What is japan freeter?

Japan has a unique phenomenon referred to as ‘freeter’. A freeter is a young person in Japan who does not hold a steady job and instead, works part-time jobs with low pay, no benefits or job security. They are often underemployed or unemployed and work various jobs just to make ends meet.

The term ‘freeter’ (フリーター) is derived from the English ‘freelance’ and ‘arbeiter’ which means ‘worker’ in German. The freeter lifestyle has become increasingly prevalent in Japan, particularly among young people who are looking for non-traditional ways to secure their livelihood.

The trend began in the 1980s when the Japanese economy was booming, and companies hired many young people for lifetime employment. However, after Japan's economic bubble burst in the early 1990s, many companies went bankrupt or downsized, and thousands of young people were left without a job.

Today, freeter jobs are often part-time, low paying, and without a clear career path. They often work in the service industry, retail, or as a temp worker. Many freeters feel that the traditional Japanese work culture of 12-hour workdays, six days a week, and a strong focus on seniority-based promotion is not for them.

This trend is causing concern in Japan as young freeters often struggle to save for the future, or to pay for necessities such as health insurance. Many freeters remain single because they cannot afford to get married or have children. Consequently, the trend has negative impacts on Japan's aging population and the economy.