Hospitality
１ Working in Japan’s Hospitality Industry
Japan’s hospitality industry is experiencing strong demand due to the rapid growth of inbound tourism and a chronic labor shortage. As a result, opportunities for foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan are steadily increasing.
Foreign workers are employed at a wide range of accommodation facilities, from large hotel chains to small, family-run traditional inns (_ryokan_). In major cities and popular tourist and resort areas, foreign staff play an essential role in daily operations.
Many foreign nationals working in the hospitality industry hold residence statuses such as Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker, and are engaged in a variety of duties.
・Front desk and guest services
・Room cleaning and housekeeping
・Food preparation assistance
・Restaurant and dining services
The nationalities of foreign workers are mainly from Asian countries, with many coming from Vietnam, Nepal, the Philippines, and China. Having a multinational staff allows accommodation facilities to better serve international guests and provide a more welcoming environment.
２ Main Residence Statuses for Working in the Hospitality Industry
⑴ Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services residence status is intended for foreign nationals who engage in work that requires specialized knowledge, planning ability, or language skills.
In the hospitality industry, this status may be used for positions such as:
・Planning and implementing hotel marketing strategies
・Communicating and negotiating with overseas travel agencies
・Providing guest support using foreign language skills
・Planning international events or coordinating global operations
These positions generally involve management, planning, or international coordination, rather than routine service or manual labor.
⑵ Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
The Specified Skilled Worker residence status was created to address labor shortages in certain industries, including hospitality. It allows foreign nationals with practical skills to work in Japan as immediate contributors.
Under this status, foreign workers may engage in:
・Front desk operations
・Housekeeping and room cleaning
・Restaurant and food service duties
Employers who accept Specified Skilled Workers must comply with various legal requirements, and it is important for foreign workers to understand the scope and conditions of permitted work.
３ Consultation for Foreign Nationals Who Wish to Work in Japan’s Hospitality Industry
If you wish to work in Japan’s hospitality industry, it is essential to obtain the appropriate residence status and follow the correct immigration procedures.
Working without a valid visa, or engaging in activities outside the scope of your residence status, may result in serious consequences, including visa cancellation or difficulties with future applications.
Our firm provides professional support for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan, including:
・Advice on choosing the appropriate residence status
・Support with visa applications and status changes
・Clear explanations of permitted work activities
We support you so that you can work in Japan legally and with confidence.
