Miyazaki Specified Skilled Worker: Food Service 4th, New Intake Halted

Of the 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals working in Miyazaki Prefecture, the Food Service Industry accounts for 203 people (approximately 6.7%), making it the 4th largest sector (as of the end of December 2025). In the Food Service Industry, a temporary suspension of issuance of Certificate of Eligibility has been in effect since April 13, 2026, which means that, in principle, new foreign nationals cannot be invited from overseas and changes from other Status of Residence are halted. On the other hand, applications for change of Status of Residence due to job changes and applications for extension of Period of Stay for those working as Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry are being processed as usual. Five months after the suspension, the Immigration Services Agency published its “Application Status” on September 10, 2026. This article will first confirm the actual numbers for Miyazaki’s Food Service Industry using the latest statistics, then explain the current progress of applications, the outlook for resumption, and measures that Miyazaki restaurants can take even during the suspension, based on primary information from the Immigration Services Agency. This content is intended for both restaurant owners and HR professionals in the prefecture, as well as foreign nationals working in the Food Service Industry.

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1. Conclusion: Miyazaki’s Food Service Industry is 4th with 203 people. New applications are suspended, but job changes and extensions are processed as usual.

First, here are the key points:

• As of the end of December 2025 (Reiwa 7), there were 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) residents in Miyazaki Prefecture. By sector, the Food Service Industry ranked 4th with 203 people, following Agriculture (931 people), Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry (707 people), and Nursing Care (635 people) (Immigration Services Agency “Number of Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status of Residence,” Table 5). These figures are from before the suspension measure began.
• The Food Service Industry sector has seen a temporary suspension of issuance of Certificate of Eligibility since April 13, 2026, because the national number of Specified Skilled Worker (i) residents approached the acceptance cap of 50,000. As of the end of June 2026, the national number of residents was 49,060, with a fulfillment rate of 98.1%.
• What is suspended are new invitations from overseas (Certificate of Eligibility) and changes from other Status of Residence to Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry). All applications for change of Status of Residence due to job changes for those residing as Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry are processed as usual, and applications for extension of Period of Stay are also processed as usual.
• According to the application status published on September 10, 2026, the issuance of Certificate of Eligibility has progressed to applications with a reception date up to January 31, 2026.
• Materials from the government’s expert panel (September 9, 2026) indicate that the re-setting of the acceptance cap is planned for the end of fiscal year Reiwa 10, and the resumption of acceptance is shown as “undecided.”

2. Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry by the Numbers (as of end of December 2025)

2-1. By Sector: 4th in Miyazaki, 5th Nationwide

According to the prefectural and sectoral statistics (preliminary figures as of the end of December 2025) published by the Immigration Services Agency, the main sectors in Miyazaki Prefecture are as follows:

Sector (Specified Skilled Worker (i))	Miyazaki Prefecture	Prefectural Composition Ratio	Nationwide	National Composition Ratio
Agriculture	931 people	30.9%	37,952 people	9.9%
Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry	707 people	23.5%	93,393 people	24.4%
Nursing Care	635 people	21.1%	67,871 people	17.8%
Food Service Industry	203 people	6.7%	43,869 people	11.5%
Construction	199 people	6.6%	49,323 people	12.9%
Fisheries	146 people	4.8%	4,590 people	1.2%
Industrial Product Manufacturing	140 people	4.6%	56,736 people	14.8%
Others (Automobile Maintenance, Building Cleaning, etc.)	51 people	1.7%	—	—
Total	3,012 people	—	382,341 people	—

Nationwide, the Food Service Industry is the 5th largest sector, following Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry, Nursing Care, Industrial Product Manufacturing, and Construction, with a composition ratio of 11.5%. Miyazaki’s 6.7% is about 60% of the national average. By prefecture, large metropolitan areas dominate the top ranks: Tokyo (9,328 people), Osaka (4,527 people), Kanagawa (3,903 people), Aichi (3,268 people), and Saitama (2,673 people). Miyazaki Prefecture ranks 34th out of 47 prefectures with 203 people.

In Kyushu and Okinawa, the order is Fukuoka (1,654 people, 11.9%), Okinawa (1,010 people, 21.9%), Kumamoto (668 people, 8.3%), Oita (352 people, 10.7%), Kagoshima (300 people, 5.0%), Nagasaki (296 people, 7.6%), followed by Miyazaki (203 people, 6.7%), and Saga (167 people, 5.9%).

For more details on the top fields, please refer to Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in Agriculture is the Most Numerous, Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Ranks Second, Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in Nursing Care Ranks Third, Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in Construction Ranks Fifth, Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in Fisheries Ranks Sixth, and Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in Industrial Product Manufacturing Ranks Seventh, respectively.

2-2. By Municipality: Over 40% Concentrated in Miyazaki City

Municipality	Food Service Industry Field	Total Specified Skilled Worker (i) in Municipality
Miyazaki City	90 people	738 people
Miyakonojo City	35 people	716 people
Hyuga City	18 people	161 people
Nichinan City	12 people	213 people
Kobayashi City	11 people	188 people
Takanabe Town	7 people	41 people
Nobeoka City	6 people	168 people
Ebino City	4 people	77 people
Kushima City / Takachiho Town	3 people each	—
Other Towns and Villages	14 people	—
Total	203 people	3,012 people

Miyazaki City alone accounts for 90 people (approx. 44%), and the top 5 cities account for 166 people (approx. 82%). While it is natural for the numbers to be concentrated in urban areas where restaurants gather, in Takanabe Town, 7 out of 41 Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the town (approx. 17%) are in the food service industry, indicating that a certain level of utilization is progressing in restaurants in suburban and tourist areas as well.

2-3. Nationality: Nearly Half from Myanmar

Nationality	Miyazaki Prefecture	Composition Ratio in Miyazaki Prefecture	National Composition Ratio
Myanmar	93 people	45.8%	34.1%
Indonesia	32 people	15.8%	8.0%
Vietnam	25 people	12.3%	31.1%
Nepal	22 people	10.8%	9.4%
Philippines	20 people	9.9%	5.2%
Sri Lanka	7 people	3.4%	—
Total	203 people	—	(National total 43,869 people)

Nationally, Myanmar (34.1%) and Vietnam (31.1%) are almost on par, but in Miyazaki, Myanmar nationality accounts for 45.8%, nearly half, while Vietnamese nationality remains at 12.3%. It seems necessary to prepare for support plans and life orientations, including the Myanmar language.

3. Key Points of the Suspension Measure (Policy Response on March 27, 2026)

The Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced their policy response on March 27, 2026. This was due to the number of foreign nationals with Specified Skilled Worker (i) Status of Residence in the food service industry reaching approximately 46,000 as of the end of February 2026, with an expectation to exceed the estimated acceptance cap of 50,000 around May. The key points are as follows:

Type of Application	Applications accepted on or after April 13, 2026	Applications accepted before April 13, 2026
Issuance of Certificate of Eligibility (calling from overseas)	Denial	Issued sequentially within the estimated acceptance cap (considerable delay due to priority given to change applications)
Change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry)	Principle of Denial. However, job changes for those residing as Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry will be reviewed as usual. Those who have completed Technical Intern Training (food manufacturing for medical/welfare facilities) and those who have already been granted Designated Activities (preparation for transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i)) in the food service industry will be granted sequentially within the scope.	Granted sequentially within the scope
Change to Designated Activities (preparation for transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i))	Denial. However, ① job changes for those residing as Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry, ② those who have completed Technical Intern Training (food manufacturing for medical/welfare facilities), and ③ applications accepted before April 13 and for which an application for membership to the Food Industry Specified Skilled Worker Council was submitted by March 27 will be reviewed as usual.	(Refer to exception ③ on the left)
Extension of Period of Stay	Reviewed as usual	Reviewed as usual

The background of the suspension measures and the immediate impact after the announcement are explained in detail in Impact and Countermeasures for Suspension of Acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker in Food Service Industry. For a comparison of the fulfillment rates across 19 fields, please refer to Estimated Number of Specified Skilled Worker Acceptances.

4. Application Status Five Months After Suspension (Published September 10, 2026)

The Immigration Services Agency published the “Application Status for Status of Residence for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry)” on September 10, 2026. As of September 10, 2026, the application process has progressed to the following stages for each type of application:

Application Type	Status as of September 10, 2026
Certificate of Eligibility (for calling from overseas)	Prioritizing processing of change applications. Issuance is in order of acceptance date when possible, currently for applications with an acceptance date up to January 31, 2026.
Change ①: From Technical Intern Training (Food Manufacturing for Medical/Welfare Facilities)	Applications with an acceptance date up to August 31, 2026 will be approved upon completion of examination.
Change ②: From Designated Activities (Preparation for Specified Skilled Worker (i) in Food Service Industry)	Applications with an acceptance date up to August 31, 2026 will be approved upon completion of examination.
Change ③: From Specified Skilled Worker (i) in Food Service Industry (Job change within the food service industry)	All applications will be approved upon completion of examination.
Change ④: From Status of Residence other than ① to ③	Applications with an acceptance date up to April 12, 2026. Applications accepted after April 13 will generally be denied.
Extension of Period of Stay	Approved as usual upon completion of examination.

Two points can be inferred from this table:

• Even for Certificate of Eligibility applications accepted by April 12, issuance has only progressed to those accepted by January 31. Since issuance is sequential within the estimated acceptance quota, it is not possible to foresee “if it will be issued because it was submitted by April 12” or “when it will be issued.”
• Job changes within the food service industry (Change ③) apply to “all applications.” There is no cutoff based on the acceptance date.

In addition, the following precautions are indicated on the application status page:

• Even during the suspension, requests for corrections or additional submission of documents may be made.
• While the order of acceptance date is generally followed, the order may change due to the content of the application, the status of documents, or the expiration date of the Status of Residence.
• Inquiries regarding the status of issuance or approval to the Immigration Services Agency, regional Immigration Services Bureaus, or the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries cannot be answered.
• Since Technical Intern Trainees cannot work after completing their training plan, those wishing to change from Technical Intern Training are requested to apply at least two months before their scheduled start date of employment.

5. When the Period of Stay Expires While Waiting in Line

Some individuals may have their current Period of Stay expire before their turn for examination comes. In such cases, to prevent illegal overstay, they may be advised to file an Application for Change of Status of Residence to Designated Activities (Preparation for Specified Skilled Worker (i)) (Food Service Industry) or an Application for Extension of Period of Stay for the same Status of Residence with a “Notification of Change in Application Content.” This extension of Period of Stay for Designated Activities is limited to one time.

Individuals who have been granted Designated Activities and wish to continue the same activities are requested to file an Application for Change of Status of Residence to Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry) again before their Period of Stay expires (approximately 3 months prior). In such cases, only the application form and photo are considered sufficient as submitted documents.

We recommend that company representatives manage a list of Residence Card expiration dates for applicants who are waiting in line.

6. When Will Acceptance Resume?

The timing of the resumption of acceptance is a concern, but the material from the expert meeting on September 9, 2026 (Material 4-1 “Response to Exceeding the Acceptance Cap for Specified Skilled Worker in the Food Service Industry”) summarizes it as follows:

• Since no significant changes in economic conditions have been observed in the food service industry since January 23, 2026, when the estimated acceptance quota was set, the estimated acceptance quota will be operated as the acceptance cap.
• Extensions of Period of Stay will continue to be approved as they do not affect the increase in the number of residents.
• As planned, the re-setting of the estimated acceptance quota is at the end of fiscal year Reiwa 10, and the resumption of acceptance is indicated as “undecided” in the diagram.

It is important to note here that “the end of fiscal year Reiwa 10” is the time to review the estimated acceptance quota, not the date when acceptance will resume. The resumption date is not determined in the document. Our office cannot predict the resumption date, so we recommend avoiding recruitment plans based on the premise that “it’s a temporary measure and will return soon,” and instead take action assuming the suspension will continue.

7. Options Available to Miyazaki Restaurants Even During Suspension

7-1. Accepting Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry through Transfer

Applications for Change of Status of Residence for individuals holding a Specified Skilled Worker (i) Status of Residence in the Food Service Industry to transfer (change of employer) to another restaurant are categorized as “All Applications” in the examination status table. If an individual working as a Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry at another establishment applies, they may be eligible for acceptance.

However, the requirements for becoming a Specified Skilled Worker accepting organization (such as becoming a member of the Food Service Industry Specified Skilled Worker Council, creating and implementing a support plan, and not employing individuals at establishments operating adult entertainment businesses) remain unchanged even during the suspension. Please confirm your system before acceptance.

7-2. Ensuring Current Employees’ Period of Stay Extensions Do Not Lapse

Applications for Extension of Period of Stay are being processed as usual. Since new hires cannot be brought in, retaining current employees for longer is the most realistic way to secure human resources. It is advisable to manage extension deadlines, review employment conditions and support systems, and clearly outline career paths with even greater care than usual.

7-3. Aiming for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (Food Service Industry)

The Food Service Industry sector includes Specified Skilled Worker (ii). The Immigration Services Agency’s sector page outlines the requirements for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) as the “Food Service Industry Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Skills Proficiency Test” and the “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (N3 or higher)”, along with practical experience in a position assisting with store management while providing guidance and supervision to multiple part-time employees and Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals (e.g., assistant store manager, sub-manager). The current suspension measures target various applications for Status of Residence for Specified Skilled Worker (i).

There are 30 Specified Skilled Worker (ii) in Miyazaki Prefecture, with only 1 in the Food Service Industry (as of end of December 2025; nationwide, there are 1,056 Specified Skilled Worker (ii) in the Food Service Industry). For establishments with personnel capable of serving as assistant store managers, it is worthwhile to concretely consider transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (ii). For an overview of the system, please refer to Differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii).

7-4. Employment for Skill Development Program (ESD) from April 2027

The Employment for Skill Development Program (ESD), which replaces Technical Intern Training, will commence on April 1, 2027. According to the “List of Target Fields and Job Categories (Draft)” document from the expert panel meeting on September 9, 2026, the estimated number of acceptances for Employment for Skill Development in the Food Service Industry is indicated as 5,300 individuals. Specific operational details will be determined by future government ordinances, notifications, and cabinet decisions, so at this stage, it is a matter of “monitoring information as one of the options.” Proposed revisions to job categories are explained in Proposed Addition of Job Categories for Specified Skilled Worker and Employment for Skill Development.

7-5. Caution: Substitution with Other Sectors or Status of Residence is Not Possible

Even though the Food Service Industry is suspended, it is not possible to accept cooking and customer service jobs at restaurants under a different sector or Status of Residence.

• The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry sector is determined by the actual work performed by the business establishment and its industrial classification. Cooking and customer service at restaurant establishments cannot be accepted under the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry sector (see Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Ranks Second for Specified Skilled Worker in Miyazaki).
• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services is a Status of Residence for jobs requiring specialized knowledge, and it is not intended primarily for on-site tasks such as cooking and customer service at restaurants.

8. What Foreign Nationals Should Confirm Now

• For those currently working as Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry, applications for Change of Status of Residence due to transfer (change of employer) to another restaurant are being processed as usual. Once a new employer is decided, please apply with ample time before your Period of Stay expires.
• Please check the expiration date of your Residence Card. If your Period of Stay is likely to expire while waiting for your application to be processed, you may be advised to change to Designated Activities (preparation for Specified Skilled Worker (i)) or similar.
• Those completing Technical Intern Training (meal preparation for medical/welfare facilities) are requested to submit their Application for Change of Status of Residence at least two months before their scheduled start date of employment.
• For those aiming for Specified Skilled Worker (ii), it is crucial to keep records of experience in providing guidance and supervision as an assistant store manager, sub-manager, etc. You can request the company to issue a document certifying your practical experience.

9. What HR Professionals Should Confirm Now

• Please review your recruitment plans based on the premise of new acceptances. The issuance of Certificates of Eligibility is processed in order of receipt, and the resumption date is undecided.
• If considering acceptance through transfer (change of employer), please first fulfill the requirements for a Specified Skilled Worker accepting organization, such as joining the Specified Skilled Worker Council and establishing a support system.
• Please manage the extension deadlines for your current employees in a list. Extensions are being processed as usual.
• Please check the Period of Stay expiration dates for individuals with pending applications.
• Please record any experience in a position assisting with store management to identify potential candidates for transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
• Please review the languages supported by your support system. In Miyazaki’s Food Service Industry, Myanmar nationals account for nearly half of the foreign workforce.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. When will Specified Skilled Worker for the Food Service Industry resume?

A. According to materials from the expert meeting on September 9, 2026, the resumption of acceptance is “undecided.” “End of FY Reiwa 10” refers to the planned time for resetting the estimated number of acceptances, not the resumption date.

Q2. During the suspension, can foreign nationals not be employed in restaurants?

A. While new invitations and changes from other Status of Residence are generally suspended, applications for change of Status of Residence due to job changes for individuals residing under Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry are being processed as usual. Applications for Extension of Period of Stay for currently employed individuals are also being processed as usual.

Q3. I applied for a Certificate of Eligibility by April 12. Will it be issued?

A. Issuance will be made in order of application receipt date within the estimated number of acceptances. However, as of September 10, 2026, issuance is limited to applications received by January 31. The timing and approval of issuance vary for each application, and inquiries cannot be answered.

Q4. Can foreign nationals be accepted under the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry category and work in a store?

A. No, they cannot. The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry category is determined by the actual business operations and industrial classification of the establishment. Cooking and customer service in restaurant stores are not covered by this category.

Q5. My Period of Stay is about to expire while I’m waiting.

A. To prevent illegal overstay, you may be advised to submit a request for change of application details, such as a change to Designated Activities (Preparation for Specified Skilled Worker (i)) (Food Service Industry category). The Extension of Period of Stay for this Designated Activities is limited to one time.

Q6. Is Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (Food Service Industry) also suspended?

A. This suspension measure targets various Status of Residence applications for Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry. Specified Skilled Worker (ii) has requirements for examinations, Japanese proficiency, and practical experience, so please consult us in advance according to your individual circumstances.

11. Summary

There are 203 foreign nationals under Specified Skilled Worker in the Food Service Industry in Miyazaki Prefecture, making it the 4th largest sector by field (as of end of December 2025, before the suspension measure). While it is the 5th largest sector nationwide, its share within the prefecture is 6.7%, which is about 60% of the national average of 11.5%. Over 40% are concentrated in Miyazaki City, and nearly half of the nationalities are Myanmar.

New acceptance in the Food Service Industry has been suspended since April 13, 2026. As of the examination status published on September 10, the issuance of Certificates of Eligibility is limited to applications received by January 31. Resumption is “undecided.” On the other hand, all applications for job changes within the Food Service Industry are subject to examination, and extensions are processed as usual. Assuming the suspension continues, we recommend revising your plans focusing on accepting transfers, retaining current personnel, and transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

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As an Administrative Scrivener Corporation in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, our office assists restaurants throughout the prefecture with accepting foreign human resources.

• Authorized to File Applications on Behalf of Applicant for Application for Change of Status of Residence and Application for Extension of Period of Stay due to job changes for Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Food Service Industry.
• Consultation on reviewing recruitment plans and acceptance systems under the suspension measure.
• Organization of practical experience with a view to transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
• Preparation for the Employment for Skill Development Program (ESD) starting in April 2027.

Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.

📩 Contact Us Here

📞 To book a consultation by phone: 0985-68-0851

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of September 2026. The number of foreign residents in Miyazaki Prefecture is based on preliminary figures released by the Immigration Services Agency (as of end of December 2025), the fill rate is as of end of June 2026, and the examination status is as of September 10, 2026. The examination status is updated periodically on the Immigration Services Agency’s website. The suspension measure for the Food Service Industry, the estimated number of acceptances, and the requirements for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) may change due to future operational revisions or amendments to notifications and sector-specific operational policies. In particular, matters related to the Employment for Skill Development Program (ESD) starting in April 2027 may change as they will be further specified by future government ordinances and notifications. For actual acceptance and application procedures, please refer to the official information from the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, or contact our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama

Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office

Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Sources (Primary Information)

• Immigration Services Agency “Status of Residence Applications for Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry) (Posted September 10, 2026)” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00259.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Regarding the Operation of the Acceptance Cap in the Specified Skilled Worker ‘Food Service Industry’ Field” (Policy adopted March 27, 2026) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/03_00001.html
• Expert Panel Document 4-1 “Response to Exceeding the Estimated Acceptance Cap in the Specified Skilled Worker ‘Food Service Industry’ Field” (September 9, 2026) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001470101.pdf
• Expert Panel Document “List of Acceptance Target Fields and Job Categories (Draft)” (September 9, 2026) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001470098.pdf
• Immigration Services Agency “Estimated Number of Accepted Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Number of Residents (as of end of June 2026, preliminary figures)” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001465883.pdf
• Immigration Services Agency “Publication of Number of Foreign Nationals Residing under Specified Skilled Worker Status, etc.” Tables 5 and 6 (as of end of December 2025) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/nyuukokukanri07_00215.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Food Service Industry” (Field-specific Information) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/ssw/foodservice.html