I think N4 or JFT-Basic is enough for the visa requirement, but for hotel jobs, many companies prefer N3 or at least strong speaking ability.

Accommodation work is different from factory work because you may need to talk to guests, explain rules, answer questions, and sometimes handle complaints. So even if N4 is acceptable on paper, some hotels may choose people who can speak more smoothly.

8 months sounds quite long. I would suggest contacting the center again and asking:

・whether your application is still active
・whether they already sent your profile to hotels
・whether they need updated documents
・whether your Japanese level is affecting matching

Also, don’t rely on only one placement route. Try other registered support organizations, hotel recruitment agencies, and direct applications to hotels that accept SSW workers.

Your previous work experience in Japan is a good point, so I think the issue may be matching, timing, or communication, not only Japanese level.

N4/JFT-Basic is enough for the SSW visa requirement, but for hotel placement, companies often prefer N3 or good conversation skills.

Hotel work needs more communication than food factory or cleaning jobs, so N4 may make matching slower, especially for front desk or guest service positions.

8 months is long. You should follow up with the center and ask if your application is still active. I also recommend applying through other agencies or directly to hotels. Don’t wait for only one route.

Since you already worked in Japan before, that is a positive point.

Sorry, I made a mistake. I meant 8 weeks, not 8 months.

8 weeks is still normal, I think.

But you should contact the center and ask if your application is still active, whether your profile has been sent to hotels, and if they need any updated documents.

N4 or JFT-Basic is enough for the SSW requirement, but hotel jobs usually care more about speaking ability. For front desk or guest service, N3-level conversation is much better.

I would not wait for only one route. Keep following up and also try other agencies or direct hotel applications.

8 weeks is still within a normal waiting period, I think.

But for accommodation jobs, speaking ability is very important. N4 may meet the visa requirement, but hotels usually check whether you can actually communicate.

I would contact the center once and ask about your matching status and next steps.

If I were you, I would send a short follow-up email.
Just ask about your current status, whether they plan to introduce you to any hotels, and if they need more documents.
After 8 weeks, following up is totally reasonable.

Thank you for everyone advice.
Just to give an update: Accommodation,meals is my first choice, but I also selected Food Service as my second option.
I already sent a follow-up email to the agency on May 29 and asked about my current status. I also informed them of my available start date.
So far, I have not received a reply, and I am still waiting for matching opportunities.
Do you think this situation is still normal, or should I wait a little longer before contacting them again?

I had a similar experience. I waited around 2 months before getting the first interview.

The important thing is not only waiting time, but whether the agency replies properly. If they don’t reply at all, I would not depend only on them.

My advice:

1. wait one more week
2. send a short follow-up
3. apply through other agencies at the same time
4. improve speaking practice every day
5. prepare interview documents again

Your previous Japan work experience is useful, so make sure it is clearly written in your resume.

I think you can wait one more week.
May 29 is still recent, so no reply yet is not too unusual.

But don’t depend on only one agency.
Apply through other agencies too, especially for Food Service.

I checked my emails today and noticed that I haven't received any response from the agency since my last follow-up.

Follow-Ups:
7 April 2026
17 April 2026
29 April 2026
4 June 2026

At this point, I think it could be one of the following:

They haven't found a suitable position match for me yet.
They are still waiting for responses from employers.
Their communication process is simply not very regular.

I'm trying to stay patient, continue studying Japanese, and prepare for future interviews, but the long periods without updates can be a bit frustrating.
I selected Food Service as my second preference, so I'm hoping that will increase my chances of finding a suitable placement.

If you already followed up several times and still got no reply, I would not rely only on this agency.

Matching can take time, but no response is not a good sign. Keep this application open, but also apply through other agencies or directly to hotels/food service jobs.

Your Japan work experience is a good point, so make it clear in your resume.

If you are applying from outside Japan, visa support and company documents may take time.
Some hotels prefer people already living in Japan, so matching can be slower.

I would follow up again next week.

Ask clearly:
“Is my application still active, and is there any expected interview timeline?”

That is polite and reasonable.