Sendai

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Part-Time Jobs

Common options and expectations for part-time work, especially for students or those new to Sendai.

Sections

1. Types of Part-Time Jobs Available in Sendai

Sendai, as the largest city in the Tohoku region, offers a variety of part-time job opportunities for foreigners. Common part-time jobs include:

a. Hospitality and Food Service

  • Waitstaff, kitchen assistants, or dishwashers in restaurants, cafes, or izakayas (Japanese pubs).
  • Barista or cashier roles in coffee shops or fast-food chains.
  • Hotel staff (front desk, housekeeping, or concierge roles).

b. Retail

  • Convenience store (konbini) clerks (e.g., Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart).
  • Sales assistants in department stores or shopping malls like Sendai PARCO or AEON Mall.

c. Teaching and Tutoring

  • English conversation schools (eikaiwa) or private tutoring for children and adults.
  • Language exchange cafes or online teaching platforms.

d. Manual Labor

  • Warehouse work (packing, sorting, or shipping).
  • Event staff for concerts, festivals, or sports events (e.g., Rakuten Eagles baseball games).

e. Seasonal Work

  • Ski resorts or hot springs (onsen) in nearby areas during winter.
  • Cherry-picking or farm work in the countryside during harvest seasons.

f. Tourism and Cultural Jobs

  • Tour guides or cultural experience facilitators for international visitors.
  • Translators or interpreters for local businesses.

2. Requirements for Foreigners

To work part-time in Sendai (or anywhere in Japan), foreigners must meet specific legal and practical requirements:

a. Visa and Work Permit

  • Student Visa Holders: Students are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week (and up to 40 hours per week during long school holidays). However, you must apply for a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (資格外活動許可, Shikakugai Katsudō Kyoka) at the local immigration office.
  • Dependent Visa Holders: Dependents can also apply for the same permit to work part-time.
  • Working Holiday Visa Holders: If you are from a country with a working holiday agreement with Japan, you can work part-time without additional permits.
  • Tourist Visa Holders: It is illegal to work on a tourist visa.

b. Language Skills

  • Basic Japanese proficiency (N4 or N3 on the JLPT scale) is often required for customer-facing roles.
  • English-only jobs are limited but available in teaching or international tourism-related roles.

c. Age and Other Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years old for most jobs.
  • Some jobs (e.g., alcohol-serving roles) may require you to be 20 years old, as per Japanese law.

3. Average Wages in Sendai

Wages for part-time jobs in Sendai are slightly lower than in larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka but are sufficient for living in the region. The average hourly wage is:

  • ¥900–¥1,200/hour for most part-time jobs.
  • ¥1,500–¥3,000/hour for English teaching or specialized roles.

Wages may vary depending on the job type, your experience, and your Japanese language skills.

4. Legal Work Limits

  • 28-hour weekly limit: If you are on a student or dependent visa, you cannot exceed this limit.
  • Overtime restrictions: Working beyond the legal limit can result in penalties, including visa revocation or deportation.
  • Always ensure your employer is aware of your visa status and work-hour restrictions.

5. Necessary Processes

To legally work part-time in Sendai, follow these steps:

a. Obtain a Work Permit

  1. Visit the Sendai Immigration Bureau (仙台出入国在留管理局).
  2. Fill out the application form for "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted."
  3. Submit your residence card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo) and passport.
  4. Processing time is usually 1–2 weeks.

b. Register at the Local Ward Office

  • If you move to Sendai, register your address at the local ward office (区役所, Kuyakusho) within 14 days of arrival.

c. Open a Bank Account

  • Most employers in Japan pay wages via bank transfer. Popular banks include Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行, Yūcho Ginkō) and Seven Bank.

d. Obtain a Tax Number

  • You will receive a "My Number" (マイナンバー) card, which is required for tax purposes.

6. Tips for Finding Part-Time Jobs in Sendai

a. Websites and Apps

  • GaijinPot Jobs: Focused on jobs for foreigners.
  • Hello Work (ハローワーク): Government-run job placement service. Some offices have English-speaking staff.
  • TownWork: A popular Japanese job site for part-time work.
  • Baitoru: Another job site specializing in part-time roles.
  • Indeed Japan: Offers listings in both English and Japanese.

b. Local Resources

  • University bulletin boards: Many universities in Sendai, such as Tohoku University, post part-time job opportunities for students.
  • Language schools: Check with local eikaiwa schools or international centers.
  • Networking: Join local expat or international student groups on platforms like Facebook or Meetup.

c. Walk-In Applications

  • Many convenience stores, restaurants, and cafes post "Help Wanted" (求人, Kyūjin) signs. Prepare a Japanese-style resume (履歴書, Rirekisho) and inquire in person.

7. Cultural Considerations

a. Punctuality

  • Being on time is critical in Japanese work culture. Arrive early for interviews and shifts.

b. Dress Code

  • Dress modestly and professionally for interviews. For most jobs, a clean and neat appearance is essential.

c. Politeness

  • Use polite Japanese (keigo) when speaking to employers or customers. Even basic phrases like "よろしくお願いします" (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) can leave a good impression.

d. Work Ethic

  • Japanese employers value hard work, attention to detail, and teamwork. Be prepared to show dedication and a willingness to learn.

e. Resume Format

  • Japanese resumes (履歴書, Rirekisho) have a specific format. You can purchase templates at convenience stores or download them online. Include a professional photo.

8. Additional Resources

  • Sendai International Center: Offers support for foreigners, including job search assistance and Japanese language classes.
  • Tohoku University Global Learning Center: Provides resources for international students, including part-time job guidance.
  • Sendai Multicultural Center: Offers information and support for foreign residents.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to find and succeed in a part-time job in Sendai. Good luck with your job search, and enjoy your time in this vibrant city!