Part-Time Opportunities for Japanese Language Students

For those considering working while studying in Japan, this article explains Japanese laws and regulations, popular job categories among international students, and the estimated amount students can earn. It also provides tips for learners to help them lead a safe and fulfilling study-abroad experience.

Making money while studying in Japan is possible; however, there are strict rules under Japanese law. The “Student” residence status is primarily intended for studying, and therefore does not automatically permit students to work. To engage in part-time work, students must obtain permission for activities outside their status of residence (shikakugai katsudō kyoka) in advance from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

As explained in the previous article, “Best Time to Study in Japan: Admission Seasons and Preparation Tips,” careful preparation is essential for starting a smooth life in Japan. It is recommended to apply for permission to engage in activities outside your status of residence (shikakugai katsudō kyoka) at the airport immigration counter upon arrival in Japan. By completing the procedure early, students can begin searching for part-time work soon after arriving.

However, obtaining this permission does not mean that students are allowed to work in any type of job. Under Japanese law, international students are prohibited from working in certain industries, including pachinko parlors, game centers, cabarets, and businesses related to adult entertainment or services involving customer entertainment. Even if the work itself is not directly related to such services—for example, washing dishes in the kitchen without interacting with customers, or cleaning the premises outside business hours—working for these businesses is strictly prohibited. Therefore, students should pay close attention when seeking part-time employment.

Furthermore, the operation of immigration regulations under Japan’s Immigration Control Act was updated in 2026. Japanese language schools are now required to monitor the working conditions of international students and report relevant information to the authorities. As a result, students enrolling in language schools are also required to demonstrate their Japanese proficiency through objective measures, such as submitting certificates from Japanese-language examinations. For more detailed information to help with preparation, please refer to the previous article, “Is the JLPT a Must-Have? The Importance of Passing the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.”

There are clear limitations on working hours for international students. During regular academic periods, students are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week and must strictly follow this rule. Special attention should be paid to how “one week” is defined under these regulations. It does not simply refer to a calendar week, such as Sunday through Saturday. Instead, the limit applies to any consecutive seven-day period, meaning that total working hours within any continuous seven days must remain under 28 hours. This regulation can be stricter than many students initially expect.

Having multiple part-time jobs is not an exception to these regulations. The total working hours across all workplaces must remain under 28 hours per week, rather than being calculated separately for each job.

Beginning in 2026, the Japanese government introduced a system that allows authorities to monitor working hours across multiple workplaces simultaneously. Therefore, it is important for students to carefully manage each of their work schedules to avoid exceeding the permitted limit. In many cases, time spent preparing for work—such as changing into uniforms—is also included in working hours. For this reason, students are encouraged to plan their schedules with sufficient flexibility and margin. Exceeding the permitted working-hour limit may result in the rejection of visa renewal applications, and in serious cases, could even lead to deportation.

That being said, these regulations may be relaxed during long vacation periods, such as summer, winter, and spring breaks officially designated by the language school. During these periods, students are exceptionally permitted to work up to eight hours per day and up to 40 hours per week.

It is important for students to clearly understand when their vacation periods officially begin and to communicate this information with their part-time employers so that work shifts remain within the permitted limits.

Now, let’s take a look at popular part-time jobs among students living in Japan. According to the latest Survey on Student Living Conditions, regularly published by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), 65.2% of international students in Japan have at least one part-time job while studying at a language school.

Popular jobs are mainly in the food service industry, including izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), restaurants, fast food chains, and cafés, accounting for about 40% of international students. One reason for their popularity is that many of these workplaces offer makanai (meals provided for employees), allowing students to save money on food expenses. Another reason is the opportunity to interact with customers, which helps students acquire natural, practical Japanese communication skills, as introduced in the article “Sounding Like a Native in Japanese: Listener Responses and Filler Words,” and to practice these skills in real-life settings.

The next most popular jobs are in sales and retail, such as convenience stores and supermarkets. Detailed manuals are often provided, making these positions suitable for learning polite Japanese (keigo) and the basic principles of Japan’s highly developed customer service standards.

In addition, there are also jobs such as language school teaching assistants, private tutors, interpreters, and other education-related positions, which allow students to directly utilize the advantage of their native language and are therefore considered popular choices.

For students who have recently arrived in Japan and are not confident in their Japanese skills, it is also possible to choose simple manual work such as food production in factories or sorting tasks in logistics warehouses. Students can select part-time jobs that best suit their level of proficiency.

In addition, there are jobs such as language school teaching assistants, private tutors, interpreters, and other education-related positions, which allow students to directly make use of their native language, making them popular choices. For students who have recently arrived in Japan and are not confident in their Japanese, it is also possible to choose simple manual work such as food processing in factories or sorting work in logistics. Students can choose part-time jobs that best suit their level of proficiency.

The minimum wage in Tokyo, where TCJ is located, was raised to 1,226 yen in October 2025, making it the highest minimum wage level in Japan. Further increases in hourly wages are also expected after 2026, creating a more favorable environment for international students to earn higher incomes through part-time work.

Let us calculate the maximum amount students may be able to earn. For example, suppose a student works 28 hours per week, which is the legal limit during regular academic periods. Based on the Tokyo minimum wage of 1,226 yen per hour, this would amount to 34,328 yen per week, and approximately 137,000 yen per month (about four weeks).

Furthermore, during long school vacation periods, if a student works within the permitted framework of up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week, it would be possible to earn approximately 196,000 yen per month.

According to a survey conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the average monthly living expenses of international students living in the Kanto region—including educational costs, rent, and food expenses—are approximately 193,000 yen. Income earned through part-time work can therefore provide significant support for living expenses in Japan.

Additionally, under Japanese law, working late-night hours between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. includes an additional 25% on top of the regular hourly wage at workplaces such as convenience stores, allowing students to earn living expenses more efficiently. However, students should remember that the original purpose of coming to Japan is to maintain good health while securing sufficient time for study. They are therefore encouraged to keep a healthy balance between studying and working.

TCJ is highly recommended for students seeking a good balance between learning Japanese and working part-time in Japan. TCJ offers multilingual support staff and provides a welcoming environment where students can consult about daily life concerns at any time.

Furthermore, TCJ offers career support services, including introductions to part-time jobs and employment opportunities, helping students maintain a comfortable daily life even if it is their first time living in Japan.

We welcome you to study Japanese with us at TCJ!

Immigration Services Agency of Japan. (2025). Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted for “Student” Status.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan. (2025). Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). (2024). Summary of the FY2023 Survey on the Living Conditions of Privately Financed International Students.

Tokyo Labour Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (2025). Tokyo Minimum Wage Increased to 1,226 Yen.