Each experience in Japan, such as studying, traveling, and researching, serves as a significant source of exposure and learning about Japanese culture. However, there is one more experience in which I’ve immersed myself, and that is part-time jobs, proving to be not only a great decision for my finances but also for practicing my Japanese, gaining additional work experience, and meeting interesting people outside the academic sphere.

Part-time jobs exist in many countries, providing significant support for students to have income or additional earnings, fostering a bit more economic independence. Japan is no exception, offering a wide variety of part-time jobs, including fast-food chains, supermarkets, post offices, language study centers, hotels, and even within different universities and fields.

My personal experience has led me to acquire new skills and insights into Japanese culture, work ethics, dedication, and, most importantly, enhanced communication and professional exposure to various people. To date, I’ve had different part-time jobs: graphic designer, writer, English language tutor, and working in a hotel.

As a graphic designer, I’ve learned extensively about how creative systems in message communication can be visually appealing based on logical order and centered on insights that engage a target audience. Designing something in Japan was an incredible experience, given the different cultural requirements and visual logic. This work has filled me with learning experiences in my profession, presenting an intriguing challenge, and the satisfaction of seeing my work published in Japan is indescribably exciting.

Another of my part-time job is in a hotel, where I handle room order and cleanliness. It may be a straightforward task, but it has pushed me to practice my Japanese in various ways, given the precise instructions to follow. This has enhanced my auditory agility and understanding, allowing me to interact with different Japanese individuals in a non-academic setting, discussing life and experiences, and building meaningful connections.

There are various experiences like mine, but how does one find a part-time job in Japan? Just as there are different types of jobs, there are different ways to find them—browsing websites, approaching fast-food restaurants, often displaying job ads, or the most common, through a mutual friend. Many of my friends have part-time jobs, and we often get them through recommendations from friends who have worked at the place before. Interviews for “baito” are generally straightforward (NOTE: May vary). In my case, they requested personal information, residence card, passport, and student ID, followed by a simple interview, either by phone and/or in person.

All part-time jobs, as usual, come with a training and learning curve, refining skills over time and experience.

In summary, finding a part-time job is relatively simple but often requires a certain level of proficiency in the Japanese language, making language study crucial. The design school in Ohashi provides an internal language academy, allowing students to study Japanese at different levels, from beginner to advanced, included as an optional part of the curriculum—a truly invaluable tool (I am an example of it).

——————

About the Writer
I am an international master’s student from Guatemala. I have a passion for design, photography, and writing. I enjoy storytelling and making new friends, which I find incredibly interesting. Join me and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Japanese culture.

Hector Alejandro Palomo Reyes
Graduate School of Design
Media Design Course