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Part-time jobs in Tokyo for foreigners! How to find a job and what to look out for!

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Foreigners working at the front desk of a hotel

The number of foreigners working part-time in Japan is increasing every year, reaching approximately 2 million as of the end of October 2023. Tokyo, in particular, is a city that attracts many foreign students and foreigners with work visas, and demand for part-time jobs is high.

Currently, there are approximately 280,000 international students in Japan, and more than 90% of them have part-time jobs. For international students, part-time jobs are not only a way to earn money for school and living expenses, but also a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese society and culture firsthand.

Many companies in Tokyo, such as restaurants and service companies, are suffering from labor shortages, and there are many opportunities for foreign personnel to play an active role. While there are jobs where even those with limited Japanese language skills do not feel the language barrier, there are also plenty of jobs that lead to career advancement where language skills can be used as a weapon.

In this article, we will provide detailed explanations of recommended part-time jobs, how to find a job, and points to keep in mind for foreigners who want to work in Tokyo. We hope it will provide you with hints for a fulfilling study abroad experience and career development in Japan.

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5 Part-time Jobs in Tokyo for Foreigners 

There are many popular part-time jobs in Tokyo that are easy for foreign residents to work. Although employment forms, working hours, salaries and hourly wages vary, there are a variety of positions that are easy for those who are not comfortable with their Japanese language skills. Here, we will explain in detail five part-time jobs that we particularly recommend.

1. convenience store

Convenience store staff is one of the most popular part-time jobs for international students. No special qualifications or skills are required to handle cash registers, display merchandise, or clean the store. Convenience stores are open from morning until late at night, so you can flexibly schedule your shifts according to your classes and personal schedule. In addition, the hourly wage is set higher for nighttime work, and there are relatively few opportunities to serve customers, so it is an easy environment for those who are not confident in their Japanese language skills. Through part-time work at a convenience store, you can also learn about Japanese society and manners.

2. izakaya

Working part-time at an izakaya is a great opportunity to experience Japanese food culture. Although the menu is diverse, you will naturally learn the names of dishes and ingredients as you take orders. Job duties include customer service work such as taking customer orders, serving food and drinks, clearing empty tables, washing dishes, assisting with cooking, and cleaning the restaurant. Izakaya is also a place where you can interact with Japanese people, so another attraction is that you can improve your Japanese communication skills through part-time work.

3. family restaurant

Many family restaurants also actively employ foreign part-time workers. While izakaya (Japanese style pubs) work mainly from the evening to late at night, family restaurants are open during a wide range of hours from breakfast to dinner, making it easy to balance work with classes and private life. The work includes customer service duties such as taking orders and delivering food and drinks, assisting in cooking in the kitchen, and cleaning. The advantage of working in a chain restaurant is that it is easy to learn the work because the manuals are well prepared.

4. language teacher

For international students whose native language is a foreign language, a part-time job as a language teacher is recommended. There are many places in Tokyo where Japanese people who want to learn foreign languages gather, such as English conversation schools, language classes, and university language courses. Some schools offer classes in foreign languages only, while others offer classes in both foreign languages and Japanese, so it is important to check the job information carefully and choose an environment that suits you best. Teaching a language can be an opportunity to share your home country's culture and customs with Japanese people.

There is also an article with basic information for foreigners working as English teachers in Japan. Please check it out if you are interested.
▶︎ An easy-to-understand explanation of the basics of how a foreigner can become an English teacher in Japan!

5. hotel

Part-time work at hotels is also a popular option for foreigners who speak polite Japanese. Front desk staff, in particular, are required to deal with foreign tourists, so English and other foreign language skills are highly valued. Of course, since they are also required to serve customers in Japanese, it is also an opportunity to learn accurate and polite Japanese. There are a variety of positions available at hotels, including serving food in restaurants, assisting in the kitchen, cleaning guest rooms, and working as a door boy. Choose the job that best suits your aptitude and language skills.

5 part-time jobs in Tokyo for those who are not confident in their Japanese language skills. 

Even if you are a foreigner who is concerned about your Japanese language skills, there are a variety of part-time job opportunities in Tokyo. Here we have carefully selected five positions that do not require much conversational Japanese. Through these part-time jobs, you will be able to work with confidence while gradually becoming familiar with the Japanese language.

1. washing dishes

Dishwashing in restaurants is a particularly popular part-time job for foreigners who are not confident in their Japanese language skills. You will be in charge of washing dishes and cooking utensils in the kitchens of restaurants, izakaya (Japanese style pubs), family restaurants, etc. Unlike customer service, there is no need to speak directly with customers. Unlike customer service work, dishwashing does not require direct conversation with customers, so those who are not confident in their Japanese language skills can work there without anxiety. In addition, through washing dishes, you will gain an understanding of the workflow of a Japanese restaurant, which will give you the opportunity to move up to cooking staff or hall staff in the future.

2. security guard

Security guards at department stores, supermarkets, and office buildings are another type of part-time job where Japanese language skills are not required. The main duties include patrolling the facility, reception at entrances and exits, and key management. Simple conversation with visitors and tenants is necessary, but in-depth communication is not required. This job is suitable for those who can work with a sense of responsibility and tension. Through working as a security guard, you can also learn the discipline and manners of Japanese society.

3. work staff

Staff working in factories and warehouses assembling, sorting, and packing products are also recommended part-time jobs for those who are not confident in their Japanese language skills. The main task is to work silently following work procedures and manuals, and advanced Japanese language skills are not required. There are also outdoor work staff jobs such as setting up and taking down event venues. The attractive point is that you can choose a work style that fits your lifestyle, such as "daily pay available" or "short term" work.

4. handing out tissues

A part-time job handing out free tissues in the city is one that many foreigners feel is "uniquely Japanese. The tissues are printed with advertisements, and you simply hand them to passersby with a smile. Since conversation in Japanese is rarely required, even those who are not comfortable with their language skills can easily take on this challenge. This part-time job is suitable for those who like to interact with people and those who like to go out. As with the work staff, there are many one-off or short-term positions available.

5. moving staff

For foreigners who are good at hard work, a part-time job as a moving staff is recommended. The main tasks include packing and transporting goods and loading them onto trucks, which require physical strength. Since communication in Japanese is minimal, this job requires physical strength and endurance rather than language skills. Demand is especially high during the Japanese moving season in March/April and September, so it is a good idea to register as a staff member in time for these months.

There are many other part-time jobs recommended for foreign residents depending on their Japanese language ability. For more detailed information, please check the following articles.
▶︎【10 Japanese Part-time Jobs for 】 Foreigners by Japanese Proficiency! How to find a job is also explained.

How to find a part-time job in Tokyo 

There are many ways to find a part-time job in Tokyo, but for foreign residents, the language barrier and cultural differences can make it difficult to find a job. In recent years, however, there are a variety of resources available, such as job sites targeting foreigners and support centers for international students at universities.

Here are some recommended job sites and school employment assistance to help foreigners find part-time jobs in Tokyo.

WEB site

There are many sites on the Internet that list part-time jobs for foreign residents. By using these sites, you will be able to search for jobs efficiently. Below are two job sites that we particularly recommend.

Sigoto in

Shigotoin is a job information site specializing in part-time jobs and career changes, and has a very large selection of jobs by region. It is easy to find jobs in each prefecture, including Tokyo, and you can find a part-time job that is closely related to your area.

One of the most unique features of Shigotoin is that it boasts over 600,000 job postings. This number is larger than that of major websites, and offers a wider range of options for foreign residents. In addition, some jobs offer a recruitment bonus of up to 10,000 yen if you are hired, which will motivate you to work part-time.

In addition, the site offers many short-term, one-time, and daily jobs, perfect for those looking for a flexible work schedule.

Website:Foreigners welcome! If you are looking for a part-time job, Shigoto in

Town Work

Town Work" is a major website covering part-time jobs throughout Japan. The site offers a wide variety of jobs, including convenience stores, cafes, call centers, event staff, and more. The site has an extensive search function by region, allowing you to focus your part-time job search on specific cities and regions, such as Tokyo.

Another attraction of this site is that it provides useful information and support regarding part-time jobs, such as how to write a resume, interview tips, and etiquette at part-time jobs. It will be useful for foreigners to understand the part-time job situation in Japan.

Website:Town Work

Schools

International students attending Japanese language schools or universities can receive introductions to part-time jobs at their schools' employment support centers or international student support offices. You will be able to obtain information on job offers from companies with which the school is affiliated or companies that have a track record of hiring international students in the past, so you will be able to apply for jobs with confidence.

In some cases, job information obtained through school referrals may not be available on general job sites. By consulting with your school's career counselor or employment support staff, you can increase your chances of finding a part-time job that is right for you.

When looking for a part-time job in Tokyo, you should use a combination of these methods. By gathering a wide range of information on job sites while also looking at the jobs available through school referrals, you will be able to find work effectively.

There are several points to consider when looking for a job in Japan for foreign residents, including the use of job sites and interview preparation. For more detailed information, please check the following article.

[How do foreigners find a job in Japan? Information on job sites and preparation for interviews are also explained.]

[【 Preserved 】 Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan for Foreigners! Job Hunting, Changing Jobs, Part-Time Work]

Notes on part-time jobs for foreigners 

There are several points to be noted when a foreigner takes a part-time job in Japan. In particular, for students staying in Japan on a college student visa, obtaining "permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence" is mandatory.

This section explains the "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" that is required for foreign students to work part-time. Please be sure to understand this permit, as you may be subject to punishment if you work part-time without it.

International students need a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence to work part-time.

Foreign nationals staying in Japan on a college student visa are required to obtain a "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" in order to engage in part-time work. This permit permits part-time work to the extent that it does not interfere with the student's studies, which is the student's main duty. Application for the permit can be made at the regional immigration office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.

The permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence is granted for the same period as the student visa expiration date. When your student visa expires, your permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence will expire at the same time.

Restrictions on Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Status of Residence

Obtaining a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence does not mean that you can work part-time without restrictions. There are restrictions on working hours and types of work that foreign students can do part-time.

Working hours are limited to 28 hours per week during the school term and 8 hours per day during long vacations. Part-time work in excess of these hours is not permitted.

There are also restrictions on the types of work that international students may engage in. Work related to "adult entertainment businesses," such as cabarets and other entertainment businesses, and "sex-related special businesses," such as mahjong and pachinko, is strictly prohibited, even if the work is not directly related to serving customers. If you work part-time at a store that falls under these types of businesses, you may be subject to disciplinary action, so please be very careful.

What is required to apply for a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence

When applying for a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, the following documents must be prepared

  • Application form for permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence (downloadable from the Immigration and Residence Management Agency website)
  • A resident card
  • Passport or Certificate of Eligibility
  • A contract of employment issued by the part-time employer that clearly states the job title, length of time worked, hours worked, compensation, etc.

It usually takes from two weeks to two months from the time of application to the time of approval. We recommend that you proceed with the application process as soon as you decide to start working part-time.

Reference:Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence of "College Student"｜Emigration and Immigration Services Agency

It is important for international students to fully understand these precautions and follow the appropriate procedures when working part-time in Japan. Please observe the restrictions of the Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence and work within the scope of what is permitted.

If you would like to learn more about the Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, you can find the application form, application procedure, and required documents in the following article.
▶︎ What is a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence for Foreign Workers? Application form, how to apply, and required documents.

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summary

In this article, we have provided detailed information on recommended part-time jobs, how to find a job, and precautions for foreigners who want to work in Tokyo.

Tokyo is expensive and the cost of living is high, but there are plenty of part-time job options to choose from. Please take this as an opportunity to gain valuable experience in Japan and find a job that suits you. By deepening your understanding of Japanese society and culture and improving your language skills through part-time work, you will be able to connect this to your future career.

We hope that this article, which provides useful information on finding a part-time job in Tokyo, will be of help to foreign residents. We wish you a fulfilling study abroad experience in Japan and a rewarding part-time job experience.

Reference:Summary of "Status of Employment of Foreign Nationals" (as of October 31, 2023)｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare,Results of the 2023 Survey on International Student Enrollment｜Study in Japan Information Site

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