Linc Corporation Releases Survey Report on Foreign Skilled Workers in Japan's Restaurant Industry

Linc Corporation, which operates the Global Hub platform, has just published a comprehensive survey report focusing on the current state and future perspectives of foreign skilled workers within Japan's restaurant sector. This report offers valuable insights based on interviews with candidates preparing for the Special Skilled Worker No. 2 exam, capturing their motivations, preparation strategies, and what they value most when selecting workplaces.

Background on the Report

As Japan faces a labor shortage, the Special Skills visa was introduced to attract foreign talent. The Special Skills No. 2 visa, aimed at more experienced individuals, was expanded in June 2023 to cover 11 sectors including agriculture and fisheries. This allows foreign workers to live and work indefinitely in Japan with their families and even aspire to permanent residency. Hence, companies will need to enhance their support for foreign workers in settling in and fostering their career development. This report analyzes the challenges foreign workers face in pursuing a Special Skills No. 2 visa, as well as specific strategies that employers can implement.

Survey Overview

Purpose of the Survey
The intent of the survey is to understand the mindsets and realities of foreign candidates taking the Special Skills No. 2 exam in the restaurant industry, crucial for aiding their employment and retention.

Target Group
The survey focused on individuals holding foreign nationality who will take the Special Skills No. 2 exam planned for May 2025.

Number of Valid Responses
50 individuals.

Methodology
The data was collected via an online survey and in-depth interviews, providing detailed insights.

Survey Period
Data acquisition occurred from May to June 2025.

Key Areas of Investigation
The survey covered topics such as basic demographics, educational background, Japanese language proficiency, motivations for taking the exam, preparation efforts, and expectations coupled with concerns related to the Special Skills No. 2 visa.

Expert Comments

In addition to the data, the report features comments from various experts in the field, underlining the importance of understanding the working conditions and aspirations of foreign workforce participants.

Tomoyoshi Nishiyama, Founder of Dining Innovation Group

"The restaurant industry grapples with labor shortages and productivity challenges. This report clearly outlines the current state of the Special Skills No. 2 visa and highlights the voices of foreign workers. Business leaders should focus on viewing these individuals as valuable resources who contribute to growth, instead of merely as labor."

Takuo Iwasaki, Director at en-japan, Inc.

"Our role in the staffing industry involves addressing mismatches between companies' hiring needs and job seekers' career aspirations. This report highlights a strong desire for salary and career progression among exam candidates, contrasting with many companies being unable to delineate career paths clearly. Bridging this gap is essential for retaining foreign talent."

Shuhei Yamazawa, Representative Director of the Restaurant Tech Association

"The Special Skills No. 2 visa represents a crucial infrastructure for the future of the restaurant industry. While the number of users remains low, this study shows real-world voices that underscore the importance of education, evaluation, and life support in retaining talent. Meeting these challenges is key to both employee retention and company growth."

Santosh Poudel, CEO of Blue Sky Japan, Inc.

"As a sending organization, our mission is to support the careers and lives of foreign workers in Japan. This report reveals a significant desire among candidates to bring their families here, alongside real challenges like a lack of native-language educational resources. Understanding these issues better allows us to improve the support we offer in collaboration with Japanese companies."

Conclusion from Linc's CEO

Linc's CEO, Nakakiyou Haruka, emphasizes that the expansion of the Special Skills No. 2 fields marks a historical turning point towards a truly multi-cultural society in Japan. This report reveals the heartfelt aspirations of foreign skilled workers to be not just mere laborers but integrated members of society aiming to build careers and raise families here. Through maximizing the experience of foreign workers in Japan, Linc is committed to contributing to a diverse and thriving future for the country.

About Linc's AI Recruitment Platform, Linc Global Hub

Linc Global Hub is Japan's first AI recruitment platform tailored for foreign talent, offering a one-stop solution from job postings to candidate communication, selection management, and post-employment support. By streamlining the hiring and onboarding process, Linc Global Hub simplifies the employment of foreign talent in Japan.

For more details on their services: Linc Global Hub.

(Note: This survey was conducted independently by Linc, and the results reflect trends among the respondents rather than the opinions or situations of all companies and individuals.)