Recommended Platforms and Websites for Foreigners to Earn Side Income in Japan

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Are you a student studying in Japan who needs side income to cover tuition fees, or an employee looking for additional income sources beyond your salary? If you’re a foreigner wondering where and how to find side work opportunities, this article is perfect for you.

By reading this article, you’ll discover platforms and websites where you can earn side income in Japan and achieve financial freedom by leveraging your skills and talents.

General Freelance Job Platforms

These platforms offer a wide variety of freelance opportunities, from jobs requiring specialized skills to those that don’t. If you haven’t decided what kind of work you want to do yet, you can use these sites to explore what freelance opportunities exist in the market, decide what interests you, and then search for freelance work accordingly.

CrowdWorks

CrowdWorks is Japan’s largest freelance job platform.

• Offers over 250 different job categories, from simple tasks requiring no experience or special skills to specialized positions in software engineering, design, writing, and more
• Industry leader with over 6.7 million registered freelancers
• Used by over 1 million companies across Japan to find freelancers

CrowdWorks

Coconala

Coconala is a skill-sharing platform where you can earn income by sharing your knowledge and skills.

• Turn any skill you have—whether it’s a hobby, talent, professional knowledge, or specialized expertise—into a service and sell it on Coconala
• Particularly easy to offer services in consulting, coaching, and tutoring

ココナラ

Lancers

One of Japan’s largest freelance job platforms with the most freelance job listings.

• Features simple jobs like surveys and data entry, as well as high-paying specialized work such as translation, website development, and graphic design
• Over 350 job categories available
• Compared to CrowdWorks, offers more high-quality, well-paying jobs
• Excellent customer support, ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction

Craudia

A freelance job platform where you can receive projects from clients nationwide.

• Supports various types of work including writing, design, system development, and data entry
• Worker commission rate of 3-15% is the lowest in the industry, allowing you to earn more income than competitors
• Safe transactions with prepayment system, eliminating the risk of non-payment
• Choose from various work styles: projects, hourly rates, skill sharing, etc.
• Work freely as remote work or side jobs without being tied to location or time

Craudiaクラウディア

IT-Specialized Freelance Job Platforms

The jobs found on these platforms are specialized in software engineering. Depending on your area of expertise, you can find work opportunities to earn side income.

Midworks

A platform for those who want to work in software or web design as part-time/full-time freelancers rather than just for side income.

• Many freelance opportunities for remote work or regular office format 3-5 days per week
• Main advantage is providing social security equivalent to full-time employees
• Free support for tax filing procedures
• Salary guarantee system during periods without work (only for those meeting certain conditions)
• Many opportunities for major cities like Tokyo and Osaka

Midworks

Engineer-Route

A platform offering freelance job opportunities for those wanting to work in software or web design.

• Many job listings with remote work options
• Career consultants who track both workers and clients simultaneously prevent mismatches and suggest jobs aligned with your career goals. Very high-quality worker support
• High-quality support platform where even those new to freelancing can use it casually, with career consultants providing careful guidance
• Many opportunities for major cities, fewer for rural areas
• Wide variety of projects from long-term to short-term, choose according to your preferences

Engineer-Route

Tecgate Freelance

A platform offering freelance opportunities for software engineers.

• Main strength is the ability to offer unique projects and projects related to business partners that other agencies don’t have
• Over 50% of offered projects allow remote work
• Provides many project opportunities for 3-4 days per week work

Tecgate Freelance

IT Kyujin Navi

• AI-powered smart matching: Automatically selects optimal jobs and sends them via email, saving search time
• High compensation, reliable support: Industry-leading compensation and continuous job search support based on 18 years of experience
• Nationwide extensive network: Face-to-face or fully remote work opportunities nationwide, including the Kanto region
• Target audience: Freelance engineers seeking stable, high income

IT求人ナビフリーランス

Engineer Room

Engineer Room, an established agency with approximately 30 years of history, has built a strong position especially in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama area projects.

Key Features:

• Over 10,000 project options: Find jobs matching your skills and preferences from the Kanto area’s largest project pool
• Dedicated consultant support: Careful support at each stage of the process, from project introduction to compensation negotiation and post-project follow-up
• Fast payment system: Financial stability ensured with month-end closing and 20th of following month payment (no fees)
• Comprehensive support services: Free tax return support and transportation expense support during registration (up to certain limit)

【エンジニアルーム】

CrowdWorks Tech

• A freelance career support service operated by listed company CrowdWorks, ensuring reliability and trust
• Industry-leading platform with over 910,000 registered companies, offering abundant opportunities for IT engineers and web designers
• Dedicated career supporters act as intermediaries with companies, providing full support for project acquisition and contract negotiations. Track record of project start within 3 days at minimum
• Over 97% of projects are fully remote, enabling flexible work styles
• Focuses on high-paying long-term projects (3+ months) with a project continuation rate exceeding 90%, supporting stable income
• Available from 3 days per week, with side job projects starting from 1 day per week
• Industry-leading payment terms with payment on the 15th of the following month for smooth cash flow management
• Comprehensive welfare benefits including monthly payments of 50,000 yen for up to 10 years in case of work inability due to illness or injury
• Simple web-based work reports to reduce administrative burden
• Well-received personalized support for everyone from freelance beginners to veterans

クラウドワークス テック

Online Sales Platforms

You can earn income by selling new or used items on these platforms. Getting started is very simple.

Mercari

An e-commerce platform specializing in selling used goods.

• New products are also available
• Mercari is Japan’s largest flea market app with the most users (approximately 23 million) in Japan
• When selling items on Mercari, you can use a nickname. Thanks to Mercari’s system, you can ship without your name and address information being displayed to the other party, and their information not being displayed to you
• Resources are available to learn how to use the Mercari app, making it easy for beginners to get started

Invitation code to get 500 yen worth of points when you first register and start using Mercari: TWRWYP

• Invitation code: TWRWYP
• Mercari app: Iphone / Android
• How to use: Download the Mercari app and enter invitation code TWRWYP (not available for web registration)

Please watch the video below to learn how to register on Mercari and enter your invitation code.

💡 JEC Tip:

Selling online on Mercari is one of the easiest ways to start earning side income immediately. Simply take photos of items, upload them to the Mercari app, write a brief description, and you can start selling right away. If you want to make your products more attractive, you can design product photos using apps like Canva. Some students sell products they brought from overseas in the Japanese market on Mercari and cover their monthly expenses.

メルカリTOPページ

BASE

A platform where you can set up an e-commerce store for free at no cost.

• With BASE, you can create very stylish e-commerce stores suitable for your products using ready-made design templates without software or programming knowledge
• BASE provides its own domain
• BASE has numerous features available for free, including Instagram integration
• BASE has over 2.4 million e-commerce stores and continues to be No. 1 in Japan for e-commerce store creation

BASE

Survey Sites

You can earn side income by answering surveys about products, services, websites, and apps on these sites.

PopInSight

A survey site that helps improve websites by testing company websites.

Three types of work:

1. Surveys: Simple surveys sent before individual website or app tests (30 seconds to 5 minutes, 5 points~)
2. Individual website/app testing: Record your computer screen and opinions on video while using websites or apps. You don’t need to film yourself, only computer screen footage and voice expressing opinions are needed (15-60 minutes, 500-3,000 points)
3. Interview-style website/app testing: Test websites or apps in face-to-face format with staff (60-90 minutes, 2,500 points~)

Points earned can be received as Amazon gift cards. 1 point = 1 yen

ポイントサイトより稼げる！1回1000円のお手軽在宅ワーク

MACROMILL(マクロミル)

A survey site operated by Macromill Inc., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

• Over 1.2 million users

Three types of work:

1. Surveys: Surveys asking about usage and opinions on various products and services
2. Product testing: Test various products sent to your home such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and share opinions and evaluations
3. Group interviews: Go to designated locations and discuss products and services in groups of about 3-5 people

Points earned can be received as cash, various gift certificates, or electronic money (points). 1 point = 1 yen

マクロミル

Rakuten Insight

A survey site operated by Rakuten Group.

• Over 2.2 million users

Three types of work:

1. Surveys: Surveys asking about usage and opinions on various products and services
2. Product testing: Test various products sent to your home such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and share opinions and evaluations
3. Group interviews: Go to designated locations and discuss products and services in groups of about 3-5 people

Compensation is paid in Rakuten points. Rakuten points can be used for all Rakuten services and also for cashless payments as electronic money with Rakuten Pay. 1 point = 1 yen

Pocket Research

A survey site offering simple at-home work requiring no experience for those who want to earn income by trying various services and products.

Target: Men aged 20-54

What kind of work is available?

1. Supplement (health product) experience
   Try products from major health and supplement brands and share reviews. Products are delivered to your home, so you can work completely from home.
2. Service applications
   Experience services such as getting insurance quotes, opening bank accounts, attending seminars, and provide feedback. You can choose services that match your interests.
3. Cosmetics/beauty product experience
   Earn income by using makeup and skincare products and sharing your experiences.

【ポケットリサーチ】

Ipsos iSay

• Operated by one of the world’s leading research company: A trusted market and public opinion research community operated by Ipsos, the world’s third-largest market research company
• Influence society and brands: By participating in surveys, you can contribute to major corporate decision-makers and future trend formation
• Earn income with diverse reward options: Reward points given for each survey are relatively high. Points earned can be exchanged for various gift cards such as Amazon gift cards, PeX point cards, online book cards, and QUO card Pay
• Various types of work: In addition to regular surveys, you can share opinions in various formats such as product monitors, real-time surveys, special communities, and activity diaries
• Privacy protection: Personal information is used only for statistical purposes according to strict privacy and data protection policies. Survey participation is completely voluntary and you can withdraw at any time

【i-Say】

OpinionWorld

A trusted survey platform operated by the Japan branch of Dynata, one of the world’s largest online research companies.

Key Features:

• 💰 High reward rates: High compensation per survey, allowing you to earn side income quickly and efficiently
• 💳 Abundant payment options: Accumulated points can be easily exchanged for:
  • Cash
  • Amazon gift cards (exchange available from ¥500)
  • T-POINT, etc.
• 🛡️ Complete security and reliability:
  • Trusted by millions worldwide (approximately 62 million)
  • Use with confidence with the highest level of security support
• ✅ Very easy to get started:
  • Registration process is simple and completely free
  • You’ll also gain mental satisfaction knowing your responses contribute to global market research

Start earning money easily by participating in high-paying surveys!

OpinionWorldにモニター登録！

Fancrew(ファンくる)

🌟💰 Smart & rewarding experiences with Fancrew! 🤫

Fancrew is a participatory customer experience (CX) platform where you can enjoy various services at great prices, including restaurants 🍽, beauty salons 💇‍♀️💅, and online shopping 🛍.

Key Features:

• 🕵 Mystery shopping system as the foundation: Use services like a regular customer and share your experience in anonymous reports ✍
• 🎁 Rewards returned as points: Part of your spending, sometimes up to 100% 💯, is returned as points. Accumulated points can be exchanged for cash 💵, gift cards, or miles
• 🎯 Wide range of category options: Find opportunities in various aspects of daily life, including dining 🍔, beauty 💄, supermarkets 🛒, and e-commerce 📦
• 🤝 Contribute to business growth! Your honest opinions 🗣 help improve company service quality

Why not be wallet-friendly while contributing to making your favorite places better? 😉

ファンくる

Research Panel

A survey site operated by two major listed companies (CARTA HOLDINGS Inc. and Cross Marketing Inc.) where you can easily earn pocket money using your spare time. 💰📱

Research Panel Features:

• Diverse surveys 📝✅: From simple web surveys taking just a few minutes to product testing and high-paying group interviews—participate in the style that suits you!
• Trusted operation 🛡️🏢: Industry top-class service operated by two listed companies, with 1.7 million members nationwide (as of March 2021)
• Multiple exchange options 🎁💵: Accumulated points can be exchanged through the “PeX” point exchange service for cash, Amazon gift cards, electronic money, and many other options

Contribute to society by answering surveys while earning pocket money! Please check it out. ✨🚀

リサーチパネル

Cue Monitor

A survey site operated by the INTAGE Group, which has been in the marketing research field for over 50 years.

• Over 1.5 million users

Four types of work:

1. Surveys: Surveys asking about usage and opinions on various products and services
2. Product testing: Test various products sent to your home such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and share opinions and evaluations
3. Group interviews: Go to designated locations and discuss products and services in groups of about 3-5 people
4. MyCue app: Participate in the “one question, one answer” section from the app and answer simple questions sent daily

Points earned can be received as cash, various gift certificates, or electronic money (points). 1 point = 1 yen

キューモニター

iResearch

A survey participant site operated by Neo Marketing Inc., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where you can earn points while contributing to society through surveys.

Key Features:

• Useful to society 🌍: Surveys you answer play an important role in corporate and social marketing activities
• Abundant point exchange options 💳🎁: Accumulated points can be exchanged with a value of 1 point = 1 yen for many options including bank transfers, Amazon gift cards, electronic money, and coupons!
• Donate with points ❤️: You can fulfill social responsibility by donating points to various charitable organizations such as certified NPO Florence
• Trusted operation 🛡️: Operated by Neo Marketing Inc., a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed company with over 2.45 million members and more than 15 years of operation

Please participate in iResearch surveys, which embrace the motto “Good for society. Good for yourself.” ✨

iResearch

Amefri

✨ Point site with industry-best return rates where you can earn pocket money “Amefri” ✨

Key Features:

• Earn easily with high returns 💰: Used by over 550,000 members! High return rates allow some users to earn over ¥10,000 per month
• Wide variety of campaigns 🛍️: Over 10,000 projects available, from shopping to credit card applications and app downloads. Start earning points in just 5 minutes a day!
• Safe operation and diverse exchange options 🛡️: Operated by a trusted company with 16 years of industry experience. Exchange accumulated points for cash, miles, and various gift codes!

The perfect point-earning site for those who want side income or to accumulate miles for travel! ✈️

「ポイ活」デビュー応援キャンペーン！

infoQ

“infoQ” is a popular point activity site where you can accumulate points by answering surveys.

Key Features:

• Abundant surveys: In addition to web surveys, there are high-paying projects such as online interviews, venue surveys, home use tests, and diary surveys
• Multiple point exchange destinations: Over 12 exchange destinations including cash, Amazon gift cards, and several points, with commission-free real-time exchange available
• Safe and secure operation: 20 years of experience, over 800,000 members. Privacy Mark and ISMS certification obtained, ensuring complete security

Why not start earning pocket money using your spare time?

infoQ

Summary

In this article, we’ve introduced platforms and websites where foreigners can earn side income in Japan.

If you have any questions about “living in Japan,” including earning side income in Japan, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach us via social media or through the contact form below.

If you found this article or our activities helpful, we would greatly appreciate your support with a cup of coffee ☕✨

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