Job Discussion Forums

Emma Louise · Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 9

Are there many jobs that you can do without a degree in Japan? If so, then what are they and how do you get them?
Are there any restrictions on the type of work you can do with a working holiday visa?
Thanks!

Speed · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Shikoku Land

You can try to get a waitressing/bar bat job at some of the `gaijin` bars and clubs.

Hostess snack bars are another option. In many of these, you pour drinks and sit at the table with gents showing them a good time.

You can pick up privates and teach English.

Construction firms will take you on.

Farmers sometimes can use your help.

Good luck.

womblingfree · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 826

Generally work available without a degree is quite seedy. I mean many low pay eikaiwa jobs are seedy enough!

Anyhow bar work is probably the best you will get. After that you will be in the realms of 'escort' or stripping. I have a friend who has done both those jobs and also, due to his physique, and to be honest probably because he is also black, he gets work as a bodyguard. Work as a fake priest is also possible.

Walk on parts in Japanese commercials and occasionally 'modelling' are possible. Don't get too excited though as not only are these few and far between, but they aren't as glamorous as you would imagine. There is a regular turnover of cheap Western 'models' when new fashion seasons open.

I had some friends once who were talking about their job 'swimming'. It turned out that these girls were spending their evenings swimming topless in what can only be described as a giant goldfishbowl. Shocked

You may be able to get a low paid job at a disreputable language school, or pick up some part-time work at one of the slightly better ones as well.

taikibansei · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 811 Location: Japan

Speed · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Shikoku Land

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Thank you, taikibansei, for pointing out that link. WHV holders should already be aware of that restriction.

As for jobs you can do without a bachelor's degree, there are many, but you will still have to prove you can do the job and communicate well enough with the boss/co-workers/customers. A good place to look for work is in Kansai Time Out and www.jobsinjapan.com and Kansai Flea Market.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

11 years ago I worked in a restaurant in a ski resort in Nagano on a WHV. Others in the area were working on the lifts or in the hotels and pensions. I'm not sure if this kind of work is still available, at the time ski resorts liked to give themselves a kind of "international" air by employing foreigners.

Nova and Gaba will hire you on a WHV. Not the best jobs around, but you would earn enough to keep you going.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

It seems the ski resort thing is still a possibility, by coincidence I just found an ad in the latest Metropolis (English-language free magazine)

The site for registering is www.boobooski.com

Emma Louise · Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 9

Hahaha, I was asking on behalf of my boyfriend - I can't see him wanting to swim in a goldfish bowl! Although, desperate times call for desperate measures!