How many SSW fields are there?

With the four fields added in 2024, there are 16 in total. Fields may change further, so check official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency for the latest fields and projected intake.

Can we hire foreign drivers in road transport?

Road transport was added in 2024, enabling intake for truck, bus and taxi driving work. Obtaining the relevant Japanese driver's licence and meeting field-specific tests/Japanese requirements are prerequisites.

From when can we hire in the added fields?

Since 2024, tests and councils have been set up field by field in stages. Test timing and the start of intake differ by field, so check the latest information.

Is a registered support organization needed in the new fields?

Under SSW (i), carrying out the mandatory support is required in every field. Without an in-house structure, you can outsource to a registered support organization.

New SSW fields (2024): road transport, railway, forestry, timber

By: Watari Editorial Team·Last updated: 2026-07-09

The fields covered by Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) keep expanding. In 2024, four fields — road transport, railway, forestry and timber — were added, for 16 fields in total. This guide covers what the added fields include, which industries can now hire under SSW, and the field-specific councils and requirements to watch, from an employer's viewpoint. Fields, projected intake and test timing may change, so check official sources for the latest.

Overview of the 2024 additions

By a March 2024 cabinet decision, four fields — road transport, railway, forestry and timber — were added to SSW (i). Together with the 12 fields that remained after three manufacturing fields were merged into one in 2022, this brings the total to 16. For the new fields, the underlying mechanisms (skills and Japanese tests, field-specific councils) are being put in place in stages.

Road transport (truck, bus, taxi)

The road-transport field covers driving work in trucking, buses and taxis. It presumes obtaining the relevant Japanese driver's licence (Class 1 or 2 as required for the work), with field-specific skills tests and Japanese requirements. It draws attention amid the severe labour shortage known as the '2024 problem'. See our road-transport hiring page for more.

→ Hiring for road transport

Railway, forestry and timber

The railway field covers roles such as transport staff and track/electrical/rolling-stock maintenance; forestry covers silviculture and log production; timber covers sawmilling and plywood manufacturing. Each has field-specific skill levels and safety requirements, and the precise scope of eligible work is set out in field operational guidelines. Check the official field information for whether your work is included.

Existing fields are also being reorganized

SSW fields are not only added but also consolidated. In 2022, three manufacturing fields were merged into one. Field names and categories can change with reforms, so it is important to plan hiring on the basis of the latest field classification.

What the additions mean for hiring

Industries that previously relied mainly on technical intern training, where SSW intake was harder, now have a wider option to take job-ready workers under SSW (i). You can consider the route that fits — moving from technical intern training, or new intake from overseas. See the route comparison below.

→ Compare SSW / skill-development / specialist

For employers considering hiring

We at Watari (operated by COSTA LINK Co., Ltd.) send workers primarily from Cambodia, plus Vietnam, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. If you are considering SSW intake, including the added fields, we offer a free consultation, and you can check a rough cost estimate with our simulator.

→ Free consultation for employers

FAQ

How many SSW fields are there?: With the four fields added in 2024, there are 16 in total. Fields may change further, so check official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency for the latest fields and projected intake.
Can we hire foreign drivers in road transport?: Road transport was added in 2024, enabling intake for truck, bus and taxi driving work. Obtaining the relevant Japanese driver's licence and meeting field-specific tests/Japanese requirements are prerequisites.
From when can we hire in the added fields?: Since 2024, tests and councils have been set up field by field in stages. Test timing and the start of intake differ by field, so check the latest information.
Is a registered support organization needed in the new fields?: Under SSW (i), carrying out the mandatory support is required in every field. Without an in-house structure, you can outsource to a registered support organization.

Free consultation for employers Hiring for road transport About SSW Field-specific councils Cost & estimator

General reference information. Fields, categories, requirements, tests and projected intake may change. Check the official information of the Immigration Services Agency and each field's competent ministry/council for the latest.