The appeal of working as a specific skilled worker in the restaurant field and the exam content to pass

One of the most popular jobs among foreigners who love Japanese delicious food and want to learn about Japan’s hospitality culture through customer service is the specified skill restaurant industry. You can work as a full-time permanent employee candidate in a variety of establishments, including izakaya bars, family restaurants, cafes, Chinese restaurants, and Japanese restaurants. Since there are so many opportunities to speak Japanese, one of the big attractions is that you can improve your Japanese very quickly. This time, we will explain the specific job content of the restaurant industry and the points to pass the exam.

1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan

The job content of the specific skills “restaurant industry” can be broadly divided into three categories. The first is “customer service (hall service)”. They escort guests to their tables, offer water, take orders, and serve food. You will also be responsible for filling out the cash register and clearing and cleaning tables. The second is “cooking (kitchen work)”. Responsible for preparing food (cutting and seasoning), actual cooking (baking, frying, boiling, etc.), neatly plating dishes, and washing dishes. The third is “store management support,” which includes checking and ordering food ingredients, and managing store hygiene.

Important data and problem analysis that tell the truth

• First characteristic (rapid expansion of market needs and background): The labor shortage in Japan is a structural problem, and the demand for ready-to-work human resources is rapidly increasing, especially in the manufacturing and service industries. Data has proven that the specific skills system guarantees a certain level of work experience and Japanese language proficiency, so there are very few mismatches in the initial stages of introduction.
• Second feature (required language skills and educational system): To obtain a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa, it is mandatory to pass a Japanese language proficiency test (N4 or JFT-Basic) at a daily conversation level or above, but additional Japanese language training on industry terminology and work safety is effective for smooth instruction transfer on site.
• Third feature (same or higher salary treatment and motivation): Japanese laws and regulations strictly prohibit creating discriminatory disparities in working conditions such as basic pay and bonuses compared to Japanese employees working in the same business within the same company. Having a fair evaluation system in place is the key to preventing employee turnover and boosting morale across the team.

2. Important institutional rules and legal compliance

In order to work in this field, you must pass the “Foodservice industry specific skill No. 1 measurement test.” All exams are conducted using a computer (CBT method) and cover three main subjects: “Hygiene Management,” “Food and Beverage Preparation,” and “General Customer Service.” In the field of hygiene management, basic HACCP knowledge is tested, such as the three principles to prevent food poisoning, temperature control of ingredients, and proper use of cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination (transfer of bacteria to other ingredients). These are extremely important for providing safe food to customers.

Important check sheet to prevent problems from occurring

1. [Check 1] Multilingualization of employment contract documents: When hiring, it is necessary to obtain the foreigner’s agreement by providing and explaining in advance a “terms of employment” that specifies the wage breakdown, holidays, overtime work rules, etc. in his or her native language, which the foreigner can fully understand.
2. [Check 2] Ensure payment of social insurance and taxes: It is mandatory to enroll in social insurance and to deduct and pay resident tax and pension from your salary. If you are in arrears, your visa renewal application (usually every 1 or 3 years) will be rejected and you will not be able to continue working in Japan.
3. [Check 3] Ensuring appropriate space in the living environment: The legal minimum area for the room in which a foreigner resides is 7.5 square meters or more (bedroom area) per person, and is subject to strict immigration screening.

3. Specific practical points and solutions

In the Food and Beverage Preparation subject, questions include calculating the heating time for ingredients, how to cut them, and how to make basic soup. In general customer service subjects, questions include the angle of bowing unique to Japanese restaurants, polite language that does not offend customers (honorific expressions), and basic rules for initial response when receiving a complaint. It may seem difficult at first glance, but if you download the official study text for the exam (available in multiple languages), read it several times, and solve the practice questions, you will be able to pass the exam.

For detailed information and support plans for safely and effectively utilizing the Specified Skills System, please visit this page on our website.“Search for a job”Please take a look at this page and use it to create an appropriate plan.

4. Summary and future prospects

Working in the restaurant industry is a very rewarding job where you receive smiling faces from many customers every day, saying things like “Thank you” and “It was delicious.” If you have a big dream of owning your own restaurant or becoming a manager in the food and beverage industry in the future, why not take the specified skills restaurant industry test and take a great first step in Japan?