Top 5 Freelance Jobs in Japan: + 6 Japanese Websites To Use

Freelancing in Japan as a foreigner can be difficult.

However, here, we give you an inside look at the top freelance jobs in Japan and where to find them.  

So, prepare your resume and get ready to network so you can find all the freelance jobs in Japan that fit you. 

Can I work in Japan as a freelancer?

There are plenty of freelance jobs in Japan for anyone. 

While there isn't a specific "freelance visa" for foreigners, you can secure a long-term contract with a Japanese company to sponsor your visa.

If you're already in Japan on a visa, you will need to apply for a work permit (資格外活動許可申請) to engage in freelance work that is outside your current visa category.

If you are a Japanese citizen, have PR in Japan, or are on a spousal visa, you can work as a freelancer in Japan without any visa issues.

Also, freelancers can extend their visas through self-sponsorship if they demonstrate a stable income and steady work stream. 

How much do freelancers make in Japan?

In May 2020, the General Secretariat for Japanese Economic Revitalization conducted a survey of 7,478 freelancers in Japan, finding a median income of ¥2 to ¥3 million.

Another report by Lancers in 2021 reported the average annual income for freelancers in Japan is about ¥1.46 million per year.

Common freelance jobs in Japan

Freelancing in Japan has different job opportunities for both residents and foreigners. 

Here are a few common freelance jobs and online business ideas in Japan's industry.

1. Education and tutoring

Teaching, specifically English teaching, is the top freelance job in Japan for foreigners. There are specific English teaching platforms such as Cafetalk, Italki, or private tutoring that are viable options for being an English teacher freelancer.

2. Translation and communication

Being able to speak Japanese and another language is a huge advantage for this industry.

Translation and interpretation services help translate documents, websites, meetings, and so on between Japanese and other languages, making you a valuable asset. 

3. Design and creative arts

If you have strong skills in design, logos, websites, and other marketing materials, then this industry is for you.

Understanding what your customer is looking for and being able to create it visually is a true skill.

Additionally, if you are a professional photographer or Photoshop artist, you can offer your services for events, commercial photography, and other digital platforms such as magazines and advertisements.

4. IT

Building a website is one of the best ways for people to find your business online.

Thus, IT, web development, web design, and software development are becoming some of the top and common industries for foreigners to freelance in Japan, opening numerous freelance opportunities there.

5. Consulting

If you have been in a certain industry for long enough, you can offer your expertise in marketing, finance, or operations.

Being a bilingual consultant also offers more opportunities to receive freelance jobs in Japan to help foreign and domestic business owners in Japan. 

Top 6 freelance job websites in Japan

While there are more well-known websites for freelancing, such as Fiverr and UpWork, we give you the top Japanese freelance job websites that many Japanese people use to earn money online.

It's best to have a strong Japanese knowledge on all these websites.

1. Freelancer.jp

Freelancer.jp is a Japanese freelance website that connects clients to freelancers and vice versa in Japan.

It can cater to various freelance jobs in Japan, including IT, design, writing, and more.

Freelancers can create a profile to showcase their skills and previous experience and make bids on specific projects you are interested in. 

Surprisingly, there are many project requests in other languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German. However, the website's overall user interface remains in Japanese. 

2. Crowdworks

Or クラウドソーシング in Japanese is one of Japan's largest freelance job platforms.

Many freelancers use Crowdworks as it can help you narrow down exactly the type of job you're looking for and best suited for. More than 1 million Japanese companies (1,072,000 registered clients) use CrowdWorks, including Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yahoo! Japan, TBS, and JoySound.

Sign-up is free. However, the user interface, projects, and communication will be in Japanese. 

3. Lancers.jp

ランサーズ in Japanese offers jobs in over 350 different types of jobs from IT, engineering, marking, and consulting. 

It's one of Japan's most well-established and reputational freelance websites. 

Lancers will create a custom job board based on your skills and the type of job you are looking for. Additionally, once your profile is set up, other companies can scout you and send you job offers.

4. CrowdWorks Tech

Also known as クラウドテック in Japanese, it specifically focuses on allowing freelancers to find remote work opportunities. It caters to engineers, designers, and digital marketers.

More than 65% of CrowdWorks Tech listings are full-remote positions, making it a strong option for finding remote freelance work in Japan.

Additionally, they offer basic freelance guides to help you become a freelancer in Japan.

5. IT Kyūjin Nabi

Also known as IT求人ナビ in Japan, it is a freelance job search site focusing specifically on engineer and IT jobs.

This freelance website provides specialized jobs for IT professionals, including engineers.

For those looking on IT Kyūjin Nabi, you can easily register, schedule interviews, and get introduced to suitable jobs.

Since IT Kyūjin Nabi specifically focuses on an industry, it has a high success rate in securing a job with high sophistication. 

6. Coconala

ココナラ in Japanese is not your typical freelance job-search site. It's more like an online marketplace for freelance services and other jobs.

It allows companies to post typical freelance jobs in design, website, marketing, business, and IT. But you can also find freelance jobs in AI, fortune telling, employment, home and beauty, store opening and operation, YouTube, and weddings. 

Coconala allows you to find any type of freelance job in Japan in any category you are interested in. 

Do freelancers pay taxes in Japan?

Being a freelancer is great for a little extra income. However, if you make a certain amount per year, you will need to pay income tax will be based on the amount you will earn:

Since you are your own boss, you will file your tax return and submit it to your local tax office.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners legally work as freelancers in Japan?

Yes, foreigners can legally freelance in Japan, but the rules depend on your visa status. If you hold permanent residency or a spousal visa, you can freelance freely. If you're on a student or dependent visa, you need to apply for a 資格外活動許可 (permission to engage in activities outside your visa category). If you're on a work visa, the type of freelance work you can do must generally align with your visa category.

Do freelancers in Japan need to file a tax return?

Yes. Freelancers in Japan are required to file a確定申告 (kakutei shinkoku) — a self-assessed tax return — every year, typically between February 16 and March 15 for the previous tax year. You submit it to your local tax office (税務署). If your net income exceeds ¥480,000 after deductions, you will owe income tax. You are also responsible for national health insurance (国民健康保険) and the national pension (国民年金), which are separate from income tax.

What is the income tax rate for freelancers in Japan?

Japan uses a progressive income tax system, so your rate depends on your taxable income — not your gross earnings. Rates range from 5% on income under ¥1,950,000 up to 45% on income over ¥40,000,000. Note that a reconstruction surtax of 2.1% is added on top of income tax, and resident tax (住民税) of approximately 10% applies separately. Most freelancers also need to account for social insurance costs.

What is the best freelance platform in Japan for English speakers?

Freelancer.jp is the most accessible Japanese freelance platform for English speakers, as it hosts project requests in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German — though the interface is in Japanese. For those with stronger Japanese skills, Crowdworks and Lancers.jp offer the largest volume of projects and the widest range of categories.

What is the most in-demand freelance skill in Japan for foreigners?

English teaching and tutoring is the most accessible and in-demand freelance skill for foreigners in Japan, with platforms like Cafetalk and iTalki offering immediate opportunities. For higher earning potential, IT and software development, bilingual translation, and business consulting are among the most sought-after skills, particularly for those who can bridge Japanese and international business contexts.

Can a freelancer sponsor their own visa in Japan?

A freelancer can apply for visa renewal without a company sponsor, but the requirements are strict. Immigration typically requires documented proof of multiple client contracts, a consistent income history, and a registered business address in Japan. Simply having freelance income is not sufficient on its own — you need to demonstrate financial stability and a sustainable client base. Consulting an immigration lawyer (行政書士) is recommended for this process.

In closing

Finding freelance jobs in Japan is easy when you know where to look. While the freelance landscape in Japan might be challenging, once you have secured a freelance job, you can enjoy the flexibility and work opportunities there.