How To Earn Money Online In Japan: 7 Best Ways To Do So

Whether you are a long-term or short-term resident of Japan, earning a little extra cash sounds pretty good.

This article will help you understand how to earn money online in Japan and what to be aware of.

What do I need to earn money online in Japan?

For the most part, you will need these items below to get started:

• A laptop or computer

• Reliable and fast internet access

• Smartphone with internet access

• Time and motivation to work online

While the initial investment in these items doesn't cost much if you already have all of them, they are still a barrier to starting to earn money online in Japan.

How can you make money online in Japan without an investment?

Many online business ideas are relatively inexpensive. Plenty of free resources are available to set up and sign up. Each will be explained depending on the type of work you are interested in.

How to earn money online in Japan—7 jobs to get started

Many of these online ways to earn money can be transitioned into an online business idea.

Finding the best job to make money online will depend on your qualifications, experience, and preferences. So here are the most common and popular online jobs for foreigners in Japan.

1. English teaching

Teaching English online is one of the most accessible online jobs for foreigners in Japan.

Many people in Japan, from students to working adults, want to improve their English, and their skills range from beginner to advanced.

Hello Sensei or Eigo Pass are Japanese platforms for English teaching. You can apply to be a tutor there, but you can also advertise your private English classes through social media and use Zoom for the lessons. 

Showcasing your TEFL certificate or degree would best demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

2. Translation work

Native speakers who are bilingual in another language have a great opportunity to do translation work, which involves translating a foreign language into Japanese and vice versa. 

The pay is based on the number of words translated, and the price is higher for more specialized fields and less common languages.

Bilingual people know that translation is more than just direct translation. Nuances within every language make it difficult for AI translation to be correct, so it is best to have great language skills to understand any hidden meaning.

Common translation platforms for Japanese people are Conyac , Lancers , and CrowdWorks , but you can also use Gengo , UpWork , and Blend .

3. Freelancer

Freelancing, especially for foreigners in Japan, is complex. Here is a general overview of this topic.

There are many platforms specifically for freelance work. Lancers , Conyac , and CrowdWorks are popular Japanese freelance sites, but UpWork and Fiverr are popular worldwide. You can also make your own website and market your skills online.

The most common types of freelance work are graphic design, digital marketing, video editing, writing, and translation, but any job can be freelance work to make money.

For the best freelance consistency work, you will need a high level of proficiency in your field, a portfolio of your works, and testimonials from your clients.

4. Be an online seller

Selling online in Japan can include finding and making physical or digital items. This is one of the most effective ways to understand how to earn money online in Japan.

You can sell anything online, from clothing, accessories, books, arts and crafts. If you want to sell second-hand items, you will need a second-hand goods dealer license from the police department.

The most popular online marketplace for selling in Japan is Mericari, but you can also create your own online store with Shopify or SquareSpace.

5. Content creation

While becoming an influencer does not happen immediately, it offers a fun way to monetize on a topic you are passionate about. 

Once you meet the platform's monetization requirements, you can run ads, create sponsored content, and create merchandise. While it's easy to keep everything in one place, such as running a YouTube channel, spreading your content through every available platform is best.

Additionally, affiliate marketing allows you to share product links where you earn a small commission for every click or purchase through your specific link. Many e-commerce sites like Amazon will offer affiliate programs for you to join.

6. Virtual assistance

All entrepreneurs and businesses will need additional assistance to help with email management, scheduling, and data entry.

Being a VA will put you ahead of the rest of the competition if you are bilingual in English and Japanese. You can communicate with your clients and schedule/do their tasks in Japanese.

7. Investing in stocks

While not necessarily a job per se, it is definitely an important topic to discuss when earning money online in Japan, especially as passive income. 

Investing in stocks for the long term is a great way to increase your income if you are planning to stay in Japan for the long term.

How to get started on earning money online in Japan

1. Research

Before fully pursuing earning money online in Japan, research the market, what’s in demand, the competition, and any certifications or requirements.

Additionally, you must check the legal and tax implications of working online in Japan to have the correct visa status, permits, and insurance. 

2. Prepare

Now that you know what field or job you want to earn money online in Japan, you need to prepare the tools and equipment. 

Having a computer, smartphone, camera, microphone, and good internet connection is a good start, which you might already have.

Showcase any certificates you may have or create a resume and portfolio to demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers. 

3. Apply

Once everything is prepared, you can apply for online jobs or projects matching your skills and interests. 

The platform you decide to use for your online job can help you apply for jobs that best suit you, but you can also apply on other websites, apps, and social media.

Additionally, you can network with other people, colleagues, clients, and employers for referrals and recommendations.

So, it would be best to prepare for any interviews, exams, or trials that might be part of the application process.

4. Put out high-quality work 

Once you’ve landed an online job or project, work to deliver high-quality results.

Since everything is based on your time, track your hours and expenses and report them accordingly. 

Clear communication with updates to your clients and employers is key. Once the work is complicated, you can ask them for feedback, reviews, or ratings and use them on your portfolio.

Taxes when earning money online in Japan

When making money online in Japan, you must file a tax return when your income exceeds 200,000 yen. If you fail to file a tax return based on this income, there will be penalties and fines.

However, if your income is less than 200,000 yen, you do not need to file a tax return.

Additionally, if you have a separate full-time job, check your contract or with HR about making additional money on the side or online. Many Japanese companies allow a side income, but it's always best to check just in case.

For those on a student or a long-term family stay visa, you will need to apply for “Permission To Engage in Activities ” to allow you to engage in other activities that are different from your original visa status.

Frequently asked questions

How do foreigners make money in Japan?

Many foreigners make money in Japan by teaching English or being an ALT in Japan. Afterward, they can transition into other professional jobs within Japan once their original contract ends. Afterward, you will need the correct visa to stay long-term and earn more money in Japan.

In closing

Now you know how to earn money online in Japan. With the right tools and some preparations, you can use these online job options to start earning as a side income. With consistent, high-quality work, a strong portfolio, and connections, the side income can become a full-time business.