[RealJames]

In the first example, that guys English speaking skill clearly had a heavy influence on his ability to get work.
Fluency in two languages, or even near native level in English with good business Japanese will land a Japanese native a petty sweet job with or without a degree.
Like Nyororin pointed out, though, at a lower starting salary.

hitotz, if you're considering this for yourself, stop considering, it just wont work without the degree.