Teach English in Kawasaki, Japan (2024)

Kawasaki, nestled between the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo and the port city of Yokohama, is a dynamic city that often gets overlooked. However, with its rich industrial background and a flourishing arts scene, Kawasaki offers a unique blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Its strategic location makes it a hub for both commerce and culture, and for those interested in teaching English, Kawasaki provides an exciting setting that combines the conveniences of urban life with pockets of serene nature and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Reasons to Teach English in Kawasaki

Cultural Blend: While Kawasaki is modern in many aspects, it also proudly showcases its traditions. Events like the famous Kawasaki Halloween Parade or the Kanamara Matsuri offer teachers a chance to witness and partake in unique cultural experiences.
Strategic Location: Being positioned between Tokyo and Yokohama gives teachers in Kawasaki the advantage of easy access to both cities. This allows for diverse weekend getaways and a broader cultural immersion.
Growing Demand for English: With its industrial base and proximity to two major cities, Kawasaki sees a steady influx of international professionals and businesses. This boosts the demand for English education, making it a ripe location for teaching opportunities.
Community Engagement: Kawasaki has a close-knit community feel, offering teachers the chance to build strong relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators.
Natural Beauty: Despite its industrial reputation, Kawasaki boasts beautiful parks and green spaces, such as the Fujiko・F・Fujio Museum, where nature meets art.
Affordable Living: While still offering the amenities of city life, Kawasaki is generally more affordable than Tokyo or Yokohama, making it a more economical choice for teachers.
Rich Arts Scene: For those interested in arts and theater, Kawasaki offers a plethora of options, from the Kawasaki City Museum to the various art festivals held throughout the year.

Understanding Kawasaki's Education Landscape

Kawasaki's location between two major urban centers – Tokyo and Yokohama – means it plays host to a number of industries and businesses. With such a dynamic economic landscape, there's a palpable emphasis on English education to cater to both professionals aiming for international collaboration and children preparing for a globalized future. As a result, Kawasaki boasts a mix of educational institutions:

Private Language Schools (Eikaiwas): These are popular throughout Japan and Kawasaki is no exception. They cater to a range of students, from young children to adults wanting to improve their conversational English.
Public Schools: English teachers might find opportunities as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in both primary and secondary schools, aiding Japanese teachers in conveying English curriculum.
International Schools: Owing to its proximity to Tokyo, Kawasaki has a number of international schools that follow various international curriculums and cater to expatriate communities.
Private Tutoring: Many English teachers supplement their income or even make a full-time venture out of private tutoring, given the demand for personalized English lessons.

Eligibility and Requirements to Teach English in Kawasaki

The requirements to teach English in Kawasaki will be similar to the standard requirements for teaching English in Japan, however, here are the specific requirements for Kawasaki:

Bachelor's Degree: A degree in any subject is generally a prerequisite.
Native English Speaker: Being from countries like the USA, UK, South Africa, Australia, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand is often preferred, though not always a strict necessity.
TEFL Certificate: Not mandatory, but can give candidates an edge.
Clean Criminal Background: Essential for obtaining a work visa.
Age and Health: Generally, teachers should be above 21 and may need to pass a basic health check.

Salary and Benefits for Teaching English in Kawasaki

The compensation for English teachers in Kawasaki is competitive, reflecting the city's standing as a significant urban center:

Public Schools (Assistant language teacher): 230,000 - 290,000 JPY per month
Private Language Schools (Eikaiwas): 240,000 - 275,000 JPY per month
International Schools: Salaries can range quite broadly, typically from 250,000 to 550,000 JPY per month, depending on qualifications and experience.
Private Tutoring: Rates start around 2,500 JPY per hour and can go up based on the teacher's experience and expertise.

Living in Kawasaki

Nestled between the sprawling urban expanse of Tokyo and the port city of Yokohama, Kawasaki often plays the role of an overlooked gem. While it may lack the international recognition of its neighbors, the city has a charm uniquely its own, which English teachers living and working here soon come to appreciate.

City Facts:

Population: With a population of over 1.5 million people, Kawasaki is one of Japan's core cities and has a dynamic, urban atmosphere.
Economic Significance: Kawasaki is a major industrial hub. It's home to many factories and industries, including the renowned Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Cultural Heritage: The city is known for the Kawasaki Daishi, one of the most visited temples during the New Year, attracting over 3 million visitors annually.
Festivities: Kawasaki hosts one of Japan's most famous Halloween parades. Every year, thousands of participants and spectators throng the streets for this vibrant event.
Accessibility: Its strategic location means residents can quickly commute to Tokyo or Yokohama, availing the city's excellent public transportation system.

Living Experience:

Accommodation: Compared to Tokyo, the cost of housing in Kawasaki is slightly more affordable. However, given its proximity to major urban centers, rents are still on the higher side compared to more rural Japanese cities.
Food and Dining: While Kawasaki boasts a plethora of international dining options, it's the local izakayas (Japanese pubs) and ramen shops that often capture the hearts of expats.
Recreation: The city offers various recreational activities from shopping at the Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, a popular shopping mall, to relaxing walks along the Tamagawa river which borders Tokyo.
Safety: Like most of Japan, Kawasaki is incredibly safe, and residents often comment on the peace of mind they feel when walking the streets, even late at night.

Teacher Stories

1. Emily (Australia): "When I first arrived in Kawasaki, I didn't know what to expect. I had imagined life in Tokyo or Kyoto, but Kawasaki was unfamiliar territory. To my pleasant surprise, I found a community eager to learn and open to sharing. My students, ranging from young children to corporate professionals, have taught me just as much about Japanese culture and Kawasaki's spirit as I've taught them English."

2. Sean (USA): "Kawasaki was never my first choice; it chose me. I got a job offer from a school here, and while I was hesitant at first, I took the plunge. Now, two years later, I can't imagine teaching anywhere else. The city's vibrant mix of the traditional and modern, plus the genuine warmth of its people, has made it home."

3. Naledi (South Africa): "The Kawasaki Halloween parade is a highlight of my year! My students and I plan our costumes months in advance. It's moments like these, where teaching goes beyond the classroom, and you truly immerse in the local culture, that make this experience invaluable."

4. Aoife (Ireland): "Living in Kawasaki offers the best of both worlds. It's less chaotic than Tokyo but still packed with all the amenities and cultural experiences one would desire. Plus, being a stone's throw away from major cities means there's always something new to explore on weekends."

5. Rhys (New Zealand): "My favorite memories in Kawasaki aren't just from teaching but from the connections I've made. Whether it's sharing a meal with my students' families or joining in local festivals, the community here has welcomed me with open arms."

Moving Towards Teaching English In Kawasaki

Kawasaki, with its unique blend of urban dynamics and cultural richness, stands out as an excellent destination for prospective English teachers. While it might not be the first name that springs to mind when thinking of Japan, those who venture here often discover a place they're proud to call home. From its bustling festivals to the daily interactions in the classroom, teaching in Kawasaki offers an enriching journey that intertwines professional growth with personal discoveries. If you're considering taking the leap, remember that cities like Kawasaki, though lesser-known, often hold the most genuine and rewarding experiences.