[Hidden Gems] A Collection of Songs About Part-Time Jobs: Music That Resonates with Working People
Did you know there are surprisingly many songs themed around part-time jobs? From student days and life as a freeter, to various happenings at work and workplace relationships—these songs turn our everyday lives into music with lyrics anyone can relate to and melodies that resonate with the heart.
This time, we’re introducing tracks packed with memories of part-time work and jobs, sung from a variety of perspectives.
You’re sure to find a song that overlaps with your own experiences!
- Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Unrequited Love Songs That Stay Close to Your Heart
- An encouraging work song for office workers
- [Motivation Injection] Songs to listen to on days when you don't want to go to work
- Vocaloid BGM for work: A collection of music that helps you focus on studying and working
- Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
- Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs.
- I Don’t Want to Work!! Songs to Listen to When You’re Fed Up with Your Job
- Classic songs about school clubs. Recommended popular tracks.
- A hidden gem known only to those in the know. A great J-pop/Japanese song.
- [Cheer Song] A hidden gem that stirs the soul. A rallying anthem known to those in the know.
- Hidden gem tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks
[Underrated Gems] A Collection of Songs About Part-Time Jobs: Music That Resonates With Working People (1–10)
Melancholy and part-time jobyangusukinii
Have you ever found yourself forcing a polite smile at your part-time job, only to feel your heart worn down by all the unfairness? The song by Young Skinny captures the futile, heavy feelings of those working days.
The repeating shifts, dealing with awful customers, and the suffocating act of pretending to be cheerful—this inescapable gloom pairs with vocalist Kayayu’s exquisitely bittersweet high tone to resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in October 2021 and later included on the mini-album “If I Have to Act, I’d Rather Just Be Myself,” this track gently reminds overworked hearts that you’re not alone.
You might find yourself nodding along to its painfully relatable depictions.
Bring back the shifts, the hourly wage, and while you’re at it, bring back love!!Yoshiki Risa & Hyadain
“An anime theme song?” “A silly novelty tune?” Many of you might get that impression, right? In reality, it’s a rousing anthem that powerfully sings about the bittersweet struggles of working part-time at a convenience store, set against an epic backdrop.
The everyday mishaps at the register and the grind of chasing shifts are transformed into sources of laughter and energy by Risa Yoshiki’s piercing high-tone vocals and Hyadain’s characteristically playful arrangement.
Even when everything feels unreasonable, the determination to keep looking forward will give you courage! Released in May 2013, it’s also included on Risa Yoshiki’s album Pentomino.
As the opening theme for the anime DD Fist of the North Star, it linked perfectly with the story’s parody of the original.
On days when you’re down from making mistakes at work, or when you’re about to break under unfairness, give it a listen—you might find your current worries feel small!
Part-time Leader NorikoJenīhai
What kind of everyday life comes to mind when you hear the phrase “part-time leader”? This work tells the story of Noriko, a woman who earned that position after three years on the job.
Even as she nurses her aching back, she delights in a slight raise in hourly pay and keeps chasing her grand dream of becoming a hypermedia creator—funny yet endearing, isn’t it? This track is included on Jenny High’s acclaimed 2021 album Jenny Star, released in September.
Give it a listen when you’re struggling at work or feeling a bit worn out by the gap between big dreams and reality.
You might find yourself chuckling at Noriko’s toughness, as the clouds in your heart begin to clear.
Hidden Gems: A Collection of Songs About Part-Time Jobs — Music That Resonates with Working People (11–20)
Don’t Work (feat. KOWICHI)DJ TY-KOH
It’s a song that, at first glance, sounds like a NEET’s anthem—wanting to go on dates and dress stylishly, but absolutely refusing to work a part-time job.
Yet within it lies deep philosophy, a monumental work in Japanese hip-hop.
It delivers a fervent antithesis and counterpunch to the spectacle of human beings being worn down.
Last day of my part-time jobsaruganseki
Back then, he released a part-time job song bursting with sweet-and-sour youth—something you’d never imagine from the Ariyoshi of today.
Its gentle, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics made it a popular choice at karaoke, especially among students.
It’s a tender song that vividly evokes scenes.
Yatta! Part-time leader.Jin-Machine
A popular song that comically portrays a modern social problem: no matter how much you work, the hourly wage is a mere pittance.
Reading the lyrics can make you feel sad, but it’s full of jokes that anyone who’s ever worked a part-time job can’t help but nod along to, making it an entertaining piece.
Tomokazu (Part-time Guy 40th Birthday Commemorative Song)gurūpu damashii
A song dedicated to Tomokazu, the stagehand for Group Tamashii.
While poking fun at the staffer nicknamed “Part-timer-kun,” it’s performed with affectionate banter and a pop arrangement—a feat made possible by the love between Sadao Abe and Kankuro Kudo.
Incidentally, Part-timer-kun got married, and a press conference was held even though hardly any media showed up.