Foreign workers are able to work in the food service industry in Japan through the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) or the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa.
Under the TITP, foreign workers can be employed in various food service-related industries such as restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. The program provides training and work experience to foreign workers for a period of up to 5 years, and is aimed at transferring skills and knowledge back to their home country.
The SSW visa, introduced in April 2019, allows foreign workers with specific skills and experience to work in Japan for up to 5 years, with the possibility of extension. The SSW visa covers a range of industries, including the food service industry.
Foreign workers in the food service industry in Japan may be involved in a variety of tasks, including:Additionally, the food service industry in Japan often requires a high level of Japanese language proficiency, particularly for customer-facing roles.