My Story
It wasn’t until a year after I came to Japan that I started working part-time.
At first, I wanted a job close to my dorm, so I applied to restaurants, 100-yen shops, and supermarkets nearby. But I I almost failed all the document review before the interview.
Later, while chatting with a classmate, I found out she was working at Don Quijote (Donki). I asked her how she got the job, and she told me she used an app called リクナビ-Rikunabi (for international students).
I also tried searching on that app for jobs near my dorm, but most of them were delivery, kitchen, or cleaning jobs — not the kind where I could talk to Japanese people.
So I expanded my search to central Tokyo and luckily found that Donki was hiring.
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve now been working part-time at Donki for five years.
Types of Part-Time Jobs at Donki
1. Fixed store type:
You work at one specific store. Usually, you submit your schedule every two weeks, work at least 3 days per week, and must work at least one weekend day (though it depends on the store).
2. 登録制-Tourokusei (shift-based):
You go to whichever store needs help. The schedule is very flexible. You submit it weekly, and if you don’t want to work, you simply don’t submit it. Perfect for international students!
You can even work as little as 2–3 hours.
When I first joined, I started as a “Tourokusei” part-timer. After the training, I realized I’d be sent to different stores often. It was tiring, but it also gave me a chance to see many different workplaces — and experience all kinds of Japanese “office politics” (maybe that’s a kind of learning too, haha).
But there’s a downside: during busy seasons, even if you apply to work a full 8-hour day, you might get fewer hours depending on staff needs.
Sometimes, you might even be sent to two different stores in the same day (usually in the same area).
Some coworkers told me that during summer vacation, even though they wanted to work 40 hours a week, they only got 4–6 hours total because there were too many people.
Why I Switched to a Fixed Store
Later, I changed to the fixed store type. It’s more stable and easier to keep doing long-term.
Both systems have pros and cons, but I’m glad I started with the flexible one first — it helped me explore different stores and find the one that fit me best.
If You Face Unfair Treatment
One important reminder: if you ever experience bullying or discrimination at a part-time job, don’t just endure it.
We’re only part-timers — there’s no need to suffer. If Job A doesn’t work out, find Job B.
Remember: part-time jobs are not full-time positions, so don’t let anyone manipulate you.
Finding a full-time job may be hard, but for part-time work, there are always other options.
Donki’s Attitude Toward Foreign Workers
Overall, Donki is quite open and friendly to foreign workers.
Of course, there might still be some people who don’t like foreigners, depending on the store.
If you want to work somewhere that’s more welcoming, I recommend stores in central Tokyo — because there are many foreign tourists, your language skills can actually make you very valuable there!
Final Thoughts
Besides Rikunabi, there are many other job apps you can use.
Most schools also have part-time job postings on their bulletin boards.
The most important thing is to find a job you enjoy — it’s much easier to stick with it.
And if your goal is to improve your Japanese speaking skills, try to avoid jobs where you can’t communicate with locals.
Challenge yourself — that’s how you’ll grow.