How to Earn Money Online in Japan

Living in Japan can be incredible, but the cost of daily life can add up fast. Whether you’re a resident, an expat, a student, or someone temporarily in Japan, earning online can give you extra breathing room and long-term flexibility.

The good news is that there are plenty of legit ways to earn money online in Japan. Some options work even if you have little experience. Others can grow into serious, stable income once you build skills and momentum.

This guide breaks down practical, realistic methods—remote jobs, freelancing, online teaching, content creation, and ecommerce—so you can choose what fits your lifestyle, your language comfort, and your income goals.

Can You Really Earn Money Online in Japan?

Yes, you can. Thousands of people living in Japan earn income online every month—either as a full-time remote career or as a side hustle. The key is picking a method that matches your current skills and time availability, then sticking with it long enough to see results.

Online income in Japan generally falls into two buckets: quick, low-paying tasks you can start immediately, and higher-paying paths that require skills, a portfolio, or consistency.

Why Japan Works Well for Online Income

Japan makes online work smoother than many places because connectivity is strong and online payments are accessible. Many international platforms pay into PayPal or Wise, and some clients prefer direct bank transfers.

If you’re earning from global clients, currency differences can also be a quiet advantage. Even modest USD or EUR earnings can feel meaningful when converted to yen, depending on the exchange rate at the time you get paid.

What You Need Before You Start

You don’t need fancy gear. But you do need a simple setup that makes you reliable and easy to hire.

• A laptop or desktop you can work on comfortably
• Stable Wi-Fi (or a backup hotspot)
• A quiet space for calls if you’re doing customer support or teaching
• A clean email address and a simple resume or profile
• A payment method such as PayPal, Wise, or a local bank account

Once you’ve got these basics, you can start experimenting without overthinking it.

Top Ways to Earn Money Online in Japan

If you're living in Japan and want to make money online, you're in the right place. The digital age has created tons of opportunities to earn money at home with just a laptop and internet connection. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, here are the top 15 ways to start making money online in Japan in 2024.

1. Dropshipping with Spocket

Dropshipping is an excellent way to sell products online without holding inventory. With Spocket, you can choose trending dropshipping products to sell, and the suppliers handle the shipping and logistics. You focus on marketing and making sales

How to Start:

• Set Up a Shopify Store: Use Shopify or WooCommerce to create your online store, and integrate it with Spocket.
• Pick Your Products: Focus on a niche market, such as eco-friendly products, fitness gear, or tech gadgets.

Platforms to Use:

• Spocket (Dropshipping platform)
• Shopify (E-commerce platform)

Tips for Success:

• Find Trending Products: Use data and market research to sell what’s in demand. Spocket makes it easy to browse trending dropshipping products.
• Use Social Media Ads: Promote your products through Facebook or Instagram ads to drive traffic to your store.

Earning Range:

• ¥50,000 to ¥500,000 per month, depending on your marketing efforts and sales volume.

2. Freelancing

Freelancing is the perfect option for those who want to work on their own terms. You can choose the projects you like, set your own rates, and work from anywhere in Japan, or even globally. The best part? You can turn any skill—writing, graphic design, web development, or translation—into a profitable freelance career.

How to Start:

• Build a Portfolio: If you're just getting started, focus on creating a portfolio that shows off your skills. Offer discounted or even free work to friends or small businesses in exchange for testimonials.
• Set Clear Rates: Research rates in your field to avoid underselling yourself. It’s okay to start with lower rates to gain experience, but gradually increase them as your portfolio grows.

Platforms to Use:

• Local Platforms:
  • Lancers.jp
  • CrowdWorks
• International Platforms:
  • Upwork
  • Fiverr

Tips for Success:

• Specialize: While general freelancing is an option, specializing in a specific niche, like medical writing or e-commerce design, can help you stand out.
• Network: Attend local networking events or join online communities to connect with other freelancers and potential clients.

Earning Range:

• ¥2,000 to ¥10,000 per hour, depending on your skills and experience. Top freelancers can charge even more if they specialize in high-demand fields like IT or copywriting.

3. Teaching English Online

There’s a massive demand for English teachers worldwide, and Japan is no exception. However, you don’t need to be in a physical classroom to make it work. Teaching English online allows you to work from home, set your own schedule, and connect with students across the globe.

How to Start:

• Get Certified: While it's not always required, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification can boost your credibility and increase your earning potential.
• Choose Your Platform: Different platforms cater to different types of learners. For example, Cafetalk allows you to teach Japanese students, while Preply and VIPKid connect you with students worldwide.

Platforms to Use:

• Local Platforms:
  • Cafetalk
  • Italki
• International Platforms:
  • Preply
  • VIPKid

Tips for Success:

• Create Engaging Lessons: Use interactive tools like videos, games, and quizzes to make your lessons fun and engaging.
• Customize for Your Students: Tailor your lessons to meet each student’s needs, whether they’re preparing for a test or just want to improve their conversation skills.

Earning Range:

• ¥1,500 to ¥4,500 per hour, depending on your experience, qualifications, and the platform you choose. Certified teachers with experience often earn at the higher end of the scale.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income by promoting other people’s products. Whether you have a blog, YouTube channel, or large social media following, you can make money online by recommending products you love. When someone purchases a product using your affiliate link, you earn a commission.

How to Start:

• Pick a Niche: Choose a niche that you're passionate about—whether it’s fitness, fashion, or tech. By focusing on one area, you’ll build authority and trust with your audience.
• Join Affiliate Programs: Start by signing up for affiliate networks that connect you with brands and products to promote.

Platforms to Use:

• Local Platforms:
  • A8.net
  • Rakuten Affiliate
• International Platforms:
  • Amazon Associates
  • Spocket

Tips for Success:

• Create High-Quality Content: Whether you’re writing blog posts, making YouTube videos, or posting on social media, the key to affiliate marketing is creating helpful and engaging content that naturally incorporates your affiliate links.
• Promote Your Content: Use SEO, social media, and email marketing to drive traffic to your content and increase sales.

Earning Range:

• ¥10,000 to ¥300,000+ per month, depending on the size of your audience and the products you promote. The more traffic and engagement you generate, the higher your potential earnings.

5. Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube is one of the most powerful platforms for content creators looking to make money online. Whether you're interested in travel vlogs, tech reviews, cooking tutorials, or gaming content, YouTube gives you the opportunity to connect with a global audience and earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

How to Start:

• Pick Your Content Type: Whether it’s tech reviews, travel vlogs, or cooking tutorials, find a niche you’re passionate about.
• Consistency is Key: Regularly upload videos to grow your subscriber base. Consistency helps with YouTube’s algorithm and keeps your viewers engaged.

Platforms to Use:

• YouTube (Global platform for video content)

Tips for Success:

• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, create polls, and ask for viewer feedback to foster a strong community around your channel.
• Monetize Your Content: Once your channel grows, you can monetize through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links.

Earning Range:

• ¥50,000 to ¥1,000,000+ per month, depending on the size of your channel, sponsorship deals, and affiliate marketing.

6. Freelance IT Work

Japan has a high demand for IT professionals, and freelance IT work can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and career-wise. If you have skills in web development, programming, cybersecurity, or even IT support, freelancing offers you the flexibility to work on your terms. This industry is constantly evolving, making it essential to stay updated with the latest technologies and tools.

How to Start:

• Keep Learning: Technology evolves fast, so make sure you keep up with new programming languages, tools, and trends. Courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy can help.
• Build a Network: Networking is crucial in the freelance IT industry. Work with clients, deliver excellent work, and get referrals for more business.

Platforms to Use:

• Local Platforms:
  • CrowdWorks
  • Lancers.jp
• International Platforms:
  • Upwork
  • Freelancer

Tips for Success:

• Create a Portfolio: Showcase your completed projects on your own website or LinkedIn profile.
• Set Competitive Rates: Understand your worth based on your skill level and market demand but don't undersell yourself.

Earning Range:

• ¥5,000 to ¥20,000 per hour, depending on your expertise. Specialized skills like cybersecurity or AI development can command even higher rates.

7. Game Testing

If you're a gamer at heart, turning your passion into profit through game testing might be your dream job. As a game tester, you’ll be tasked with playing games before they’re released to the public, identifying bugs, glitches, and issues with user experience. This role allows you to make money online in Japan while doing something fun.

How to Start:

• Be Detail-Oriented: Game testers need to spot small bugs that could affect gameplay. Being thorough is key.
• Understand Deadlines: The gaming industry often works with tight timelines, so meeting deadlines is essential.

Platforms to Use:

• Local Platforms:
  • Indeed Japan
  • GaijinPot
• International Platforms:
  • PlaytestCloud
  • BetaTesting

Tips for Success:

• Learn Basic Programming: While it’s not essential, understanding some coding can help you communicate better with developers.
• Play Different Genres: Testing various game types makes you more adaptable and opens up more job opportunities.

Earning Range:

• ¥2,000 to ¥8,000 per hour, depending on the complexity of the game and the platform.

8. Influencer Marketing

With a growing social media landscape, becoming an influencer is a legitimate way to earn money online in Japan. Whether you love fashion, fitness, food, or travel, influencers earn by partnering with brands to promote products or services. The more followers and engagement you have, the higher your earning potential.

How to Start:

• Choose a Niche: Pick a niche you're passionate about, like beauty, travel, or tech, and start creating content around it.
• Grow Your Following: Post consistently, engage with your audience, and collaborate with other influencers to build your community.

Platforms to Use:

• Instagram
• TikTok

Tips for Success:

• Collaborate with Brands: Once you have a decent following, reach out to brands for sponsorships and paid collaborations.
• Stay Authentic: Your audience will trust you more if you promote products and services you genuinely love.

Earning Range:

• ¥30,000 to ¥1,000,000+ per month, depending on the size of your audience and engagement rates.

9. Language Exchange Instructor

Language exchange is a unique and engaging way to make money in Japan, especially if you're fluent in English or other languages. You don’t need formal teaching experience—many platforms connect learners who just want to practice conversational skills.

How to Start:

• Focus on Conversational Skills: Most learners want to improve their speaking skills, so design lessons that encourage natural conversation.
• Be Patient: Language learners come from different levels, so patience is key.

Platforms to Use:

• HelloTalk
• Speaky

Tips for Success:

• Offer Flexible Scheduling: Many students will have busy schedules, so offering flexibility with lesson times can help attract more learners.
• Build Relationships: Language learners often come back to instructors they feel comfortable with.

Earning Range:

• ¥1,000 to ¥3,500 per hour, depending on the platform and your level of experience.

10. Participate in Paid Surveys

Paid surveys are an easy and convenient way to make extra money in Japan. While you won’t get rich, completing surveys in your spare time can add up to decent pocket money. Companies pay for your opinions, helping them shape products and services.

How to Start:

• Sign Up for Multiple Platforms: This will increase your chances of receiving more surveys.
• Be Honest: Companies value genuine feedback, so make sure to provide thoughtful responses.

Platforms to Use:

• Moppy
• Swagbucks

Tips for Success:

• Be Consistent: Set aside time each day to complete surveys. This will help you earn consistently.
• Avoid Scams: Always use reputable platforms to ensure you get paid for your time.

Earning Range:

• ¥500 to ¥10,000 per month, depending on how often you participate.

11. Share Your Internet

Sharing your unused internet bandwidth can be a simple and passive way to make extra cash. With apps like Pawns.app, you can earn money by allowing part of your internet bandwidth to be used for market research or data collection.

How to Start:

• Ensure Stable Internet: A fast and stable connection will allow you to earn more.
• Monitor Usage: Make sure the app doesn’t slow down your internet for personal use.

Platforms to Use:

• Pawns.app

Tips for Success:

• Maximize Usage: The more consistently your internet is shared, the more money you’ll earn.
• Understand the Process: Make sure you’re aware of what your bandwidth is being used for to avoid concerns.

Earning Range:

• ¥5,000 to ¥30,000 per month, depending on your internet speed and usage.

12. Print on Demand

Print on demand is an easy way to sell custom products like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without holding inventory. You create the designs, and platforms like Spocket handle production and shipping

How to Start:

• Create Unique Designs: Focus on designs that tap into popular trends or that cater to a specific niche, like anime or travel.
• Choose Your Platform: Use platforms like Shopify to build your online store, and integrate print-on-demand services like Spocket or Printful.

Platforms to Use:

• Spocket
• Printful

Tips for Success:

• Promote Your Store: Use social media ads, influencer partnerships, or email marketing to drive traffic to your store.
• Offer Variety: Create multiple product designs to attract different customers.

Earning Range:

• ¥50,000 to ¥300,000 per month, depending on your marketing efforts and design popularity.

13. Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistants (VAs) support businesses or entrepreneurs with administrative tasks like managing emails, and social media accounts, or scheduling meetings. If you're organized and tech-savvy, this is an excellent way to earn money at home in Japan.

How to Start:

• Stay Organized: Use tools like Trello, Google Calendar, and Slack to keep tasks on track and stay connected with clients.
• Be Proactive: Clients appreciate a VA who takes initiative and anticipates their needs.

Platforms to Use:

• Upwork
• Lancers.jp

Tips for Success:

• Offer Additional Services: Beyond administrative tasks, offer to manage social media or handle customer support to increase your earning potential.
• Build Strong Client Relationships: Satisfied clients will often refer you to others.

Earning Range:

• ¥1,500 to ¥4,500 per hour, depending on your experience and the services you offer.

14. Sell Handmade Goods

If you’re crafty and enjoy making things by hand, selling your creations online can be both fun and profitable. Whether it's jewelry, clothing, or artwork, Japan has a market for unique, handmade products.

How to Start:

• Focus on Craftsmanship: High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail will help your products stand out.
• Create a Unique Brand: Establish a cohesive brand identity that appeals to a niche market.

Platforms to Use:

• Etsy Japan
• Mercari

Tips for Success:

• Market Your Products: Use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your handmade items and build an audience.
• Offer Customization: Personalized products often sell better, so offering custom options can attract more buyers.

Earning Range:

• ¥20,000 to ¥200,000 per month, depending on your products and sales volume.

15. Host Guests on Airbnb

If you have a spare room or an unused apartment, hosting guests on Airbnb is a great way to generate passive income. With Japan being a top tourist destination, particularly in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, Airbnb hosting can provide significant returns.

How to Start:

• Create a Welcoming Space: Make sure your property is clean, comfortable, and equipped with basic amenities like Wi-Fi and fresh linens.
• Set Competitive Pricing: Check listings in your area to determine competitive pricing and attract more guests.

Platforms to Use:

• Airbnb

Tips for Success:

• Offer Thoughtful Touches: Little things like providing local guides or welcome snacks can go a long way in creating a positive experience for your guests.
• Stay Responsive: Answer inquiries promptly to improve your booking rate and guest satisfaction.

Earning Range:

• ¥50,000 to ¥200,000+ per month, depending on your location, property, and guest reviews.

Earn Money Online in Japan With Little or No Japanese

A lot of people assume they need fluent Japanese to earn money in Japan. For many online paths, that’s not true.

If you have strong English and good communication skills, you can earn money online in Japan while slowly improving Japanese over time.

Jobs Where English Is Enough

These options can work without Japanese:

• Remote customer support for global brands
• Virtual assistant work for international clients
• Freelance writing in English
• Video editing for creators worldwide
• English tutoring and conversation coaching
• Selling digital products to global buyers
• Ecommerce stores targeting international markets

The trick is to aim at clients and audiences who operate in English. Your location doesn’t limit your market if your work is online.

Best Approach for Non-Japanese Speakers

Keep it simple:

• Build your income in English first
• Use a consistent weekly schedule
• Learn Japanese gradually for daily life and future opportunities

This way, you don’t block your income while you’re still learning the language.

How to Avoid Scams When Trying to Earn Money Online in Japan

Whenever people search “how to earn money online in Japan,” scammers show up too. If something feels off, trust that feeling.

Common Online Money Scams to Watch Out For

Be careful if you see:

• “Pay a fee to start working”
• “Guaranteed income” with no skill required
• Fake checks or payment screenshots
• Pressure to move chats to private apps instantly
• Vague job descriptions with huge promises

Legit clients and platforms don’t need you to pay money to access work.

How to Spot Legit Jobs Fast

Use this checklist:

• The work and expectations are clearly explained
• Payment terms are written upfront
• The company or client has a real online footprint
• Reviews exist on trusted platforms
• They don’t rush you into weird decisions

If you’re freelancing, a contract or a written agreement is a good sign. If you’re applying to remote jobs, a normal interview process is expected.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

There isn’t one “best” method. There’s the best method for your situation right now. Choose based on your time, energy, and how quickly you need money.

If You’re a Student

Student-friendly options include:

• Microtasks and user testing for quick income
• Tutoring or teaching online for stable weekly money
• Content creation if you can stay consistent
• Freelancing if you have a skill like writing, design, or editing

Start with something simple, then upgrade to higher-paying work as you gain confidence.

If You’re an Expat or Foreigner in Japan

If your strongest advantage is English, lean into it:

• Remote customer support
• VA work
• Teaching
• Freelancing for international clients
• Building a blog or YouTube channel focused on Japan life

This keeps your earning power global, not limited to local hiring rules.

If You Want Long-Term Income

Long-term methods usually include:

• Blogging and affiliate marketing
• YouTube monetization
• Selling digital products
• Ecommerce and dropshipping using reliable suppliers like Spocket
• Building a freelance service into an agency

These take time, but they can grow into something real.

Conclusion

There are countless ways to earn money online in Japan, from freelancing and teaching to participating in paid surveys and sharing your skills. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, the opportunities are endless. Among the top ways to build a sustainable online income, dropshipping stands out as one of the best options for those who want to run a business with minimal risk and upfront costs.

With Spocket, you can enter the world of dropshipping and start selling trending products without the hassle of managing inventory or shipping. Spocket connects you with reliable suppliers, giving you access to high-quality products that can be shipped directly to your customers. This means you can focus on growing your dropshipping business, marketing your store, and increasing your sales—all from the comfort of your home.