Home
Menu
With rising cases of Covid-19 in Japan, it may seem hopeless for international students wanting to find job opportunities. Indeed, many restaurants and retailers have decreased their number of part-timers to avoid overcrowding and cut down on spending. But as the saying goes, “when there’s change, there’s opportunity.” Read on to learn about new job opportunities and internship programs for international students in Japan that have adapted to the pandemic environment!
This article will cover the following topics on jobs available for international students in 2021 Japan:
- Work Visa and Preparation
- English Tools to Find Jobs in Japan
- Merits of Working in Japan
Let’s study and work in 2021 Japan!
WORK VISA AND PREPARATION
Before we discuss the specificities of finding jobs in Japan, let’s go over the basic preparation for international students to work in Japan.
How much can I work?
Students can work up to 28 hours per week. During long holidays, this is extended to up to 40 hours per week and up to 8 hours per day.
Can I work on a student visa?
Yes! However, you must get permission from the immigration office called the “Shikakugai-katsudokyoka” (Engaging in Activities other than Status Qualification). To apply, you must submit an “Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” form and show your passport to the Immigration Bureau. Don’t worry! This permission is not difficult to attain, and it is almost always granted.
How long does the “Shikakugai-katsudokyoka” last?
The permission is effective for as long as your visa lasts, no matter how often you change your part-time job. If you extend your status of residence, the permission must also be extended.
Do I need to understand Japanese?
Well, it depends. If you want to work at a restaurant or convenience store, you will need to understand basic Japanese, enough to communicate effectively with your coworkers and customers. However, there are also internships and jobs that are geared towards international students and require no Japanese language skills!
For more information on the types of part-time jobs for international students in Japan, you can visit Study and Work in Japan: Jobs for International Students by SchooLynk Media.
ENGLISH TOOLS TO FIND JOBS IN JAPAN
There are various ways to find jobs in Japan, even in this pandemic situation. Let’s go over some basic steps on finding a job as an international student in Japan!
Job Magazines
Perhaps you have seen magazines like these in the subway station or on the sidewalk.
Job magazines are a great way to find up-to-date job openings for your location! TownWork is one such magazine that is placed all throughout Japan. While the content is written in Japanese, some of the jobs do not require native Japanese speakers. Since these magazines are location-specific, you can conveniently find job opportunities near the area in which you picked up the magazine. Furthermore, they’re free!
Career Office at the University
Universities often have career consulting centers for international students. This may be located in the International Students division or the General Career division, depending on your university. While they offer on-campus jobs for its students, most of these facilities can provide you with a list of available jobs suitable for international students in the area.
Online Resources
Last but not least, there are various online resources to find part-time jobs in Japan. You can directly visit the store webpage or use one of the job-finding resources listed below!
MERITS OF WORKING IN JAPAN
Why should you work in Japa, even during the pandemic? There are so many benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone and working in Japan!
Experience the “Working Culture” of Japan
Do you plan to work in Japan after graduation? Then getting a part-time job is a great way to get accustomed to the working culture of Japan!
How should you greet your boss? How can you effectively communicate with your coworkers? What are the etiquettes of a Japanese workplace? By becoming a part-time worker in Japan, you can gain such insights into Japanese society. The best part is that you don’t need to worry about messing up! Since you are an international student, your employers and coworkers will most likely understand that you are new to the field and need extra patience and support!
Expand Your Social Network
It’s never too early to start connecting with your dream job or employer!
By applying for a job that is related to your field of interest, you can meet various people who work in that field. This could become helpful to learn basic skills, as well as to get recommendations during your job application process after graduation!
If you already have a certain employer in mind, you can attend their internships to work with employees at the company. Connecting with these coworkers will surely help you during your job hunting after graduation!
Improve Your Japanese Language Skills
The most terrifying part of learning a language is the thought of having to use it in public. By working as a part-timer at a restaurant or retail store, you can practice talking with Japanese customers. If you work as an intern for a specific company, you can memorize the field-specific jargon used among your coworkers! Interacting with Japanese society is the best way to improve your Japanese language skills, and a part-time job lets you do just that!