Japan’s efforts to welcome skilled foreign professionals are paying off.
By the end of June 2024, the number of people working in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program climbed to over 336,000, marking the highest total since the visa category was introduced.

Food Industry Leads in Hiring Foreign Talent

Among all industries, the food and beverage manufacturing sector employs the most SSW holders, totaling around 84,000 workers.
The largest share of these workers comes from Vietnam, representing about 40% of the total. The next biggest groups are from Indonesia and Myanmar, showing Japan’s growing reliance on skilled talent from Southeast Asia.

What Is the Specified Skilled Worker Visa?

Launched in 2019, Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa was designed to address labor shortages in essential industries while giving foreign workers a clear path to long-term employment.

There are two types of SSW visas:

• Type 1 (SSW No. 1) – For entry-level skilled workers who can work in 16 different sectors, such as construction, agriculture, caregiving, and food processing. This visa is valid for up to five years.
  
• Type 2 (SSW No. 2) – For those with advanced expertise. It offers long-term residency, the possibility to bring family members, and even eligibility for permanent residency.
  

As of mid-2024, the number of Type 2 holders has risen to about 3,000, nearly four times higher than at the end of 2023. The increase comes as more Type 1 workers complete five years in Japan and qualify for the upgrade.

From Training to Skilled Employment

Interestingly, around half of all SSW Type 1 visa holders started as participants in Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) — a system aimed at helping workers from developing countries gain hands-on experience.
Many of these interns successfully transitioned to the SSW category without having to retake exams, thanks to their previous work experience and skill certification.

Japan’s Next Step: A New Skill Development Framework

Japan plans to phase out the Technical Intern Training Program by 2027 and introduce a new system called Employment for Skill Development.
This updated framework will encourage foreign workers to shift to the Specified Skilled Worker status after about three years of employment, ensuring a smoother and fairer process for both workers and employers.

In Summary

Japan’s workforce is evolving — becoming more inclusive and globally skilled than ever. The growth of the Specified Skilled Worker visa program highlights Japan’s openness to foreign talent and the increasing opportunities for those who wish to build a long-term career here.