The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan

(for Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark)

October 2007

Japan initiated its Working Holiday Programmes, first with Australia in December 1980, then with New Zealand in July 1985, and with Canada in March 1986 respectively. In April 1999, the Republic of Korea joined the three preceding countries to start the Programme with Japan followed by France in December that year. The programme with Germany started in December 2000, then with the United Kingdom in April 2001, with Ireland in January 2007 and with Denmark in October 2007. Working Holiday Programmes are designed to foster young people with global perspective and enhance friendly relationship between Japan and partner countries by providing opportunities for the young people to deepen their understanding about partner countries.

The working holiday makers are allowed to engage themselves in part-time or full-time work to supplement their funds to travel and stay in partner countries.

The following is the detailed information on the Working Holiday Programmes in Japan.

• Working Holiday Visa
• Conditions of the Working Holiday Programme
• Application for Working Holiday Visa (Requirements and Procedure)
• Some views on the programme
• Support Services in Japan
• Other Information

For more information on the programme in each country, please visit the Embassy of Japan websites:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• The Republic of Korea
• France
• Germany
• The United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Denmark
• Japan Association of Working Holiday Makers