Job Introduction － Food and Beverage Manufacturing
This page provides information to help with career choices, such as job types in the food manufacturing industry, their annual income, current worker numbers, and job descriptions.
Index
- 1. What is the SSW in the Food Manufacturing Industry?
- 2. Job details
- 3. Required Exams and Qualifications
1. What is SSW in the Accommodation Industry?
1-1 Background
The food manufacturing industry is facing a severe labor shortage due to factors such as the declining birthrate, young people moving away from cars, and the diversification of career choices. As the average age of workers rises, it is becoming difficult to secure enough domestic talent. To address this issue, a system was started to accept foreign workers.
1-2 Population and Current Status
The Immigration Services Agency aggregates and publishes the number of people working under the SSW qualification every six months (previously every three months until 2022). According to the data, the population ratio by country or age is as follows.
As of the end of June 2024, there were 70,202 people working in the SSW food manufacturing industry. Most of the workers are from Asia, with Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar being the top countries of origin.
Although the SSW system began in 2019, the population of workers in the food manufacturing industry has grown approximately sevenfold in the past three years, and the number is expected to continue increasing.
source : 出入国在留管理庁（https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/zairyuarchive.html）
1-3 Differences Between Technical Internships and the SSW
There are two systems for accepting foreign workers: the Technical Intern Training Program and the SSW Program, but their purposes and characteristics are quite different.
The Technical Intern Training Program aims to equip young people from developing countries with Japanese technical skills, enabling them to contribute to their home countries' development after returning. The main purpose is skill acquisition, and it is positioned as training rather than labor. Therefore, job changes are not allowed, and the maximum duration is five years.
On the other hand, the SSW Program was established to supplement Japan's labor shortage. There are two types, SSW 1 and SSW 2, which accept foreign workers as immediate assets. Job changes are allowed, and in SSW 2, it is possible to bring family members and even apply for permanent residency. A test to prove skills and Japanese language ability is required, and workers with practical experience are preferred.
In addition, foreign workers who have completed the Technical Intern Training Program can transition to the SSW Program. Experience gained through technical training is recognized, and part of the SSW 1 test is exempted, making the transition relatively smooth. This allows foreign workers to continue working in Japan for a longer period after completing their internships, with opportunities for job changes and career advancement.
2. About Jobs and Duties in the Accommodation Industry
2-1 2-1 Job Description
The duties involved in the SSW food manufacturing industry include tasks such as:
- Handling raw materials, heating, sterilizing, molding, and drying, which are all part of the production process.
- Ensuring operational safety, machine maintenance, and worker hygiene, to uphold work and food safety standards.
2-2 Average Salary
2-2 Average Salary
The average monthly salary for workers in the "Food Manufacturing Industry" SSW is ¥223,566, comparable to the average across all fields, which is ¥231,979. This amount includes overtime and other allowances, and while it may vary depending on the region and company, overall, it is a stable source of income. Additionally, companies are required to provide social insurance and welfare benefits, including health care and pensions, for those working in Japan under the SSW, ensuring reliable support. Furthermore, the food manufacturing industry is a technical job, offering opportunities for pay raises as you gain experience. Working in the food manufacturing sector under SSW offers both skill development and a stable income, making it an attractive career choice.
3. Required Exams and Qualifications
To obtain the "Food Manufacturing Industry" SSW qualification, you must pass both a Japanese language test and a skill test.
3-1 Japanese Language Test
There are two types of Japanese language tests: the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic), and you must pass one of them.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) evaluates the Japanese language ability of non-native speakers. JLPT has five levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5), with N1 being the most difficult and N5 being the easiest. To meet the requirements of the SSW test, you must pass N4 or higher. N4 is the level that demonstrates the ability to understand basic Japanese, and it tests whether you can engage in everyday conversations and read simple texts.
- Time: Twice a year (July and December)
- Test Locations: Various countries and regions around the world
- How to Apply: Online or by mail
- Test Method: Mark sheet (on-site)
source : 日本語能力試験 JLPT（https://www.jlpt.jp/index.html）
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) has six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), with C2 being the most difficult and A1 being the easiest. To meet the requirements of the SSW test, you must pass A2 or higher. A2 is the level that demonstrates the ability to understand basic Japanese, and it tests whether you can engage in everyday conversations and read simple texts.
- Time: Anytime throughout the year
- Test Locations: Various countries and regions around the world
- How to Apply: Online reservation
- Test Method: CBT (Computer-Based Testing)
source : 国際交流基金日本語基礎テスト JFT-Basic（https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/）
This site summarizes detailed test structures, sample questions, test information, and strategies for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic).
3-2 3-2 Skill Evaluation Test
The Food Manufacturing SSW exam evaluates the basic knowledge and skills needed to work as a food manufacturing technician in Japan. The difficulty level is intermediate (equivalent to a Grade 3 Skills Test). The exam is conducted by the Japan Food Manufacturing Industry Promotion Association (JASPA) under the supervision of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. There are both written and practical tests, and those who pass can obtain the SSW qualification and work legally in Japan.
- Time: Anytime throughout the year
- Test Locations: Various countries and regions around the world
- How to Apply: Online reservation
- Test Method: CBT (Computer-Based Testing)
※For detailed test information, please check the Foreign Food Industry Evaluation Organization (OTAFF) website.
This site provides detailed strategies, such as test structure, sample questions, and test information for the SSW exam in the food manufacturing industry.