Steps to work in Japan in the food and beverage manufacturing industry: Flow from selection to entry

For foreigners who are thinking of working in Japan, the job that has been overwhelmingly popular for a long time is the specified skill “food and beverage manufacturing industry (food factory)”. This is a job at a factory that manufactures bento boxes, side dishes, bread, frozen foods, sweets, etc. that can be found in convenience stores and supermarkets. The reason for its popularity is that it is a clean, air-conditioned room with heating and air conditioning, and that even those with no prior experience can start with confidence, as the work is centered around repetitive work that follows a manual. This time, we will explain the job content at a food factory and the detailed process from passing the interview to actually starting work.

1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan

The main work at a food factory is broadly divided into three processes. The first is “pretreatment/cooking”. Cut ingredients (vegetables, meat, fish, etc.), stir-fry or boil them in a large pot, and measure and mix seasonings using a machine. The second is “Toppings/Arrangement”. This is the job of quickly placing side dishes in the specified number of grams into the bento containers that flow down the conveyor belt. The third is “inspection, packaging, and labeling.” The finished product is checked for foreign objects (hair, dirt, etc.), labeled with an expiration date, and packed in boxes to prepare for shipment.

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

In order to work as a specified skilled worker in “Food and Beverage Manufacturing,” you must first pass the “Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Specified Skill Level 1 Measurement Test” and the “Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N4 or above or JFT-Basic).” The skills test covers basic knowledge of food hygiene, factory safety management, and measures to prevent microbial contamination based on HACCP. An easy-to-understand official textbook with illustrations has been published, so if you read it carefully several times and memorize the technical terms, you can pass the exam with a high score even if you study on your own. Those who have completed the technical intern training can transfer without taking the exam.

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

After passing the exam, the steps from interview to starting work are as follows. First, you will have an interview with a company through a recruitment agency and receive a job offer. Next, you will sign an agreement on terms of employment and a support plan. After that, with the support of companies and support organizations (MirocStaff), you will submit an “Application for Change of Status of Residence (Issuance)” to the Immigration Bureau. The application process will take approximately 1-2 months. Once your visa is approved, you will register your address at the government office, open a bank account, and finally start working at the factory.

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

4. Summary and future prospects

Work in the food and beverage manufacturing industry is a very rewarding and important job that supports the “daily food” of the Japanese people. Since there are many factories of major food manufacturers, the benefits are very comprehensive and you can work stably and for a long time. First of all, start studying with the aim of passing the manufacturing test for specific skills and succeed in finding a great job in Japan!