#Japan #Shibuya #MP Kitchen #Foreign Workers

MP Kitchen HD's Achievement in Foreign Skilled Labor

In a remarkable achievement, MP Kitchen Holdings, the operator of popular dining establishments like 'Mita Soba' and 'Shibuya Gyoza,' has announced that two foreign employees have successfully passed the Specific Skills 2 exam in the food service sector. This news brings the company’s total successful candidates to four out of five, boasting an impressive pass rate of 80%. This is noteworthy, especially considering that the overall pass rate for the exam stands at just 48% from 1,062 candidates.

Among the successful candidates, one individual stood out by passing the exam at the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 level, indicating an above-average command of the Japanese language. This accomplishment reflects a significant dedication to mastering not only the required skills but also the language proficiency essential for understanding complex materials in Japanese, indicating a higher degree of difficulty in their preparations.

Significance of the Specific Skills 2 Qualification

The Specific Skills 2 certification in the restaurant industry is a prestigious qualification that not only allows for unlimited stay but also facilitates family accompaniment under certain conditions. It opens new career pathways, including opportunities for leadership and management positions in the future. This achievement is a testament to the dedicated training and support MP Kitchen Holdings has provided to foreign employees, as well as the personal drive and ambition of the individuals involved.

Commitment to Developing Foreign Talent

Since the introduction of the Specific Skills system in 2019, MP Kitchen Holdings has proactively recruited and nurtured foreign talent. Key initiatives include:

• - Employment and Development Support for Specific Skills 1 Holders: The company continues to foster employees who have gained basic skills in the food service industry.
• - Multilingual Training Programs: To enhance comprehension, training resources have been developed in both Japanese and employees’ native languages.
• - Support for Specific Skills 2 Exam Preparation: Employees aspiring to achieve the Specific Skills 2 certification receive comprehensive support, including study sessions and practice tests, and they are rewarded for their successes.

Future Outlook

The recent success in the Specific Skills 2 exams symbolizes MP Kitchen's advancement in utilizing foreign talent. The company is committed to fostering a supportive environment where all staff—regardless of nationality or culture—can work comfortably and grow professionally. As a model for sustainable talent development in the food service industry, MP Kitchen Holdings aims to make positive contributions to society.

Messages from Successful Candidates

Vietnamese Employee:

"I am thrilled to have passed the Specific Skills 2 exam! To prepare, I read through all the Japanese materials, translating any difficult kanji or terms. I compared Japanese documents with Vietnamese resources to ensure understanding. Repeated study sessions, along with mock tests prepared by the company, were crucial in my preparation. I truly appreciate the support from my colleagues and the company during this journey."

Female Employee from Myanmar:

"I am also very happy to pass this exam! I believe that frequent review is essential. The more I revise, the better I understand the material. I greatly appreciate the flexibility in my shifts prior to the exam, which allowed me to prepare effectively. I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills further in this industry."

The Work Culture at MP Kitchen Holdings

MP Kitchen Holdings operates under the mission of providing quality food and an enjoyable experience for customers while fostering pride and happiness among employees. Their hiring policy emphasizes creating opportunities and happiness for all staff members, welcoming those who are passionate about the food service industry and eager to embrace challenges and teamwork.

Individuals interested in joining MP Kitchen are encouraged to apply through their recruitment page: MP Kitchen Recruitment.

About MP Kitchen Holdings

• - Name: MP Kitchen Holdings
• - Founded: July 1994
• - Headquarters: 2F, Kawakami Bldg, 2-6-11 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0021
• - Number of Employees: 1,500 (200 full-time, 1,300 part-time) as of November 2025
• - CEO: Takehiko Murakami
• - Business: Comprehensive restaurant development and operations
• - Website: MP Kitchen

For press inquiries and media coverage, please contact the Public Relations Department at MP Kitchen Holdings.

Contact: Mona Sugimoto - [email protected]