The food service industry in Japan, operating under the framework of the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program, offers a pivotal opportunity for foreign workers seeking employment in a dynamic and culturally rich environment. This program emerged as part of Japan’s strategic response to labor shortages, allowing individuals with relevant skills to contribute effectively to an industry integral to Japanese culture and economy. Workers employed under SSW within this sector are immersed in diverse culinary practices while meeting rigorous standards for quality and efficiency inherent to Japanese hospitality traditions. They gain practical experience ranging from kitchen management and food preparation to customer service excellence. The integration of foreign labor not only sustains operations amid demographic challenges but also enriches cultural exchange by introducing global culinary influences.
| Exam Name | Food service industry Specified Skilled Worker (i) test |
|---|---|
| Languages available for the exam | Japanese |
| Eligibility |
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| Retake Policy |
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| Implementation format | CBT（Computer Based Testing） |
| Question content | 1. Academic Test This will measure knowledge related to hygiene management, food and beverage preparation, and general customer service, as well as Japanese language skills necessary for work. a) Hygiene management (10 questions asked in Japanese) Main contents: Knowledge about general hygiene management, knowledge about HACCP, knowledge about food poisoning, etc. b) Food and beverage preparation (10 questions in Japanese) Main contents: Knowledge about cooking, knowledge about ingredients, knowledge about cooking equipment, etc. c) General customer service (10 questions asked in Japanese) Main contents: Knowledge about customer service, knowledge about food diversity, knowledge about handling complaints, etc.2. Practical Test (judgment Test, planning Test) We measure the technical level required for work through judgment Test that use diagrams, illustrations, etc. to judge the correct actions, etc. in a situation setting, and planning Test that use predetermined calculation formulas to plan the necessary work. a) Hygiene management (5 questions, including 3 judgment Test and 2 planning Test questions in Japanese) Main content: Same as “hygiene management” in the academic Test b) Food and beverage preparation (5 questions, including 3 judgment Test and 2 planning Test in Japanese) Main content: Same as “Food and Drink Preparation” in the academic Test c) General customer service (5 questions, including 3 judgment Test and 2 planning Test in Japanese) Main content: Same as “general customer service” on the written Test |
| The number of questions | Academic Test 30 questions Practical Test 15 questions |
| Test time | 70 minutes |
