FAQ

Answers workers actually need.

Practical information about the SSW visa, timelines, costs, rights, and what this platform does — organized by topic.

SSW Visa

What the Specified Skilled Worker visa is, how it compares to older programs, and which categories have active demand.

What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa?

The Specified Skilled Worker visa (特定技能, tokutei ginou) is a Japanese work visa introduced in 2019 for foreign workers in sectors with recognized labor shortages. Unlike older programs, it is designed to allow workers to earn a proper wage, switch employers within their sector, and in some cases extend or renew their stay. There are two levels: SSW Type 1 (up to 5 years, no family bring-along) and SSW Type 2 (longer stay, family permitted, available in specific sectors). Most first-time international workers enter through SSW Type 1.

What is the difference between the SSW visa and the old Technical Intern Training program?

The Technical Intern Training program (TITP) was officially a cultural exchange program, not a work visa, and was widely criticized for allowing exploitation and wage underpayment. The SSW visa is a genuine work visa with clearer wage protections, the right to switch employers within your sector, and stronger legal standing. Japan is phasing out the TITP and replacing it with a new Specified Skilled Worker system. If an intermediary is promoting a program that still sounds like TITP, ask specifically which visa category is being used.

Which SSW job sectors have the most active demand?

The SSW framework currently covers 14 sectors, but demand varies significantly. Manufacturing (industrial products and food processing), agriculture, construction, and care work (nursing care) have consistently high demand. Food production and manufacturing are among the more accessible entry points because preparation requirements are well-defined and employers are familiar with international candidates. Agriculture is another high-volume sector, especially for workers with physical stamina and comfort with outdoor conditions.

How long can I stay in Japan on an SSW Type 1 visa?

SSW Type 1 allows stays of up to 5 years in total, in renewable periods. You can switch employers within the same sector if needed. You cannot bring family members under SSW Type 1. SSW Type 2 (available in certain sectors like construction and shipbuilding) allows longer stays and permits family. The exact renewal timeline depends on your employer, sector, and Japan Immigration Services Agency approvals.

Timeline & Process

What the end-to-end path looks like, how long it realistically takes, and what to do first.

How long does the full process typically take from start to arriving in Japan?

A realistic timeline from starting preparation to arriving in Japan is 6 to 18 months, depending on your starting point, the sector you target, and how quickly you complete required skills tests and language requirements. Workers who begin with zero Japanese and no industry knowledge typically need at least 9 to 12 months of honest preparation before they are competitive. The skills test and JLPT scheduling also take time, since exam slots are not available every month in every location.

What should I do first if I want to work in Japan?

Start by narrowing your role direction. Knowing whether you are aiming for food production, manufacturing, agriculture, or another sector lets you study more efficiently, ask better questions, and evaluate opportunities more realistically. From there, start basic Japanese language study, complete a readiness self-check, and read through the preparation resources on this site before engaging any external intermediary. Starting prepared gives you far more power in any conversation.

Do I need to pass a skills test before I can apply?

For SSW Type 1, you must pass both a Japan-recognized skills evaluation test in your sector and a Japanese language proficiency test (or hold an equivalent JLPT certification). Each sector has its own skills test, which can be taken at authorized testing sites in some countries before departure. Japan is expanding the countries where these tests are available, including Vietnam. Scheduling and availability vary, so checking official JLPT and sector test schedules early is strongly recommended.

What happens after I submit an application through Kanousei?

Your application is saved to a secure database and reviewed by the founding team. At this stage, the platform is in its first cohort phase, so responses are handled directly rather than automatically. You will receive contact by email. The platform does not route your information to third-party recruiters or share it with employers without your knowledge. This is a preparation and orientation layer, not a placement pipeline.

Language

JLPT levels, what employers actually need, and how to start if your Japanese is still basic.

What is JLPT and which level do I need?

JLPT stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It has five levels: N5 (most basic) to N1 (near-native). For most SSW roles in structured sectors like food production, manufacturing, and agriculture, the required or expected level is N4. This means you can handle very basic daily conversations, understand simple written instructions, and follow routine workplace communication. Some roles or employers may accept candidates below N4 if they show clear learning progress. N3 and above becomes relevant for roles with more customer or team communication, like hospitality or care work.

Can I start preparing if my Japanese is still very basic?

Yes. Starting with very basic Japanese does not disqualify you from beginning preparation. The learning paths on this platform are designed for exactly this situation. The right approach is to start with high-frequency vocabulary and basic workplace language specific to your target role, rather than waiting until you feel fluent. Most workers who successfully reach N4 do so through 4 to 8 months of consistent study. Beginning now with a clear target is more valuable than waiting for the perfect starting point.

Costs & Finances

What legitimate preparation costs look like, how to evaluate fee structures, and what realistic take-home pay means.

What are the legitimate costs I should expect during this process?

Legitimate preparation costs include: JLPT exam registration fees (typically a few thousand Vietnamese dong equivalent per sitting), sector skills test fees, basic study materials, and possibly a preparation course if you choose one. If you work with a licensed sending organization, their fees should be itemized, capped according to government guidelines in your country, and refundable under specific failure conditions. In Vietnam, licensed sending organizations are regulated by DOLAB (the Department of Overseas Labor). Any payment structure that cannot be itemized or that greatly exceeds these norms is a warning sign.

How much can I realistically earn after deductions in Japan?

Gross salary figures for SSW roles typically range from ¥160,000 to ¥250,000 per month depending on sector and location. However, deductions including income tax, resident tax, social insurance (health and pension), and sometimes housing fees (if employer-managed accommodation is provided) can reduce take-home pay significantly. A realistic net take-home figure is often 70 to 80 percent of the gross amount. Workers in rural or higher-cost regions may have different cost structures. Understanding net income, not just headline salary, is critical before committing to any opportunity.

Does Kanousei charge workers to access information?

The public site and core orientation layer are designed to stay accessible. If paid support is introduced later, it will be explained clearly and separated from vague promises. Preparation content, readiness tools, and resource articles are available without payment.

Rights & Safety

Worker rights under Japanese law, how to verify an agency is legal, and what to do if something goes wrong.

What are my rights if a recruiter or employer behaves unfairly?

As an SSW worker in Japan, you have legal rights under Japanese labor law, including the right to receive at minimum the local minimum wage, the right to leave an abusive or non-compliant employer and find a new one within your sector, and the right to access labor dispute resolution services. Japan has designated SSW support organizations in each region that must provide multilingual assistance. If you are being underpaid, having documents withheld, or experiencing threats, you have legal remedies available. Knowing these rights before you depart is important because awareness of them changes how confidently you can evaluate and respond to problems.

How do I verify that a recruiter or sending organization is operating legally?

In Vietnam, licensed overseas labor sending organizations (XKLĐ) must be registered with DOLAB (the Department of Overseas Labor) and hold a current license. You can verify registration status at the DOLAB official website or by calling their hotline. In Japan, receiving organizations working under SSW must also be certified. Legitimate operations will readily share their license numbers and the detailed cost breakdown. If an operator refuses to share either, or if their answers keep changing, that is a strong signal to disengage.

What happens if the job I was promised turns out to be different from what I actually do?

This is a known and serious problem in international labor migration. Under Japanese law, your labor contract specifies your role, hours, and wage. If what you are doing does not match the contract, or if your visa category does not match your actual work, you have grounds for a complaint to Japan's labor standards office (労働基準監督署). Pre-departure preparation that includes contract review, understanding your visa category, and knowing exactly which support organization is responsible for your case reduces the risk significantly. If a sending organization cannot or will not explain these details before you depart, that is a red flag.

Platform

What Kanousei is, what it does not do, and how submissions and data are handled.

Is Kanousei a recruiter?

Not at this stage. Kanousei currently focuses on education, information, and job-readiness support, not unlicensed placement services.

Who is the first launch focused on?

The first launch is designed in English and aimed at workers in Vietnam preparing for opportunities in Japan.

Can employers hire directly through the site right now?

Employers can express interest, share hiring context, and explore partnership discussions. The first version is focused on information and preparation, not full placement operations.

Does using Kanousei guarantee a job in Japan?

No. The purpose of the platform is to improve preparation, reduce information gaps, and make candidate readiness easier to understand. It should never imply guaranteed employment or visa outcomes.

What is the first real product feature beyond content?

The first product-like feature is the readiness check. It helps a worker understand how prepared they are across language, process awareness, consistency, and role clarity.

What happens when I submit a form on the site?

Intake submissions are saved directly to a secure database and reviewed by the founding team. A fallback email draft is generated if the database save does not complete. Your submission is not shared, sold, or used for automated outreach.

Next step

Questions answered. Now start preparing.

The readiness check is the fastest way to turn questions into a clearer picture of where you stand and what to do next.

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