#Japan #Tokyo #LINE Research #Side Jobs

The Rise of Side Jobs in Japan: Insights from LINE Research

A recent survey conducted by LINE Yahoo, utilizing its extensive research panel of over 7 million active users, has shed light on the growing trend of side jobs in Japan. This survey, aimed at individuals aged 18 to 69 across the nation, sought to explore the prevailing attitudes towards side jobs and multiple employment. Here are the key findings and insights from the research.

Current Engagement in Side Jobs

Approximately 10% of respondents indicated they are currently engaged in a side job or secondary employment. Interestingly, the data also revealed that around 40% of those not currently involved in such work expressed a desire to pursue it in the future. In contrast, about 35% stated that they are not interested in participating in side jobs.

When breaking down the statistics by age group, the percentage of individuals currently working in side jobs remained relatively consistent across 20s to 60s, hovering around 10%. However, the desire to pursue side jobs was notably higher among individuals in their teens to 40s, reaching close to 50%. Conversely, among those aged 60 and above, nearly 50% expressed disinterest in side jobs.

It is essential to highlight that among individuals in their 30s and 40s, women demonstrated a higher inclination towards exploring side job opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

Reasons for Pursuing Side Jobs

When asked about their motivations for wanting to engage in side jobs, a resounding 80% of respondents cited a desire to increase their income. This was overwhelmingly the most common reason among all age groups. The second most prevalent reason, chosen by about 30% of respondents, was the need to prepare for retirement or post-retirement stability.

Among younger participants, particularly those in their teens to 30s, there was a notable emphasis on wanting to pursue personal interests; over 20% of these respondents cited this as a significant motivator. Additionally, many teens expressed a desire to broaden their knowledge and perspectives.

In contrast, for individuals aged 50 and above, the emphasis shifted slightly to the importance of preparing for their post-retirement life, with about 40% expressing this concern. Notably, approximately 30% of respondents in their 60s also indicated having available time to commit to side jobs, which contributed to their interest.

Furthermore, the survey highlighted trends among young respondents, such as teenage males showing a strong interest in acquiring new skills, and teenage females expressing a desire to explore new opportunities.

Among women in their 30s, the desire to pursue their passions and to have a safety net in case their primary job does not pan out were prominent reasons for considering side jobs.

Survey Details

This survey was conducted among LINE users through a smartphone web platform, targeting individuals across Japan aged between 18 and 69. The survey was carried out from May 7 to May 9, 2025, and garnered responses from a total of 5,032 individuals. The demographic composition of respondents was adjusted to reflect the national proportions of age and gender.

Conclusion

The findings from this survey underline a significant shift in the workforce landscape in Japan, particularly among younger generations. The increasing interest in side jobs emphasizes both a need for financial security and a desire for personal fulfillment. As economic pressures continue to influence labor market dynamics, understanding these trends will be crucial for businesses and policymakers alike.

For a more detailed exploration of the findings and methodologies, visit LINE Research's official announcement and resources.