Living in Japan can be expensive, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Whether you’re a student, an expat, or a full-time worker looking to make extra cash, having a side hustle can be a great way to ease financial stress. Here are five side hustles in Japan that can help you boost your income and let you spend more time away pursue your passions.
Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
1. Teaching English Online
Japan has a huge demand for English tutors, with many students eager to learn from native or fluent speakers. Websites like Italki, Cambly, and Preply allow you to teach English online from anywhere, making this a highly flexible option. Lessons can be conversational or structured, and having a TEFL certification can help you command higher rates. Since many students are professionals or university learners, lessons often take place in the evening or on weekends. This is an excellent side hustle for those looking to work from home and connect with students worldwide.
- Expected Income: ¥2,000–¥4,000 per hour
- Needed Time: 5–20 hours per week, depending on your availability
2. Freelance Translation and Writing
If you’re bilingual in Japanese and English, freelance translation and writing can be highly lucrative. Many companies, media outlets, and websites require content in both languages, whether for localization, technical manuals, marketing materials, or creative writing. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer translation gigs, or you can directly reach out to businesses that frequently deal with international clients. Establishing a strong portfolio can help you land higher-paying projects. If you specialize in niche areas like finance, law, or gaming, you can charge premium rates.
- Expected Income: ¥3,000–¥10,000 per project, depending on complexity
- Needed Time: Varies based on project size; 5–30 hours per week
3. Reselling Secondhand Goods
Japan has a thriving secondhand market with platforms like Mercari, Rakuma, and Yahoo Auctions. Many quality secondhand items are available at thrift stores, flea markets, and recycle shops, making it easy to source products for resale. Vintage clothing, designer accessories, electronics, and anime merchandise are particularly popular among buyers both in Japan and overseas. If you learn how to spot valuable items, this side hustle can become quite profitable. Researching trends, taking high-quality photos, and writing detailed product descriptions can increase your sales potential.
- Expected Income: ¥10,000–¥100,000 per month, depending on effort
- Needed Time: 10–40 hours per month, including sourcing and selling
4. Food Delivery Driver
With services like Uber Eats, Demae-can, and Wolt, food delivery has become a popular side hustle in Japan. The gig economy allows workers to set their own hours and earn money by delivering food during peak times. If you own a bicycle, scooter, or car, you can maximize your earnings by working in busy districts with high order volumes. Some areas, such as central Tokyo, provide excellent opportunities for delivery drivers to make more money, especially during lunch and dinner rushes. This is a great option for those who enjoy flexible working hours, staying active, and exploring different parts of the city.
- Expected Income: ¥1,200–¥2,500 per hour, plus tips
- Needed Time: 10–30 hours per week, depending on availability
5. YouTube or Blogging
Content creation is another great side hustle in Japan, especially if you enjoy sharing experiences and information. Many people create YouTube channels or blogs about living in Japan, reviewing products, sharing cultural insights, or providing travel tips. Monetization comes from ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales. While success requires time, effort, and consistency, those who build a strong audience can turn this into a highly profitable venture. The key is to create engaging content that resonates with viewers, whether through humor, education, or storytelling.
- Expected Income: ¥0–¥500,000+ per month (varies greatly by audience size)
- Needed Time: 10–50 hours per week to create and promote content
| Expected Income | Needed Time ( per week ) | |
| Teaching English Online | ¥2,000–¥4,000 per hour | 5–20 hours |
| Freelance Translation and Writing | ¥3,000–¥10,000 per project | 5–30 hours |
| Reselling Secondhand Goods | ¥10,000–¥100,000 per month | 10–40 hours |
| Food Delivery Driver | ¥1,200–¥2,500 per hour | 10–30 hours |
| YouTube or Blogging | ¥0–¥500,000 per month | 10–50 hours |
These side hustles not only provide extra income but can also lead to full-time opportunities. Have you tried any of these in Japan? Let us know in the comments!
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