• Provide attentive customer service to both international visitors and Japanese customers
• Maintain a well-presented, organised sales floor
• Opportunities for increased responsibility may be available over time, including supporting new staff and assisting with store operations

• Sell art and handmade crafts to both international (primarily English-speaking) and Japanese visitors. There are no sales targets or quotas
• Engage customers on the shop floor: respond to questions, learn about customers' interests, and recommend relevant items
• Operate the cash register
• Arrange and maintain product displays
• Build and apply product and artist knowledge by studying shop-provided materials on artists, products, and techniques. Explain this knowledge to customers during conversations, as appropriate
• Job duties may change within the scope of general store operations

¥225,000–¥294,000 per month

• Salary is determined based on skills and experience
• Overtime pay provided in accordance with Japanese labor law, when applicable

May be considered once a year, based on demonstrated performance, reliability, and skill development over time.

Twice per year (depending on company performance). In the first year, the amount may be prorated based on length of employment.

Employees who demonstrate strong performance and reliability may be considered for increased pay and responsibility over time.

Pay is determined primarily by:

1. English proficiency (required for assisting international customers, responding to inquiries, and providing product information on the sales floor)
2. Japanese proficiency (required for assisting customers, operating in-store systems, interacting with artists, delivery staff and local services)
3. Relevant experience and demonstrated skills
4. Reliability and ability to consistently cover peak operating hours

• Reports to: Shop owner / manager
• Level: Entry. Retail experience is helpful but not mandatory. No prior knowledge of Japanese art or craft is required. Training materials and guidance are provided
• Team: Small owner-led retail team (3–4 staff)
• Employment term: No fixed end date
• Trial period: This position includes a 3-month probationary period. This is a standard evaluation period for new hires to confirm fit and performance. All other terms and conditions of employment apply during this period
• Smoking policy: Smoking is prohibited inside the store and anywhere on the premises
• Parking: Free on-site parking available

• Typical shift hours: Between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm
• Hours: 40 hours per week (actual working hours, excluding breaks)
• Break time: 60 minutes

Notes:

• Start and end times may vary depending on operational needs
• Shifts include Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
• When work is performed on a statutory holiday or when working hours exceed 40 hours per week, compensatory time off or pay will be provided in accordance with Japanese labor law
• Shifts are scheduled in advance based primarily on business needs, with reasonable consideration of employee availability. Flexibility is provided where possible

• Annual days off: 110 days per year
• Statutory annual paid leave in accordance with Japanese labor law
• Maternity and childcare leave available for eligible employees in accordance with Japanese labor law

• Employment insurance and workers’ compensation
• Commuting allowance provided (according to company policy)
• Housing allowance available for eligible employees (according to company policy)
• Staff discount

• Professional / business casual clothing
• No shop-provided uniform

• Legally eligible to work in Japan (non-Japanese residents with valid permission to work are welcome)
• Near-fluent or fluent English is required. Highly proficient non-native speakers are welcome
• Ability to communicate confidently with customers in English
• Intermediate or higher Japanese speaking and reading ability
• Comfortable standing for extended periods during a shift
• Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 8 kg
• Ability to reliably attend scheduled shifts at a rural, car-dependent location with limited public transportation
• Applicants seeking long-term employment are preferred

• Demonstrated reliability over extended periods in previous roles
• Retail sales experience
• Experience proactively engaging customers and sharing product knowledge
• Applicants with a passion for art, handmade crafts, and interacting with domestic and international visitors are especially welcome

• Customer satisfaction with service and information provided on the sales floor
• Properly arranged and well-presented products on the sales floor
• Cleanliness and order of the shop and staff areas

• Does not manage staff
• Does not curate the shop’s collection
• Does not set business or creative strategy

Crafts of Japan is a retail shop in the foothills of Mt Fuji featuring art and handmade crafts by women artists from across Japan.

The collection includes both traditional and contemporary art and craft, including pottery, metalwork, woodwork, lacquerware, glass, textiles, leatherwork, paper art, felt, embroidery, calligraphy, and painting.

The store is surrounded by forested mountains and offers spectacular views of Mt Fuji. Most of our customers are international visitors traveling in Japan.

The shop is located in a rural area of Yamanashi Prefecture, near Mt Fuji. Compared with major cities, the area has a lower cost of living and offers easy access to nature, including lakes, forests, and hiking trails.

Daily life is quieter and more car-dependent than in urban centres, and public transport options are limited.