Matchmaking services for short-term workers are growing in Japan, in tandem with a rise in the number of people looking for “gig work” to fill their free time.
Mercari is best known for its flea market app. It entered the job search business this month. Customers can use an app to quickly find work that lasts as little as one hour. There is no need for interviews or preparing resumes.
Another provider, Timee, started posting part-time positions last month with an option for applicants to become permanent hires down the road.
Sharefull has launched an app that notifies users of permanent positions based on their past experience and performance.
Yano Research Institute believes the market for such services in Japan is set to grow sharply. It sees 27-percent growth for this fiscal year from the previous period to become worth more than 82 billion yen, or 560 million dollars.
◆in tandem with ～と並行して、～と協力して、～と同時に
◆gig work 単発の（短時間の）仕事、ギグワーク
◆down the road 将来いつか、ゆくゆくは
◆ be set to （間違いなく）～しそうである、～することになっている