Are you trying to find other means to earn extra money? Maybe you have enough time on your hands and you would like to use some of it to make a little bit more cash to buy something or travel somewhere. Perhaps you just want to do something different for a change and explore a different field of work. Let’s dive in and see if there is anything on the list that may spark your interest!
If you are on a humanities visa, there are various types of jobs you can do. If you want to learn more, check out this website to find a full list of industries that are permitted for you to engage in on your visa. Some types of jobs like ALT, housekeeping, convenience store work, or others that are considered labor-type jobs are not allowed unless you get a special permit from Immigration stamped on your residence card called “Permission to engage in other activities other than that permitted under the status of residence.” However, if you are on a Dependents, Spouse, Student, Long-term Term, or Permanent visa, then you have no limitations as to what type of part-time you can take be employed. If you would like to know more about getting a full-time job, check this out.
Bear in mind that you do not need to declare your earnings if your side hustle/gig does not exceed 200,000 yen a year. Depending on the company you work for, some do not need to do this extra paperwork because the company usually files it on their behalf. To find out more about part-time jobs or “baito” in Japan, this article has a lot of essential information.
It is a no-brainer that the most common job foreigners land in Japan is teaching English full-time. Big companies like Kids Duo, Berlitz, and Nova typically hire and provide working visas to overseas native English speakers with a college degree to work as English teachers. After a few years, many branch out and go into IT, Engineering, university teaching, and more. Over the years, the number of English kindergartens, eikaiwas and even primary and secondary schools has skyrocketed, so there is always a part-time teaching gig somewhere that may need your skills and English ability. Most schools pay 1,200 yen to 3,000 yen per hour depending on your qualifications or experience.
Online Teaching/Home TutoringIf you would like to teach on one, perhaps teaching online from home is a good option as well. There are several online companies such as iTalki, Cambly, Eigox, and more which allow you to have a flexible schedule that you can customize by yourself. These companies have a more diverse set of customers from all ages and backgrounds from elementary school students to researchers or office workers.
Home tutoring agencies are also growing in Japan in which teachers are made to come to the home and teach the children in the comforts of their student’s homes. The lessons are not focused only on English, in some cases you have to help out with Science, Math or other subjects as well. Some students who go to international schools where the medium of instruction is in English may need a little bit more help in these subjects as these are usually taught in Japanese in a normal public school.
Ever since the borders opened in 2022, the number of tourists in Japan has gone up a tenth fold and numerous tour guide companies have been continuously popping up all over Japan. There are local tour guide agencies as well as international companies that you can apply to if you are confident enough in your navigational skills, speak at least conversational Japanese, know more than basic information regarding popular touristy spots, and have a background in customer service or generally a well-traveled extrovert that likes to take tourists around!
It is a fun way to meet people from around the world and learn a bit about other cultures and their travel desires.
Since Japan-related contents are quite sought after, it is a good option to write articles about Japan that you think may be interesting for readers who want to know more about this awesome country! If you love to travel and unravel all the hidden gems waiting to be uncovered in Japan, then why not write about it and share your experiences with the rest of the world? If you just generally love writing and want to pursue this as a career in the future, then starting as a freelance writer is the way to go!
If you think you have what it takes to become a public personality, then try your luck and become an unofficial ambassador of Japan as a YouTuber or influencer. Thousands of foreigners have become successful in this field as they navigate through their lives while also filming every wonderful moment, they could to show the rest of the world the unique and quirky things Japan has to offer. From the beautiful attractions to the famous ramen shops, there are hundreds of things you can use as content in your channel and earn a little extra on the side.
Some famous Japan-based Youtubers are Tokyo Lens, Kimono Mom, and Paolo from Tokyo who have a solid following and viewers all across the world!
If you would like to try your hand in this field, you need to have at least N3 (Business Japanese) Japanese ability. Plenty of companies require interpreters for various international events or conferences and there are companies you can apply to that dispatch interpreters and provide gigs for these specific situations. If you pass the N2-N1 JLPT, you will have a better chance at getting translation projects that allow for a more stable and regular flow of projects. As you continue to establish yourself as a freelance interpreter or translator, it is good to build connections to reach more clients who may be interested in the services you offer.
Due to the increasing number of households that see the need for their children to speak English, certain agencies hire nannies or babysitters for a few hours to do some childcare duties like feeding, giving baths, and more but the main focus is really to expose the child from a very young age to English speakers. There are companies in Japan that specifically look for English-speaking nannies or babysitters who could play or spend time with kids a few times a week for the very purpose of language acquisition. Check out sites like Daijob, Guidables, or even Tokyo Craigslist!
Some big real estate companies are starting to cater more to foreigners moving to Japan and have added a roster of real estate agents who help these new expats find their place in Japan. It can be very difficult to find real estate companies that are also considered foreigner-friendly, so if you are interested in earning some commission by helping your fellow expats find their dream home, then you could try and see if this gig suits you.
If you are passionate about arts and crafts and your handmade goods are as cute and reliable as those you can buy from actual shops, then sign up for Mercari and sell your own goods! You can sell a variety of things such as crochet beanies, handmade jewelry and accessories as well as clay sculptures and portrait paintings. It is very easy and only requires your MyNumber card as well as a valid email address to start selling items on your online shop.
Have you ever thought of becoming a priest for hire for couples who may want a Western-style wedding or a host for a formal party that specifically requested an English speaker? Perhaps you would like to become a model for certain fashion events or do a pictorial for a company’s international marketing campaign that needs representations from other countries. If you have any kind of talent, you can even organize your own workshops such as painting or baking for those who may have great deal of enthusiasm for it while also practicing their language skills.
If you are the adventurous type and don’t mind doing gigs that lean on the entertainment side, then definitely check this one out! This one, however, is not as heavily advertised as other jobs mentioned earlier, so it is good to know the right people while revealing your intentions and maintaining connections in case opportunities like this come up!
There are plenty of websites you can use to find side gigs like this such as Gajinpot, JobsinJapan, LinkedIn, Daijob, Guidables. Craigslist, Career Cross and more! Obviously, there are more jobs out there depending on your skill set and professional background as well as your visa restrictions. Before signing that contract, make sure to read the fine print and the legalities of taking on jobs on top of your full-time profession.
Finding the time and energy to do something on the side while working a 40-hour job may not be as easy as it sounds, so having a side hustle is certainly not for everyone. It is just a matter of finding one that best suits your lifestyle and interest and one that also adds joy and excitement to your daily life in Japan. Work smarter, not harder!
