The Top Companies For Teaching English in Japan

If you're dreaming of life in Japan—riding the train past Mount Fuji, exploring neon-lit neighborhoods, or savoring late-night ramen after a long day of work—teaching English can be your way in.

And for most teachers, that journey starts not with a government program, but with a private company.

Japan’s massive English education industry is fueled by a range of employers who hire foreign teachers year-round. These include:

• Dispatch companies that place teachers into public schools
• Eikaiwa (conversation schools) that offer private lessons to kids and adults
• After-school programs focused on young learners in immersive English settings

Each company offers a different style of work, benefits, and lifestyle. Some provide flexibility and urban convenience; others offer structure and a ready-made community.

In this guide, we break down the top companies hiring English teachers in Japan—so you can find the one that fits your goals, experience, and sense of adventure.

Dispatch Companies (ALT Placement in Public Schools)

Dispatch companies act as intermediaries between foreign teachers and Japan’s public school system. Rather than applying directly to a school or a government program like JET, you sign a contract with a private company that assigns you to a school as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher).

This is one of the most accessible ways to start teaching in Japan, especially if you're applying from abroad or don't speak Japanese fluently.

Interac

Interac is Japan’s largest and most widely known ALT dispatch company, with thousands of teachers placed across the country in public elementary, junior high, and high schools.

What They Offer:

• Year-round recruitment for ALT roles across Japan
• Monthly salary of around ¥220,000–¥280,000 ($1,500–$1,900 USD)
• Visa sponsorship and assistance with housing setup
• Initial training and orientation before school placement

Pros:

• Great entry point for first-time teachers
• Reliable visa support and large support network
• Broad placement options, including rural and suburban areas

Cons:

• Teachers are technically employed by Interac, not the school
• School holidays may be unpaid or partially paid
• Limited influence over your placement location

Best for: First-time teachers looking for a structured entry into Japan’s public school system, even without prior teaching experience.

JIEC (Japan International Education Center)

JIEC is a smaller ALT dispatch company with a strong focus on early childhood and elementary education. They're known for long-standing relationships with Tokyo-area schools and kindergartens.

What They Offer:

• ALT positions mostly in Tokyo and surrounding regions
• Emphasis on kindergarten and early primary school roles
• Smaller teacher pool = more personal support

Pros:

• More personalized placement and guidance
• Great fit for teachers who enjoy working with younger children
• Often allows for longer-term relationships with the same schools

Cons:

• Smaller footprint = fewer placement options outside Tokyo area
• May require some in-country interviews or demo lessons

Best for: Teachers with experience or interest in early childhood education who want a more personal, community-oriented role.

JACPA Corporation (Japan Childcare Promotion Association)

JACPA is a long-running education provider in Japan that specializes in early childhood development through sports and English instruction. While it’s not a traditional ALT dispatch company, it does place foreign teachers in kindergartens and nursery schools across Japan—especially in Tokyo and urban regions.

What They Offer:

• English teaching placements in preschools and kindergartens
• Emphasis on movement-based and immersive language learning
• Work primarily with young children (ages 3–6)

Pros:

• Deeply rooted in early childhood education
• Strong local school relationships and curriculum support
• Opportunities to work in physical, playful teaching environments

Cons:

• Not suitable if you want to teach older children or teens
• Limited public hiring info online — may require direct contact or in-country interviews

Best for: Teachers who enjoy working with young learners, especially those with an interest in early childhood development or physical education–infused learning environments.

Other Regional Dispatch Companies

There are several other reputable ALT dispatch companies across Japan. While smaller in scale than Interac, they may offer better regional support, higher pay, or a closer relationship with your host school.

Here’s a quick comparison:

These companies can be great alternatives if you're already in Japan or have a preference for a specific region.

Best for: Teachers looking for regional placements, smaller teams, or mid-year job opportunities outside the main hiring cycles.

Eikaiwa Chains (Private Conversation Schools)

Eikaiwa (英会話) schools are private conversation schools where students—both adults and children—pay for English lessons after school or work. These companies operate across Japan, often with standardized materials, branded curricula, and centralized hiring.

Eikaiwa positions are typically more structured than freelance roles, and many companies hire teachers directly from abroad.

NOVA

NOVA is one of the most recognizable names in Japan’s private English teaching sector. With branches in nearly every major city, it offers a highly structured experience ideal for teachers who want a predictable schedule.

What They Offer:

• Teach both adults and children in small group or individual settings
• Fixed curriculum and nationwide support structure
• Monthly salary around ¥250,000–¥280,000 ($1,700–$1,900 USD)

Pros:

• Easy to secure a placement from abroad
• Consistent hours and urban locations
• Uniform training and onboarding process

Cons:

• Highly standardized and strict corporate environment
• Limited flexibility in teaching style or lesson planning
• Mixed reputation due to past financial issues (now under new ownership)

Best for: Teachers who want a reliable entry into Japan, city life, and structured lesson plans.

GABA

GABA specializes in one-on-one English lessons for adults, primarily business professionals. It’s known for its upscale learning studios in major cities and its flexible, contractor-style teaching model.

What They Offer:

• Completely one-on-one format
• Teach in central Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and other major urban hubs
• Pay is per lesson, not salaried (~¥1,500–¥2,200/40-minute lesson)

Pros:

• Teachers have control over their schedules
• No set curriculum = more freedom in lesson content
• High concentration of adult learners and working professionals

Cons:

• No guaranteed income (you’re a contractor, not an employee)
• No paid vacation or housing assistance
• Competitive urban market = limited demand in slow seasons

Best for: Independent teachers who want flexibility, city-based teaching, and one-on-one interaction.

ECC

ECC is a large and well-respected eikaiwa chain that serves both children and adults. They’re known for more balanced hours, stronger training, and better compensation than most of their peers.

What They Offer:

• Teach at ECC classrooms or in-school contracts
• Work with kids, teens, and adults depending on your role
• Monthly salary around ¥270,000–¥300,000 ($1,850–$2,100 USD)

Pros:

• Comprehensive training and classroom support
• More variety in lesson types and learner ages
• More generous holidays and employee benefits

Cons:

• High expectations for classroom energy and presentation
• Longer hours and occasional weekend work
• May not be available in all regions

Best for: Teachers looking for stability, strong support, and a well-rounded teaching environment.

AEON

AEON is a high-profile eikaiwa company that focuses mostly on adult learners, including business professionals and exam-prep students. It’s known for professionalism and teacher development, but it comes with high standards.

What They Offer:

• Teach adult learners in AEON schools across Japan
• Salaried positions starting at around ¥275,000–¥300,000/month
• Full training, lesson planning tools, and professional development

Pros:

• Reputable, career-friendly employer
• Clean and professional work environments
• Opportunities for internal promotion

Cons:

• Demanding workload and expectations
• More formal teaching style
• Interview and application process is more competitive

Best for: Career-focused teachers who want to grow professionally, work with adults, and be part of a well-established brand.

After-School and Young Learner Companies

If your passion is working with children—and you don’t mind a bit of chaos and creativity—these companies offer engaging roles in after-school English programs, kindergartens, and immersive learning environments.

These jobs often require more energy and patience but can be incredibly rewarding for the right personality.

Benesse BE Studio

Benesse BE Studio is part of the Benesse Group, one of Japan’s largest education companies. BE Studio places teachers in kindergartens, after-school programs (juku), and elementary schools to deliver English lessons in immersive, child-friendly environments.

What They Offer:

• Teach young learners aged 3–12
• Placements across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and smaller cities
• Monthly salary around ¥230,000–¥260,000 ($1,600–$1,800 USD)

Pros:

• Focused on play-based learning and communication
• Built-in training, curriculum, and classroom materials
• Visa support and basic relocation assistance

Cons:

• Some roles may involve commuting between schools
• Physically and energetically demanding—especially with younger kids
• Limited adult interaction during the workday

Best for: Teachers who love working with children and want to be part of a well-supported early education environment.

Kids Duo / WinBe

Kids Duo and WinBe are sister companies under the Yaruki Switch Group. Both provide immersive English environments for children, but with slightly different teaching models.

What They Offer:

• Kids Duo: After-school English immersion program (no Japanese used)
• WinBe: Eikaiwa-style learning with structured lessons and workbooks
• Teach kids aged 3–12 in a fun, engaging setting
• Salary typically around ¥250,000/month ($1,700 USD)

Pros:

• Creative, activity-based teaching (games, crafts, music, movement)
• Full training and onboarding
• Kids Duo offers lesson plans and support staff on site

Cons:

• Very high energy required—these roles are physically demanding
• Some locations may have long or split shifts
• Limited flexibility in curriculum

Best for: Energetic teachers who enjoy active classrooms, love working with young kids, and want to teach entirely in English.

Company Comparison Table (At-a-Glance)

Choosing the Right Company for Your Goals

With so many options, the best company for you will depend on your teaching style, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. Here’s a quick guide to help narrow it down:

• Want public school experience? → Interac or regional dispatch companies like Altia Central or Borderlink
• Prefer city life + adult learners? → GABA or AEON
• Looking for structure and variety? → ECC or NOVA
• Love working with kids? → Benesse BE Studio or Kids Duo
• Need flexible hours or side income? → GABA or part-time roles at smaller eikaiwa

Private Companies Open the Door to Life in Japan

Teaching English through a private company is the most common and accessible path for foreigners in Japan. Whether you're seeking a stepping stone into public schools, a flexible schedule in the city, or a playful classroom with young learners, there's a company that fits.

While these roles may not offer the prestige of government programs, they provide the flexibility, variety, and support that many teachers need to thrive.

With the right match, your job can become more than just work—it can be the beginning of an incredible chapter living in Japan.