and traditional culture

Type of host organizations:

Small tour companies and travel agents
Import-Export companies
Media companies, running websites targeting international readers
Small to mid-sized companies, e.g. tea manufacturer, trying to make international sales

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Gain academic or course credit

Fully hosted experience from US$2,374

Includes shared lodging accommodation

Start dates every Monday

Minimum duration 5 weeks, up to 24 Weeks maximum

Japanese language lessons available

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Internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Eligibility requirement

At least one year of relevant college/university study in marketing, communications, business management, or a related field. Knowledge of social media marketing and digital communications is also required.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English. However, interns must come prepared to interact with others at times, who may speak limited English. All interns are encouraged to take advantage of in-country Japanese language lessons, which can be scheduled in conjunction with your internship.

Associated career paths

Copy Writer, Marketing & Content Manager, Digital Marketer, Sales Representative, Film & Video Editor, Graphic Designer, Product Development Manager, Brand Manager, Media Coordinator, Public Relations Consultant, Business Development Consultant, Entrepreneur

Internship details

This is an in-country internship, with accommodation provided. Click here to view remote Business Administration & Start Ups internships that you can undertake from home.

Some startup companies in Japan have a global mindset, being oriented toward foreign markets and international sales. Business & Media interns in Tokyo contribute toward the cross-cultural exchange of ideas within these workplaces, while also engaging in reciprocal learning with their placements. Expected internship activities include assisting with social media marketing, blog writing, contributions to website text, search engine optimization, sales support, market research, and general business development activities.

Due to the broad scope of this internship field, a customized approach is taken toward matching each intern to their best placement opportunity. Interns are matched according to an analysis of their skills, experience, educational background, and duration of stay. The specific details of the assigned placement will be provided to interns who have confirmed their participation, prior to their chosen start date. We encourage applicants to submit a comprehensive application and state any placement/activity preferences when applying.

It is important to keep in mind that although interns are not required to speak Japanese, a language barrier may still be encountered to a certain extent. Interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Most interns are able to have a successful internship experience and it is essential to come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier, as opposed to being intimidated by it.

Interns should note that there is a strict professional dress code in Japan, which is very conservative. The culture and society is quite communal and it’s important to blend in. Clothing must be very tidy and quite formal. Dark, solid colors are best, worn with simple white shirts or blouses. Personal appearance must also conform to this conservative look, so interns should be aware that visible tattoos and piercings are traditionally not considered to be appropriate. Piercings are best removed for the internship and any visible tattoos would need to be covered in order to avoid causing offence. Hair should be naturally colored and kept very clean and tidy. Men should also be clean-shaven. Women are urged not to wear big earrings or other big jewellery. Makeup should only be worn lightly, in natural colors.

Japan is an incredibly unique country to visit, with remarkable culture and a whole host of popular attractions. In your spare time you’ll be able to explore the vast and vibrant city of Tokyo, or explore further afield to the often-overlooked and incredible natural landscapes outside of the cities. Wherever you go, you’ll be sure to be well fed by the delicious local cuisine!

Typical Schedule

The internship schedule runs Monday through Friday. Weekends are free time.
During the week, interns should expect to depart the accommodation between 7-8am, in order to commute to the placement, using the crowded Tokyo metro. (Just like millions of Japanese office workers do every morning!) Start time at your placement will be approx. 8-8:30am.
Lunch breaks are usually scheduled around 12:30 (where you would eat the “obento” that you bring or that you buy at a local “combini” or bento shop).
Between 6-8pm, professionals decide to finish for the day and head home from the office. In Japanese culture, often the whole workplace team will decide to dine together. While interns might wish to join their colleagues for an evening meal, it is not expected to do so every day. (Often, the team member who ranks highest in the company’s hierarchy pays for dinner for the whole group).

Career Benefits

Business & Media interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:

Assisting the Japanese team members with addressing English-speaking international customers
Writing contents in English for the company’s website, social media and other communication channels
Making translations from Japanese to English (possibly with the help of Google translate), proof-reading and improving English texts
Researching, contacting and communicating with existing and new international business partners and clients

Professional development opportunities:

Get overseas experience in Japan, which is a country with a work culture totally different from yours, to set yourself apart from others on your resume
Learn how to master cultural differences and challenging situation with the help of our multinational team in Tokyo
Learn how to communicate in a work environment where you might encounter language barriers
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Japan photo gallery

”My internship experience allowed me to travel and meet new people with different cultural backgrounds, enhancing my job ready skills and cultural intelligence! It enhanced my professional abilities such as report writing, time management, teamwork and language abilities. I learned how to write competitor analysis reports and this helped me to have a better understanding of customers' needs.”

Read reviews from our Japan Interns

Academic credit available for all internships

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing an internship abroad or remote internship program with Intern Abroad HQ.

Learn about course credit

Program fees

It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$449 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$449 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.

Duration	Program Fee (USD)
5 weeks	$2,374Equivalent to $67/day
6 weeks	$2,484Equivalent to $59/day
8 weeks	$2,689Equivalent to $48/day
10 weeks	$3,169Equivalent to $45/day
12 weeks	$3,379Equivalent to $40/day
14 weeks	$3,859Equivalent to $39/day
16 weeks	$4,069Equivalent to $36/day
18 weeks	$4,549Equivalent to $36/day
20 weeks	$4,759Equivalent to $33/day
24 weeks	$5,449Equivalent to $32/day

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Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
Airport pick-up
Program orientation
Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
Sourcing and securing your internship placement
Personalization of your internship plan
Coaching from your supervisor
Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
Academic credit facilitation
International reference letter
Certificate of Internship Completion

Meals
Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
Optional extras, such as language lessons
Souvenirs and leisure activities during your free time
Personal spending money to cover basic expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, public transportation, and any meals not included in your Program Fee

A deposit of $449 USD is required to secure your internship
Balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date.
All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
Terms and Conditions apply.

Arrival and Orientation

Internships in Japan begin every Monday and interns may choose to spend a minimum of 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 12-24 weeks (depending on the temporary visitor visa conditions which are held by the intern). Exceptions to start date availability may occur when start dates are closed due to public holiday / festival disruptions or if the program has already reached capacity.

Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. Interns are required to arrive on the Friday before their Monday start date, between 8am and 8pm. An extra charge applies to any airport pickups outside this timeframe (regardless of what day of the week you arrive).

In order to receive this airport pick up, interns may fly into either the Tokyo International Airport (commonly known as Haneda International Airport - HND) or the Narita International Airport (also known as Tokyo Narita Airport - NRT). Note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.

Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred by public transport (shuttle bus and/or train) to the accommodation. Accommodation is covered from the Friday night before the Monday start date. The last night of the accommodation is the Thursday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Friday.

Orientation typically takes place on the Friday or Monday and covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. Your specific internship placement orientation will follow the general orientation, as you’ll be shown how to travel to and from your internship and be introduced to the team you’ll be joining.

If you are planning to spend time independently in Japan or Tokyo prior to your internship and will not require an airport pick up, then interns are required to come directly to their accommodation for check-in on Friday. (Further details are provided to interns prior to their arrival).

Check what’s required to visit Japan

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Accommodation and WiFi

All interns in Tokyo are accommodated in dormitory rooms, within a sharehouse. Bedding is provided and guests have access to their own lockers within the rooms, for safe-keeping personal items. Shared dormitory rooms typically accommodate between 4-8 guests at any given time. It is important to be aware that sometimes the dormitories may be mixed-gender but efforts are typically made to ensure that rooming arrangements are same-sex, whenever possible. Common areas such as lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities are provided. Accommodation includes WiFi but the speed can sometimes be slow, compared to what you might be used to accessing at home.

Accommodation upgrades are available at an additional cost, for those who would prefer to stay in a twin-share room within the sharehouse (sharing with just one another guest, for more privacy). Interns who are interested in arranging an accommodation upgrade may speak with their Internship Program Manager.

Due to the expanse of Tokyo’s urban and residential areas (there are 23 municipalities that make up the core and the most populous part of Tokyo), it is normal to commute to and from accommodation via the Tokyo Metro; the normal commute time can be at least one hour and may require changes of metro line and platform. However, the system is efficient and user-friendly, making it easy to get around and discover Tokyo. Routes are color-coded, numbered, and locations are written in the latin alphabet that we recognize, as well as Japanese characters. Free WiFi is also available at most Tokyo Metro Stations. We recommend budgeting between 8,000 - 12,000 Japanese yen per month for using the metro (approximately US$70 - US$110).

Meals

It is important to note that internships in Tokyo do not include meals. Shared living at the dormitory accommodation (which is included in the Program Fee) provides kitchen facilities where interns are welcome to prepare their own meals and snacks. A recommended budget of at least 1,000 Japanese yen per day (about US$10) is suggested for meals. There are incredible dining options that work on a student budget, which are hearty, delicious, and affordable. Smaller establishments (often counter-style) serve staples such as ramen noodles and yakitori (grilled chicken on skewers). Our team in Japan can also facilitate bi-weekly grocery orders, which allow interns to order a wide range of bulk food items at a discounted rate.

Japanese language lessons

Japanese language ability is not a requirement for interns in Tokyo, however we encourage interns to take advantage of the opportunity to learn some basic skills, as this will enhance enjoyment of being in Tokyo, while also increasing professional social, and cultural competencies. Discounted Japanese lessons are offered through our local team in Tokyo and can be arranged once internship participation has been confirmed. Note that the lessons should be scheduled before the internship start date, as they required a dedicated time commitment. Interns who wish to study Japanese for the first time are recommended to take the Hiragana/Katakana or Conversation course. Interns with an existing foundation of Japanese understanding may wish to take a placement test and join a more intermediate class. If you’re planning on taking beginner lessons prior to your internship, please note that there are set start dates for these classes, which typically begin at the beginning of each month. You should therefore consider your internship start date accordingly.

Weekends and travel

Tokyo is renowned for providing visitors to Japan with a wonderful experience. The cleanliness and safety of the city, combined with entertaining culture and nightlife, world class cuisine, helpful locals, and incredible shopping, have put the city at the forefront of the world’s best cities. Due to the sheer size of Tokyo, which is made up of 23 municipalities/wards or “sub cities” there are seemingly endless places to explore. We won’t list them all here but some of the popular areas for visitors include Shinjuku, Taitō, Shibuya, and Chūō.

Chūō is historically the commercial center of Tokyo and it’s most famous district is Ginza. Ginza is Tokyo’s most iconic shopping area and has been the commercial center of Japan for centuries. If you want to shop till you drop, this is the place to start. Even if you just want to wander around to take in the sights, it’s still a stunning place to be. Within Ginza, you’ll also find the famous Kabuki-za Theatre (home to traditional Kabuki performances) and the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre (where Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances are held). The drama and comedy of performances at these theatres are relatively easy to follow. Be aware, shows at the Kabuki-za Theatre can often last for hours. Spectators stay as long as they want and comings and goings throughout are not considered offensive.
Since the end of the second World War, Shinjuku has rivalled Ginza as a major commercial center. The Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest in the world. Within this sub-city, you can check out the lively entertainment districts of Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden-Gai. If you want to shop for electronics, then the huge stores surrounding the Shinjuku Station are the place to go.
One of Tokyo’s most famous sites is in Shibuya - the Scramble Crossing and Center-Gai. Young people are attracted to the area for music and fashion. However, if you’re looking for some green space within the city, you’ll enjoy the Meiji Shrine complex, located in an evergreen forest and enjoyed by many as a popular recreation and relaxation area.
The city’s largest green area is Ueno Park, located within Taitō. Apart from the gardens, Ueno park also includes one of the largest aquariums in Asia, plus lots of other temples and museums to explore (such as the National Museum of Western Art, where you can check out canvases by Cézanne, Monet, Manet, and Degas). Although Taitō is the smallest of Tokyo’s wards, it’s also home to Sensō-ji (Tokyo’s oldest temple, originally founded in 645 AD), as well as Tokyo National Museum, which houses much of Japan’s art and national treasures, and the National Museum of Nature and Science (“Kokuritsu Kagaku Hakubutsukan”). The latter is Japan’s oldest museum but also includes interesting modern displays on the latest scientific and technological advances.

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Essential country information

Capital	Tokyo
Population	127 million
Languages	Japanese
Currency	Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time zone	UTC+09:00

Weather and climate:

The climate of Japan varies from north to south, and west to east. The northernmost territory has long, cold winters and warm summers. On the west coast, the Sea of Japan, there can be heavy snowfalls in the winter. Summers on the west coast are usually cooler than the summers on the east coast, which faces the Pacific ocean. Winters are milder on the Pacific side of the country and summers are hot and humid. Tokyo, where the internships in Japan are based, is situated on the southeastern side of Japan’s main island (Honshu).

Summers in Tokyo are short, warm, muggy and wet. This season typically lasts from late June through mid/late September. The warmest month of the summer season is usually in August, when the temperature averages 80°F / 26°C. The cooler months are from early December to late March. During the winter, the coldest month of the year is typically January, with an average temperature of 41°F / 5°C. Tokyo experiences rainfall year round but the summer months are typically wetter than the winter time. September is usually the wettest month, with December generally being the driest. Cherry blossoms are the obvious draw to Tokyo in the springtime (early March through early June) - it’s also one of the most popular times to visit Japan, so it’s important to plan travel in advance. While the weather is mild in spring, there may still be the occasional hot or rainy day.

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