SSW Food Service

What is the Food Service Industry (SSW)?

An SSW field in providing food and beverages: restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, catering services, and other dining establishments. The sector supports Japan's tourism and economy, and as its need for workers grows, opportunities for foreign workers are wide open.

Advantages of Our Food Service Industry Program

• Work in Japan without a bachelor's degree.
• Japanese language and food service skills training to Japanese standards.
• Work insurance (subject to company terms).
• Dormitory or housing allowance (subject to company terms).
• The chance 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

• Ages 18–34 at registration. Applicants up to 38 are still accepted if the JLPT and SSW certificate requirements are already met.
• 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.

Our Service

We partner with trusted restaurants, cafes, and food service companies that are officially registered and recognized by the Japanese government, so job placements are handled legally and safely.

You go through document screening and an initial interview with Nakamura Study Japan. Once you pass, you move on to an interview with one of our partner companies in Japan. Successful candidates receive a job offer before beginning preparatory training.

Our training covers:

• Japanese language classes up to the JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4 level.
• Skills preparation for the official SSW Food Service Industry exam: customer service, food hygiene and sanitation, restaurant operations, food handling, and Japanese food industry service standards.

After you complete training and pass all required exams, we assist with job matching, visa applications, and pre-departure orientation. Once you arrive in Japan, our partner companies and local support network help you adapt to both your workplace and daily life.

Food Service Industry Program Timeline

• Language Preparation (9 months): Study Japanese until you pass JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4, while preparing for the Food Service Industry Skills Measurement Test.
• SSW Exam Preparation (1 month): Focused preparation for the Food Service Industry Skills Measurement Test (Gaishokugyo Ginou Sokutei Shiken).
• Document Preparation (1 month): Prepare your documents, CV, and interviews.
• Job Matching (2 months): Your CV goes to companies in Japan to be matched with available vacancies.
• Interview (2 months): After passing document screening, you interview directly with Japanese companies.
• Pre-Departure Preparation (1 month): Once accepted, your visa, flight tickets, and accommodation are completed before departure.

What is the Tokutei Ginou (SSW) Visa?

Tokutei Ginou, or Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), is a Japanese government program that addresses labor shortages across industries, including the food service industry. Foreign workers work legally with rights, wages, and benefits equal to those of Japanese workers. There are 2 types:

• SSW 1: for workers with basic skills; work in Japan for a maximum of 5 years, without bringing family.
• SSW 2: an advanced level for higher skills; the period of stay can be extended indefinitely as long as the requirements are met, you can bring a spouse and children, and you have better prospects of settling in Japan long-term.