LeafCup has been bringing language speakers and learners together since 2006. We run online lessons, small intensive courses, and casual events — and we're always looking for international friends to join the team.
Now hiring: online language teachers (worldwide), intensive-course teachers & event members
Online lessons launch July 2026 — online teacher applications are open now. Even if timing doesn't match, drop us a line!
Small teams. Flexible schedules. We work around your availability and strengths — not the other way around.
TEACHER · NEW
Online Language Teacher (Based in Japan)
Teach English and other languages online through LeafCup's new online lessons — from anywhere in Japan, on your own schedule. Private lessons, free talks, and small group sessions over Google Meet. Currently open to teachers living in Japan (payouts are sent to a Japanese bank account). Launching July 2026 — applications open now.
Type
Independent contractor (業務委託)
Frequency
Flexible (from 1×/week)
Pay
You set your rate · keep 80%
Location
Online · residents of Japan
TEACHER
English Teacher (4-Day Intensive)
Lead our 4-day intensive courses (Golden Week & New Year holidays) here in Tokyo. We welcome native speakers, near-native speakers, and experienced English instructors.
Type
Independent contractor (業務委託)
Frequency
Seasonal (Golden Week / New Year)
Pay
Per-lesson rate (based on experience)
Location
Tokyo (in-person)
MEMBER
International Member (Event Participant)
Join our events and enjoy conversations in English with Japanese learners. Perfect for English speakers living in Tokyo who want to meet people, share culture, and have fun.
Type
Independent contractor (業務委託)
Frequency
Per event (1–2 events/month)
Pay
¥5,000 – ¥10,000 + meals
Location
Various spots in Tokyo
our culture
What LeafCup Feels Like
We're not a big language school. We're a small, slow, community-driven crew — and our work style reflects that.
🍵
Slow & sustainable
No quotas, no exhausting shifts. We value long-term over short-term burn. Many of our team work LeafCup as a side gig alongside their main jobs.
🌿
People over rules
We don't follow rigid manuals. If you can read the room and respond to the person in front of you, you'll fit in. Connecting > teaching.
☕
Friends, not boss & employee
Flat relationships, casual conversations. 20 years in, we've learned: the best teams are made of people who actually like each other.
how to apply
How It Works
1
Apply
Send a quick intro through the form. Mention the role you're curious about.
2
Google Meet
If your background fits, we'll invite you to a short 10-minute video call. (Not everyone receives one.)
3
Try it out
Join one event or sit in on a lesson to see if the vibe works for you.
4
Get started
Mutual yes? You're in. Terms are flexible — we'll figure it out together.
faq
Frequently Asked
No. For most events and lessons, everything happens in English. A little Japanese helps for navigating Tokyo, but it's not required to work with us.
Yes — most of our team does exactly that. We schedule around your main work; evenings and weekends are totally fine.
For event hosting and international member roles, no. For teaching roles, some experience helps, but we're flexible — we care more about your communication style than credentials.
Any visa that allows you to work in Japan (work visa, spouse visa, working holiday, etc.). We pay per-event or per-lesson, so this is freelance-style work, not full-time employment. Our online teaching roles are currently open to teachers living in Japan, since payouts are sent to a Japanese bank account. We hope to welcome teachers overseas as we grow.
All positions are independent contractor (業務委託) style. We pay you the agreed amount in full — we do not withhold any taxes. You are responsible for filing your own taxes (確定申告) in Japan based on the income you receive.
For online teaching, yes. Payouts are sent to a Japanese bank account, so you'll need to be living in Japan with a local account. We plan to support teachers overseas in the future.
It's short — about 10 minutes. We'll say hi, ask what brings you to LeafCup, and answer your questions. No tests, no formal interview.
If we'd like to move forward, we'll reach out within a few days. From the Google Meet to getting started is usually about a week. Please note that we may not be able to respond to every application, so if you don't hear back within a week or so, we likely don't have a current fit.
apply
Send Your Application
Fill in the form below. We review every application carefully, and if your background fits, we'll reach out within a few days to set up a short Google Meet chat. Please note we may not be able to respond to everyone.
Note: online teaching roles are currently open to applicants living in Japan (payouts are sent to a Japanese bank account). We plan to expand worldwide as we grow.
✓ Thank you! Your application has been received successfully.
We review each application personally. If we'd like to move forward, we'll reach out via email within a few days to set up a short Google Meet chat. Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to everyone — please don't take it personally if you don't hear back.
✗ Something went wrong. Please try again, or email us directly at [email protected].
Let's say hello on Google Meet.
Not sure which role fits? Want to hear more before applying? Send your application anyway — all our chats happen online, so you can join from wherever you are.