SSW Elderly & Disability Care (Kaigo)

What is Elderly Care (Kaigo) (SSW)?

Elderly care (Kaigo) within Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program is a field of work focused on caring for and supporting elderly people across a range of healthcare facilities and nursing homes. The duties of a caregiver, or kaigo worker, include assisting the elderly with daily activities such as eating, bathing, moving around, and maintaining personal hygiene, as well as providing physical and emotional support so they can live comfortably and with dignity.

Japan has one of the largest elderly populations in the world. As a result, the demand for workers in elderly care continues to rise every year, opening up significant opportunities for foreign workers to build a professional career through the SSW program.

Advantages of Our Elderly Care (Kaigo) Program

• The opportunity to work legally in Japan through the SSW visa.
• Japanese language and caregiving skills training that meets Japanese standards.
• A clear career path in the field of elderly care.
• Insurance protection subject to company policy (subject to company policy)
• Dormitory or housing allowance available (subject to company policy)
• The opportunity to earn a bonus based on performance and company policy (subject to company policy)
• Salary starting from ¥176,000 (depending on placement and subject to company policy)

Requirements for the Elderly Care (Kaigo) Program

• Aged 22 to 32 years.
• Japanese language ability of at least JFT-Basic (A2) or JLPT N4.
• A pass in the Kaigo Skills Evaluation Test (Kaigo Ginou Hyouka Shiken).
• A pass in the Kaigo Japanese Language Evaluation Test (Kaigo Nihongo Hyouka Shiken) — Kaigo is the only SSW field that requires this extra language test on top of JFT-Basic or JLPT N4.
• An interest in and dedication to elderly care.
• Physically and mentally healthy.
• No criminal record.

Japan's elderly care industry plays a vital role in supporting the quality of life of its senior citizens. As the number of elderly people in Japan grows, the need for professional caregivers keeps increasing. This profession offers not only stable employment opportunities but also the chance to make a real contribution to the well-being of society.

The working environment in Japanese kaigo facilities is known for being professional, well-structured, and focused on quality of service. Workers receive continuous training as well as opportunities to develop their skills and gain work experience in the healthcare and caregiving field.

Our Service

At Nakamura Study Japan, we provide full support for individuals who wish to build a career as an elderly caregiver (kaigo) in Japan. We work with a range of elderly care facilities and healthcare institutions that are officially registered and recognized by the Japanese government, so that participants' job placements are guaranteed to be legal and safe.

Program participants will go through document screening and an initial interview with Nakamura Study Japan. Once they pass, participants will proceed to the next interview stage with our partner companies or elderly care facilities in Japan. Successful candidates will receive an official job offer and be supported throughout the process of preparing documents, arranging their visa, and departing for Japan.

Our training program includes:

• Japanese language training until participants reach the communication ability required in the workplace.
• Basic elderly care training that meets the standards of Japan's kaigo industry.
• Guidance on work culture, service ethics, and communication with the elderly.
• Preparation for job interviews and adapting to life in Japan.

Once the entire preparation process is complete, participants will be assisted with the departure process, document arrangements, and adjusting to their new workplace and environment in Japan.

Through Nakamura Study Japan, you can build a meaningful career in Japan's elderly care sector, gain international work experience, and develop professional skills that will be in high demand in the future. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way until your dream of working in Japan comes true.

Program Timeline

• Language Preparation (9 months): Study Japanese until passing JFT Basic A2 or JLPT N4 and prepare for the SSW Elderly Care (Kaigo) skill exam.
• SSW Exam Preparation (1 month): Study and prepare for both exams the Kaigo field requires: the Kaigo Skills Evaluation Test and the Kaigo Japanese Language Evaluation Test.
• Document Preparation (1 month): Prepare documents, your CV, and get ready for interviews.
• Job Matching (2 months): Submit your CV to companies in Japan to be matched with available vacancies.
• Interview (2 months): After passing document screening, participants will attend direct interviews 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?

The Tokutei Ginou or Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is a program opened by the Japanese government to address labor shortages across various industry sectors, including the elderly care (Kaigo) field. This visa allows foreign workers to work legally in Japan for up to five years with the same rights, wages, and benefits as Japanese workers. Through the SSW visa, foreign workers have the chance to gain international work experience, improve their Japanese language skills, and build a professional career in one of the most in-demand sectors in Japan today. 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 workers with higher skills, with a period of stay that can be extended indefinitely as long as the requirements are met, allows them to bring a spouse and children, and offers a better chance of settling in Japan long term.