Path Opens for 'Dependent' Visa Holders to Work at Pachinko and Game Centers
Foreign nationals in Japan holding the "Dependent" (Kazoku Taizai) status of residence are expected to be allowed to work part-time in businesses regulated by the Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business (Fueiho), such as pachinko parlors and game centers. Previously, hiring foreign part-time workers in these industries was strictly prohibited, but new changes are anticipated to address labor shortages and ease regulations.
International Students Excluded; Only 'Dependent' Visa Holders Eligible
At a regular board meeting of the Tokyo Amusement Business Cooperative Association (Toyu-kyo) held on July 29, 2026, House of Councillors member Yoshio Kimura explained in detail the prospects for easing employment regulations on foreign part-time workers.
According to the announcement, the core of this regulatory easing is to allow only foreign nationals with a "Dependent" visa to work part-time at businesses regulated under the Fueiho, such as pachinko parlors, mahjong parlors, and game centers. Currently, both international students and dependent visa holders with permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence (shikakugai katsudo kyoka) are completely prohibited from working in these industries.
Notably, this relaxation is limited strictly to "Dependent" visa holders. "International students," who were initially considered strong candidates for the relaxation by the industry, are excluded from this measure and will continue to be banned from working in Fueiho-regulated establishments. According to Representative Kimura, the number of dependent visa holders expected to benefit from this measure is estimated to be around 150,000.
Individual Authorization System and 28-Hour Weekly Limit Maintained
This regulatory easing is not a blanket, comprehensive permission automatically granted to all dependent visa holders. To actually work at a pachinko parlor or similar establishment, the individual must personally apply to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and obtain "individual authorization" after undergoing screening.
Furthermore, working hours will remain limited to "within 28 hours per week," consistent with the existing standards for permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence. The specific detailed rules of the system are expected to be finalized by October and officially implemented.
Employers Also Required to Meet Proper Standards
Establishments wishing to hire foreign workers must also meet certain conditions. Pachinko parlors, game centers, and other businesses seeking to employ foreign part-time workers will likely need to prove they have a proper system in place to host foreign workers, such as submitting appropriate foreign employment notifications. This is interpreted as a measure to prevent illegal labor and maintain a healthy employment environment.
Impact on Foreign Families Residing in Japan
This measure could widen the choice of part-time jobs for foreign families living in Japan. Pachinko parlors and large game centers in Japan generally offer relatively high hourly wages and hire on a large scale. For dependent visa holders whose job-seeking activities were previously restricted by visa regulations, this opens up new opportunities for income-generating activities. However, since individual application procedures are required and international students are excluded, it is important to carefully check one's visa type and the application process.
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