Join Our Team

Join the opening team of a new retail shop scheduled to open in April 2026.

Our shop is a gallery-like retail space where customers can discover art and handmade craft from across Japan.

If you would like to apply, please click the Apply Now button below and complete the application form. We look forward to receiving your application.

Note: The part-time position description will be added soon.


Sales Associate (Full Time)

Job title Sales Associate (Full Time)
Company Crafts of Japan
Workplace 2655 Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken 〒401-0332
Start date Flexible, from April 1, 2026 onward
Responsibilities /
Role overview
  • Provide attentive, consultative service to both international tourists and Japanese visitors
  • Maintain a well-presented, organised sales floor
  • This role offers opportunities for increased responsibility over time, including mentoring and supporting new staff and contributing to shop operations
Daily duties
  • Sell handmade art and craft pieces 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, listen to interests, and recommend relevant items
  • Cash register duties
  • Display products
  • 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
Compensation

¥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
Raises

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

Bonus

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

Progression

There may be a path to increased pay and responsibility over time for a person who performs well and whose availability aligns with business needs.

Factors considered in determining salary

Pay is determined primarily by:

  1. English language ability (required for assisting international customers, responding to inquiries, and providing product information on the sales floor)
  2. Japanese language ability (required for assisting customers, operating in-store systems, interacting with artists, delivery staff and local services)
  3. Relevant experience and demonstrated skill
  4. Reliability and ability to consistently cover peak operating hours
Basic details
  • 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 context: Owner-led small retail team (3–4 staff)
  • Employment term: Open-ended (no fixed end date)
  • Trial period: The role includes a trial period of 3 months, 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
Trial Period
  • The role includes a trial period of 3 months, a standard evaluation period for new hires, to confirm fit and performance
  • All other terms and conditions of employment apply during this period
Hours and schedule
  • Shift timing: Typically between 8:30 am ~ 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
Holidays and Leave
  • 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
Benefits
  • Social insurance (health insurance, pension, employment insurance, and workers’ compensation) in accordance with Japanese law
  • Commuting allowance provided (according to company policy)
  • Housing allowance available for eligible employees (according to company policy)
  • Staff discount
Dress code
  • Professional / business casual clothing
  • No shop-provided uniform
Requirements
  • Legally eligible to work in Japan (non-Japanese residents with valid permission to work are welcome)
  • Near-fluent or better English, required for all shifts. Highly proficient non-native speakers are welcome
  • Ability to communicate confidently with customers in English
  • Intermediate or better Japanese conversational 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
  • Ability to commit to long-term employment is preferred
Desirable qualities (useful but not required)
  • Demonstrated reliability over extended periods in previous roles
  • Retail sales experience
  • Experience with active, knowledge-based customer engagement in a retail environment
  • Applicants with a passion for art, handmade crafts, and interacting with domestic and international visitors are especially welcome
Outcomes the role is accountable for
  • 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
What the role is not
  • Does not manage staff
  • Does not curate the shop’s collection
  • Does not set business or creative strategy
About Crafts of Japan

Crafts of Japan is a new retail shop opening in Spring 2026 in the foothills of Mt Fuji.

The shop features a curated collection of art and handmade crafts by women artists from across Japan.

The collection includes both traditional and contemporary work, spanning disciplines such as pottery, metalsmithing, woodwork, lacquerware, glass, textiles, dyeing and weaving, leather, paper art, felt, embroidery, calligraphy, and painting.

To the owner’s knowledge, Crafts of Japan is the first physical retail shop dedicated entirely to presenting and selling work by women artists from around Japan.

The 30-tsubo (approximately 100 m2) shop primarily serves international travellers. It is surrounded by forested mountains and offers spectacular views of Mt Fuji.

Location context

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.

How to Apply

Apply by clicking the Apply Now button.

Interviews are planned to be conducted in person at the shop. Applicants who live far away may interview via video call.