Spot Work Market Report: Opportunities and Trends in Japan's Labor Market

Tuna Group's Spot Work Market Report

The Tuna Group Holdings, led by CEO Mitsuhiro Yoneda, and its research institute, the Tuna Work Style Research Institute, has been closely observing the evolving market for short-term and spot work in Japan. This report summarizes the findings from the Spot Work Market Data Report for September 2025, shedding light on current job market trends and wage levels in Japan.

Key Highlights

1. Spot Work Job Ratio: In September 2025, the ratio of spot work job postings increased to 3.50, up by 0.90 points from the previous month. This represents a continuous rise, with the ratio exceeding the previous year’s figure by 0.96 points for 16 consecutive months.
2. New Spot Work Listings: The number of new job postings for spot work stood at 70,526, which is a decline of 16.1% compared to the same month last year. This trend marks five consecutive months of decreased new job listings. Among the three primary job categories, transportation and driving roles saw a notable increase of 27.9% year-on-year, becoming the only category to rise.
3. Average Hourly Wage: The average wage for spot work in September 2025 is 1,312 yen, reflecting a slight increase of 6 yen from the previous month and an impressive rise of 136 yen compared to last year. In contrast, the average wage for regular part-time positions is reported at 1,272 yen, indicating that spot work pays 40 yen more on average.

Detailed Analysis

Job Ratio Interpretation

The job ratio in the spot work sector has steadily climbed, adhering to the seasonal trend where demand typically increases as the year progresses towards the winter months. This growth can be attributed to various factors including changes in labor demand and worker preferences. With the economy gradually stabilizing post-COVID-19, many companies are actively seeking flexible labor options, reflecting a shift in workforce dynamics.

Fluctuations in New Job Listings

The sharp decline in new job postings, down 16.1%, raises questions about the underlying causes. The drop is particularly notable considering the increased demand observed in transportation roles. Factors contributing to this trend may include economic uncertainties, shifting employer perceptions about hiring practices, and potential market saturation in certain job categories.

Earnings in the Gig Economy

The continued rise in hourly wages for spot work reinforces its attractiveness as an alternative employment option. Workers increasingly view gig roles as a viable means of maintaining and enhancing their income levels, especially against a backdrop of ongoing work reform and pandemic-induced changes in employment patterns. The comparative analysis with regular part-time wages paints a compelling narrative of the evolving labor market.

The Significance of Spot Work

Spot work has gained traction as a viable employment model. Defined as short-term, flexible jobs without a sustained employment relationship, this category includes gig work like food delivery and short-term contracts. Notably, the surge in spot workers during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the growing acceptance and necessity of this labor style.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the market for spot work is expected to expand further, driven by a combination of regulatory changes, technological advancements in job matching platforms, and a cultural shift towards flexibility in the workplace. The Tuna Work Style Research Institute will continue to monitor these trends closely, offering insights that can guide both policy-making and workforce strategies.

About Tuna Group Holdings

Established in 2015, the Tuna Work Style Research Institute underlies Tuna Group Holdings’ commitment to promoting innovative employment solutions. The organization aims to address Japan's labor issues, including the labor demand-supply gap projected for 2030, by providing diverse human resource solutions. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees and expertise in recruitment consulting and labor management, Tuna Group plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of work in Japan.

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