A “freeter” is a term used in Japan to describe a person who is unemployed or underemployed, often working temporary or part-time jobs. The term is a combination of the English word “free” and the German word “arbeiter” (worker), and is used to describe young people who are not actively seeking full-time employment, but instead prefer the flexibility and freedom of temporary or part-time work. Freeters are often considered to be part of the “working poor” and may struggle with financial insecurity and lack of benefits associated with full-time employment.
