SkillDish connects Japan’s food industry with qualified foreign workers

SkillDish is addressing a critical social challenge in Japan’s food industry by bridging the gap between companies facing severe labour shortages and foreign workers seeking long‐term employment in the sector. The platform’s targeted approach leverages technology to connect employers directly with candidates possessing the “Specified Skilled Worker” qualification. It promises to streamline recruitment but also enhance workforce sustainability.

Japan’s food industry struggles with a shortage of workers, with a big factor due to its shrinking and aging population. Traditional hiring methods often limit employers to local talent, making it difficult for companies in remote or rural areas to access a broader candidate pool. In general, despite having a record 2.3 million foreign workforce in Japan, there is still a big hurdle to address its labor crisis.

SkillDish overcomes the barrier of limited hiring options locally by enabling companies to reach potential employees from across the globe. Designed with the specific needs of the food industry in mind, SkillDish’s platform provides detailed job information that covers industry-specific factors such as seasonal work, overtime limits, working conditions, and the level of Japanese language proficiency required. This comprehensive disclosure reduces misunderstandings during the recruitment process and mitigates the risk of early job turnover. It encouragesmore stable employment relationships.

The company also collaborates with specialised local agencies to ensure that candidates are adequately trained in food-related skills before they enter the recruitment pool. While this quality assurance benefits employers by providing a pool of well-prepared workers, it also supports the professional development of the candidates.

It is estimated that “Specified Skilled Worker” will increase to 820 thousand by the end of 2028, and SKillDish is preparing to ease the hiring process. Ensuring companies can continuously staff their operations is essential for the industry’s immediate productivity. SkillDish offers a model for a thoughtful, specialised recruitment process for foreign workers in Japan’s food sector, and beyond.