A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress 2009
In *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress* (2009), director Hiroki Iwabuchi paints a raw, unflinching portrait of Japan's gig economy through his own eyes.
Director: Hiroki Iwabuchi
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress* (2009) about?
*A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress* follows Hiroki Iwabuchi, a young filmmaker working menial factory jobs by day and odd gigs by night in Tokyo. After joining a protest for part-timer rights, he's thrust into the national conversation about economic inequality, forcing him to confront the gap between his chosen lifestyle and societal expectations.
Who directed *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress*?
The film was directed by Hiroki Iwabuchi himself, who also stars in the documentary.
Who stars in *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress*?
The documentary stars Hiroki Iwabuchi, who both directs and documents his own experiences as a permanent part-timer.
Is *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress* (2009) worth watching?
As a 69-minute documentary, it offers a compelling, low-budget snapshot of Japan's labor struggles. While unrated on IMDb, its intimate portrayal and social themes make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in economic documentaries or Japanese cinema.
How long is *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress*?
The film has a runtime of 69 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress (2009) — A raw look at Japan's gig economy through a filmmaker's lens
In *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress* (2009), director Hiroki Iwabuchi paints a raw, unflinching portrait of Japan's gig economy through his own eyes. At just 23, Iwabuchi works grueling shifts as a permanent part-timer in a factory for a mere 1,250 yen an hour, while on weekends doubling down with temporary jobs across Tokyo—a city that both fascinates and exhausts him. When he joins a protest advocating for better rights for part-timers, he's thrust into the media spotlight as a symbol of Japan's economic precarity, branded as a struggling temporary worker despite his deliberate lifestyle choices. The film captures his daily grind with stark realism, framing his existence as a slow suffocation beneath the surface of urban life.
Through Iwabuchi's lens, the documentary immerses viewers in the psychological toll of Japan's labor system, where economic instability seeps into every aspect of life. His candid reflections—like the haunting metaphor of drowning in shallow water—reveal the quiet despair of those trapped in the shadows of the economy. Shot on a shoestring budget, *A Permanent Part-Timer in Distress* blends intimate documentary style with a biting social commentary, offering a rare glimpse into the lived experience of Japan's working poor.