Job Introduction － Food Service
This page provides information useful for job selection, such as types of jobs in the restaurant industry, their annual income, current number of workers, and job descriptions.
Index
- 1. What is SSW in the Restaurant Industry?
- 2. Job details
- 3. Required Exams and Qualifications
1. What is SSW in the Accommodation Industry?
1-1 Background
In the food service industry, securing personnel has become difficult due to the declining birthrate, young people's decreasing interest in automobiles, and the diversification of career choices, leading to a severe labor shortage. The average age of workers in the food service industry is rising, and it has become challenging to secure sufficient personnel solely from domestic sources. To address this situation, a system was introduced with the aim of accepting 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, 20,308 people are working in the food service industry under the Specified Skilled Worker program. Most of the workers come from the Asian region, with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar ranking in that order.
The Specified Skilled Worker system started in 2019, and the number of people working in the food service industry has increased about sevenfold over the past three years. It is expected that the number of accepted workers will continue to grow in the future.
source : 出入国在留管理庁（https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/zairyuarchive.html）
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 main duties involved in the Specified Skilled Worker "Food Service Industry" are as follows:
- Food preparation (preparing, cooking, and manufacturing food and beverages to be served to customers)
Examples: Preparing ingredients, cooking with heat, non-heated food preparation, seasoning, plating, and beverage preparation, etc.
- Customer Service (tasks other than food preparation needed to provide food and beverages to customers)
Examples: Seating guidance, menu suggestions, taking orders, serving food and drinks, clearing tables, setting up cutlery, receiving payments, setting up products, handling product deliveries, collecting dishes and containers, accepting reservations, setting up tables, handling complaints, coordinating with clients in food service operations, etc.
- Store Management (tasks other than the two above related to the operation of the store)
Examples: Overall hygiene management of the store, managing employee shifts, recruiting and hiring, employee training and guidance, managing reservation and customer information, managing the cash register and ticket machines, accounting, coordinating with internal departments and business partners, maintaining equipment, replenishing, ordering, and inspecting ingredients and supplies, menu planning and development, creating menu books and POP advertisements, advertising and promotional planning, improving store operations, creating and revising operation manuals, etc.
- Ensuring operational safety, machine maintenance, and worker hygiene, to uphold work and food safety standards.
2-2 Average Salary
The average monthly salary for people working in the Specified Skilled Worker "Food Service Industry" is ¥249,481, which is slightly higher than the overall average salary of ¥231,979. This amount includes overtime pay and various allowances in addition to the base salary. There are some regional and company differences, but overall, it is a profession with stable income. Moreover, when working in Japan as a Specified Skilled Worker, companies are required to enroll workers in social insurance and provide welfare benefits, so you can receive support for medical care and pensions. Additionally, since the food service industry is a technical job, there are opportunities for salary increases with experience. Working in the food service industry as a Specified Skilled Worker is an attractive option that offers both skill improvement and stable income.
3. Required Exams and Qualifications
To obtain the Specific Skills residency status, you must pass two types of tests: ①The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and ②A skills test specific to each field.
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 Specified Skills Evaluation Test for the food service industry evaluates the basic knowledge and skills needed to work as a food service technician in Japan. The difficulty level is intermediate (about the level of a 3rd-grade skills test). The test is hosted by the Japan Food Service Promotion Association (JASPA) under the guidance of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. There are both a written test and a practical test, and those who pass can obtain the Specified Skilled Worker 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)
On this site, we summarize detailed information on the test structure, sample questions, test information, and tips for passing the Specified Skills Evaluation Test for the food service industry.