Gaia International Center Conducts Survey on Companies Employing Foreign Workers under the Specified Skilled Worker Program
Key facts
- Gaia International Center Conducts Survey on Companies Employing Foreign Workers under the Specified Skilled Worker Program
- In response to the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry, Gaia International Center conducted a survey of companies employing foreign workers. 66.6% of food service companies anticipate impact, with worsening labor shortages expected. Meanwhile, 77.8% in food service and 88.9% in other industries recognize significant contributions from foreign workers, highlighting the growing importance of retention support.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 17, 2026
Direct answer
In response to the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry, Gaia International Center conducted a survey of companies employing foreign workers. 66.6% of food service companies anticipate impact, with worsening labor shortages expected. Meanwhile, 77.8% in food service and 88.9% in other industries recognize significant contributions from foreign workers, highlighting the growing importance of retention support.
- Citation
- Gaia International Center Conducts Survey on Companies Employing Foreign Workers under the Specified Skilled Worker Program (June 17, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 17, 2026
In response to the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry, Gaia International Center conducted a survey of companies employing foreign workers. 66.6% of food service companies anticipate impact, with worsening labor shortages expected. Meanwhile, 77.8% in food service and 88.9% in other industries recognize significant contributions from foreign workers, highlighting the growing importance of retention support.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 17, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 13:18
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 17, 2026 at 13:53 (35 min after Collected)
Gaia International Center Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture; Representative Director: Yuri Kusuda), a company providing career introduction and registration support services for foreign workers, has conducted a survey targeting food service and non-food service companies employing foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program, following the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry.
The survey revealed that 77.8% of food service companies and 88.9% of non-food service companies responded that foreign workers “greatly contribute” or “contribute” to resolving labor shortages and supporting business growth. It was confirmed that companies are concerned about the suspension of the program leading to a reassessment of hiring plans and worsening personnel shortages in the food service sector.
【Survey Background】
The cap for foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program in the food service industry is 50,000. By the end of February 2026, the number of Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) residents had reached approximately 46,000. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Immigration Services Agency announced the suspension of new acceptances of Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) in the food service sector, effective April 13, 2026.
This measure is expected to have various impacts on corporate recruitment practices, not only in the food service industry but also in other sectors. Given this situation, Gaia International Center conducted a survey of companies employing foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program to understand the current state and future outlook regarding foreign worker recruitment and labor shortages. The survey includes responses from food service companies operating between 5 and over 30 stores, ranging from locally rooted businesses to those with nationwide and overseas operations, covering diverse formats such as Japanese cuisine, sushi, yakiniku, bakeries, and fast food.
【Survey Results Overview】
- In response to the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service sector, 66.6% of food service companies answered that they expect “some impact” or “minor impact.”
- Food service companies anticipating impact commented on challenges such as “the need to revise hiring plans” and “worsening labor shortages.”
- Regarding whether foreign workers contribute to addressing current labor shortages and business growth, 77.8% of food service companies and 88.9% of non-food service companies responded that they “greatly contribute” or “contribute.”
The survey revealed that many companies are anxious about the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry. It also indicates that foreign workers are making significant contributions to businesses and that many companies recognize the necessity of hiring foreign talent. Moving forward, efforts to create a supportive work environment where foreign workers can安心ly work long-term and initiatives to support their domestic settlement will become more important than ever.
【Survey Overview】
Survey Content: Questionnaire survey on the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry
Target: Companies employing Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) (18 food service companies, 9 non-food service companies)
Survey Period: May 1, 2026 – May 18, 2026
Survey Method: Web-based questionnaire
Number of Questions: 12
【Support from Gaia International Center】
Gaia International Center has been supporting the food service industry with overseas expansion, inbound tourism response, and management talent introduction even before the launch of the Specified Skilled Worker program. Specialized staff with expertise in the food service industry provide comprehensive support from recruitment to on-site training after employment and retention assistance, helping many companies integrate foreign workers as core workforce members.
Leveraging over 10 years of support experience in the food service industry, the company plans to further strengthen its follow-up system to ensure long-term retention of domestic foreign workers, particularly those under the Specified Skilled Worker program, support qualification renewals, and assist companies in securing stable human resources.
1. Domestic Foreign Worker Retention Support
Support staff regularly visit workplaces to provide tailored support for both companies and foreign workers. By deepening mutual understanding between direct supervisors and colleagues and conducting regular interviews with foreign workers, the company continuously monitors workplace conditions and employment status, proactively identifying and resolving issues early to promote a safe and stable work environment and improve workplace retention.
2. Support for Qualification Upgrade to Specified Skilled Worker (No.2)
To help foreign workers work with long-term career goals, the company supports their advancement from Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) to (No.2), enabling them to build long-term careers in Japan.
3. Support to Prevent Outflow to Urban Areas
Due to higher wages in urban areas and the expansion of foreign communities, there is a risk of increased job transfers from rural regions. The company builds trust with foreign workers and supports them in forming long-term career paths to prevent such outflows.
Gaia International Center believes that the essence of the staffing industry lies in education and aims to drive a diligence revolution across Japan through foreign workers.
＜About Gaia International Center Co., Ltd.＞
As a specialized staffing agency for foreign workers, Gaia International Center conducts Japanese language education in five Asian countries to cultivate diligent foreign talent. As of June 2026, the company has introduced 2,260 foreign workers to 113 companies across 30 prefectures in Japan, spanning industries such as food service, food manufacturing, nursing care, manufacturing, construction, automotive maintenance, accommodation, agriculture, and livestock.
Company Name: Gaia International Center Co., Ltd.
Representative: Representative Director Yuri Kusuda
Address: 11 Omukai-Shimono, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture 441-8003
Contact: TEL: 0532-21-8088 FAX: 0532-21-8077
Established: October 10, 2006
Business: Paid job placement, Registered Support Organization, Interpretation and Translation
URL: https://gaia-2006.com/
The survey revealed that 77.8% of food service companies and 88.9% of non-food service companies responded that foreign workers “greatly contribute” or “contribute” to resolving labor shortages and supporting business growth. It was confirmed that companies are concerned about the suspension of the program leading to a reassessment of hiring plans and worsening personnel shortages in the food service sector.
【Survey Background】
The cap for foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program in the food service industry is 50,000. By the end of February 2026, the number of Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) residents had reached approximately 46,000. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Immigration Services Agency announced the suspension of new acceptances of Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) in the food service sector, effective April 13, 2026.
This measure is expected to have various impacts on corporate recruitment practices, not only in the food service industry but also in other sectors. Given this situation, Gaia International Center conducted a survey of companies employing foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program to understand the current state and future outlook regarding foreign worker recruitment and labor shortages. The survey includes responses from food service companies operating between 5 and over 30 stores, ranging from locally rooted businesses to those with nationwide and overseas operations, covering diverse formats such as Japanese cuisine, sushi, yakiniku, bakeries, and fast food.
【Survey Results Overview】
- In response to the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service sector, 66.6% of food service companies answered that they expect “some impact” or “minor impact.”
- Food service companies anticipating impact commented on challenges such as “the need to revise hiring plans” and “worsening labor shortages.”
- Regarding whether foreign workers contribute to addressing current labor shortages and business growth, 77.8% of food service companies and 88.9% of non-food service companies responded that they “greatly contribute” or “contribute.”
The survey revealed that many companies are anxious about the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry. It also indicates that foreign workers are making significant contributions to businesses and that many companies recognize the necessity of hiring foreign talent. Moving forward, efforts to create a supportive work environment where foreign workers can安心ly work long-term and initiatives to support their domestic settlement will become more important than ever.
【Survey Overview】
Survey Content: Questionnaire survey on the suspension of new Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) acceptances in the food service industry
Target: Companies employing Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) (18 food service companies, 9 non-food service companies)
Survey Period: May 1, 2026 – May 18, 2026
Survey Method: Web-based questionnaire
Number of Questions: 12
【Support from Gaia International Center】
Gaia International Center has been supporting the food service industry with overseas expansion, inbound tourism response, and management talent introduction even before the launch of the Specified Skilled Worker program. Specialized staff with expertise in the food service industry provide comprehensive support from recruitment to on-site training after employment and retention assistance, helping many companies integrate foreign workers as core workforce members.
Leveraging over 10 years of support experience in the food service industry, the company plans to further strengthen its follow-up system to ensure long-term retention of domestic foreign workers, particularly those under the Specified Skilled Worker program, support qualification renewals, and assist companies in securing stable human resources.
1. Domestic Foreign Worker Retention Support
Support staff regularly visit workplaces to provide tailored support for both companies and foreign workers. By deepening mutual understanding between direct supervisors and colleagues and conducting regular interviews with foreign workers, the company continuously monitors workplace conditions and employment status, proactively identifying and resolving issues early to promote a safe and stable work environment and improve workplace retention.
2. Support for Qualification Upgrade to Specified Skilled Worker (No.2)
To help foreign workers work with long-term career goals, the company supports their advancement from Specified Skilled Worker (No.1) to (No.2), enabling them to build long-term careers in Japan.
3. Support to Prevent Outflow to Urban Areas
Due to higher wages in urban areas and the expansion of foreign communities, there is a risk of increased job transfers from rural regions. The company builds trust with foreign workers and supports them in forming long-term career paths to prevent such outflows.
Gaia International Center believes that the essence of the staffing industry lies in education and aims to drive a diligence revolution across Japan through foreign workers.
＜About Gaia International Center Co., Ltd.＞
As a specialized staffing agency for foreign workers, Gaia International Center conducts Japanese language education in five Asian countries to cultivate diligent foreign talent. As of June 2026, the company has introduced 2,260 foreign workers to 113 companies across 30 prefectures in Japan, spanning industries such as food service, food manufacturing, nursing care, manufacturing, construction, automotive maintenance, accommodation, agriculture, and livestock.
Company Name: Gaia International Center Co., Ltd.
Representative: Representative Director Yuri Kusuda
Address: 11 Omukai-Shimono, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture 441-8003
Contact: TEL: 0532-21-8088 FAX: 0532-21-8077
Established: October 10, 2006
Business: Paid job placement, Registered Support Organization, Interpretation and Translation
URL: https://gaia-2006.com/
FAQ
What is the suspension of new Specific Skilled Worker No.1 acceptances in the food service industry?
From April 13, 2026, new acceptances of Specific Skilled Worker No.1 foreigners in the food service industry have been suspended. Existing residents may continue working.
What is the Specific Skilled Worker system?
A residency status allowing skilled foreign workers to work in Japan. No.1 requires exam passage; No.2 allows permanent residency after mastery.
What kind of support does Gaia International Center provide?
Comprehensive support from hiring to retention, advancement to Skilled Worker No.2, and preventing urban outflow.
What types of companies participated in the survey?
18 food service companies and 9 non-food service companies, including Japanese cuisine, sushi, yakiniku, bakeries, and more.
How does foreign talent contribute to businesses?
They significantly alleviate labor shortages and drive growth, with 77.8% in food service and 88.9% in other sectors reporting positive contributions.