Part-time Jobs for International Students in Japan

Part-time work is a cornerstone of student life in Japan, offering Bangladeshi students practical earning opportunities while building language skills and cultural understanding. The first step is obtaining proper authorization through the Immigration Bureau, applying for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted which allows up to 28 hours per week during regular semesters and up to 40 hours during official vacation periods. This permit application is free, can be completed at the airport upon arrival or later at regional immigration offices, and remains valid for multiple jobs throughout your stay, making it essential to secure early in your studies.

The most accessible entry level positions for international students require minimal Japanese proficiency and offer structured training programs that help newcomers adapt to Japanese workplace culture. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart provide steady shifts with starting wages around 988 to 1,200 yen per hour, clear customer service scripts to memorize, and opportunities to practice basic conversational Japanese through daily interactions. Restaurant work in chain establishments, particularly back-of-house kitchen roles at fast food outlets or conveyor belt sushi restaurants, offers higher pay rates between 1,100 to 1,500 yen per hour with recipe-based training that reduces language barriers while building practical skills.

Warehouse and factory positions provide excellent alternatives for students who prefer physical work with limited customer interaction, typically paying 1,400 to 1,800 yen per hour with minimal Japanese requirements beyond understanding basic safety instructions and work directions. These roles often include loading, sorting, packaging, and simple assembly tasks with flexible scheduling that accommodates class timetables, and many employers specifically welcome international workers for shift coverage during evenings and weekends. Delivery companies also hire students for package handling and sorting at competitive rates, with some positions offering daily payment options that help with immediate cash flow needs.

Students with stronger English skills can explore teaching opportunities that pay significantly better than typical part-time work, ranging from 1,250 to 2,500 yen per hour depending on the setting and requirements. English conversation cafes, private tutoring, and Assistant Language Teacher positions through dispatch companies offer flexible schedules and valuable experience for career development while improving Japanese through professional interactions. Online teaching platforms also provide remote work options that fit around study schedules, though these typically require established internet setup and quiet study environments.

Work hour regulations are strictly enforced and students must carefully track their weekly totals across all jobs to avoid exceeding the 28-hour limit during term time, as violations can result in visa cancellation and deportation. The counting system follows a rolling weekly basis, meaning any seven-day period cannot exceed 28 hours regardless of calendar weeks or monthly boundaries, requiring careful schedule coordination when working multiple positions. During designated academic breaks like summer, winter, and spring vacations, the limit increases to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, providing opportunities for increased earnings during semester breaks.

Prohibited employment includes any work in adult entertainment establishments, bars that primarily serve alcohol, pachinko parlors, or gambling venues, even for roles like cleaning or dishwashing that seem unrelated to the core business. Students should also avoid positions involving resale businesses or multilevel marketing schemes, as these activities fall outside permitted work categories and can jeopardize visa status. When job searching, use reputable platforms like official university career centers, established job sites for foreigners, or direct applications to major chain employers rather than unverified social media groups or unofficial brokers.

The financial impact of part-time work typically generates 59,000 to 200,000 yen monthly depending on hours worked and wage rates, providing substantial support for living expenses, transportation, and recreational activities. Students often start with one position to learn workplace customs and build confidence, then strategically add shifts or change jobs to optimize earnings and skill development as language ability improves. Successful part-time work also creates networking opportunities, recommendation letters for full-time job hunting, and practical experience that enhances graduate employment prospects in Japan's competitive job market.

The key to sustainable part-time work is balancing earning goals with academic priorities, choosing positions that complement rather than compete with study schedules, and viewing these experiences as cultural learning opportunities that prepare students for professional careers in Japan. With proper work authorization, realistic hour management, and strategic job selection, part-time work becomes an integral part of the Japanese student experience that provides both financial support and invaluable cultural integration for students from Bangladesh.