Nikkei newspaper student program in Japan — can I switch to self-funded if job is too hard?

Anyone switched from Nikkei newspaper program to self-funded student in Japan?

Hi everyone, I’m currently in Japan on a student visa (language school, classes haven’t started yet but I’m enrolled). I came through a Nikkei newspaper delivery sponsorship program where they cover tuition, and I work delivering newspapers.

I’m starting to get really concerned about my situation and would appreciate advice from anyone with experience.

Work conditions:

\- Contract says: around 2:00am–5:00/6:00am

\- Reality: workload keeps increasing each week (more newspapers added)

\- I now often finish around 8:00am, and sometimes get told to do extra rounds (空回り), which can push it to around 10:00am

\- Afternoon shift: around 2:30pm–5:00pm

\- Friday: extra work for Saturday deliveries (sometimes not recorded on time cards)

Because of this, my total working time feels very high, and I’m worried it may exceed the 28-hour weekly limit for student visas.

Main concerns:

\- Physical condition: I feel constantly exhausted and not recovering properly after sleep

\- The workload is increasing beyond what was originally explained

\- Some work (like extra Friday tasks) may not be recorded

\- I’m worried about unintentionally violating visa rules due to working hours

My situation:

\- My main goal in Japan is to study, not just work

\- My parents are able to financially support me if needed

\- I know someone who switched from this kind of program to self-funded, but had to repay tuition. he is doing fine(as it is written in the contract, also we have to deposit money, in case we didn't finish the contract (2 years))

also there's this person in the work, that would scold and also raise voice so much. once he invited me to the eat out, with other colleagues, and in the restaurant, he first started talking about work and then face to me and scold me in the restaurant and threaten me that I should just stop with this performance. Isn't this power harassment? also while working I even feel dizzy and light headed from the constant exhaustion, that I couldn't recover completely.

i said to the nikkei person about all these and all he said is he completely understand and I should keep trying and I'll get used to it(the same nationality as me). He said he's not sure and the school might send me back to the country, which I don't want to happen, but my parents can afford the school fee, but he said not sure just that

Questions:

1. Has anyone been in a similar Nikkei newspaper program and experienced increasing workload like this?

2. If you quit the job but continue school as a self-funded student, did immigration or your school have any issues with that?

3. How did repayment of tuition work in your case?

4. Is it normal for hours to go far beyond the original contract like this?

5. Any advice on how to handle this situation without risking my visa?

I’m not trying to avoid responsibility—I just want to make sure I can stay healthy and actually focus on studying.

Any experiences or guidance would really help. Thanks a lot 🙏