Japan Eyes Indian Talent to Meet Soaring Demand in Hospitality Sector

NEW DELHI: Due to the high demand for workers in the hospitality industry, Japan is actively recruiting skilled professionals from India, and this was the driving reason behind the first “Specified Skilled Worker Accommodation Sector Matching Event” held in Delhi.

The All Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association, in collaboration with the Japan Tourism Agency, organized the event to attract talent for Japan’s hospitality sector under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) 1 and SSW 2 schemes. With an anticipated surge in foreign tourists, Japan has turned to India as a promising source for hospitality experts.

The event was a major milestone, featuring the presence of Ms. Kyoko Hokugo, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in India, alongside representatives from recruitment agencies, job seekers, and other key stakeholders. In her address, Ms. Hokugo emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections between Japan and India, reinforcing the critical role that events like this play in bridging cultural divides and fostering closer ties between the two nations.

One of the key messages from the All Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association and the Japan Tourism Agency was the increasing demand for hospitality workers, driven by two major upcoming international events: the World Expo 2025 and the Asian Games 2026, both of which are expected to bring a huge influx of foreign tourists from across the world.

These events will place tremendous pressure on Japan’s accommodation facilities, creating a high demand for caregiving workers and hospitality experts. Japan is projected to require around 23,000 hospitality professionals over the next five years to meet this surge in demand.

As part of its strategy to address this labor shortage, on March 29, 2024, the Japanese government revised the expected acceptance numbers for the Specified Skilled Worker program, adjusting projections to better align with the labor shortages in various sectors. For the accommodation sector specifically, the projected number of acceptances is now set at 23,000 over the next five years, starting from April 2024.

Importantly, this figure encompasses all eligible countries and is not broken down into individual quotas for countries such as India or Myanmar. Nevertheless, India, with its growing pool of skilled workers, is seen as a valuable contributor to Japan’s labor needs.

The event in Delhi, therefore, was a proactive effort by Japan to source talent, ensuring that they are ready for the growing demands of the hospitality industry. The event kicked off with seminars designed to provide information about the opportunities available in Japan’s hospitality sector under the SSW visa program. Representatives from multiple accommodation facilities were present to directly engage with job seekers, share information, and answer questions.

The event’s schedule was thoughtfully structured to address different audiences—students from Japanese language education institutions and individuals interested in hospitality roles. In the morning, Japanese language students participated in a seminar about the future of the SSW program, followed by a job fair where they engaged with representatives from accommodation facilities. This offered an opportunity for students to understand how their language skills could help them secure rewarding careers abroad.

The afternoon session was dedicated to aspiring hospitality professionals. It featured a seminar on “The Attractiveness of the Accommodation Industry,” which highlighted the unique aspects of Japan’s hospitality culture. This segment served to enlighten job seekers about the charm of working in Japan and the opportunities available. As attendees learned about “omotenashi”—Japan’s tradition of heartfelt hospitality—they were inspired by the prospect of being a part of this legacy and contributing their skills to a culture that values sincere care and attention to guests.

A highlight of the event was the interactive matching session, where participants had the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from various accommodation facilities. These sessions were vital, as they provided attendees with direct insight into the industry and allowed them to establish meaningful connections with potential employers. The representatives from Japan conveyed their eagerness to hire foreign workers, especially those who could help bridge cultural gaps with international tourists.

Additionally, recruitment agencies, often referred to as “sending organizations,” were present at the event, guiding participants on how to prepare for applications, what to expect during their employment, and how they could maximize their experience in Japan. These agencies play a crucial role in helping job seekers transition smoothly into the workforce abroad, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them.

The event was a blend of opportunity and cultural exchange. Aspiring hospitality professionals not only learned about career possibilities in Japan but also got a glimpse into the Japanese way of life, the dedication to customer service, and the significance of omotenashi. They came away from the event inspired by the stories of Indian hospitality workers who had paved the way before them, and excited about contributing to Japan’s major international events in the coming years.

The “Specified Skilled Worker Accommodation Sector Matching Event” was not just about recruiting hospitality workers—it was about building a cultural bridge between India and Japan. The need for skilled professionals in Japan’s hospitality sector is evident, and the growing partnership with India shows that the two countries are willing to work together to meet this demand while creating meaningful cultural exchanges.

As Ms. Hokugo aptly concluded, “Together, let us build a future where our nations are even more connected, driven by mutual respect and understanding.” The event was a step towards making this future a reality, as young Indians were given the opportunity to embark on new journeys in Japan, contributing not only their skills but also their culture to a country eager to welcome them.