7 Reasons Japan's Tokutei Ginou (SSW) Program is More Popular

Have you ever wondered why more and more people are now choosing the Tokutei Ginou (SSW) route when going to Japan?

Today, Japan is no longer just an "apprenticeship" place for Indonesian children. The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, or Tokutei Ginou in Japanese, has drastically changed the map of foreign workers in Japan.

Not just a claim, according to a recent report from The Japan Times, the number of foreign workers holding SSW visas has broken the highest record in history, reaching 336,196 people as of the end of June 2025.

Even more proudly, Indonesia is now the second-largest contributor of SSW workers in Japan, accounting for around 20.7% of the total skilled worker population, closely following Vietnam in first place.

So, what exactly is the compelling reason that thousands of people are turning to this Tokutei Ginou visa?

Why are Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Jobs More Favored?

Quoting a summary of vital points from ISO Japan, there are at least 7 added values that make the SSW (Tokutei Ginou) program much more worth it than the usual apprenticeship path. Here are the explanations:

1. Legal & Clear Status: Official Work Visa

Unlike an internship, SSW offers many advantages. You hold an Official Work Visa that is fully recognized by the Japanese Government. You are not considered a trainee, but a professional. All your activities are protected by the Japanese Labor Law. In the event of a dispute with the company, you have a strong legal umbrella to claim your rights.

2. Equal Rights: Local Level Wages & Social Security

SSW visa rules require companies to pay salaries equal to or higher than Japanese for the same position. In addition to basic salary, you are entitled to paid leave(yukyu), transparent overtime allowances, and must be enrolled in social insurance(Shakai Hoken) that covers health and pension.

3. Career Advancement: Opportunity to SSW 2 & Bring a Family

This program offers a progressive career path. After completing a 5-year contract as a Tokutei Ginou No. 1, you have the opportunity to take the exam to Tokutei Ginou No. 2. If you pass the SSW No. 2 stage, the visa restrictions will be lifted (can be extended continuously) and you will be allowed to bring your spouse and children to live together in Japan.

4. Global Skills: Japan's SOPs are World-Recognized

Mastering Japanese work standards makes your CV look more expensive. This experience is internationally recognized, which can make it easier if you want to apply for a job at another multinational company or return to Indonesia as a professional.

5. Safe Savings: Stable Salary & Measured Overtime

With an average salary of ¥170,000 - ¥250,000 (before overtime), and manageable living expenses (dormitories are usually partially subsidized), the potential net savings per month is relatively large to send home.

6. Variety of Work Types: Many Sector Choices

SSW opens doors to 14 industries that are facing labor crises. You can choose fields according to your interests, ranging from Caregiver (Kaigo), Agriculture, Food Processing, Hospitality, to Manufacturing. The number of options makes it easy for job seekers to find the niche that best suits their skills.

7. Knowledge Transfer (Ginou Iten): Providing for the Future

The knowledge, technology and work ethic you absorb while in Japan are invaluable non-material capital. Many Japanese alumni have successfully opened their own businesses back home thanks to the "kaizen" (continuous improvement) mentality they learned during their time as SSWs.

Why Work in Japan?

Aside from the SSW visa benefits, Japan itself offers a very supportive environment for your career and financial growth. Citing analysis from Arkalearn, here are 5 fundamental reasons why Japan deserves to be a top destination for work:

• Clear and Straightforward Requirements: As long as you have a language certificate (minimum N4 level), pass the skills test, and pass the interview, your path is wide open.
• High Salary: The average salary of SSW workers can reach Rp22 million per month. Even though the cost of living in Japan is around Rp10 million, you'll still have plenty of money left over to save or send to your family back home.
• Advanced Country: Japan is known for its highly advanced technology as well as its beautiful tourist attractions. Working there gives you the opportunity to learn new technologies, understand the culture of discipline, and of course travel to enjoy the atmosphere of a developed country.
• Valuable Work Experience: Having work experience in Japan will be a big plus on your CV. When you return to Indonesia later, it will be easier for you to apply for jobs in big companies because you are considered to be trained with international work standards.
• Make New Friends: In Japan, you are not alone. You will meet coworkers from different countries such as Vietnam, Philippines, and China. This is a great opportunity to expand your friendships and horizons.

Most Favored SSW Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Job Fields

Based on the latest data from KP2MI (Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers), there are several fields whose quota is most absorbed by Indonesian workers due to their competitive salary and measurable workload. Here is a brief breakdown:

• Caregiver (Elderly Nurse), your job is specifically to take care of the elderly, from accompanying them to chat, helping with meals, to helping with light physical activities to keep the grandparents there healthy and taken care of.
• Care Worker (Hospital Nurse) Unlike caregivers, care workers are usually placed in hospitals. You will be tasked as a nurse to help doctors treat sick (general) patients, check on their condition, and ensure their basic medical needs are met.
• Agriculture & Animal Husbandry, in the agriculture sector, tasks include planting, caring for, and harvesting vegetables and fruits. While in animal husbandry, you will be responsible for feeding, cleaning cages, and monitoring the health of farm animals such as cows or chickens.
• Food Manufacturing, you will work in a factory to process raw food ingredients into ready-to-eat meals.
• Restaurant (Food Service), your duties could be in thehall as a waiter welcoming guests and taking orders, or in thekitchen cooking simple dishes, washing dishes, and keeping the restaurant area clean.

Deciding to work in Japan is a big investment in you and your family's future. However, amidst the high level of interest, it's important to ensure that you go through an official, safe, and transparent path.

At GSC (SEA), we believe that every candidate has unique potential that deserves to be honored. We are here as a career partner who is ready to legally bridge your potential with the best companies in Japan.

If you want to know more about which sector best suits your talents, click here & let's have a casual discussion about your career opportunities in Sakura Country.