International students coming to Japan with a visa status of “Student” are in general not supposed to work. However, except for jobs such as adult entertainment services, they may engage in part-time work as long as the work does not interfere with their studies. If you would like to engage in part-time work, you need to obtain permission from the Minister of Justice in advance (Article 19 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act). From October 2007, it is also mandatory for business operators to report the matter to the Employment Service Center (Hello Work) when they hire foreigners. Please confirm the details with your employer.
