Part-time Jobs in Japan for Foreigners
Note: This article is written together with our partner, Nihon Arubaito, a great online portal to find employment opportunities in Japan for foreigners.
A part-time job is a must to have as a foreigner in Japan. It not only gives you financial stability but is the best way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Japanese culture is one of the most unique cultures in the world and you can’t learn it without living it.
Part-time jobs make you learn Japanese through frequent interaction with locals, and taste their culture and food. This helps you a lot in settling in the new country.
So whether you are a student or coming on a work visa, it is highly advisable to explore part- time job options if you want to thrive in Japan.
Type of Part-time Jobs Available for Foreigners
Japan’s part-time jobs are structured specifically for students and housemakers or people who have other commitments in terms of education or full-time jobs. That’s why part-time jobs pay here on an hourly basis, allow flexible working hours and sometimes they also pay transportation allowance.
There are major five sectors that offer part-time jobs the most. These are:
Retail:
This sector offers numerous jobs for Sales associates and cashiers. Foreigners mostly prefer these jobs as no expertise is required to restock shelves and talk with people. Moreover, working here they can learn Japanese quickly.
Most of the retail jobs are either in electronics stores or clothing but there are convenience stores that work 24/7 and are always looking for people. Brands like Lawson and Family Mart prefer English-speaking employees and hire foreigners.
Hospitality and Tourism:
Japan has a huge tourist industry, approximately 25 million people visit it every year. Hotels and guest houses look for bilingual people to accommodate them. The jobs over here are quite versatile from receptionist to cleaning staff and bedmaking. Along with hotels, if are fluent in English then getting a job as a tourist guide is one of the best options for foreigners.
Tutoring:
With globalization, English has become the lingua franca of the world. Everyone wants to learn it for better communication and to expand his business. Multiple institutes in Japan are always looking for English speakers as their teachers. And if you are not comfortable with fixed working time then getting a job as a private English tutor is one of the best options for foreigners in Japan. Private tutoring allows flexible working hours and high pay wages.
Food and Beverages:
This industry is known for part-time jobs not just in Japan but all across the world. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars all across the country that are always in search of serving
and kitchen staff. Here you have the liberty to choose working hours, or work in night shift or only on weekends. There many restaurants prefer English speakers to accommodate foreign visitors. If someone is new in Japan and wants to start his job then getting a job as a waiter or food delivery is the best option.
Factory Assembly lines:
Japan is famous for its electronics and automotive industry. There are numerous jobs available in the assembly not specifically for foreigners. But if you are not fluent in Japanese then working here is a great option as it does not require much communication.
Along with these, there are multiple jobs for event management staff available in different periods of the year, as Japan celebrates several festivals throughout the year. It’s a great opportunity for foreigners to find part-time, you get to know the culture, learn Japanese, and make money while having fun.
Legal Requirements and Work Regulations for Foreigners
Japan offers hundreds of part-time jobs to foreigners but they all come with certain rules and regulations. If someone does not follow them, the government does not hesitate to deport him. So it is very important to be mindful of them.
Visa Regulations:
The Japanese government allows specific working on specific visa types. For example, there are only 28 hours of part-time work allowed on a student visa and 40 hours during vacations. So if someone tries to do more work on the stake of their studies, his visa can be canceled. Additionally, not all visitors are allowed to do part-time, either you should be on a working holiday visa or a Work visa.
Work Permit:
Even if you have a Japan work visa, you need to get a work permit from the Japanese Embassy or consulate before you land any job. Most airports also have special counters that accept the forms of work permits. If you are coming to Japan on a work visa, it is advised to apply from the airport.
There is also a special permit, しかくがいかつけいょ (shikakugai katsudo kyoka) (permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted). If you are a temporary visitor or on a dependent visa then you have to have this permit to work part-time.
Taxes:
All part-time workers who earn Up to 1,950,000 yen yearly are obliged to pay taxes to sustain their work permits.
How to Find a Part-time Job?
There are multiple sources to find part-time jobs in Japan. These are:
Job Portals:
There are multiple online job portals like Nihonarubaito, that are specifically designed for foreigners. Here you just need to fill in a form with some personal information and they’ll match you with a job. These websites also have job postings where you can apply directly.
Direct Applications:
This works best if you want an immediate job, especially in the food or retail industry. Just get in there and inquire about possible job vacancies. Many organizations also display boards with job opening signs.
School Job Department:
Every school has a department that helps foreigners with part-time jobs. If you are new and don’t where to start, visit any local school and here you can find job listings
Conclusion
Japan welcomes foreigners open-heartedly and offers them multiple opportunities. But to thrive here one needs to learn about their culture and language as it is quite different from the rest of the world. And part-time job is a great option to explore Japanese culture and learn the language, so make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.