Sendai

โณ

Part-Time Jobs

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" (่ณ‡ๆ ผๅค–ๆดปๅ‹•่จฑๅฏ, Shikakugai Katsudล 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:

  • ยฅ900โ€“ยฅ1,200/hour for most part-time jobs.
  • ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000/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 (ไป™ๅฐๅ‡บๅ…ฅๅ›ฝๅœจ็•™็ฎก็†ๅฑ€).
  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 (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Kฤdo) and passport.
  4. Processing time is usually 1โ€“2 weeks.

b. Register at the Local Ward Office

  • If you move to Sendai, register your address at the local ward office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, 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 (ใ‚†ใ†ใกใ‚‡้Š€่กŒ, Yลซcho Ginkล) and Seven Bank.

d. Obtain a Tax Number

  • You will receive a "My Number" (ใƒžใ‚คใƒŠใƒณใƒใƒผ) 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 (ใƒใƒญใƒผใƒฏใƒผใ‚ฏ): 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" (ๆฑ‚ไบบ, Kyลซjin) signs. Prepare a Japanese-style resume (ๅฑฅๆญดๆ›ธ, 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 "ใ‚ˆใ‚ใ—ใใŠ้ก˜ใ„ใ—ใพใ™" (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 (ๅฑฅๆญดๆ›ธ, 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, youโ€™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!