Running a restaurant in Japan comes with many moving parts — fast service, quality food, and teamwork. But what if some of your team members aren’t fluent in Japanese?
Many restaurants now hire foreign staff because of the growing labor shortage — and guess what? With the right approach, they can become your best employees. Let’s explore how to onboard and train them effectively.
- Make Your Training Visual
Instead of long verbal explanations, use visuals. Post simple photos or icons showing tasks like “clean table,” “set chopsticks,” or “serve water.”
Visual cues bridge the language gap instantly and help new staff remember faster.
- Assign a Buddy or Mentor
Pair your new foreign staff with a friendly Japanese co-worker who speaks slowly and clearly. This “buddy system” makes them feel welcomed and supported from day one — no confusion, no embarrassment.
- Translate the Basics
Create bilingual (English + Japanese) manuals or checklists for daily tasks. This not only saves time but also builds independence — your staff won’t need to ask every small thing repeatedly.
- Encourage Communication, Not Perfection
Let your staff know it’s okay to make small language mistakes. What matters most is effort and clarity. The more comfortable they feel speaking up, the smoother your restaurant operations become.
- Provide Regular Feedback
Schedule short, friendly check-ins to celebrate progress and fix small issues early. Consistent feedback = higher morale and long-term loyalty.
Conclusion
Hiring non-native Japanese speakers isn’t a challenge — it’s an opportunity. With patience, structure, and open communication, you can build a reliable team that keeps your restaurant running strong, no matter the language barrier.
