Japan, long known for its rich culture and technological innovation, has recently become a promising destination for foreign workers without a university degree. Thanks to the Tokutei Ginou (Specified Skilled Worker) Visa, launched in 2019 and continuously updated, opportunities now abound across sectors like agriculture, construction, nursing care, food service, and more. This blog explores how Africans and Asians can tap into these visa pathways in 2025 to secure high-demand jobs in Japan — without a university degree.
Why Japan Created the Tokutei Ginou Visa
Japan has been grappling with a rapidly aging population and declining birth rates. This demographic crisis has created severe labor shortages across critical industries. In response, the Japanese government introduced the Tokutei Ginou (特定技能) visa in 2019, aiming to attract mid-level skilled workers from overseas to fill the gap.
Unlike Japan’s more restrictive work visas in the past, Tokutei Ginou offers a practical and accessible pathway, especially for those who don’t hold a bachelor’s degree but do have experience or are willing to undergo skills training and language proficiency exams.
What Is the Tokutei Ginou Visa?
The Tokutei Ginou Visa is divided into two types:
- Specified Skilled Worker (i): For those engaged in jobs requiring considerable knowledge or experience in specific fields. Valid for up to 5 years. It does not allow family accompaniment.
- Specified Skilled Worker (ii): For advanced workers who can stay longer and bring their families. Available only in a few fields.
In 2025, the Japanese government continues to recognize 12 key sectors under this visa:
| Sector | Examples of Jobs |
|---|---|
| Caregiving | Elderly care worker, assistant caregiver |
| Agriculture | Farming, crop harvesting |
| Construction | Scaffolding, civil engineering |
| Industrial Machinery | Machine assembly, metal pressing |
| Electronics & Electrical | Assembly, testing components |
| Shipbuilding | Welding, metal cutting |
| Automobile Maintenance | Car repairs, inspections |
| Aviation | Aircraft maintenance |
| Food & Beverage Manufacturing | Food processing, quality control |
| Hospitality | Hotel front desk, room cleaning |
| Fisheries | Fish processing, aquaculture |
| Food Service | Kitchen staff, restaurant support |
For a full and updated list, refer to the Japanese Immigration Services Agency (ISA).
Can You Apply Without a University Degree?
Yes. That’s the game-changer.
The Tokutei Ginou visa is skills-based, not education-based. This means applicants are assessed on their ability to perform tasks and communicate in Japanese — not on whether they graduated from a university.
To qualify:
- Pass a Skills Proficiency Test in your chosen sector (link to sample exams)
- Pass a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (minimum: JLPT N4 or equivalent)
- Secure a job offer from a Japanese company registered to hire foreign workers
2025 Updates: What Africans and Asians Should Know
As of 2025, Japan has increased its intake quota for several industries, particularly caregiving, agriculture, and food service, where labor demand remains high. Notably:
- African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana are part of new bilateral labor cooperation agreements, streamlining visa processing for their nationals (source).
- Southeast Asian countries — including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal — continue to dominate applicant numbers, but Japan is diversifying recruitment efforts.
- Language support has expanded in multiple African languages for the Technical Intern Training to Tokutei Ginou pathway.
Tokutei Ginou vs. Technical Intern Training: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Tokutei Ginou | Technical Intern Training (TITP) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 5 years (Type i) | 1–3 years |
| Family Visa | Type ii only | Not allowed |
| Employment Rights | Full-time workers with benefits | Trainee status, lower protection |
| Path to Long-Term Stay | Yes (Type ii) | No |
| Education Requirement | None | None |
You can transition from TITP to Tokutei Ginou if you complete your training in Japan and pass the required tests.
How to Apply for the 2025 Tokutei Ginou Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for African and Asian applicants:
- Choose Your Sector – Focus on high-demand areas like caregiving, food service, or agriculture.
- Register for Skills Test – Access exam schedules and training materials via the SSW Portal.
- Take the Japanese Language Test – Prepare for JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic. Find test centers through Japan Foundation.
- Secure a Job Offer – Apply directly or through approved recruitment agencies. A list of registered employers can be found here.
- Visa Application – Submit your documents through Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. Some countries offer support via Japanese embassies.
Top Recruitment Agencies for Tokutei Ginou Visa
To avoid scams and unnecessary stress, always work with accredited agencies. Below are recommended options:
- IM Japan (official site) – Partners with African governments
- Sending Organizations Portal (link) – Lists certified sending agencies
- Hello Work Japan (website) – Japan’s national employment platform
Some private companies also directly hire through their global branches — especially in the food and caregiving industries.
Job Fields in High Demand for 2025
While all 12 sectors are open, these five industries are aggressively hiring in 2025:
- Caregiving – Elderly care workers urgently needed; 30,000+ positions open
- Food Service – Restaurant staff in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka
- Agriculture – Rural areas in Hokkaido, Kyushu
- Construction – Olympic-related projects and city infrastructure
- Hospitality – Hotels and guesthouses aiming to serve growing tourism
What You’ll Earn: Salary and Benefits
Workers on a Tokutei Ginou visa are entitled to the same wages and protections as Japanese citizens doing similar work. On average:
- Caregiver: ¥180,000–¥230,000/month
- Food Service: ¥160,000–¥200,000/month
- Construction: ¥190,000–¥240,000/month
Benefits include:
- Full-time contracts
- Access to national health insurance
- Paid leave and overtime pay
Challenges and Things to Consider
While the Tokutei Ginou visa opens doors, it also comes with challenges:
- Language Barrier – Daily life in Japan requires basic Japanese
- Cultural Adjustment – Japanese work culture values punctuality and hierarchy
- Rural Relocation – Many jobs are in remote areas
- Visa Renewal – Staying beyond 5 years may require transitioning to another visa type
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If you’re an African or Asian looking to work abroad without the burden of obtaining a university degree, Japan’s Tokutei Ginou visa program is one of the most structured and rewarding options available. The 2025 landscape favors motivated, trainable workers ready to adapt and grow.
Before applying, make sure you:
- Understand your target industry
- Prepare for Japanese tests
- Choose trusted agencies
- Set realistic expectations about life in Japan
Thousands have already taken this leap, and with proper preparation, you can too.
Ready to explore opportunities? Start with the official Japanese SSW portal and take your first step toward working in Japan in 2025.
Let your journey begin — from Africa or Asia to the heart of Japan.
