#Japan #Tokyo #SkillDish #Nepalese #Japan Restaurant

Nepalese Workers Shine in Japan's Restaurant Industry

In recent years, Japan's restaurant sector has seen a significant increase in the hiring of foreign workers, particularly from Nepal. The demand for skilled food industry professionals has prompted SkillDish Co., Ltd., a leader in the foreign human resources sector, to bolster its training programs for Nepalese candidates. With headquarters in Itabashi, Tokyo, and led by President Momonori Ikata, SkillDish aims to enhance food safety and HACCP knowledge among potential workers before they start their employment.

The company's recruitment platform, 'SkillDish,' ensures that every Nepalese candidate registers after completing specialized food-related education at approved training institutions. This process helps Japanese restaurants, grappling with a labor shortage, find 'qualified and motivated' Nepalese workers who possess the necessary food knowledge to contribute effectively right from the start.

Addressing the Labor Shortage in Japan's Restaurant Sector

As the food industry's workforce dwindles, the Japanese government plans to accept 53,000 foreign skilled workers by the end of the fiscal year 2028. However, mismatches in expectations between employers and job seekers during the hiring process often lead to high turnover rates and problems. Smaller regional businesses struggle to recruit due to limited hiring methods, making it even more challenging to secure the right talent. Currently, only 13% of foreign candidates wanting to work in the food sector engage with any given employer, and the turnover rate within three years is a staggering 38%. Of those, 66% leave within the first year.

Why are Nepalese Workers Excelling in Japanese Restaurants?

1. High Language Proficiency

One of the key reasons behind the success of Nepalese workers in the restaurant industry is their language skills. Many candidates are fluent not only in Nepali but also in English and Hindi, making them valuable assets for restaurants focusing on inbound tourism. Their ability to communicate effectively allows them to engage with diverse clientele, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Moreover, the candidates registered through SkillDish come equipped with a solid understanding of the food industry, further enabling the restaurants to exhibit global trends and adapt their menus to cater to international preferences.

2. Flexibility in Handling Ingredients

Another significant factor contributing to the growing demand for Nepalese workers is their adaptability regarding food ingredients. Despite approximately 81% of the Nepalese population being Hindu, which prohibits the consumption of beef, there are generally no restrictions when it comes to handling it during food preparation. This flexibility is particularly appealing for restaurants that need to use various ingredients.

SkillDish's Stringent Training and Selection Process

With the goal of enabling every food-related business facing labor shortages to recruit suitable foreign talent, SkillDish has been growing its services nationwide since its launch in October 2024. The platform has registered over 2,500 foreign candidates willing to work in Japan's food industry from five different countries.

Typically, job seekers undergo training through overseas human resource companies before starting their job searches. However, not all these companies specialize in food industry training. SkillDish only collaborates with training firms that meet its rigorous standards, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared.

The education provided covers essential topics such as proper handwashing, equipment handling, food storage techniques, and a foundational understanding of HACCP protocols. Candidates also learn about Japanese culture and customer service etiquette in Japanese, allowing employers to confidently conduct online recruitment without needing to visit the candidates’ home countries.

Moreover, the hiring process includes pre-employment meetings to clarify work conditions unique to the food industry, addressing seasonal demand fluctuations, monthly overtime expectations, and workplace environment. This approach minimizes miscommunications and enhances candidate retention rates.

About SkillDish Co., Ltd.

• - Name: SkillDish Co., Ltd.
• - Address: 12-2, Ooyama-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan, DT Ooyama Building, 5th Floor
• - President: Momonori Ikata
• - Business Focus: Foreign human resources specifically for the food industry.
• - Platform: Development and management of the 'SkillDish' platform for recruiting skilled foreign workers.
• - Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Approval: Paid Employment Placement Number 13-ユ-317066.

For more information about SkillDish and its services, visit the official website at SkillDish and the employer services page at SkillDish Employer Services.