#Japan #Tokyo #Wonder Table #Specified Skilled Worker #Foreign Employee

Embracing a Bright Future for the Restaurant Industry

Wonder Table, a prominent restaurant group based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has proudly announced the achievement of its first employee who has acquired the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa Category 2. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing commitment to supporting the career development of foreign employees within the food and beverage sector, marking a significant step towards ensuring that skilled individuals from abroad can build sustainable careers in Japan's restaurant industry.

Transition from Category 1 to Category 2: Supporting Long-term Careers

The Specified Skilled Worker Visa Category 2 requires advanced skills and substantial practical experience, allowing holders to occupy supervisory roles in their workplaces. Compared to Category 1, which is restricted to a five-year residency period, Category 2 offers more flexibility, such as the possibility for family accompaniment and no limit on residency extensions. This opens up a pathway for foreign nationals to establish long-term careers in Japan’s restaurant sector.

Since the introduction of this visa in 2019, Wonder Table has actively embraced Category 1 visa holders, currently employing 33 individuals with this qualification. With the expansion of Category 2 in 2023, the company has implemented various support mechanisms, including informational seminars and exam preparation courses, aimed at assisting employees in obtaining this crucial visa status. The recent acquisition of the Category 2 visa by one of its employees represents a historic moment for the company.

Diverse Talent: Paving the Future of Dining

Wonder Table views the diversity inherent in its workforce as a driving force behind successful restaurant management. Strengthening the recruitment of foreign talent is now one of the company's top business strategies. As of August 2025, the company employs 78 full-time and 403 part-time foreign workers, the highest number in its history, representing 49 different nationalities. This abundance of diverse cultural backgrounds and values significantly enriches the company’s operational environment.

The attainment of the Specified Skilled Worker Visa Category 2 establishes a foundational step for employees aiming for long-term success in Japan. This accomplishment not only embodies the essence of Japanese hospitality but also contributes to enriching the dining experience in Japan and at Wonder Table.

Wonder Table remains committed to supporting the acquisition of the Category 2 visa and encouraging the active involvement of diverse talents in the industry, ensuring that customers enjoy unparalleled restaurant experiences.

Growth of Foreign Employees at Wonder Table

The number of foreign employees at Wonder Table has been steadily increasing:

• - 2022: 250 part-time (14.3%), 48 full-time (18.1%)
• - 2023: 308 part-time (15.0%), 53 full-time (16.1%)
• - 2024: 352 part-time (14.7%), 62 full-time (17.7%)
• - 2025: 403 part-time (20.2%), 78 full-time (20.5%)

Understanding the Specified Skilled Worker Visa System

The Specified Skilled Worker system was created to address labor shortages in certain industries in Japan by allowing qualified foreign nationals to work in sectors where domestic personnel are limited. Established through amendments to the Immigration Control Act in 2018, the system was implemented in April 2019 and comprises two visa categories.
Category 1 permits residency for up to five years and requires proficiency tests concerning skill level and Japanese language capability, with support from designated organizations being necessary.
Category 2, introduced in June 2023, sets new criteria that include passing a Specialized Skilled Worker assessment test or level 1 of the practical skill assessment, along with acquiring certain practical supervisory experience.

About Wonder Table

Wonder Table operates 36 stores domestically and 100 internationally, with a diverse range of brands such as the popular shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant, “MO-MO-PARADISE,” and the beer restaurant “YONA YONA BEER WORKS.” The company also manages renowned international establishments such as Peter Luger Steak House from Brooklyn, New York, marking its 135th anniversary, in addition to other esteemed brands like Union Square Tokyo and Barbacoa.

Learn more about Wonder Table here.