Whether you’re just starting out or already an established freelancer, it helps to have more projects to supplement your income. Let’s look at the best 10 freelance websites in Japan:
- World In Freelance
- Fivver
- Upwork
- Freelancer.jp
- Crowdworks
- Lancers.jp
- Crowdtech.jp
- IT kyūjin Nabi
- Workshift Solutions
- Coconala
Which Industries Are Hiring Freelancers in Japan?
As Japan begins to open again, you can expect to see demand for engineers, translators, interpreters, and designers continue to rise.
1. World In Freelance
World In Freelance focuses on helping tech-industry freelancers find work in Japan. This website is especially helpful because it offers consultations with career advisors. This means that you will have personalized help finding the job that suits you best. As an added bonus, career advisors are able to provide help in Japanese, English, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, and Burmese.
2. Fivver
One of the world’s leading freelance websites, Fivver can help freelancers find work from anywhere. As a major website, you can access a much larger customer pool. There is work for any kind of freelancer, including tech, design, translation, and even cooking lessons.
3. Upwork
Upwork is arguably the most popular freelance website on the internet. There are a wide variety of categories – from engineering to design and even legal services. These categories are also subdivided into more specific skills. It’s important to note that you will need to first apply for approval before you can bid on jobs, which can be difficult if you have no previous experience to show.
4. Freelancer.jp
This website is Japan-based but internationally minded. Freelancer makes use of a recruiting service to help link customers to creatives all over the world. Freelancer seems to be more focused on designers than other freelancers, so if you’re a designer you’re sure to find projects here. Keep in mind, however, that it is a Japanese-language service.
5. Crowdworks
Crowdworks has the distinction of being used by 780, 000 of Japan’s biggest companies, such as Yahoo!, Joysound, and even the ministry of economy, trade, and industry. There is a very detailed search function to help you narrow down exactly what kind of job you’re looking for. The website also offers assistance for first-time users. Do note that this service is available in Japanese only.
We help freelancers
With World in Freelance, you can find:
- Fully remote options – Work anywhere you want.
- Passion projects – Spend time on what inspires and excites you.
- Japanese language upkeep – Team up with top Japanese tech companies.
6. Lancers.jp
Lancers lets users offer their services in more than 350 different categories, from engineering and web design to marketing and consulting. Found in 2008, it is also one of Japan’s oldest freelance websites, which means its reputation is well-established. Once again, this website and its services are only available in Japanese.
7. Crowdtech.jp
Focusing specifically on the tech industry, this website is meant for Japanese-speaking professionals with around 2 or more years of experience. If you have less experience, however, you can still apply. Firstly, you register and submit your portfolio. Next, Crowdtech helps you find suitable work and finally sets up an interview with the company for you. You’ll need to be able to speak Japanese, however.
8. IT kyūjin Nabi
IT kyujin Nabi (or IT job navi) is another tech-focused website with both freelance and full-time opportunities. For those who prefer face-to-face meetings, they also have physical offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Sendai, and Nagoya. Of course, online counseling is also available in Japanese.
9. Workshift Solutions
Workshift Solutions matches Japanese companies with professionals around the world. The purpose is to help Japanese companies to navigate new cultures and languages with the help of locals or Japanese citizens living abroad. Although the website is available in both English and Japanese, most companies are looking for bilingual professionals.
10. Coconala
Arguably the most eclectic website on this list, Coconala lets freelancers offer business and legal services, but also divination and fashion advice. You can find a seller, find a service, or even make a public request. Note that you will also need some Japanese ability to navigate this website.
Want Expert Advice?
Inbound Technology’s mission is to match tech talent with the perfect job in Japan. Talk to one of our helpful career advisors here or on LinkedIn.
Want to know more about freelancing in Japan? Check out our ultimate guide.