[Hidden Gems] A Collection of Songs About Part-Time Jobs: Music That Resonates with Working People

Bring back the shifts, the hourly wage, and while you’re at it, bring back love!!Yoshiki Risa & Hyadain

Risa Yoshiki & Hyadain / Shifts and Hourly Wages, and While We’re At It, Take Back Love!!

“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

Genie High 'Part-time Leader Noriko'

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.

A part-time job is waiting for you.Makihara Noriyuki

I tried singing Noriyuki Makihara’s “Your Part-Time Job Is Waiting for You”~♪

A classic by Noriyuki Makihara that has become established as the theme song for the Townwork commercial.

While Makihara is known for lyrics with depth and a hint of shadow, this track—tied up as a cheer song for part-time workers—turns out to be an irresistibly bright pop tune.

Don’t Work (feat. KOWICHI)DJ TY-KOH

DJ TY-KOH / I Don’t Work Part-Time feat. KOWICHI & YOUNG HASTLE Prod. by ZOT on the WAVE Official Video

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.

I quit my part-time job.Miyauchi

Miyauchi – Quit My Part-Time Job (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Miyauchi, expressing the resolve to say goodbye to a familiar part-time job life, driven by a passion for rap.

The joy of being able to make a living through music and the exhilaration of stepping onto the stage are conveyed directly in down-to-earth words.

The track is included on the mixtape “The Mixtape 2,” slated for release in January 2025.

The anecdote about rewriting the lyrics multiple times also conveys the dedication poured into this work.

It vividly captures the hopeful feeling of taking a new step toward a dream, and by the end, it’s sure to give you the courage to believe in your future and take on new challenges.

Part-time jobresu

Part-time job

Days spent working while chased by rent and utilities, carrying a vague anxiety about the future.

This moving track sung by Resu turns that frustrating reality into song.

Over a conversational rap and alternative sound, it lays bare the lethargy toward work and the inner cry of “What do I want to become?”—so honestly that it hurts in the most relatable way.

Resu handled the lyrics and most of the production herself, and the song was released in January 2025.

As with works like “Ai Sashite,” where she sharply captures subtle shades of emotion, her signature realism hits home here.

Listening to this track, when you’re worn out by daily work and feel your dreams slipping away, you’ll feel a gentle push reminding you: you’re not alone.

Hourly Wage Up-Up SongYuuyami ni izanai shi shikkoku no tenshi-tachi

Jet-Black Angels Lured by the Twilight: 'Wage Raise Raise Song' Music Video [dip Baitoru tie-in song]

This is a song by Yuuyami ni Izayoi Shi Shikkoku no Tenshi-tachi, originally created as a campaign song for the job listing service “Baitoru.” It feels like those casual chats with coworkers—like, “If my hourly wage goes up, I could buy that!”—have been turned straight into music, and the humor-filled worldview is irresistible.

Channeling the honest hopes shared by everyone who works into a loud but somehow pop-tinged sound, this track grabs listeners by the heart.

First included on the mini-album “Shichiseikatsu” released in July 2022, it was later re-recorded for the best-of album “10th Anniversary: Yuuyami ni Izayoi Shi Shikkoku no Tenshi-tachi,” making it one of their signature songs.

Listen to it on your way home after a tiring shift, and you might just feel the energy to take on tomorrow!