Part-Time Jobs in Japan: Job Profiles, Average Pay & Other Info

Japan is a popular destination for aspirants of international higher education. Its unique business culture reflects its history, traditions, and values, and it has helped the country become a global leader in many industries. Part-time jobs, known as "Arubaito" or "Baito" in Japanese, allow international students to recoup some of their living expenses while studying abroad.  Read on to understand part-time jobs in Japan for students, foreigners and the working rules.

Types of part-time jobs in Japan

Around 75% of international students in Japan work part-time. However, international students must note that certain jobs will require them to be fluent in the local language. Check out various part-time jobs available for students in Japan:

Part-time jobs that require Japanese conversational skills 

Convenience Shop:

Working in a convenience store is a customer-facing job requiring one to converse in Japanese. The country has several chain stores, including 7/11, Lawson, Family Mart, and Mini Stop, where international students can look for employment. 

Restaurant/Izakaya: 

This category includes Izakaya (meaning stay-drink-place) and family restaurants, both of which are primarily open in the evening, thus making it a convenient employment option for international students. They require personnel who are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking Japanese as they must interact with consumers and take orders from them.

Supermarkets: 

They also require personnel who are fluent in Japanese, both verbally and in writing. The majority of the supermarket's items have labels in Japanese.

Office personnel: 

Several offices recruit part-time employees who are students on student visas. The majority of the time, these businesses require Japanese-speaking employees. Japanese is the primary language used in office work.

Sales/Marketing: 

Since their job involves communicating with consumers, this is another profession that primarily requires mastery of the Japanese language.

Part-time jobs in Japan for foreigners 

There are certain part time jobs that do not necessarily require Japanese conversation skills and are good enough for foreigners to pursue.

Housekeeping staff in hotels: 

They hire personnel who have rudimentary Japanese language skills. Even a lack of them may not be a hurdle as it is not a customer-facing job.

Cleaning workers: 

Being a cleaning worker in Japan doesn’t require much use of the Japanese language. Even though you don't frequently use it at work, having better fluency in reading and writing will benefit you.

What are the minimum wages in Japan?

As per various job sites, minimum Wages in Japan are around  ¥961/hour ((INR 590/hr approx) in 2022. There has been a 1.1% wage growth till February 2023. Meanwhile, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a part-time job is ¥1,079 per hour (INR662/hr approx) in Tokyo.

Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka are the highest-paying areas, while the lowest-paying cities are Okinawa, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Much, Kumamoto, Kochi and Tottori.

How to find part-time jobs in Japan for students?

Working part-time while attending college in Japan will add to your resume. Overall, working part-time while attending college in Japan can be a smart strategy for students looking to gain experience, supplement their income, and achieve their academic and career goals. With the help of the internet, it's easier than ever to find and secure part-time job opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.

Check out the ways in which you can find part-time jobs while studying:

Job Boards

There are many websites for part-time jobs that cater to part-time jobs in Japan for foreigners. You can categorize them based on several factors like the type of jobs, location, and working conditions. Check out the most popular job boards listed below:

• Yolo Japan
• Guidable
• Baitoru
• GaijinPot
• Jobs in Japan
• WeXPats

Company Website

If you're interested in working at a specific restaurant or cafe in Japan, you can directly apply via the company's website. Many big franchises in Japan, such as Starbucks and McDonald's, have dedicated recruitment pages on their website with information about positions, requirements, and how to apply. You can usually find these pages at the bottom of the website, under "Recruitment" or "Jobs."

Overall, searching for job openings directly on a company's website can be a great way to find opportunities for part-time jobs in Japan.

Direct Inquiry

You can also visit local convenience stores or ramen shops with your resume to inquire about part-time job openings. While it's always recommended to call ahead or fill out an online application, this approach can work well too. And because many places in Tokyo are understaffed, they may be more than happy to schedule an interview with you on the spot.

However, being respectful and polite when approaching potential employers in person is important. Make sure to dress appropriately and have a copy of your resume. With confidence and persistence, you can land a job in no time.