Unlocking Opportunities: Are Internships in Japan Paid? Everything You Need to Know!

If you’ve been considering gaining some international experience and Japan has caught your interest, you’re not the only one, and for good reason! The country offers a very unique mix of modern developments and ancient customs, along with a worldwide reputation that can give your resume a real boost, making it a compelling place to launch your professional career.

But as you begin to explore the different options, one question may arise early on: Are internships in Japan paid? And it's a valid question, especially if you’re thinking about moving abroad and need to budget for it. The answer, though, isn’t entirely straightforward as a yes or no. An internship in Japan comes in many forms, with differences in how long they last, what they involve, and whether or not they include any form of payment.

In this post, we’ll walk through the basics of what you can expect from interning in Japan, and we’ll take a look at the different types of internships available, how compensation is typically handled, and why you might still want to consider unpaid opportunities. No matter if you’re a student, a recent graduate, or someone looking to grow your career in a global context, this will give you a clearer picture of what your options are and how to make a choice that best fits your goals.

‍

Understanding Internships in Japan

Japanese internships can vary quite a bit depending on who’s offering them and what they’re meant to achieve. While the idea of interning internationally is gaining popularity, there isn’t one standard format that companies follow.

Broadly speaking, a Japanese internship can be categorized by their length and structure.

• ‍Short-term internships typically run from a few weeks up to three months. They’re designed to give you a quick peek at a specific industry or role and are especially popular among students and recent graduates looking to gain experience to make their resume more competitive.‍
• Long-term internships, on the other hand, can go up to a year. These are much more immersive, giving interns the chance to work on company projects, build professional relationships, and experiment more within the company.

The nature of the company plays a big role too. Internships at multinational companies usually follow a clear structure, with dedicated training, well-defined objectives, and exposure to global work practices. By contrast, working with a Japanese startup or local company may offer a more adaptable and practical experience, and since it often involves smaller teams, you can get the chance to try out different tasks and responsibilities, sometimes even outside your field, making them a great option to help you build your skills suitcase.

In Japan, internships are often treated more as learning experiences or trial runs rather than formal employment. Companies use them to introduce prospective employees to their working environment, evaluate future hires, or simply provide short-term learning opportunities. For international interns, this can be a great way to learn and understand how Japanese workplaces function, and how they differentiate from their Western counterparts.

‍

Types of Internships Available in Japan

Internships come in different forms, and while they all aim to provide professional experience, the structure and purpose behind each can vary.

Corporate Internships

These are the most common and are available at both Japanese and global companies like Toyota or Sony. Some last just a few weeks and focus on observation or training, while others last longer and serve as a step toward full-time employment. What you get out of the experience often depends on the company’s size and international reach.

Academic Internships

Often arranged through universities, these internships are connected to your field of study. They’re usually unpaid and sometimes required to earn course credits. Academic internships can take place at research institutions, partner companies, or even government-related organizations.

Language School–Affiliated Internships

Some Japanese language schools offer internship placements as part of their cultural immersion programs. These typically involve working part-time, which lets students continue their language studies while also gaining some work experience.

Government-Sponsored Programs

Programs like JET or METI’s internship initiative offer more formal placements aimed at foreign interns. These tend to be more formal and very selective but can be a great impulse into longer-term work opportunities.

Internship Placement Programs

Run by third-party providers, these programs connect interns with Japanese companies and often offer extra support such as help with housing, cultural orientation, and language classes. While these internships usually don’t include pay, the added support makes them attractive for students or new graduates wanting to experience life in Japan.

Each of these options has its own advantages, timelines, and focus areas, so it’s worth taking the time to choose the one that best suits what you hope to learn and achieve during your internship in Japan.

‍

Are Internships in Japan Paid or Unpaid?

So, now that we’ve tackled the basic information, we can move on to the question that might come up when looking for a Japanese internship: “Will I get paid?” And the answer is… it depends. But a big part of the internships that can be found tend to be unpaid.

For example, METI’s official internship program provides a daily allowance of around 3,000 yen (approximately $21) rather than a formal salary, mainly to cover daily expenses or meal costs rather than full compensation. Similarly, major companies like Hitachi offer internships without direct compensation but provide small daily stipends (e.g., 1,000 yen per day) for expenses such as lunch or utilities; this tends to be common practice for unpaid Japanese internships.

This is because, in Japan, internships are generally viewed more as educational opportunities than part-time jobs. The main focus is on learning from professionals, gaining experience directly from the industry, and contributing to the team, rather than earning a salary. That said, many companies still try to offset some of the intern’s costs by offering transportation allowances, meal support, or help with housing.

That’s not to say that paid internships don’t exist, they do, especially in sectors like finance, tech, or international business. For example, the average gross salary for a software engineering intern in Japan is approximately ¥4,444,356 (about $30,660) per year, with an hourly rate of about ¥2,137 (roughly $15), according to SalaryExpert’s 2025 data.

‍

What the Law Says: Can Internships Be Unpaid in Japan?

Because there’s no single law that clearly defines what qualifies as an internship in Japan, the rules and expectations can vary depending on how each program is set up.

Under the law, internships can fall into two main types: employment-type and experience-based. If the work an intern is doing directly supports the company, particularly if it's similar to what regular employees do, it may be treated as a form of employment. In these cases, the intern is legally entitled to protections under Japanese labor law, like receiving at least the minimum wage, following regulated working hours, and being covered by social insurance as outlined in the Labor Standards Act and related laws.

On the other hand, many internships, especially those offered through schools or designed for short learning periods, are considered experience-based. These are structured primarily as educational opportunities rather than employment. Companies are not legally required to pay wages for these internships, and formal labor protections such as minimum wage and social insurance do not apply. That said, general business ethics and program guidelines, such as those from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), emphasize that companies should provide a safe and respectful environment and avoid any form of exploitation.

For international interns, visa requirements differ based on whether the internship is paid or unpaid. For unpaid internships, especially short-term ones or those undertaken by students already in Japan, a special work visa is often not required. Interns may participate under a Cultural Activities visa, Temporary Visitor visa (for stays less than 90 days), or their existing student visa without needing additional permission. But foreign interns receiving payment require a Designated Activities visa sponsored by the host company, that allows them to work legally in Japan; on the downside the application process can be lengthy, often taking several months to complete.

‍‍

Why So Many Internships in Japan Are Unpaid?

As mentioned earlier, many of the internship’s opportunities in Japan are unpaid, with the emphasis placed more on professional growth and cultural experience than on earning money. These kinds of opportunities allow interns to build strong international connections, get a first-hand look at how business is done in Japan, and strengthen or develop skills useful for future opportunities.

For a lot of interns, these internships are seen as an investment in their career path, rather than a way to make money in the short term. Government-backed programs often help ease the financial pressure by covering housing, offering travel support, or providing small stipends, but at the end, the main goal remains on education and long-term development. This is part of the reason why unpaid internships are still common, especially for students and recent grads seeking to enter competitive industries in Japan.

‍

Long-Term Payoff: Why Unpaid Internships Still Open Doors

Although working without a salary might seem discouraging at first, an unpaid professional experience in Japan can bring significant long-term advantages, particularly for those just starting their careers. These experiences often act as gateways to the professional world, offering a chance to learn things that go beyond what’s taught in class, grow your network, and gain the confidence needed to succeed in an international work setting.

In many cases, the value of the internship lies not in the immediate reward but in what comes after. A strong performance can lead to valuable letters of recommendation or job offers. And even when a position isn’t offered by the host company, the fact that you’ve worked in a Japanese business environment can help your resume stand out, especially to employers who value cultural awareness and flexibility.

Unpaid internships can also give you access to sectors or roles that are otherwise difficult to enter without prior experience. By getting a first look at how Japanese companies operate or contributing to a meaningful project, the knowledge and exposure gained can help guide your career choices and set you apart from other candidates.

Ultimately, while an unpaid internship might not support you financially in the short term, it can open doors to professional opportunities you wouldn’t have reached otherwise. It’s an investment in your future and in many cases, one that pays off.

‍

So, Is an Unpaid Internship in Japan Worth It?

‍

While the lack of a paycheck might seem like a disadvantage, many people discover that the long-term rewards of interning in Japan far exceed the immediate financial sacrifice. Beyond enhancing your resume, you’ll gain direct experience in a distinctive work culture, form professional relationships, and grow your confidence. For a lot of people, it’s the starting point of a global career and sometimes even leads to full-time roles in Japan.

If you’re aiming for personal and professional growth and can appreciate that not all value comes in the form of money, an unpaid internship in Japan may turn out to be a very worthwhile journey. Just make sure to weigh the opportunity against your goals, budget, and expectations.

Whether paid or unpaid, the right opportunity can lead to valuable professional outcomes down the line and open doors that you might not even know were there. In the end, it’s about the endless possibilities that such an experience can bring.

‍

----

‍

✈️ If you are someone who sees all the potential benefits and wants to find out more about how you can do an internship in Japan, head over to our website! Or, even better, if you’re ready to take the leap, apply now or contact us to start the journey that could launch your career in Japan!