Find Temporary & Contract Jobs with Hays

Exploring temporary and contract opportunities in Japan

Hays Japan has been providing recruitment and talent-related support in Japan for over 25 years.

From our three regional offices in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, we assist both global companies and major Japanese firms with their hiring needs in Japan.

Headquartered in the UK, with a global presence and proven track record, we continue to be a trusted partner in the industry.

In Japan, temporary and contract roles (such as Temporary Employee (Haken Shain) including Temp to Perm (Shokai-yotei Haken), Outsourcing Service (Juninin-Keiyaku), Self-Employed/Freelance (Kojin Jigyounushi), and IT service (Keiyaku Shain / Gyomu-itaku)) are on the rise, offering flexibility, variety, and the chance to build in-demand skills. Temporary and contract roles can be a powerful way to explore new industries, broaden your experience, and take control of your career.

At Hays, we support you every step of the way—from starting as a contractor to ongoing assistance after you begin your assignment.

With decades of experience in contractor recruitment and support across a wide range of fields, including IT/Technology/Consulting/Projects & Change/Transformation/Engineering, Human Resources, Accountancy & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Banking and Financial services, Life Sciences, Supply Chain, Office Professionals, and more, we connect you to numerous opportunities from our two offices in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama.

More professionals are embracing the flexibility and opportunity of temp and contract work. With Hays, you're supported every step of the way.

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Ready to Start Your Journey as a Contractor?

If you’re exploring the idea of working as a contractor, we’ve created our Contractor Toolkit to help you take the next step with confidence.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know—from the benefits of contracting and tips for crafting a strong CV, to expert advice from Hays consultants and real stories from professionals currently thriving in contractor roles.

Why Choose Contracting? Key Benefits for Your Career

One of the greatest advantages of contracting is flexibility. You have the flexible options — project, duration, work style, industry, and even company type—based on what suits your goals and lifestyle.

Contracting also allows you to leverage your skills and experience across different sectors, opening doors beyond traditional boundaries. Roles in IT and office support, for example, are in high demand across all sectors, offering opportunities for upskilling and career advancement opportunities.

By gaining experience in specific industries or company types, you can further expand your future career options.

▸ What You Need to Know Before You Begin

Starting a contractor role is an exciting opportunity, and being well-prepared helps you make the most of it. While every assignment is different, understanding a few key details in advance can give you confidence and set you up for success. Company culture and employment structures vary across industries and roles. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we recommend discussing these points with your Hays consultant before you start.

Checklist – Helpful things to Confirm:

- Initial Contract Period
- Working hours and flexibility
- Payment terms: monthly or hourly
- Whether overtime is included or paid
- Training and onboarding process
- How your performance will be assessed
- Whether social security and welfare are included
- Work-from-home or office-based position
- Reporting line
- Company and team culture
- Office dress code

Knowing these details upfront means fewer surprises and a smoother experience—so you can focus on doing your best work.

▸ Types of Contract Work in Japan

Hays Japan provides various employment types as well as industries and roles.

- Temporary Employee (Haken Shain), including Temp to Perm (Shokaiyotei-Haken)
- Outsourcing Service (Juninin Keiyaku)
- Self-Employed/Freelance (Kojin Jigyounushi)
- IT service (Keiyaku-Shain/ Gyomu-Itaku)

▸ Industries and Roles We Cover

- Industries:

Technology
Financial Services
E-commerce

Consulting/System Integration/SES
Retail

Automotive
Manufacturing
Fintech

- Roles we cover as below:

Emerging Technology

Products

Cyber Security

Infrastructure

Tech Consulting

Support & Others

HR

Banking

Supply Chain

Life Science

…and more.

▸ Your Step-by-Step Guide to Working with Hays

From job search to starting your assignment, here’s what the process looks like when you work with Hays:

1. Send us your latest CV and resume

2. Schedule an initial meeting with a Hays consultant

3. Your consultant will introduce suitable opportunities

4. Meet with the client

5. Sign your contract

6. Attend an orientation session

7. Begin your assignment

8. Regular catch-ups during your assignment

Contracting in Japan: Market Trends and Insights

Flexible work arrangements in Japan are expanding rapidly, with both dispatched workers and freelancers playing a key role in shaping the labor market. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s 2023 report, there are approximately 2.12 million dispatched workers and around 800,000 client companies utilizing dispatch services. The number of client companies has grown by about 15% since 2018, and average wages have risen by 6%, reflecting strong demand across industries of all sizes.

At the same time, the freelance population has surpassed 4 million, driven by professionals seeking autonomy and companies looking for specialized skills. Digital platforms and remote work adoption have accelerated this trend, making freelancing a mainstream option for project-based work.

Legal reforms have supported this shift. The Work Style Reform Act (2018) improved conditions for dispatched workers by reducing disparities with permanent employees and mandating training. Meanwhile, the Freelance Act (2024) introduced protections such as written contracts, timely payments, and anti-harassment measures, ensuring fair treatment for independent professionals.

Benefits for Companies:
•   Cost efficiency through project-based hiring
•   Access to niche expertise in IT, finance, and creative sectors
•   Flexibility to scale teams quickly

Benefits for Workers:
•   Greater work-life balance and remote work opportunities
•   Multiple income streams and career autonomy
•   Legal safeguards and clearer contracts

With strong demand and supportive regulations, both contracting and freelancing are set to play a central role in Japan’s evolving workforce, offering businesses agility and professionals more control over their careers.

Why Choose Hays to Support Your Move?

When you work with Hays, you’re supported by a team that understands your goals and provides expert guidance at every stage. From faster payments to personalised aftercare and exclusive benefits, we make contracting straightforward, rewarding, and professionally managed.

Faster Payments: For standard contractors, we process payments on the 10th of the following month—typically earlier than most competitors.
Generous Leave Policy: Hays provides 15 days of paid leave for all contractors, ensuring you have time to rest and recharge.
Exclusive Benefits: After six months of continuous service, you gain access to specialised discounts and perks.
Dedicated Aftercare: Our aftercare specialists monitor your contract and ensure timely renewals, giving you peace of mind throughout your assignment.
Professional Project Management: For Gyomu Itaku roles, we assign dedicated project managers who take the time to understand your role and support your success professionally.

Your Questions About Contracting, Answered

Q. How will I be assessed in the role?
A. This depends on the role itself but generally speaking your direct manager will typically be responsible for renewals, performance evaluation, and career progression.

Q. What skills can I build on or learn?
A. Doing a contract role gives you the opportunity to gain diverse experience and expand your skills in an industry that might have been difficult to enter otherwise.

Q. How often are new contracts available?
A. New contract opportunities are posted regularly across various industries. The frequency depends on market demand and your skill set, but in-demand roles—especially in IT and office support—are often available. Your consultant will keep you updated on suitable openings.

Q. Can I apply for full-time conversion?
A. In many cases, yes. Some clients offer the option to transition from a contract role to a permanent position based on performance and business needs. If this is something you’re interested in, let your consultant know so they can prioritize roles with conversion potential.

Q. Can I work from home?
A. It depends on the client and the nature of the role, but some assignments do allow remote or hybrid work. Your consultant will confirm the work arrangement before you start.

Q. Can I receive the same benefits?
A. While benefits may differ from permanent roles, Hays provides competitive advantages for contractors, including paid leave, timely payments, and access to exclusive discounts after six months of continuous service. Some clients may also offer additional perks—your consultant will advise you on these details.

Q. What is the difference between dispatch work, part-time, and Arubaito?
A. Dispatch work means you are employed by an agency like Hays and assigned to a client company for a specific period. Part-time roles typically involve working fewer hours directly for the employer, often with limited benefits. Arubaito refers to short-term or irregular work, often hourly paid, without guaranteed long-term stability. Dispatch roles generally provide more structure, consistent pay, and professional support compared to Arubaito.

Send your CV

Find Temporary & Contract Jobs with Hays

Exploring temporary and contract opportunities in Japan

Ready to Start Your Journey as a Contractor?