Freelancing can be daunting, no matter where you are. Doing so in a foreign country can make the prospect seem even scarier. However, I’m here to make it easier by sharing what I wish I knew before freelancing in Japan, such as:

1. It’s difficult, but not impossible
2. Connect with others
3. You can legally freelance in Japan
4. Manage your finances carefully

1. It’s Difficult, but Not Impossible

As we’ve already mentioned, it’s scary to leave a stable job and jump into freelancing. It’s worth it to consider all angles before you make a final decision:

Pros

Freedom from a rigid routine and flexibility to choose when and where you work are both big plus points of freelancing. Having more free time because you don’t need to commute also means more leisure time to do things like taking workcations in Kanto, Kansai, and beyond. You’ll save money on work clothes as well because you don’t need to go to the office. This also means less pressure as you’re not technically an employee. Finally, work will never be dull as you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting and exciting projects.

Cons

Of course, there are trade-offs as well. Your income may vary dramatically from month to month as you’ll be working on lots of one-off projects. This will put you in a kind of perpetual state of job hunting. All of this means that freelancing can feel unstable and unpredictable. Furthermore, if you work from home, you might not see other people as often, and many who work from home struggle with the blurring of their work and personal life.

I’ve Made up My Mind, so What’s Next?

So, you’re determined to become a freelancer. We would recommend that you don’t quit your full-time job right off the bat. Start by taking small freelance jobs on the side, and build your experience and/or resume. Meanwhile, save up as much money as possible to help you through periods of less work. Once you have enough freelance work, you can start thinking of freelancing full-time. Make sure you have at least one consistent job that ideally pays the same every month. The same company should be able to supply the documents you need for visa renewal (more on that later). Finally, check that you have all the right paperwork to get started.

2. Connect With Others

As the saying goes, no man (or woman) is an island. We need a support network, both in our personal and professional lives. Don’t be shy to reach out and ask for help, advice, or even references. Part of freelancing successfully is promoting yourself and your work. Thankfully, there are many ways to connect, for example:

• LinkedIn, which is great for both networking as well as finding new jobs
• Attending meetups for your specific field of work
• Joining communities such as Creative Tokyo
• Visiting a coworking space (there are lots of great options in Osaka and Tokyo), where you’re likely to meet other freelancers
• Advertising your services on a variety of freelance websites.

3. You Can Legally Freelance in Japan

Now, you might be wondering how to stay in Japan as a freelancer. it’s important to note that you cannot technically self-sponsor your own visa and Japan doesn’t currently offer a freelance or digital nomad visa. However, you are legally allowed to have 2 or more jobs at once, as long as they fall under your designated visa category.

In order to renew your visa, you need to show that (a) you earn enough money to sustain yourself, (b) your taxes are all paid, and (c) you work for a Japanese company (even if just part-time) and they can provide the appropriate documentation.

4. Manage Your Finances Carefully

Throughout this article, we’ve talked about how a freelance income can be unstable. This means that you will have to stand up for yourself and ensure that you get paid fairly. This can be very difficult if you’re starting out and are desperate for money and experience. Our articles on how much to charge as a freelance translator in Japan and how to invoice for freelance work in Japan have some great advice that applies to freelancers of all kinds.

We also touched on the importance of keeping your taxes paid up in order to renew your visa. If you’d like to know more about how to add taxes to a freelance invoice in Japan, or how to do your taxes as a freelancer in Japan, we’ve got you covered.

Looking For Guidance in Your Freelance Career?

Inbound Technology knows freelancers and knows Japan. Click here to chat with one of our knowledgeable career advisors. You can also follow us on LinkedIn.