10 Japanese part-time jobs recommended for foreigners!
Foreigners who want to work part-time in Japan may have questions about what kind of work they can do. In this article, we will introduce recommended part-time jobs in Japan for foreigners, as well as explain the required visas and how to find a part-time job.
Types of visas that allow you to work part-time in Japan
There are three types of Japanese visas: visas that allow you to work part-time without permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted, visas that allow you to work part-time with permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted, and visas that do not allow you to work part-time. Before looking for a part-time job, first check your status of residence.
Visa that allows you to work part-time without permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted
If you have a permanent resident, long-term resident, or working holiday visa, you can work part-time even without permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.
- permanent resident
- permanent resident
- working holiday
A visa that allows you to work part-time if you have permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.
Those on study abroad, dependent stay, and cultural activity visas can work part-time if they have permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted. However, there are restrictions such as part-time work hours being up to 28 hours a week and not being able to work at pachinko parlors, mahjong parlors, etc. The detailed conditions vary depending on the visa, so be sure to check when you start working part-time.
- Study abroad
- Family stay
- cultural activities
Visa that does not allow part-time work
Those on short-term stay, technical intern training, and specific skill visas cannot work part-time. Technical training and specified skills are visas for working in Japan, but you cannot work part-time on the side.
- short stay
- Technical training
- specific skills
How to find a part-time job in Japan
There are several ways to find a part-time job in Japan, such as by registering with recruitment websites, part-time job information magazines, and recruitment services. Also, in Japan, there are sometimes signs posted in front of shops recruiting for part-time jobs.
Recruitment site
Online job posting sites have a large number of job openings and can be searched, so they are the first tools you should use when looking for a part-time job. There are also many job search sites for foreigners.
Part-time job information magazine
In Japan, various part-time job information magazines are published. There are paid information magazines that you can buy at bookstores and other places, and information magazines that you can get for free at stores.
Recruitment service
Another option is to register with a recruitment service for foreigners. However, some recruitment services only offer full-time or temporary employees, so be sure to register with a service that also accepts part-time workers.
Posters, etc.
Japanese shops often have a sign posted at the entrance that says ``Part-time job recruitment''. If it says that foreigners are allowed, you should apply.
How to apply for a part-time job in Japan
The general way to apply for a part-time job in Japan is to first call the place you work, write a resume, and attend an interview. However, for registration-based or work-from-home jobs, you may only need to apply online.
Call your part-time job
When making a phone call, try to use honorific language if possible to avoid being rude to the person on the other end. Also, it is good manners to avoid calling during times when the store is busy. For example, if you are at a restaurant, we recommend calling around 3:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m.).
write a resume
A Japanese resume includes personal information such as address, gender, and date of birth. In addition, it is common to write down all your academic background and qualifications that are not related to your part-time job.
have an interview
For the interview, be sure to prepare your resume, residence card, and any other documents that your part-time job requires you to bring. It's best to dress and style your hair as neatly as possible, but if you're going for an interview at a cafe or convenience store, there's no need to wear a suit.
10 Japanese part-time jobs recommended for foreigners
Here we will introduce 10 Japanese part-time jobs recommended for foreigners. We will introduce five selections for those who are not good at Japanese and those for those who are good at Japanese.
5 recommended part-time jobs for people who are not good at Japanese
Some people may be worried about whether they can work part-time in Japan even if they are not good at Japanese, but there are many part-time jobs that do not require much Japanese. However, you must be able to have a minimum level of conversation with other Japanese staff.
- Cleaning staff
- factory
- Moving staff
- Handing out tissues
- Uber Eats
Cleaning staff, factory, moving staff, tissue distribution
For example, working as a cleaner, working in a factory, moving staff, or distributing tissues are easy part-time jobs even if you are not good at Japanese.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is also a recommended part-time job for those who are not good at Japanese, but please note that they are not currently recruiting international students.
5 recommended part-time jobs for people who are good at Japanese
People who are good at Japanese have the option of doing a variety of part-time jobs in addition to the jobs I introduced earlier.
- language school teacher
- translation
- Convenience store or supermarket clerk
- Cafe and restaurant staff
- Staff at hotels etc.
Language school teacher/translator
Teaching at a language school and working as a translator are particularly popular part-time jobs, and are rewarding because you can make use of your native language. There are many jobs that pay well.
Convenience stores, restaurants, hotels, etc.
We also recommend people who are good at Japanese to work as clerks at convenience stores and cafes, as well as hotel staff. However, you can often work at convenience stores and supermarkets even if you don't speak perfect Japanese. On the other hand, if you want to work at a hotel or restaurant, you will need fairly solid Japanese language skills.
summary
When foreigners work part-time in Japan, they should be aware that there are restrictions depending on the type of visa. When it comes to part-time jobs, those who are good at Japanese will have more options. However, there are many jobs that you can do even if you are not good at Japanese.
