SSW Food Service

What is the Food Service Industry (SSW)?

The food service industry within Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program covers work related to providing food and beverages, including working in restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, catering services, and various other dining establishments. This sector plays an important role in supporting Japan's tourism industry and economy. As the need for workers in food service grows, Japan is opening wide opportunities for foreign workers to build professional careers in this industry.

Advantages of Our Food Service Industry Program

• Work directly in Japan without needing a bachelor's degree.
• Receive Japanese language and food service skills training to Japanese standards.
• Work insurance coverage provided (subject to company terms)
• Dormitory or housing allowance available (subject to company terms)
• Opportunity to earn an annual bonus based on performance and company policy (subject to company terms)
• Salary starting from ¥176,000 (depending on placement and subject to company terms)

Requirements for the Food Service Industry Program

• Aged 18 to 32 years.
• At least a high school (SMA/SMK) graduate or equivalent.
• Japanese language ability of at least JFT-Basic (A2) or JLPT N4.
• A pass in the Food Service Industry Skills Measurement Test (Gaishokugyo Ginou Sokutei Shiken) — the food-service exam, which is a different test from the one for the food manufacturing sector.
• Physically and mentally healthy (no infectious diseases or serious health conditions).
• No criminal record.

The food service industry in Japan plays an important role in supporting the country's economy, particularly in the tourism and lifestyle sectors. Many Japanese restaurants, cafes, and food companies are experiencing a shortage of local workers, creating great opportunities for foreign workers to build careers in this field.

The work environment in Japan's food service sector is known for being professional, disciplined, and oriented toward service quality. Workers gain valuable experience in customer service, restaurant operations management, food hygiene standards, and the Japanese work culture that is renowned around the world.

Our Service

At Nakamura Study Japan, we provide full support for individuals who wish to build a career in Japan's food service industry. We partner with trusted restaurants, cafes, and food service companies that are officially registered and recognized by the Japanese government, ensuring that every participant's work placement is always legal and safe.

Participants in the food service industry program will undergo document screening and an initial interview with Nakamura Study Japan. Once they pass, they will proceed to the next interview stage with one of our partner companies in Japan. Successful candidates will receive a job offer before beginning their preparatory training.

Our training program equips participants with the Japanese language and food service skills they need. The program includes:

• Japanese language classes up to the JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4 level.
• Food service work skills preparation to pass the official SSW exam in the Food Service Industry field, including customer service, food hygiene and sanitation, restaurant operations, food handling, and Japanese food industry service standards.

After completing the training and passing all required exams, participants will prepare for departure. We assist with the job matching process, visa applications, and pre-departure orientation.

Upon arrival in Japan, our partner companies and local support network will guide and help participants adapt well to their workplace and daily life in Japan.

Through Nakamura Study Japan, you can build a meaningful career in Japan, gain international experience, and bring back valuable food service skills for your community in the future. We are committed to accompanying you step by step until your dream of working in Japan's food service industry becomes a reality.

Food Service Industry Program Timeline

• Language Preparation (9 months): Study Japanese until passing JFT Basic A2 or JLPT N4 and prepare for the Food Service Industry Skills Measurement Test.
• SSW Exam Preparation (1 month): Study and prepare for the Food Service Industry Skills Measurement Test (Gaishokugyo Ginou Sokutei Shiken).
• Document Preparation (1 month): Prepare documents, CV, and interview preparation.
• Job Matching (2 months): Submit your CV to companies in Japan to be matched with available vacancies.
• Interview (2 months): After passing the document screening, participants will attend a direct interview with Japanese companies.
• Pre-Departure Preparation (1 month): After being accepted for work, visa processing, flight tickets, and accommodation will be completed before departure.

What is the Tokutei Ginou (SSW) Visa?

Due to the shortage of local workers in various sectors, including the food service industry, the Japanese government has opened opportunities for foreign workers through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) or Tokutei Ginou visa program. This visa allows international workers to work legally in Japan for up to five years, with the same rights, salary, and benefits as Japanese workers. This program gives foreign workers the chance to gain international work experience while building a professional career in Japan. There are 2 types of SSW visa: SSW 1 is a work visa for foreign workers with basic skills that allows them to work in Japan for a maximum of 5 years, but they cannot yet bring their family. SSW 2 is an advanced level for those with higher skills, with a period of stay that can be extended indefinitely as long as the requirements are met, the ability to bring a spouse and children, and better prospects for long-term settlement in Japan.