If you're looking for a job that allows you to speak Japanese and improve your language skills, here are some options that provide practical, real-world opportunities for learning while you work.

Part-time Jobs in Cafes or Restaurants

Job Description: Working as a waiter/waitress, barista, or kitchen staff at local cafes or restaurants.
Why It's Good: You can practice simple conversations with customers and co-workers in a low-pressure environment. You’ll learn polite expressions, customer service phrases, and everyday vocabulary.
Japanese Level: Basic conversational Japanese (N5-N4 level) is often enough to start.

Convenience Store Staff (コンビニ)

Job Description: Handling cash registers, stocking shelves, and assisting customers at convenience stores like Lawson or 7-Eleven.
Why It's Good: You’ll have the chance to speak basic Japanese with customers and co-workers, while also getting familiar with Japanese money, forms, and daily life.
Japanese Level: Conversational Japanese (N4 level). Many stores offer manuals or basic training in simple Japanese.

Retail Staff in Areas with Many Tourists

Job Description: Working in shops, especially those in tourist hotspots or airports, where both English and Japanese are spoken.
Why It's Good: You can communicate in English when necessary, but also practice Japanese when dealing with local customers. It’s a good mix of both languages.
Japanese Level: Beginner to intermediate (N4-N3).

Hotel Staff

Job Description: Working at the front desk, housekeeping, or helping guests in tourist accommodations.
Why It's Good: You can engage with guests in both English and Japanese. You’ll also learn hospitality-related language, which can help you progress in polite Japanese and customer service phrases.
Japanese Level: Conversational Japanese (N4-N3). Some hostels and guesthouses with many foreign tourists may require less Japanese.

English Conversation Cafes (英会話カフェ)

Job Description: These are informal cafes where customers practice English by talking to native speakers, but you also get to interact with Japanese customers.
Why It's Good: While your main job is to help with English, you can interact with co-workers or customers in simple Japanese, giving you a chance to practice naturally.
Japanese Level: Basic (N5-N4).

Childcare or Babysitting

Job Description: Working in a nursery school or as a babysitter, often in international schools or with expat families.
Why It's Good: Interacting with children in Japanese can help you learn simple, everyday Japanese phrases. Parents may also give you instructions in Japanese, giving you more opportunities to practice listening.
Japanese Level: Beginner to conversational (N5-N4).

Delivery Jobs (Uber Eats, etc.)

Job Description: Delivering food from restaurants to customers.
Why It's Good: You can practice basic conversations with customers when delivering food, and you’ll become familiar with everyday Japanese used in addresses and directions. Plus, you can study Japanese in your downtime between deliveries.
Japanese Level: Minimal Japanese needed, but a good way to pick up vocabulary.

Teaching Assistant in Kindergartens or International Schools

Job Description: Assisting teachers with English lessons for young children, and possibly helping out in general daycare activities.
Why It's Good: You can communicate with Japanese staff and children in simple Japanese, while speaking English for your job. This environment allows you to hear and practice daily conversational phrases.
Japanese Level: Beginner to intermediate (N5-N3).

Tips for Improving Your Japanese While Working

Ask Co-workers for Help

Don’t hesitate to ask co-workers for the meaning of words or phrases you don’t understand. Many will be happy to help you learn. Carry a Notebook: Write down new words or phrases you hear during work and review them later.

Study Japanese in Your Free Time

Combine your work experience with structured learning through classes or apps to boost your language skills more quickly.

Conclusion: Let's Find a Job Where You Can Improve Your Japanese!

By working in environments where you're exposed to both basic and conversational Japanese, you'll steadily improve your language skills in practical and engaging ways. Whether you're interacting with customers, collaborating with co-workers, or simply navigating daily tasks, each situation offers a valuable opportunity to expand your vocabulary and enhance your understanding of the language. So enjoy your work in Japan!