Detailed Regulations on Part-Time Work Hours for Japanese International Students

The detailed regulations on part-time work hours for Japanese international students are among the issues many students in Japan are concerned about, as they seek additional income. However, to work part-time legally, students must be well-informed and comply with the Japanese government's regulations. In this article, we will explore some of these regulations with HeyJapan.

Some Regulations on Part-Time Work for International Students in Japan

How Many Hours Can Japanese International Students Work Part-Time?

According to government regulations, Japanese international students are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week during school terms and 40 hours per week during summer or winter vacations. This means that during a school week, students can work a maximum of 28 hours, while during summer or winter breaks, the maximum is increased to 40 hours.

Some Regulations on Part-Time Work for International Students in Japan 

However, actual part-time work hours can vary depending on the specific situation. Some schools have their own regulations regarding part-time work for students, so you should check with your school to understand these rules clearly.

What Procedures Do International Students Need to Follow to Work Part-Time in Japan?

To work part-time in Japan, international students need to complete the following procedures:

• Submit a Part-Time Work Permit Application: You need to submit a part-time work permit application to the Immigration Bureau. Note that you need documents proving the reason for working part-time, such as covering tuition fees or living expenses. The application must be written in Japanese and signed by a teacher or academic advisor.
• Undergo a Health Check: After obtaining the work permit, you need to undergo a health check at a designated medical institution. If you have any health issues, you will not be allowed to work part-time.
• Register for Health Insurance: You need to register for a health insurance card at the local health insurance office. This will ensure you are covered in case of any incidents while working part-time.

Complying with School Regulations

One important thing for Japanese international students to remember when working part-time is to comply with school regulations. Some schools have restrictions on part-time work for students, so you need to understand these rules to avoid violations. Additionally, if you want to work outside of the school, you must inform and get approval from the school. Part-time work outside of school can also affect your studies, so consider carefully before deciding to take such jobs.

Prohibited Industries for Part-Time Work

According to Japanese government regulations, certain industries do not allow international students to work part-time. These include industries related to national security or those with high danger levels, such as working in weapons manufacturing or military information technology. A detailed list of these industries can be found on the Immigration Bureau's website.

Certain Industries Prohibited for International Students in Japan

Additionally, industries related to entertainment or operating casinos also do not allow international students to work part-time.

Income and Tax Regulations

Japanese international students can only receive wages at the minimum rate specified. Currently, the minimum wage is 902 yen/hour in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya and 790 yen/hour in other cities.

Income and Tax Regulations

Note that income from part-time work will be taxed and counted towards your annual total income. However, there are cases where students are not taxed if their annual income is below 1 million yen. For more detailed information on this regulation, you can contact the local tax office or health authority.

Handling Violations of Part-Time Work Regulations for Japanese International Students

If you violate the part-time work regulations in Japan, you may be prohibited from working part-time during your studies or have your work permit revoked. Additionally, you could be deported from Japan and barred from re-entering in the future. To avoid violating regulations and to ensure your rights, always adhere to the rules and complete the necessary procedures for part-time work in Japan.

Part-Time Wages and Common Part-Time Jobs in Japan

Part-Time Wages in Japan

Part-time wages in Japan typically range from 800 to 1200 yen/hour, depending on the job and location. Common jobs like serving, sales, cleaning, or domestic help are usually paid hourly. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya, the minimum wage is about 900 yen/hour.

Part-Time Wages and Common Part-Time Jobs in Japan 

Additionally, some other jobs like factory work, office work, or teaching Vietnamese offer attractive wages and may even pay by product or fixed monthly salary.

Popular Part-Time Jobs in Japan

Newspaper Delivery: 

Newspaper delivery is a common job for international students in Japan. You will be tasked with distributing flyers, advertisements, or recruitment information at train stations or busy areas. The wage for this job typically ranges from 800 to 1,000 yen/hour.

Teaching Vietnamese to Foreigners: 

With the increasing demand for learning Vietnamese in Japan, teaching Vietnamese to Japanese students has become popular. The wage for this job is usually higher than others, potentially reaching 1,500 yen/hour or more, depending on your level and experience.

Waitstaff: 

Working as wait staff in restaurants, cafes, or fast food chains is a common and easily found job in Japan. The wage for this job usually ranges from 900 to 1,200 yen/hour, which may be higher during evenings or weekends.

Store Staff: 

Being a store staff is a flexible job suitable for international students in Japan. You can work in supermarkets, fashion stores, or convenience stores. The wage for this job typically ranges from 850 to 1,000 yen/hour.

Factory Worker:

Many international students are interested in factory work. The wage for this job usually ranges from 900 to 1200 yen/hour, depending on the job type and shift.

Office Worker:

If you have good office skills, working as an office worker is also a good option. The wage for this job typically ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 yen/hour, depending on your level and experience.

Rules and Etiquette for Part-Time Work in Japan

Basic Etiquette for Part-Time Work

When working part-time in Japan, international students need to adhere to basic etiquette such as being punctual, complying with workplace regulations, and respecting colleagues. This helps create a good impression and maintain effective working relationships.

Basic Greeting Etiquette

In Japan, proper greetings are very important. When meeting others, use common greeting phrases like "Konnichiwa" (hello), "Arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you), or "Sumimasen" (excuse me). This helps create a positive impression and shows your politeness.

Common Workplace Greetings

In the Japanese workplace, using appropriate greetings is crucial. Common phrases like "Otsukaresama desu" (thank you for your hard work), "Ohayou gozaimasu" (good morning), or "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (I look forward to working with you) help create a positive and harmonious work environment.

How to Find High-Paying Part-Time Jobs

How to Find High-Paying Part-Time Jobs 

Getting recommendations from acquaintances or friends with work experience in Japan will help you easily find a job that suits your needs and skills. Additionally, exploring the area around where you live to find shops, restaurants, or companies hiring part-time workers is an effective way to find a job locally. 

Local newspapers or job websites like Hello Work, Craigslist, or GaijinPot are also good places to look for high-paying part-time jobs in Japan. Many universities and vocational schools in Japan offer job placement services for international students. Contact your school's student office for details and support in finding suitable work.

Conclusion

Above are some basic regulations and information on part-time work for Japanese international students. Part-time work not only helps you earn extra income but also allows you to develop skills and expand your social network. However, to ensure safety and comply with regulations, always understand the rules and complete the necessary procedures for part-time work in Japan. Best of luck with this guide!