Miyazaki: Food & Beverage Manufacturing Ranks 2nd (707)｜Council Takes 2–3 Months

Among the 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals working in Miyazaki Prefecture, the second largest sector is the Food and Beverage Manufacturing industry (707 people, approximately 23%). This is the second largest after Agriculture (931 people) and surpasses Nursing Care (635 people). Nationwide, the Food and Beverage Manufacturing industry is the largest among the 19 sectors (93,393 people), with a fulfillment rate of 75.5% against the projected acceptance of 133,500 people as of the end of June 2026. This article will first confirm the actual situation in Miyazaki based on the latest statistics from the Immigration Services Agency (as of the end of December 2025), and then organize the specific requirements for accepting Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing sector (eligible business establishments, permissible duties, applicant examinations, membership in the Agricultural and Food Industry Specified Skills Council, and the division of job categories on April 1, 2027), in accordance with the operational guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Immigration Services Agency. This content is intended for both companies in Miyazaki Prefecture considering acceptance in food factories, seafood processing plants, and supermarket backyards, and foreign nationals considering working in this sector.

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1. Conclusion: Food and Beverage Manufacturing is the second largest Specified Skilled Worker sector in Miyazaki after Agriculture; Council review takes 2-3 months

First, here are the key points:

• As of the end of December 2025, there are 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) residents in Miyazaki Prefecture. By sector, Agriculture accounts for 931 people, followed by Food and Beverage Manufacturing with 707 people, making it the second largest and accounting for 23.5% of the total (Immigration Services Agency “Number of Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status of Residence,” Table 5). By municipality, Miyakonojo City accounts for 295 people, over 40% of the prefecture’s total.
• Acceptance is limited to business establishments primarily falling under 10 classifications, such as “Food Manufacturing Industry” in the Japan Standard Industrial Classification. Supermarket backyards (those engaged in food manufacturing) and central kitchens are eligible, but alcoholic beverage manufacturing, wholesale of food and beverages, and general retail are not.
• Foreign nationals must pass the “Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Test” + “Japanese Language Test (JLPT N4 or higher, or JFT-Basic A2.2 equivalent or higher)”. The examination is waived if the applicant has successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in eligible occupations such as prepared food manufacturing or bread manufacturing. This sector also has Specified Skilled Worker (ii), which requires passing the (ii) evaluation test and having at least two years of management experience.
• Accepting companies must become a member of the “Agricultural and Food Industry Specified Skills Council” before applying for Status of Residence. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the membership review takes 2-3 months (membership fees are currently free). In addition, there are additional requirements such as providing a career development plan in writing, providing a certificate of work experience, and direct employment (dispatch is not permitted).
• 🆕 From April 1, 2027, the job category “General Food and Beverage Manufacturing” will be divided into “Food and Beverage Manufacturing” and “Seafood Processing.” Examinations will also be separated by category, and those who passed the current examination by March 31, 2027, will be deemed to have passed the new examination.

2. Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker and Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Numbers (as of December 2025)

2-1. By Sector: Food and Beverage Manufacturing is the second largest after Agriculture

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	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%
Other (Building Cleaning, Automobile Maintenance, etc.)	51 people	1.7%	—	—
Total	3,012 people	—	382,341 people	—

Nationwide, the Food and Beverage Manufacturing industry is the sector with the highest number of residents (93,393 people, 24.4%) among the 19 sectors. In Miyazaki Prefecture, Agriculture is prominent, so it ranks second, but its prefectural composition ratio of 23.5% is almost the same level as the national composition ratio, indicating that Food and Beverage Manufacturing is a major recipient of Specified Skilled Workers in Miyazaki as well. For the Agriculture and Nursing Care sectors, please refer to the articles Agriculture is the largest Specified Skilled Worker sector in Miyazaki and Miyazaki’s Specified Skilled Worker in the Nursing Care Sector, respectively.

2-2. By Municipality: Miyakonojo City Accounts for Over 40% of the Prefecture

Municipality	Food and Beverage Manufacturing (i)	All Fields of Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the Same Municipality
Miyakonojo City	295 people	716 people
Hyuga City	91 people	161 people
Miyazaki City	88 people	738 people
Kawaminami Town	55 people	189 people
Shintomi Town	33 people	60 people
Saito City	28 people	113 people
Kobayashi City	24 people	188 people
Kadogawa Town	19 people	37 people
Nobeoka City	13 people	168 people
Tsuno Town	12 people	28 people

The 295 people in Miyakonojo City account for 41.7% of the 707 people in the food and beverage manufacturing industry in the prefecture, which is more than three times that of Miyazaki City (88 people). In Hyuga City, 91 out of 161 Specified Skilled Worker (i) are in food and beverage manufacturing, making it the most common field in the city. While the statistics do not show a breakdown by industry (e.g., meat processing, seafood processing, prepared foods), it can be inferred that Specified Skilled Workers in the food and beverage manufacturing industry in the prefecture are concentrated in production bases in Miyakonojo and northern Miyazaki rather than Miyazaki City.

2-3. By Nationality: Vietnam and Indonesia Account for Three-Quarters

The breakdown by nationality/region for the 707 people in Miyazaki Prefecture’s food and beverage manufacturing industry is: Vietnam 294 people (41.6%), Indonesia 231 people (32.7%), Philippines 86 people (12.2%), Cambodia 45 people (6.4%), Myanmar 40 people (5.7%), and China 11 people (1.6%) (Table 6, Food and Beverage Manufacturing field). The top two countries account for 74.3%. In the same field nationwide, Vietnam accounts for 59.3% and Indonesia for 21.0%, with Miyazaki characterized by a higher proportion of Indonesians than the national average.

2-4. Comparison with Other Kyushu Prefectures and Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

The number of Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food and beverage manufacturing industry in the seven prefectures of Kyushu is: Fukuoka Prefecture 4,299 people, Kagoshima Prefecture 1,888 people, Kumamoto Prefecture 1,326 people, Saga Prefecture 860 people, Miyazaki Prefecture 707 people, Nagasaki Prefecture 510 people, and Oita Prefecture 283 people. Miyazaki ranks 5th in Kyushu.

For Specified Skilled Worker (ii), out of 7,955 people nationwide, 2,251 people are in food and beverage manufacturing, making it the most common field across all categories (Table 5, Category 2). In Miyazaki Prefecture, out of 30 Category 2 workers, 1 is in food and beverage manufacturing (27 in Agriculture, 1 in Construction, 1 in Food Service Industry). While Miyazaki’s Category 2 is still skewed towards agriculture, food and beverage manufacturing is the field where the transition to Category 2 is most advanced nationwide, and an increase is expected in the prefecture as well.

3. Eligible and Ineligible Business Establishments (10 Classifications of the Japan Standard Industrial Classification)

The employment of Specified Skilled Workers in the food and beverage manufacturing field is limited to cases where the business establishment where the Specified Skilled Worker works is primarily engaged in one of the following activities according to the Japan Standard Industrial Classification (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Public Notice No. 256 of Reiwa 5) (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Public Notice No. 2, Operational Guidelines Separate Volume No. 3).

Category	Japan Standard Industrial Classification	Remarks
①	Medium Classification 09 Food Manufacturing	Core of manufacturing industry such as meat processing, seafood processing, prepared foods, confectionery, bread, frozen foods
②	Small Classification 101 Soft Drink Manufacturing
③	Small Classification 103 Tea and Coffee Manufacturing (excluding soft drinks)
④	Small Classification 104 Ice Manufacturing
⑤	Small Classification 583 Meat Retail Trade	Limited to those engaged in food manufacturing
⑥	Detailed Classification 5621 General Supermarkets	Limited to those engaged in food manufacturing
⑦	Detailed Classification 5811 Food Supermarkets	Limited to those engaged in food manufacturing
⑧	Detailed Classification 5861 Confectionery Retail Trade (Manufacturing Retail)
⑨	Detailed Classification 5863 Bread Retail Trade (Manufacturing Retail)
⑩	Detailed Classification 5896 Tofu, Kamaboko, etc. Processed Food Retail Trade	Limited to those engaged in the manufacturing of tofu, kamaboko, etc. processed foods

The Operational Guidelines Separate Volume categorizes eligible and ineligible forms as follows:

• Eligible: Dedicated factories (process centers) of food and beverage wholesalers/retailers, central kitchens/school lunch centers of food service businesses, and other independent business establishments engaged in the manufacturing and processing of food and beverages. For supermarkets, business establishments where food manufacturing such as fruit and vegetable processing, fresh fish processing, meat processing, bakery manufacturing, and prepared food manufacturing is carried out. Even if it is contract manufacturing, business establishments primarily engaged in the industrial classifications listed above.
• Ineligible: Alcoholic beverage manufacturing, salt manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, spice manufacturing, food and beverage wholesale trade, various merchandise retail trade excluding ⑥ above, food and beverage retail trade excluding ⑤, ⑦-⑩ above, and feed manufacturing such as pet food. Even if a retail business establishment manufactures/processes in a section of the store, it is ineligible if the primary economic activity is not manufacturing/processing. Business establishments engaged only in incidental operations such as packing and cargo handling, or those involved in worker dispatch, are also ineligible.

The term “business establishment” here refers to an entity with a single management body occupying a single area, possessing personnel and equipment, and continuously carrying out activities. If activities falling under multiple industrial classifications are performed, the industry is determined by the activity that accounts for the largest proportion of recent sales. If there is any doubt about whether your company is eligible, the Operational Guidelines Separate Volume requests that you contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries before applying for membership in the council.

4. Duties: Primarily manufacturing and processing; “sorting and packaging only” is not permitted.

The duties performed by Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals in the food and beverage manufacturing industry are currently defined as “general food and beverage manufacturing” = manufacturing and processing of food and beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages) and ensuring safety and hygiene. The operational guidelines define “manufacturing and processing” as “a series of production activities such as raw material processing, heating, sterilization, molding, drying, etc.” and state that tasks involving only sorting and packaging are not considered manufacturing and processing. “Ensuring safety and hygiene” refers to duties related to ensuring occupational safety and hygiene and food hygiene, such as safety checks of machinery used and hygiene management for workers.

It is permissible for these foreign nationals to incidentally engage in related duties (procurement and receipt of raw materials, delivery of products, cleaning, and management of the business premises) that are normally performed by Japanese nationals engaged in these operations. However, engaging exclusively in related duties is not permitted. Furthermore, it is important to note that in businesses classified as general supermarkets or food supermarkets, engaging in sales duties, even as related duties, is not permitted (a pledge not to engage in sales duties is required when joining the council).

Specified Skilled Worker (ii) foreign nationals, in addition to the manufacturing and processing duties mentioned above, engage in hygiene management, safety and hygiene management, quality control, delivery date management, cost management, employee management, raw material management, etc., while supervising multiple skilled workers. They are required to engage in these duties after being assigned a position or title, on the premise of assisting with management duties performed by the business manager (e.g., factory manager).

5. Requirements for the Foreign National: Examinations, Japanese Language, and Transition from Technical Intern Training

5-1. Specified Skilled Worker (i)

• Skills: Passing the “Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Test.” This test certifies that the individual has basic knowledge of hygienic handling of food products and can immediately respond to hygiene management in accordance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, a hygiene management method that analyzes hazard factors at each stage from raw material acceptance to the final product and continuously monitors and records critical processes) without special training. The test is conducted by the Organization for Technical Assistance to Foreigners in Food Industry (OTAFF), and study materials are publicly available.
• Japanese Language: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or higher, or International Foundation Basic Japanese Test (JFT-Basic) A2.2 equivalent or higher.
• Transition from Technical Intern Training (ii): Those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the following job categories/tasks are exempt from both the skills test and the Japanese language test: Food and Beverage Manufacturing = Can Sealing, Poultry Processing, Beef and Pork Processing (Beef and Pork Portion Meat Manufacturing, Beef and Pork Processed Meat Product Manufacturing), Ham, Sausage, and Bacon Manufacturing, Bread Manufacturing, Prepared Food Manufacturing, Pickled Agricultural Product Manufacturing. Seafood Processing = Seafood Processing, Processed Seafood Paste Product Manufacturing. To receive the exemption, a certificate of passing the Grade 3技能検定 (Skills Test) or an equivalent Technical Intern Training Evaluation Test (Specialized Level) practical examination at the time of completing Technical Intern Training (ii) is required (if not passed, a document evaluating the acquisition status of skills, etc., prepared by the implementing organization is required).
• Those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in other job categories are required to pass the skills test, but the Japanese language test is currently exempted for the time being.

5-2. Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

• Skills: Passing the “Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Test.”
• Work Experience: Two or more years of work experience as a person who engages in work while supervising multiple workers and manages processes in their own job category. “Multiple employees” refers to two or more Technical Intern Trainees, part-time employees, Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals, etc., and the nationality of those being supervised is not questioned, including Japanese nationals. “Person who manages processes” must hold a position such as department head, line manager, or team leader, and it is required that the position be officially assigned through objective documents such as a letter of appointment or job order.
• Japanese Language: Japanese Language Proficiency Test N3 or higher (only if assessed as CEFR B1 equivalent or higher). From April 1, 2027, “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages” B1 equivalent or higher will be required, but the handling of this will be announced separately.

6. Additional Requirements for Accepting Companies: Council, Career Advancement Plan, and Direct Employment

Specified Skilled Worker accepting organizations in the food and beverage manufacturing sector are subject to the following conditions, in addition to the requirements common to all sectors (employment contract standards, support plans, notifications, etc.), as stipulated in the public notice and the operational guidelines:

6-1. Membership in the Food Industry Specified Skills Council (before Status of Residence application; 2-3 months for screening)

Specified Skilled Worker accepting organizations must become members of the “Food Industry Specified Skills Council” (jointly established by the food and beverage manufacturing sector and the food service sector), which consists of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, relevant industry organizations, and Registered Support Organizations, and must cooperate with surveys and information sharing conducted by the council and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Membership must be obtained before filing any Status of Residence applications related to the foreign national. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ guidance, the membership procedure and key points are as follows:

• Confirm the membership application guide, then apply via the web application form → an email will be received from the secretariat within a few days → reply with necessary documents attached as PDF, etc. → after approval, a membership certificate will be sent via email.
• Required documents (Accepting Organization, Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector): ① Pledge regarding the acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals in the food and beverage manufacturing sector (Sector Reference Form No. 13-1), ② Pledge regarding the code of conduct (Council Regulations Appendix Form), ③ Copy of business license. If applicable to a general supermarket or food supermarket, a pledge not to engage in sales duties (Membership Regulations Appendix 1) is also required.
• Screening takes 2-3 months. After submitting the necessary documents, it takes several weeks until the screening begins, and finally about 2-3 months until the membership certificate is issued. Expediting the process is generally not permitted.
• Membership Fee: For the time being, no admission fee or annual fee will be charged. There is no need to re-apply for membership when accepting a second or subsequent foreign national.
• If the implementation of the Specified Skilled Worker (i) support plan is outsourced to a Registered Support Organization, that Registered Support Organization must also be a member of the council and an organization that cooperates with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the council (the Registered Support Organization must join before filing any Status of Residence applications).

6-2. Issuance of Career Advancement Plan Document and Certificate of Work Experience

Before concluding an employment contract with a Specified Skilled Worker, the Specified Skilled Worker accepting organization must pre-establish a career advancement plan (e.g., anticipated career path, job descriptions and estimated years of proficiency for each level, experience and qualifications required for advancement, and improvement in treatment) and explain it by issuing a document (electronic record is also acceptable). Furthermore, if requested by the Specified Skilled Worker, the organization is obligated to issue a document certifying their work experience. Failure to do either will result in non-compliance with the standards, making it impossible to accept Specified Skilled Workers. The certificate of work experience is directly linked to the proof of management and other work experience when the individual takes the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) evaluation exam in the future, making it important for planning the path to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

6-3. Direct Employment Only (Worker Dispatch Not Permitted)

Specified Skilled Workers in the food and beverage manufacturing industry are limited to direct employment, and it is not permitted to dispatch Specified Skilled Workers or to accept dispatched workers. If a Specified Skilled Worker is dispatched or accepted as a dispatched worker, it will be considered as the use of false documents, etc., and the acceptance of Specified Skilled Workers will be suspended for the next 5 years (Operational Guidelines, Separate Volume 5). Since dispatch is permitted in the agriculture sector, businesses engaged in both agriculture and food processing must be particularly careful not to confuse the two.

7. 🆕 From April 1, 2027, job categories will be divided into “Food and Beverage Manufacturing” and “Fishery Processing”

In the new sector-specific operational policy approved by the Cabinet on January 23, 2026 (Reiwa 8), the job categories and examinations for the food and beverage manufacturing sector will be reorganized as follows. The current categories and examinations will continue to be applied until March 31, 2027 (Reiwa 9) as a transitional measure.

	Until March 31, 2027	From April 1, 2027
Job Category (i) & (ii)	General Food and Beverage Manufacturing	① Food and Beverage Manufacturing (manufacturing and processing of food and beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages) and ensuring safety and hygiene) ② Fishery Processing (manufacturing and processing of fishery products and ensuring safety and hygiene)
Specified Skilled Worker (i) Skills Exam	Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Exam	① Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Exam ② Fishery Processing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Exam
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Skills Exam	Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Exam	① Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Exam ② Fishery Processing Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Exam
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Japanese Language	JLPT N3 or higher (B1 equivalent)	“Common European Framework of Reference for Languages” B1 equivalent or higher (details to be announced separately)

The practical points are as follows:

• Passing the current exam will not be in vain. Those who pass the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Exam (formerly called the Skills Measurement Exam) by March 31, 2027, will be deemed to have passed both the new Food and Beverage Manufacturing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Exam and the Fishery Processing Specified Skilled Worker (i) Evaluation Exam (the same applies to Specified Skilled Worker (ii)).
• Those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) can continue to work in both job categories after the transition and can also change jobs. The exemption from examinations will continue for the time being even after April 1, 2027.
• When hiring in the fishery processing category, a more thorough explanation of the career path is required. The council stipulates that when concluding an employment contract, the career path, including the scope of job changes (in principle, limited to the same job category, etc.), and treatment must be explained and agreed upon. Businesses engaged in fishery processing need to confirm this point when hiring after April next year.

8. National Quota: 75.5% filled out of an estimated 133,500 people (as of end of June 2026)

The estimated number of Specified Skilled Worker (i) accepted in the food and beverage manufacturing sector is 133,500 people over five years from FY2024 to FY2028, and this will be operated as the acceptance cap. According to preliminary figures from the Immigration Services Agency (as of the end of June 2026), the number of residents is 100,769, with a fulfillment rate of 75.5%, and the increase over the past year is 16,698 people. By simple calculation, the remaining quota is approximately 32,700 people, and if the same rate of increase continues, the estimated number will be reached in about two years.

In the food service industry, which belongs to the same council, the issuance of Certificates of Eligibility was temporarily suspended from April 13, 2026, due to the fulfillment rate approaching the cap (for details, see Impact and Countermeasures for Suspension of Acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker in “Food Service Industry”). It has not yet been announced whether similar measures will be taken in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, but the sector-specific operational policy stipulates a mechanism for suspending issuance if “the estimated number of acceptances is expected to be exceeded.” The overall situation for all 19 sectors is summarized in Estimated Number of Specified Skilled Worker Acceptances | Food Service Industry 98% – Remaining Quota for 19 Sectors.

The estimated number of Specified Skilled Worker (i) accepted in the food and beverage manufacturing sector for the five years from FY2024 is 133,500 people, and this will be operated as the acceptance cap for the five years until the end of FY2028.

Sector-specific operational policy, Appendix 15 (Cabinet Decision on January 23, Reiwa 8), Part 1, 2 (4) I

9. What Foreign Nationals and Corporate HR Professionals Should Confirm Now

9-1. For Foreign Nationals

• Check if your Technical Intern Training job category falls under the above exemption by referring to your skill test/evaluation exam pass certificate at the time of completion. Even for non-exempt job categories, the Japanese language exam is waived, so you can transition by only taking the skills exam.
• If you are hired after April 2027, confirm whether your category is “Food and Beverage Manufacturing” or “Fishery Processing” before signing the employment contract, and receive an explanation of the scope of job changes.
• If you aim for Specified Skilled Worker (ii), accept a position such as team leader or line manager by official appointment and request a certificate of work experience from your employer. Systematically prepare for Japanese language proficiency of N3 or higher (B1 equivalent after April 2027).

9-2. For HR Professionals at Companies

• Confirm the industrial classification of your business establishment. Be prepared to explain that your business primarily operates in the target industry using documents that the council may request, such as a certificate of registered matters, articles of incorporation, financial statements, or a copy of the business license from the public health center director.
• Initiate the council membership application first. The 2-3 month review period is required before the Status of Residence application. Work backward from the sequence of job offer → council membership → Status of Residence application, and if entrusting to a Registered Support Organization, confirm their membership status as well.
• Prepare the career advancement plan document before the employment contract. Although there is no prescribed format, it should include job descriptions for each level, estimated years of experience, and improvements in treatment. Having the format for the certificate of practical experience ready at the same time will prevent rushing when transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
• Ensure direct employment. Acceptance through a temporary staffing agency is not permitted, and violations will result in severe consequences, such as a 5-year suspension of acceptance.
• Monitor national quota trends. Based on a 75.5% fulfillment rate and an annual increase of approximately 17,000 people, formulate a multi-year hiring plan.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I hire a Specified Skilled Worker to work in the deli section of a supermarket?
A. If the business establishment is a general supermarket or food supermarket that manufactures food products, you can have them engage in manufacturing tasks such as deli production or bakery production. However, they cannot engage in sales tasks such as cashiering or stocking shelves, even as related tasks, and a pledge to that effect must be submitted when joining the council.

Q2. Can I have them only sort and pack products?
A. No. Simple sorting and packaging (packing) alone do not constitute “manufacturing or processing,” and engaging solely in related tasks is not permitted. The premise is that they primarily engage in manufacturing and processing steps.

Q3. Can I entrust support to a Registered Support Organization that is not a member of the council?
A. No. A Registered Support Organization entrusted with implementing the Specified Skilled Worker (i) support plan must also be a member of the council and an organization that cooperates with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the council. When choosing an entrusted organization, please confirm whether they have a membership certificate.

Q4. Can I have a Specified Skilled Worker in the agriculture sector help out at my company’s processing plant only during busy seasons?
A. The Status of Residence “Specified Skilled Worker” is granted by specifying the sector and job category, so in principle, a person permitted in the agriculture sector cannot engage in tasks in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Whether the processing of agricultural products falls within the scope of related tasks in the agriculture sector is subject to individual judgment, so please consult us in advance.

Q5. If I pass the current Specified Skilled Worker (i) skills test this year, what will happen after April 2027?
A. Those who pass the current test by March 31, 2027, will be deemed to have passed both the Specified Skilled Worker (i) skills tests for the new categories of “Food and Beverage Manufacturing” and “Fisheries Processing.” There is no need to retake the exam.

11. Summary: Food Manufacturing in Miyazaki is the Second Pillar of Specified Skilled Worker, Prepare by Incorporating the 2-3 Months for Council Review

Of the 3,012 Specified Skilled Worker (i) in Miyazaki Prefecture, 707 (23.5%) are in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, making it the second largest sector after agriculture, with over 40% concentrated in Miyakonojo City. Accepting business establishments are limited to those primarily falling under one of the 10 classifications of the Japan Standard Industrial Classification, and workers cannot engage in tasks such as simple sorting and packaging or sales at supermarkets. Foreign nationals themselves are required to pass the Specified Skilled Worker (i) skills test and a Japanese language test (exempt for those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the target occupation). Companies are required to join the Food Industry Specified Skills Council (2-3 months for review, before Status of Residence application), issue a career advancement plan document, provide proof of practical experience, and ensure direct employment. From April 1, 2027, job categories will be divided into “Food and Beverage Manufacturing” and “Fisheries Processing,” and when hiring for fisheries processing, a careful explanation of the career path will be necessary. The national quota has reached a fulfillment rate of 75.5%, and multi-year hiring plans must incorporate trends in the quota.

Our office, based in Miyazaki City, assists food manufacturing, fisheries processing, and supermarket businesses in Miyazaki Prefecture with Specified Skilled Worker acceptance (confirmation of target business establishments, council membership, Status of Residence application, support plan), as well as foreign nationals working in this sector with their Status of Residence procedures.

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This article was written based on publicly available information as of September 2026. The number of residents is a preliminary figure published by the Immigration Services Agency (as of the end of December 2025, fulfillment rate as of the end of June 2026). The requirements for the food and beverage manufacturing sector, test names, Japanese language proficiency levels, and council review periods may change in the future due to revisions of operational guidelines, public notices, and council operational status. For actual acceptance and applications, please refer to 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 “Publication of the Number of Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status, etc.” Tables 5 & 6 (as of end of December 2025) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/nyuukokukanri07_00215.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Field” (Field-specific Information – as of September 4, 2026) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/ssw/foodandbeverages.html
• Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, etc. “Policy on the Operation of the Status of Residence System for Specified Skilled Worker in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Field and Policy on the Operation of the Employment for Skill Development (ESD; Japanese: Ikusei Shuro) Program” (Attachment 15 – Cabinet Decision on January 23, 2026) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001466926.pdf
• Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Operational Guidelines for Accepting Specified Skilled Foreign Nationals in Specific Fields – Standards for the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Field -” (Partially revised on August 28, 2026) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001469694.pdf
• Immigration Services Agency “Expected 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
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “About the Food Industry Specified Skills Council (Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Field and Food Service Industry Field)” https://www.maff.go.jp/j/shokusan/sanki/soumu/kyougikai.html
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “About Expanding the Acceptance of Foreign Human Resources in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Field” https://www.maff.go.jp/j/shokusan/sanki/soumu/tokuteiginou.html