Jobs in Tokyo

Japan is renowned for its economic power with a strong work ethic and unique culture. Since October 2018, the number of foreign workers has increased, with many of them coming from Asia, to contribute to crucial business fields including agriculture and construction.

Tokyo is the most populous metropolitan area where most foreigners work, with many headquarters of international investment banks, insurance, publishing and electronics. Besides, excellent restaurants, cafes, shopping malls are lined up on the beautiful streets. Find a career where your skill would be welcome!

Jobs in Tokyo

Tokyo is officially called "Tokyo metropolis." This urban area has attracted brilliant talent from all over the world. The capital is well-known as a safe and innovative city. Many tourists are impressed with the cleanliness on the streets and the public transportation's punctuality.

Full-time jobs

Many of the full-time foreign workers in Tokyo were transferred from the multinationals of their countries. Those companies sometimes recruit locally. Keep an eye on job websites and the company homepage for whom you want to work. Tokyo has excellent schools and universities as well. If you are interested in teaching with a certificate of Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), it won't be hard to get a full-time position.

Part-time jobs

Part-time jobs in Tokyo are almost unlimited. You will find a variety of tasks and roles. Summer is the best season to meet much more exciting careers, such as teaching English at summer schools, working at beach resorts or as a summer camp leader. The hospitality industry recruits for causal work as well. Hotels, bars and restaurants, for example. If you want to start new career, Internhiship is another option, which gives you valuable experience to enhance your skills, language and communication skills.

Temporary jobs

If you have experience of working, it would be a good idea to register with recruitment agencies. IT and language skills are highly appreciated in almost every industry. With a language skill, you can work as a translator, interpreter, secretary, hotel staff or consultant for the multinationals. Besides, as Tokyo has an international airport, airport staff, including flight attendants, are often recruited.

How to find jobs in Tokyo

There are various ways to find a job. The easy way is going to job search websites or register with recruitment agencies. If you need one-to-one consultancy, Hello Work is helpful.

Jobs search websites

There are many job search website, but you may not know where to go. Here is the list that we recommend.

Quick Jobs Japan (https://quickjobsjapan.com)

CareerCross (https://www.careercross.com/en)

Daijob.com (https://www.daijob.com/en/)

Glassdoor (https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/index.htm)

GaijinPot Jobs (https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/index/index/lang/en)

Hello Work

Hello Work has an extensive job database which job seekers can access via an in-house intranet service and over the Internet. You can also visit a regional office nearby to talk to staff. With their help, the job application process will be smooth. They also provide job training information. English speaking staff are available at Shinjuku employment centre for foreigners' employment assistance and Hamamatsu employment service centre for foreigners.

Recruitment agency

One of the good ways to find a job is using a recruitment agency. The procedure is : First, you need to book for the first interview. Then, register yourself to join the talent pool. The registration is free of charge. Next, you are invited to the second interview, in which you are asked about your work experience and a job you want to work. You are contacted when the staff find a suitable job.

Hourly rate and income

Tokyo's living cost is similar to other any big cites, such as London or New York. Along with the elevated cost of living, Tokyo serves pretty high salaries.

Full-time jobs

Japan has a 40-hour working week, but many people work overtime. The average salary in Tokyo is the higher than any other prefectures in Japan, and the net income is the highest in the world. The average net monthly income in 2018 is around 325,000 yen.

Part-time jobs

The Japanese average hourly rate in 2019 is 901 yen. Tokyo has the highest minimum wage at 985 yen. A government panel proposed the increase of the minimum rate in line with the rise of consumption tax 8% to 10 % which was implemented in October. According to Jiji Press, the subcommittee of the Central Minimum Wages Council set the new wage standard and Tokyo would see the highest rate at 1,013 yen per hour.

Temporary jobs

A day's wage for temp staff is about 11,617 yen. The annual income in 2015 is around 2,788,000 yen, according to the report of General Worker Dispatching Undertaking. In 2018, Recruit jobs Inc presented their findings of the research they conducted in 201 that hourly rate in the Kanto region, including Tokyo, is 1,654 yen. The average monthly payment is 291,104 yen.

Must-try part-time jobs in Tokyo

Amongst numerous part-time jobs, we picked out four jobs for you.

Cleaning

If you are an active person with strength, why not try cleaning job? The hourly rate is 930 yen-1,100 yen. You can work at a hotel, a shopping centre or a restaurant. Cleaning staff are sought-after in Tokyo because of many commercial buildings. With an excellent public transportation system, your commuting will be easy. Experience or Japanese are not strictly required for this job.

Café or restaurant staff

If you are outgoing with a friendly personality, and want to try working in the service industry, this job is the one you should try. Previous industry experience is often preferred, but not always required. You can work at a posh café, a famous Michelin star restaurant or an international hotel in Tokyo. It will give you a fantastic experience and opportunities to develop your skills. The average hourly rate is 1,200 yen.

Light work and factory staff

Light work includes packing items, sorting, inspecting and assembling objects. The average hourly rate is 1200 yen. Some employers favour candidates with a basic Japanese level and can work on shifts.

Caregivers

Caregivers cover baby sitters, child carers, pet sitters, caregivers for seniors and housekeepers. Japan has eased immigration restrictions due to a shortage of carers in line with the increase of the elders. Especially, hospitals and nursing homes often recruit people to fill in a gap, so keep an eye on job search websites. The hourly rate is 1,000 yen to 1,500 yen.

Last remarks

Working and living in Tokyo will be a valuable experience for you. Enjoy working in a vibrant and innovative city!