(I think) The reason why people always say “you need a Bachelors degree to get a job” Isn’t because companies want you to have one, but because it’s a necessity to get the visa. It’s required for sponsorship. If this wasn’t the case then you probably could get a job in a factory.

The only other option you have (I think) are A) Marry a Japanese woman or B) Start your own company and employ yourself. Both are pretty special circumstances.

Good luck though

Aside from the whole visa thing, why would someone choose to hire you over a person who is already fluent in Japanese and fits into society? With no education there really is no chance of you getting a job in Japan. If there isn’t any reason to pick you over a Japanese person you can be certain that you won’t get the job.

Sorry, but it is the truth.

Even if there are people that had done it without a bachelor’s, they’re most definitely the exception to the rule, and I’d say that they were either VERY lucky, or had some very good aces up their sleeves that made their employers want to pick them (either a very valuable skill, or maybe just friends in high places).

If you’re aiming to do it without a degree, just know that you’ll be facing a very uphill battle. As others have said, employers in Japan are very finicky about hiring foreigners (and rightly so), so any advantage you don’t have will only make it harder for you, mate.

I had a similar situation to yours (I have a GED but no degree). Right now a degree is not in my future, so I had to bear down and accept that living in Japan just isn’t going to happen for me. But if you really want it, I suggest you get that GED and look into scholarships or financial aid and get yourself a bachelor’s, then become fluent in Japanese.

Working in Japan isn’t an easy journey, but it’s not impossible, provided you take the proper steps and make sure you’re well-equipped. But if you go into it skipping important steps and thinking there’s an “easy way” in, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment.