Work in Japan in the logistics and warehousing field! Job content and required skills

インターネットで買い物をする人が増えたため、日本の物流（ぶつりゅう）業界は非常に多くの労働力を必要としており、特定技能ビザの対象分野にも新しく「物流・倉庫」が追加されました。倉庫の中でのピッキングや梱包（こんぽう）といった作業は、エアコンが効いていて夏や冬でも働きやすく、日本人の同僚や外国人の仲間とチームで協力してテキパキと作業を行うのが得意な人にぴったりの仕事です。 This time, we will explain in detail the job content at a distribution warehouse and the skills that would be advantageous to have.

1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan

The main work within a distribution warehouse is divided into several roles. First is “picking”. This involves collecting items from the shelves by following the instructions (shelf number and number of items) that appear on the screen of a handheld terminal (a small dedicated smartphone-like machine). Next is “sorting and inspection.” We check the collected items to make sure they are correct, have no scratches or dirt, and then sort them by region for delivery. For information on packing/packing work, delivery procedures, and the latest job information, please use the “Search Jobs” section of this site as a reference.

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): In order 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 education on industry terminology and work safety is effective for smoothly communicating instructions 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

The most highly rated qualification in the logistics warehouse field and the one that leads to an increase in salary is the “Forklift Driving Skills Course (Certificate of Completion).” People who have a Japanese forklift license and can use a forklift to load and unload large packages and heavy pallets from trucks and move them to the back of warehouses are in high demand at all job sites. Even if you don’t have a license yet, many companies have an educational support system that allows you to obtain a forklift license at the company’s support expense after joining the company.

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

Warehouse work is manual labor (work that requires physical activity), but the 5S (5S: sorting, tidying, cleaning, cleanliness, and discipline) are strictly enforced, and work rules are established with safety first. Another advantage is that even if you don’t have a high level of Japanese conversation skills, you can be immediately active from your first day at the company by simply learning how to operate a handheld terminal and following simple work instructions. Therefore, it is highly recommended for foreigners who are still a little unsure about their Japanese conversation skills, but want to work hard and earn a lot of money.

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

The logistics and warehousing fields are extremely important jobs that support Japan’s daily life infrastructure. This industry is ideal for planning a stable life in Japan, as there is stable work all year round, overtime pay and various allowances. Learn skills such as forklift and work as a warehouse professional in Japan!