For residents in Japan looking for their first job or a career change, this guide covers:
- The industries hiring the most
- Realistic salary ranges and common benefits
- Companies with frequent recruitment
- Basic requirements to work in Japan
- The main websites to find job opportunities
- Step-by-step tips to stand out in the selection process
The focus is on low-barrier entry jobs with the possibility to start quickly. See below!
1) Best Industries to Start Quickly
Some sectors offer job openings year-round. They have steady demand, accept beginners, and provide on-the-job training:
Convenience Stores (Konbini) and Food Retail
- Tasks: Register operation, restocking shelves, simple food prep, and light cleaning.
- Why it’s worth it: High turnover, varied shifts, and locations all over the country. In many stores, experience isn’t required.
Restaurants, Fast-Food Chains, and Cafés
- Tasks: Kitchen assistance, customer service, dishwashing, and cleaning.
- Why it’s worth it: Large teams, night and weekend shifts available, with potential for overtime.
Logistics, Warehousing, and Delivery
- Tasks: Parcel sorting, order picking, packing, and checking.
- Why it’s worth it: E-commerce growth and predictable shifts, including night shifts, offer stable income.
Building Cleaning
- Tasks: Cleaning offices, malls, residential buildings, and shared areas.
- Why it’s worth it: Straightforward work, clear routines, and a high volume of entry-level jobs.
Elderly Care (Kaigo) in Nursing Homes
- Tasks: Assisting with bathing, meals, mobility, and daily routines.
- Why it’s worth it: Staff shortage in the sector; many companies offer training, career paths, and bonus payments.
Hospitality and Lodging
- Tasks: Room cleaning, laundry, kitchen support, and basic reception duties.
- Why it’s worth it: Tourism is booming, and hiring surges during holidays and peak seasons.
Factories (Food/Beverage and Light Manufacturing)
- Tasks: Production lines, packaging, visual inspection, basic quality control.
- Why it’s worth it: Standardized processes, hands-on training, and shift work often includes night pay.
Across all these areas, it’s common to see ads with “No experience OK.” This speeds up entry and increases chances of getting hired fast.
2) Salaries and Benefits in 2025 (What’s Realistic to Expect)
Minimum Wage and Hourly Ranges
- National average minimum wage: Updated sources show a 2025 average of around ¥1,054/hour (the exact amount varies by prefecture).
- Practical examples by sector:
- Konbini (Tokyo): Official Lawson ads list ¥1,226–¥1,300/h, with transportation and training included.
- Logistics/Sorting: Foreign-friendly platforms list ¥1,300–¥1,400/h.
- Restaurants (Tokyo): About ¥1,226/h for general restaurant roles.
- Caregiver (Kaigo): National averages around ¥1,500–¥1,600/h (depends on certification and city).
- Konbini (Tokyo): Official Lawson ads list ¥1,226–¥1,300/h, with transportation and training included.
These benchmarks help compare job offers and assess if the pay aligns with the region.
In any job, always confirm the hourly wage, extra pay, and overtime policies.
Common Benefits
- Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken): If the work hours and contract length meet criteria, the employer enrolls you in health and pension plans, plus labor insurance.
- Transportation: Many employers reimburse part or all of the commuting cost.
- Training: A training period is common and usually paid.
- Extras: Night and overtime pay follow standard rules, but companies may have specific contract terms.
- Other perks: Some employers offer discounted meals, uniforms, lockers, and in some cases, housing or dormitory support.
3) Companies That Hire the Most (Examples)
Below are companies and sectors known for frequent hiring. These names are good starting points for research and comparing conditions.
Convenience Stores and Food Retail
- Lawson – Major convenience store chain with varied shifts and training.
- Zensho Holdings (Sukiya, Hamazushi, Nakau, etc.) – Large food service group with locations nationwide.
Logistics and Warehousing
- Distribution center operators and delivery companies regularly recruit for sorting and packing in metro areas. Both day and night shifts are available.
Elderly Care (Kaigo)
- Sompo Care – One of Japan’s largest providers, offering training and career path programs.
- Benesse Style Care – Network with multiple facilities and ongoing hiring, including for beginners.
Factories (Frequent Hiring — Food/Beverage and Light Manufacturing)
- Yamazaki Baking – Japan’s biggest bakery, with openings in production and packaging across several plants.
- Meiji Group – Food industry group with factories in various regions.
- Morinaga Milk Industry – Dairy and dessert manufacturer with key production facilities.
Note: Factory jobs often appear on platforms for foreigners and may include filters like “No experience OK,” available shifts, and dormitory options. Check daily and compare benefits by region.
4) Requirements to Work in Japan
Valid Residence Status
Japan offers a work visa for sectors with labor shortages, including caregiving, cleaning, food service, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, automotive transport, agriculture, and fisheries.
This visa often requires proof of skills and, in some fields, basic Japanese proficiency via sector-specific exams.
Students with permission for extra activity can work within set hourly limits, with restrictions on certain sectors. Following the rules is crucial to remain in legal status.
Basic Documents
During the hiring process, companies typically request your residence card, MyNumber (individual number), local bank account, and proof of address. The list may vary, and employers usually guide you on what to bring.
Language
For most entry-level jobs, basic Japanese is a big plus—especially for customer-facing roles or jobs requiring safety and hygiene procedures.
In logistics, cleaning, and kitchen work, many companies accept minimal language ability, as long as you can communicate for daily tasks.
5) Best Sites to Apply
- Hello Work – Public employment service with in-person assistance and an online job database.
- TownWork – Major site for part-time jobs.
- Indeed Japan – Job aggregator listing thousands of part- and full-time positions.
- Mynavi & Mynavi Global – Opportunities for all profiles, including foreigners.
- Rikunabi – Popular among new grads seeking entry-level roles.
- GaijinPot Jobs – Focuses on jobs for foreigners across various fields.
- Baitoru, WORK JAPAN, Guidable Jobs, YOLO Japan – Popular platforms for logistics, restaurants, and factories, with filters for language, visa type, and shifts.
Pro Tip: Set up daily alerts on these sites with keywords like “job openings,” “no experience,” or “night shift” to speed up your search.
6) How to Stand Out in the Selection Process (Quick Checklist)
Simple and Clear Resume
Write in basic Japanese if possible. Include job type, available hours, residence status, Japanese level, and start date.
Clear Availability
Be precise, e.g., “Monday to Friday, 5–10 PM” and “Saturday.” Konbini, logistics, and hospitality value those available for night and weekend shifts.
Punctuality and Presentation
Arrive early, dress appropriately for the environment, and bring required documents. For admin or hotel roles, a neat business-casual look works well; for kitchen or cleaning, focus on hygiene and practicality.
Safety and Hygiene
In caregiving, cleaning, kitchen, and factory jobs, highlight your attention to rules, PPE, manuals, and customer/product care. This shows responsibility from day one.
Interest in Training
Ask about operation manuals, training routines, and who supervises the early days. It shows initiative and eases your learning curve.
Clarify Benefits and Hours
Before signing, ask about social insurance, night shift pay, overtime, and transport reimbursement. Transparency helps you plan financially.
Daily Applications
In fast-moving markets, daily applications increase your chances of quick interviews. Create a routine: search, adjust resume, and apply consistently.
Short Interview Script
Prepare short answers: past experience (even informal), why you want that job, your availability, and when you can start. End by thanking them and showing you're flexible with shifts.
It depends on the region and industry. In major cities, rates are often above the local minimum, especially in logistics, night shifts, and caregiving.
Social insurance (if eligible), transport reimbursement, night pay, and overtime pay. On-site training is also a plus.
Yes. Logistics, cleaning, kitchens, and some factory jobs accept beginners. Basic communication and following procedures are key.
Yes, with the proper permit and within the hourly limits. Some sectors are off-limits—it's important to follow your visa rules.
Convenience stores, restaurants, logistics, cleaning, hospitality, caregiving, and food/light manufacturing consistently recruit.
Convenience store chains, food service groups, caregiving providers, and logistics companies are great starting points. In factories, food and beverage groups have a strong presence.
Apply daily, show flexible availability, be punctual, have documents ready, and ask about training and work standards.
On the country’s main job portals and foreigner-focused platforms. Setting up daily alerts helps you get contacted faster.
7) Conclusion
Japan continues to have high demand for entry-level workers in convenience stores, restaurants, logistics, cleaning, hospitality, caregiving, and factories.
These sectors offer on-the-job training, various shifts, and often include bonuses that boost monthly income. To get hired faster:
- Compare the local hourly rate to your prefecture’s minimum.
- Prioritize companies offering transport reimbursement, social insurance, and training.
- Stick to a daily application routine with a simple resume and flexible availability.
With discipline and attention to contract details, you can start quickly, gain experience, and gradually move into more stable or better-paid roles.
