Japan is looking for Specified Skilled Workers!

In April 2019, Japan introduced the “Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)” status, inviting skilled professionals from overseas to work in specific industries without the need for prior training. If you’re interested in contributing your expertise and skills in Japan, this page provides information to help you get started.

You can work as a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) in Japan in 12 different fields. Note that as of May 2022, the “Machine Parts and Tooling Industries,” “Industrial Machinery Industry,” and “Electric, Electronics and Information Industries” have been combined into a single field.

Shortage occupation list:

The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare oversees the following areas:

• Nursing Care:

Providing assistance with bathing, feeding, and excretion based on the user’s physical and mental condition.

Offering additional support services, such as help with recreation and functional training. Note: Visiting services are not part of this category.

• Building Cleaning Management:

Managing interior building cleaning services.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry oversees the following sectors:

• Machine Parts and Tooling Industries

Casting, forging, die casting, machining, metal press, factory sheet metal work, plating, aluminum anodizing, finishing, machine inspection, machine maintenance, painting, welding

• Industrial Machinery Industry

Casting, forging, die casting, machining, painting, iron work, factory sheet metal work, plating, finishing, machine inspection, machine maintenance, industrial packaging, electrical equipment assembling, electronic equipment assembling, printed wiring board manufacturing, plastic molding, metal press, welding

The Electric, Electronics, and Information Industries encompass a range of activities including:

• Machining, metal press, factory sheet metal work, plating, finishing, machine maintenance, electrical equipment assembling, electronic equipment assembling, printed wiring board manufacturing, plastic molding, painting, welding, industrial packaging

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is responsible for overseeing various aspects related to land, infrastructure, transport, and tourism in Japan. This includes:

• Construction Industry

Formwork construction, plastering, concrete pumping, tunnel and propulsion, construction machinery and construction, earthwork, roofing, telecommunications, reinforcement construction, reinforcing bar joints, interior finishing/material mounting, scaffolding, carpentry, plumbing, building sheet metal work, heat-retention and cool-retention, spray urethane insulation, offshore civil engineering

• Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry

Welding, painting, iron work, finishing, machining, electrical equipment assembling

• Automobile Repair and Maintenance

Automobile everyday inspection and maintenance, regular inspection and maintenance, disassembly

• Aviation Industry

Airport ground handling (ground driving support services, baggage and freight handing services), aircraft maintenance (maintenance of aircraft and equipment, etc.)

• Accommodation Industry

Providing accommodation services, such as working at the front desk, planning/public relations, hospitality, restaurant services

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan has jurisdiction over matters related to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Specifically, its responsibilities include:

• Agriculture

Crop cultivation practices, including management strategies, harvesting, and the logistics of collecting, shipping, and sorting agricultural products.

Livestock husbandry procedures, encompassing breed management, as well as the collection, shipping, and sorting of products derived from livestock.

• Fishery and Aquaculture Operations

In the fishery sector, activities involve the production and maintenance of fishing equipment, exploration for marine organisms and plants, operation of fishing machinery, harvesting marine life, processing and storing the catch, and ensuring health and safety protocols. In the aquaculture industry, tasks include the production, repair, and management of aquaculture materials, breeding oversight, harvesting and processing of aquaculture organisms, and implementation of health and safety measures.

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing

In the realm of food and beverage production, it encompasses the manufacturing/processing and health and safety aspects related to food and beverages, excluding alcoholic beverages.

• Food Service Sector

Within the general restaurant industry, operations cover food and beverage processing, customer service, and overall store management.

Information sourced from: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/fna/ssw/us/