Where Specified Skilled Workers Typically Work in Japan

🛠️ Key Industries Employing SSW Visa Holders

Currently, foreign workers with SSW Type 1 visas are active in 16 designated industries, with planned expansion to 19 fields including warehouse management, waste disposal, and linen supply as of mid-2025 (Kyodo News) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

• Caregiving and nursing services
• Construction and house cleaning
• Agriculture and food services
• Automotive maintenance and repair
• Manufacturing, hotel services, and more

🚗 Where Do Automotive Mechanics Work?

In the automotive field, mechanics with SSW status typically work at:

• Independent car repair shops or dealerships
• Inspection stations for regular vehicle checks
• Authorized service centers for Japanese automakers
• Companies specializing in fleet maintenance like rental services

Many are placed in regional areas where maintenance staff shortages are particularly severe.

📦 Logistics, Warehouse & Transportation

With the planned inclusion of warehouse management and related logistics sectors, SSW workers are increasingly found in packaging, inventory control, and distribution center roles (The Japan Times) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

🏘️ Geographic Distribution of SSW Workers

As of late 2024:

• Manufacturing employs the largest number of foreign workers (~590,000) across Japan
• Service, retail, and welfare sectors also show high growth (e.g., welfare +28% YoY) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Major centers with many SSW workers include Tokyo (≈25%), Aichi (≈10%), Osaka (≈7.6%)

📋 Employment Patterns and Mobility

SSW visa holders often begin with fixed-term roles in rural regions, especially for Type 1. Some variables affecting employment:

• Overtime and night shifts allowed under SSW, unlike some internship programs :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• After one to two years, SSW holders may transfer employers or upgrade to Type 2 for long-term status
• Regional turnover issues—less than half wish to stay long‑term in rural positions, highlighting retention challenges (Ninja platform survey via Nikkei Asia) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

🏞️ Case Study: Hokkaido, Mombetsu & Rural Towns

In cities like Mombetsu, Hokkaido, more than 60 trainees—including those in automotive and mechanical fields—have organized exchange events, showing how local governments aim to integrate foreign workers socially and culturally :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🎯 Why Employers Choose SSW Workers

Employers in sectors such as repair shops, local manufacturers, and logistics centers prefer SSW visa holders because:

• SSW allows up to 5 years in Japan (Type 1) or indefinite residency (Type 2)
• Workers can change jobs legally and have fewer housing obligations than technical interns :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Foreign workers help fill gaps in small towns where hiring Japanese staff is challenging

📌 Internal Links for Related Topics

• Mechanic Salary in Japan
• Automotive Vocabulary for SSW Tests
• SSW Visa Application Guide

✅ Conclusion

Specified Skilled Worker visa holders work across diverse sectors—from automotive and logistics to caregiving and agriculture. They are placed in both urban hubs and rural communities to fill critical labor gaps. As Japan expands the number of eligible industries and continues to support foreign worker integration, opportunities are growing rapidly.

For those aiming to work as SSW visa holders in the future, it's key to understand which industries are in demand, where jobs are located, and how your visa type affects your mobility and rights.

— K‑ZAK | Supporting Foreign Mechanics in Japan