Becoming a Chef in Japan
Most Japanese chefs start as apprentices or attend culinary schools. Some foreigners are invited after becoming famous chefs abroad.
- To obtain a skilled worker visa as a chef, you typically need 10+ years of experience.
- Salary requirements impact visas. If your salary is much lower than what Japanese nationals make for the same job, you likely cannot get a visa.
- Requirements for employers to hire foreign chefs include: having good finances, providing foreign cuisine menus, and having facilities suitably sized for chefs with 10+ years of experience.
Culinary Job Options and Training
- Many culinary job options exist besides head/sous chefs, like kitchen staff, bakers, waitstaff, bartenders, managers, etc.
- Some schools accept foreigners but may require advanced Japanese fluency.
- Given strict visa and language requirements, it can be challenging for aspiring foreign chefs in Japan compared to other careers.
Training as a Sushi Chef in Japan
In Japan, it takes several years to be trained as a Japanese sushi chef.
- The better you become at your skills, the more difficult are the techniques used.
- It is very normal that it takes many years to master sushi techniques at restaurant level.
- The quality of sushi in Japan is very high, and the level of Japanese sushi restaurants is exceptional.
Culinary School Opportunities in Japan
- You will spend the first month in Tokyo, taking part in a cooking course and Japanese language lessons.
- Schools are actively admitting students from abroad, with the number increasing every year.
- The winner of a competition can attend the "Japanese Chef Course 4 Weeks" with various tuition fee exemptions.
Studying at a Culinary School in Japan
- Some schools accept foreigners but may require advanced Japanese fluency.
- To get a job as a chef in Japan, it may be beneficial to seek advice from non-Japanese chefs or directly inquire with culinary schools about career opportunities as a foreigner.