SSW Industry Guide: Finding the Best Role for You

Choosing the right industry is the most critical step in your journey to working in Japan. Your daily life, salary, and long-term career options depend entirely on which of the 16 Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) fields you select. This guide breaks down each industry by category, helping you compare the work environment and earning potential to find the perfect match for your skills.

Complete List of the 16 SSW Fields (Updated 2025)

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the SSW program encompasses 16 industrial fields selected due to significant labor shortages in Japan. Before exploring specific roles, reviewing this complete list will help you identify which sectors align with your professional background and interests.

•   Nursing Care (介護)

•   Building Cleaning (ビルクリーニング)

•   Manufacture of Industrial Products (工業製品製造業)

•   Construction (建設)

•   Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery (造船・舶用工業)

•   Automobile Repair and Maintenance (自動車整備)

•   Aviation (航空)

•   Accommodation (宿泊)

•   Automobile Transport (自動車運送業)

•   Railway (鉄道)

•   Agriculture (農業)

•   Fishery (漁業)

•   Food and Beverage Manufacturing (飲食料品製造業)

•   Food Service (外食業)

•   Forestry (林業)

•   Timber/Lumber Industry (木材産業)

Now, let’s take a close look at each sector to learn more about what you can expect.

Service and Hospitality

This sector is ideal for individuals who enjoy communicating with people or creating comfortable environments for others. It includes four major industries vital to Japan’s daily infrastructure and tourism.

Industries in this category:

Nursing Care (介護)

This sector is critical for supporting Japan’s aging population by providing physical and emotional support to the elderly and people with disabilities. The primary role is a care worker with duties including assisting with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, and toileting. Care facilities operate 24 hours a day with rotating shifts including nights and weekends. The work can be physically demanding but offers high job stability. This field has the highest demand for workers but requires proficiency in specific nursing care Japanese terminology in addition to standard language skills.

Accommodation (宿泊)

This industry supports Japan’s tourism sector through the operation of hotels and ryokan (traditional inns), emphasizing “Omotenashi” (Japanese hospitality). Common positions include front desk staff, concierge, guest services, and restaurant service within hotels. This is a shift-based work environment that may include early mornings, late nights, and weekends. It requires a high standard of grooming, etiquette, and polite language (keigo) usage. The primary challenge is the language requirement, as employers often look for candidates with Japanese proficiency beyond the minimum.

Food Service Industry (外食業)

This dynamic sector covers the preparation and service of food in restaurants, cafeterias, and fast-food chains. Roles are generally divided into kitchen staff (food preparation, cooking) and hall staff (customer service, taking orders). The environment is typically fast-paced, requiring teamwork and strict adherence to hygiene standards. This is a popular field among foreign applicants, which can make competition for desirable locations higher.

Building Cleaning (ビルクリーニング)

This field focuses on maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of various building interiors such as offices, shopping centers, and hospitals. Workers clean floors, glass, and restrooms using professional equipment. Work is often performed in teams with varying shifts depending on the facility. The language barrier is generally lower than in nursing or accommodation, as the work is task-focused, though candidates must learn proper techniques for using chemicals and machinery.

Manufacturing, Construction, and Engineering

This category is the backbone of Japan’s industrial strength, known globally as “Monodukuri” (making things). These industries are ideal for individuals who enjoy working with their hands, operating machinery, or building infrastructure.

Industries in this category:

Industrial Product Manufacturing (工業製品製造業)

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this broad field was recently consolidated from three separate categories (Machine Parts & Tooling, Industrial Machinery, and Electric/Electronics) to streamline the manufacturing workforce. The scope is vast, covering tasks such as machining, metal pressing, plating, finishing, and machine inspection. Work is typically performed in factories with specialized machinery and strict safety protocols. Candidates must pass a specific skills test relevant to the type of manufacturing they wish to enter.

Construction (建設)

Construction supports Japan’s infrastructure, from building homes to maintaining roads and bridges. There are numerous specialized trades including formwork construction, plastering, concrete pumping, earthwork, interior finishing, roofing, and plumbing. This is primarily physical work often performed outdoors at construction sites. The physical demands are higher than in other sectors, but the industry offers a clear career ladder with opportunities to advance to SSW (ii) status.

Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery (造船・舶用工業)

As an island nation, Japan has a robust shipbuilding industry involving the construction and repair of vessels and their machinery. Workers engage in specialized tasks such as welding, painting, ironwork, and finishing. Work is conducted at shipyards or docks, often near the ocean, involving large-scale structures and heavy machinery. This field requires specific technical skills, particularly in welding and painting, which are verified through practical exams.

Automobile Repair and Maintenance (自動車整備)

This sector ensures the safety and performance of vehicles on Japanese roads through professional maintenance. The primary role involves daily inspection, regular maintenance, and disassembly of automobiles. Mechanics work in service centers, dealerships, or repair garages. Candidates need a solid understanding of automotive mechanics, and passing the evaluation requires technical knowledge of car parts and maintenance procedures.

Food and Beverages Manufacturing (飲食料品製造業)

This industry produces the food and drinks sold in supermarkets and convenience stores across Japan (excluding alcoholic beverages). Specific tasks include processing marine products or meat, making ham and sausages, and manufacturing bread or side dishes. Work takes place in food processing plants with strict hygiene controls. This field is known for having a relatively accessible skills exam.

Timber and Lumber Industries (木材産業)

Distinct from forestry (which involves growing and cutting trees), this industry focuses on processing wood into usable materials like lumber and plywood. The main activities include sawing wood (mechanized lumber processing) and manufacturing plywood or glued laminated timber. Work is performed in sawmills or wood processing plants. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to operate wood processing machinery safely.

Nature and Outdoors

This category is perfect for individuals who prefer working in natural environments rather than offices or factories. These industries often operate in rural areas of Japan, offering lower living costs and a closer connection to nature.

Industries in this category:

Agriculture (農業)

This sector is essential for Japan’s food security, covering the production of vegetables, fruits, and livestock. It is one of the few SSW fields that allows for direct employment by dispatch agencies. Work is divided into “General Crop Farming” (cultivation, harvesting, sorting) and “Livestock Farming” (feeding, breeding, health management). You will work outdoors in fields or inside greenhouses and barns. This role requires significant physical stamina and a willingness to adapt to rural life.

Fishery (漁業)

Japan’s fishery industry is split into catching fish in the wild (Fishery) and farming fish (Aquaculture). Fishery involves operating fishing gear, searching for aquatic animals, and preserving the catch. Aquaculture involves managing the growth of farmed fish or shellfish. Work locations range from aquaculture farms near the coast to fishing vessels that may operate offshore for long periods. This is a physically demanding field that often requires working irregular hours.

Forestry (林業)

This industry focuses on the management and preservation of Japan’s forests. The primary tasks are “Silviculture” (planting and growing trees) and “Material Production” (logging and carrying out timber). Work is performed in mountains and forests, often on steep terrain, involving heavy machinery and chainsaws. This field is physically strenuous and currently offers only the SSW (i) status with no direct pathway to SSW (ii).

Transportation

The transportation sector is the lifeline of Japan’s economy. These industries ensure the movement of people and goods across the nation and are critical for maintaining Japan’s infrastructure.

Industries in this category:

Automobile Transport (自動車運送業)

This sector addresses the severe shortage of drivers in Japan’s logistics and public transport networks. There are three job categories: Truck Drivers (cargo transport), Taxi Drivers (passenger transport), and Bus Drivers (passenger transport). Drivers spend most of their time on the road. This field has strict entry requirements: while Truck Drivers generally need N4 level Japanese, Taxi and Bus Drivers must demonstrate N3 level proficiency. Additionally, candidates must hold a valid driver’s license equivalent to Japanese Class 1 (trucks) or Class 2 (taxis/buses).

Railway (鉄道)

Japan’s railway system is world-renowned for its safety and punctuality. Roles include Track Maintenance, Electric Equipment Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle Manufacturing, and Transport Staff (station attendants, conductors, drivers). Maintenance work is often performed outdoors on tracks or in depots, sometimes at night. Transport Staff positions require N3 level Japanese proficiency, while technical roles typically require N4.

Aviation (航空)

This sector supports the smooth operation of Japan’s airports and aircraft. The field is divided into Airport Ground Handling (marshalling aircraft, handling cargo, baggage services) and Aircraft Maintenance (inspecting and repairing airframes and engines). Work takes place at airports, often on the tarmac or inside hangars. While N4 level Japanese is the standard requirement, Aircraft Maintenance is highly technical. This industry offers a pathway to SSW (ii) for experienced workers.

💬 As the government has been placing more focus on this visa status, more industries may be added in the future to guarantee Japan’s labor needs are met. There are already examples of this with industries added in the past, so make sure to periodically check in for new industries.

In-Demand SSW Industries: Where is it Easiest to Get Hired?

If your primary goal is to secure a job in Japan quickly, targeting industries with the highest labor shortages is the most effective strategy. According to The Japan Times, SSW visa holders reached a record 336,196 as of the end of June 2025, an 18.2% increase from December 2024.

What to Expect with Pay and Benefits

One of the most common concerns for foreign workers is fair pay. The SSW program mandates equal pay with Japanese nationals. Beyond just a monthly paycheck, you are entitled to social insurance and specific leave allowances.

Average Monthly Salary by Industry

The following table provides estimated monthly gross salaries (before taxes) for key SSW industries based on 2024-2025 data.

Note: Actual take-home pay is typically about 75-80% of the gross amount after tax and insurance deductions.

The “Equal Pay” Rule

The most important legal protection for SSW holders is the “Equal Pay for Equal Work” principle. Japanese law explicitly mandates that the remuneration for a Specified Skilled Worker must be equal to or greater than the amount a Japanese national would receive for performing the same work with the same level of responsibility.

Bonuses, Allowances, and Perks

In Japan, your base salary is often just one part of your total compensation. SSW workers have access to the same benefits as regular employees. Standard benefits include bonuses (shouyo) typically paid twice a year (1-3 months’ salary if the company pays them to Japanese staff), social insurance covering 70% of medical costs and pension, and allowances for commuting and housing. SSW-specific perks include paid leave for home visits (companies should grant it if requested) and mandatory support services such as airport pickup and housing assistance.

For more information about the various salary expectations and costs of living in Japan, see our article on the topic here:　

▶︎ SSW Visa Salary in Japan – Complete Overview

Requirements: Tests, Language, and Education

To qualify for the SSW visa, you must prove you are ready to work immediately without extensive training. Unlike other visas that prioritize academic degrees, the SSW system focuses on practical ability and communication.

The Skills Exams

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the most critical requirement is demonstrating technical skills for your chosen industry. There are two ways to satisfy this: (1) Pass the Field-Specific Skills Evaluation Test, which is a computer-based or paper test assessing knowledge of terminology, safety procedures, and practical tasks, or (2) Complete Technical Intern Training (ii) in the same field, which exempts you from the skills exam. If you wish to switch to a different industry, you cannot use your previous training exemption; you must pass the skills exam for the new sector.

Japanese Language Requirement

Since SSW workers are employed alongside Japanese staff, you must demonstrate basic workplace communication ability. According to the Japan Foundation, for most industries, the requirement is passing the JFT-Basic (A2 level) or achieving JLPT N4 or higher. However, certain industries require higher proficiency as shown in the table below.

Educational Background

The academic barriers for the SSW visa are surprisingly low. The primary criterion is age: you must be at least 18 years old. Unlike the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities” visa, the SSW program does not require a specific academic degree. Whether you are a high school graduate or university holder, you are eligible as long as you pass the necessary exams.

Health and Conduct

You must demonstrate good health through a medical examination (typically done within 3 months of application). You must also have a clean background with no criminal record in Japan or your home country. If you have lived in Japan previously, you must have paid your taxes and insurance premiums correctly.

How to Apply for Your Desired Industry

The path to obtaining an SSW visa involves three main stages: passing exams, finding an employer, and completing immigration procedures. The exact steps differ depending on whether you are currently living inside or outside Japan.

Step 1: Pass the Necessary Examinations

Unless you have completed Technical Intern Training (ii), you must pass both a skills exam for your chosen industry and a Japanese language test. Register for exams through official websites such as Prometric for skills and JFT-Basic. Check schedules carefully as some industry exams are held only a few times a year. Obtain your passing certificates, as you will need to submit copies during the visa application.

Step 2: Find an Employer and Sign a Contract

The SSW visa requires you to have a signed employment contract with a Japanese company before applying. You can apply directly to companies recruiting foreign workers, use private recruitment agencies, or use “Hello Work” (public employment centers) if you are in Japan. The company must also provide a “Support Plan” covering daily life, housing, and orientation.

Step 3: Application Procedures

For Applicants Living Outside Japan:

Your employer will apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan on your behalf. Once issued, take it to the Japanese Embassy in your country to apply for the visa. After the visa is issued, travel to Japan and receive your Residence Card at the airport.

For Applicants Living in Japan:

Apply for a “Change of Status of Residence” at your local Immigration Bureau to change your current visa to “Specified Skilled Worker.” According to Fragomen, as of April 1, 2025, the processing fee is ¥6,000 ($39) at the counter or ¥5,500 ($35) online.

Important Note for Construction: Your employer must obtain specific approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism before applying to Immigration.

TITP (Technical Intern) vs. SSW: Different Industries?

The SSW program is designed for immediate employment in labor-shortage sectors, while the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) was created for international cooperation and skills transfer. TITP covers over 80 job categories compared to SSW’s 16 fields. If your skill set falls outside the SSW list, TITP (or its upcoming replacement) might be your only entry route, though SSW offers significantly better rights and long-term potential.

TITP Industries

TITP includes many industries not part of SSW. Common industries exclusive to TITP include Textiles and Clothing (spinning, weaving, dyeing, sewing), Specific Food Processing (poultry, marine products), and Other Niche Crafts (pottery, printing, bookbinding, furniture).

Important Update (2025): According to Nippon.com, legislation passed in June 2024 will dismantle the TITP and replace it with a new “Ikusei Shūrō” (Training and Employment) program by 2027. This new system aims to align more closely with SSW, but the transition is still in progress.

Job Mobility: Why SSW Holders Win Out

Under TITP, you are generally tied to one employer for the entire 3-5 year duration, with transfers only allowed in extreme cases like bankruptcy or human rights abuses. As an SSW visa holder, you have the legal right to change employers within the same industrial field if you find better pay or conditions.

Transitioning from TITP to SSW

Scenario A: Staying in the Same Industry

If you complete Technical Intern Training (ii) and want to work in the same field, you are exempt from both the skills exam and Japanese language test. You only need your completion certificate.

Scenario B: Switching to a Different Industry

If your TITP field does not exist in SSW or you want to change careers, you must pass the skills exam for the new industry. However, you are typically still exempt from the Japanese language test because your 3 years of living in Japan proves your language ability.

Points of Caution: Look Out for These

The SSW program is not a “one-size-fits-all” system. There are critical differences between industries regarding exam difficulty and long-term residency options.

Skill Level Requirement Differences

Do not assume all SSW exams are equally easy. The Manufacture of Industrial Products and Construction sectors have rigorous exams with some manufacturing categories (like electrical assembly) showing pass rates as low as 15-20%. Construction exams vary widely with some specialized trades at 30-40%. If you fail an exam, there is a mandatory waiting period before retaking: Food Service requires 45 days and Automobile Repair requires 30 days.

Which Industries Offer Type 2?

The most important consideration for your future is whether your chosen industry offers SSW (ii) status, which allows unlimited visa renewals and the ability to bring your spouse and children to Japan. According to the Immigration Services Agency, SSW (i) allows people to work in 16 fields, while SSW (ii) allows people to work in 11 fields: Construction, Manufacture of Industrial Products, Shipbuilding, Automobile Repair, Aviation, Accommodation, Building Cleaning Management, Agriculture, Fishery, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Food Service.

Industries WITHOUT SSW (ii): Automobile Transport, Railway, Forestry, and Timber/Lumber Industry. You cannot extend your SSW visa beyond 5 years in these sectors.

The Nursing Care Exception: Instead of SSW (ii), caregivers have a superior pathway. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, passing the national Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushishi) exam grants a dedicated “Nursing Care” visa with permanent residency potential and family sponsorship rights.

To see the complete list of difference between the two statuses, along with a guide on transitioning from one to the other, see our article on the subject here:

▶︎ SSW-1 vs SSW-2 Visa: Path to Japan Permanent Residence

FAQ: Common Questions About the SSW Visa

Q. Can I change industries?

A. Yes, you can. Unlike TITP, the SSW visa allows you to switch to a completely different industry if you wish to change your career path. To switch (e.g., from Agriculture to Food Service), you must pass the skills examination for the new industry. You generally do not need to retake the Japanese language exam. Once you pass the new skills exam and find a new employer, apply for a “Change of Status of Residence” with the Immigration Bureau.

Q. What happens if I fail the exam?

A. You can retake it, but you cannot immediately try again. Most industries enforce a mandatory waiting period: Food Service requires 45 days, Construction requires 30 days. There is typically no limit on the total number of times you can take the exam, provided you pay the fee each time.

Q. How much does the visa application cost?

A. From Outside Japan: The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application is free. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa fee at the Japanese Embassy is approximately ¥3,000 ($19) for a single-entry visa.

From Inside Japan (Change of Status): The processing fee is ¥6,000 ($39) at the counter or ¥5,500 ($35) online, paid using revenue stamps (shunyu inshi).

Conclusion

The SSW program represents a historic shift in Japan’s approach to foreign labor, offering a transparent and stable career pathway for international talent. By ensuring equal pay with Japanese nationals and providing legal protection, this visa category removes many of the uncertainties that previously existed for foreign workers. With 16 diverse industries to choose from and the expansion of SSW (ii) to 11 fields, there is a role that fits almost every skill set. If you are ready to take the next step, begin by assessing your Japanese language ability and researching the specific skills exam for your desired field. The labor shortage in Japan is real, meaning your skills are genuinely needed and valued.

Exchange Rate Used: 1 USD = 155.50 JPY (As of December 4, 2025)