Does my local degree count while finding a Job in Japan?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. However if you possess a skill-based experience and not a mere degree, it will count to a certain extent. Most of the corporates in Japan do not recognize the other country degrees except the globally recognized universities. And that happens to be too few in numbers.
This does not mean that you should get discouraged. Remember that you have all the chances if you have higher Japanese language knowledge. Also, if you have some relevant skills too, you can search for Jobs in Japan. It is not that difficult to find a job if one is sensible enough to understand and act according to Japanese culture, behavior, and system.
Some people who spread negativity about failures in finding Jobs in Japan actually failed due to not understanding and acting as per Japanese culture. It may also be possible that they just did not want to adapt due to their own reasons.
If you have a higher level of JLPT with you and any other skills that are useful for the Japanese company, they will definitely hire you. That is because the requirement for skilled foreigners is rising day by day in Japan. You can expect to be in a much better position and may find better opportunities with your knowledge of Japanese language.
In my experience, I have seen many young people joining in Japan but the companies usually do not recognize BCA or MCA kind of degrees, from India, for example. They test all the skills of the candidate in the interview. Apart from this, the corporates have their own parameters, for example globally recognized certifications like CCNA or CCNP for networking or for example TOEIC for English.
There are rules and requirements from Japanese embassies before they issue work visas, the Japanese companies modify their parameters accordingly. The most important certification is JLPT. A higher level of JLPT gives an impression that this candidate is serious enough to live and work in Japan. Learning Japanese language itself is a proof that you are willing to adapt and learn Japanese culture. Also, it shows that you must have learned basic Japanese business ethics. To summarize Japanese mannerisms plz click BUSINESS CULTURE OF JAPAN.