While the number of international students coming to Japan continues to rise, the reality of their seeking employment in Japan despite growing restrictions, including a review of residence statuses, higher living costs and limits on part-time work, has come into focus. The report also highlights the circumstances of students who cover their living expenses through overnight part-time work and other jobs.
The number of international students coming to Japan has increased since 2022, and young people from overseas continue to study and seek employment in Japan. At a joint corporate information session, 83 international students, mainly from Nepal and Myanmar, gathered at an event designed to promote matching between companies and students.
The employment environment in Japan is becoming increasingly challenging for international students. The status of residence for “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” is scheduled to be reviewed in April 2026. Combined with rising prices, managing living expenses and meeting employment conditions have become important challenges.
The report introduces examples of students who cover their tuition and living expenses through overnight part-time work. In one case, an international student who speaks four languages earns approximately ¥200,000 a month through a late-night job at 松屋, covering annual tuition of approximately ¥1.2 million. The report also describes how, although salaries are high in Japan, the high cost of living makes it difficult to save money.
Reasons cited for wanting to work in Japan include its high level of safety and convenient lifestyle. At the same time, the financial burden of a long-term period of study and the difficulty of planning for the future are affecting international students’ motivations for seeking employment and their choice of work arrangements.