Most international students studying in Japan may eventually want to start looking for part-time employment to supplement their living or study expenses. A recent survey showed that 67% of privately funded international students in Japan work part-time. The good news is that a wide variety of part-time jobs are available, including remote employment options for students.
In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to explore some practical tips on the permits required and the types of jobs available if you’re an English-speaking student wanting to work part-time in Japan.
Important points to consider before taking on part-time work as a foreign student
Before taking on any part-time work as a student, ask yourself these questions:
- Will the work interfere with your studies?
- Will stay up late – working shifts, long hours or after hours – leave you tired or drained the next day?
- Is the payment you will receive for your work fair? (Some companies have been known to exploit international students).
- Is the setting where you’ll be working a safe environment for students?
Tip: Make sure to have enough independent financial resources so you will be able to rely on something other than money from part-time employment. Constantly worrying about money will be stressful and negatively impact your studies.
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Limitations on working in Japan for foreign students
In Japan, foreign students can work up to 28 hours per week while still studying. If you’re working two jobs, you can only put in a combined total of 28 hours. You will need a permit to work in Japan as an International student.
Tip: Working a part-time job without authorization, performing illegal employment, or exceeding the hours allowed by law could get you deported – or worse.
Applying for a student work permit in Japan
A student visa does not permit employment in Japan. You will need to get a work permit. You can apply for a work permit before going to Japan. If you are already in the country, you can apply by completing an application form and visiting the immigration office.
Tip: It is advisable to complete the paperwork before going to Japan so that you can begin your job immediately. Applying for a work visa after arriving in the country can take up to a month.
Jobs that are prohibited for students in Japan
As a student, you are not permitted to work in any job associated with unsavoury elements or adult entertainment. These include:
- Bars
- Adult clubs
- Adult video stores
- Massage parlours
It is still prohibited even if you are not engaging in inappropriate behaviour.
Tip: Contact your school if you have any concerns about your work, and they can tell you whether it is permitted.
Typical jobs for students in Japan
Here are a few of the most typical, practical, and accessible part-time jobs available to English-speaking students in Japan:
1. English teacher
One of the most common and popular part-time jobs for UK students in Japan is teaching English. This can include everything from teaching English to pre-schoolers to teaching primary or secondary school students. You can also provide English tuition online using websites like Hello Sensei or Eigo Pass.
Another alternative is an Eikaiwa cafe, an English-speaking school usually privately run. English speakers typically sit at a table joined by Japanese locals who engage in varied English-speaking conversations to brush up on their language skills.
Tip: There is a wide variety of part-time English teaching jobs available to students in Japan on websites such as GaijinPot.
Average earnings: £5.98 – £35.90 per hour (¥1000 – ¥6000)
2. Language localization jobs for video game testers
If you’re a keen gamer, Japanese video game companies frequently look for native English speakers to translate and test their video games. This job can be done remotely from your student digs. Requirements for this position: Fluency in Japanese and English, as well as gaming experience.
Tip: There are a number of gaming localization jobs available on websites such as GaijinPot.
Average earnings: £7.18 per hour (¥1200)
3. Freelance Japanese/English translator
If you’re a keen gamer, Japanese video game companies frequently look for native English speakers to translate and test their video games. This job can be done remotely from your student digs. Requirements for this position: Fluency in Japanese and English, as well as gaming experience.
Tip: There are a number of gaming localization jobs available on websites such as GaijinPot.
Average earnings: £7.18 per hour (¥1200)
4. Konbini jobs
Konbini is the term for Japanese convenience stores. Konbini all over Japan collectively employs more than 50,000 foreign workers.
The types of jobs students would be required to do would be similar to working in a supermarket, for example, cashier, merchandiser, packer, etc. You can work as little or as much as you like each week. You can work the graveyard shifts or after regular business hours.
Job requirements: You must speak Japanese well enough to communicate with supervisors and Japanese customers.
Average earnings: £4.79+ per hour (¥800+). The pay will vary by store and by region.
5. Fast food delivery
Delivery motorcycle drivers, as well as cyclists, are in high demand in all Japanese cities, delivering fast food.
They are employed by companies such as Uber Eats and other fast-food outlets that sell pizza, fried chicken, burgers, etc. You can set your own hours, and your payment is determined by how many deliveries you make.
Average earnings: £4.19 – £10.77 per hour (¥700 – ¥1800)
Salary: The average earnings for international students working part-time in Japan per hour is 1,000 yen (about £5.98). The monthly average wage is around £353,00 (59,000).
