Japan Nursing Care Jobs 2026: Complete Career Guide

Japan’s aging society has increased the need for qualified healthcare workers, caregivers, nursing professionals, and medical support staff. At the same time, the country’s advanced healthcare facilities and growing medical tourism industry continue to attract patients from different parts of the world. International visitors and elderly patients may travel to Japan through major airlines such as ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) for specialized medical services, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Managing these patients and visitors can involve coordination among healthcare providers, transportation services, and major travel companies such as JTB Corporation and H.I.S. For graduates and job seekers interested in the healthcare field, Japan offers a broad range of potential career paths. Available positions can include registered nurses, nursing assistants, elderly care workers, Kaigo caregivers, medical support staff, healthcare logistics workers, and medical airport driver roles, as well as many other opportunities across the healthcare sector.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Nursing Care Careers in Japan
2. Available Vacant Positions for Nursing Care Workers
3. Visa Pathways for Foreign Care Workers
4. Salary Structure and Benefits Table
5. Pros and Cons of Working in Japanese Nursing Care
6. How to Apply for Japan Nursing Care Jobs
7. Interview Questions and Preparation Tips
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
9. Helpful Links and Resources
10. Conclusion

Introduction to Nursing Care Careers in Japan

Japan’s rapidly aging society has created an unprecedented demand for nursing care workers, making this one of the most promising career paths for both domestic and international job seekers. Japan nursing care jobs, known as “Kaigo,” offer stable employment with competitive compensation and clear pathways for career advancement. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan requires approximately 2.45 million nursing care workers by 2025, and the demand continues to grow each year .

As of 2024, approximately 40,000 foreign nursing care workers were employed in Japan, with the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program playing a crucial role in addressing labor shortages . Nursing care jobs in Japan encompass a wide range of responsibilities, from physical assistance with daily activities to emotional support and basic medical care . The profession is highly respected, offers competitive compensation, and provides opportunities for long-term career development, including the possibility of obtaining the national nursing care worker certification.

Available Vacant Positions for Nursing Care Workers

Current Vacancies Table

The table above highlights the diverse range of Japan nursing care jobs available, with SSW positions being the primary pathway for foreign workers.

Detailed Job Descriptions and Requirements

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – Nursing Care

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program is the primary pathway for foreign nationals to work in Japan’s nursing care sector . This status of residence allows foreign workers with specific skills to be employed in Japan for up to five years. For nursing care, SSW applicants must pass two specific examinations: the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test and the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test . This is different from other SSW fields where only N4-level Japanese is sufficient.

Key Responsibilities:

• Personal care assistance (bathing, toileting, feeding)
• Physical assistance and mobility support
• Record-keeping and communication with other staff
• Collaboration with medical professionals 

SSW Nursing Care Worker – Job Order Details:

Sample Net Salary Calculation :

• Gross: ¥210,000/month
• Social Insurance: ¥28,070
• Employment Insurance: ¥1,100
• Income Tax: ¥4,770
• Accommodation: ¥20,000
• Net: ¥156,060/month

Sample Net Salary Calculation :

• Gross: ¥220,000/month
• Social Insurance: ¥31,394
• Employment Insurance: ¥1,210
• Income Tax: ¥3,890
• Accommodation + Utilities: ¥30,000
• Net: ¥153,506/month

Nursing Positions (Licensed Nurses)

For those who have obtained Japanese nursing qualifications, higher-paying positions are available at various care facilities across Japan .

Nurse – Social Welfare Corporation (Tokyo) :

• Monthly Income: ¥325,000-¥370,000
• Bonus: Twice yearly (4 months total)
• Annual Holidays: 118 days
• Benefits: Commuting allowance (¥50,000), housing allowance (¥25,000), family allowance, qualification allowance
• Location: Suginami, Tokyo

Nurse – Paid Nursing Home (Chiba) :

• Monthly Salary: ¥297,000-¥307,000
• Bonus: Twice yearly
• Working Hours: Day shift (9:00-18:00)
• Holidays: 110 days/year (4 weeks on, 8 days off)
• Benefits: Commuting allowance (¥30,000), housing allowance, child allowance

Visa Pathways for Foreign Care Workers

Japan offers multiple visa pathways for foreign nationals seeking nursing care jobs, each with different requirements and benefits .

Comparison of Visa Pathways

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – Nursing Care

• Maximum Stay: 5 years (can be renewed within the limit)
• Family Accompaniment: Not permitted for SSW holders
• Requirements: Pass Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test + Nursing Care Japanese Language Test 
• Note: The nursing care field is NOT covered under SSW Level 2, meaning workers cannot stay beyond 5 years on this pathway alone 

“Nursing Care” Status of Residence (National Qualification)

This is the most stable and desirable pathway for foreign care workers in Japan :

• Duration: No maximum limit (renewable)
• Family Accompaniment: Yes
• Requirements: Pass the national nursing care worker examination
• Benefits: Long-term career stability, higher pay, family settlement
• Warning: The “Humanities/International Services” visa does NOT cover nursing care work 

EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) Program

Candidates from Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam can enter Japan under the EPA program to train as nursing care worker candidates . They work at receiving facilities while preparing for the national examination.

Technical Intern Training Program

This program allows trainees to acquire nursing care skills under supervision . Trainees must return to their home country after the specified training period. However, those who fulfill certain conditions may transition to the SSW system.

Salary Structure and Benefits Table

Standard Benefits for Nursing Care Jobs

For SSW Workers:

• Health insurance coverage
• Employee pension contributions
• Accommodation provided (deducted from salary)
• Transportation allowance (sometimes included)
• Overtime allowances 

For Licensed Nurses:

• Health insurance (including dependents)
• Employee pension (Kosei Nenkin)
• Employment insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Annual bonuses (2x/year)
• Paid holidays (110-118 days/year)
• Housing allowance (¥25,000-¥30,000)
• Commuting allowance (¥20,000-¥50,000)
• Family/dependent allowance
• Child allowance
• Qualification allowance
• Retirement benefits (after 5+ years) 

Pros and Cons of Working in Japan Nursing Care

Pros

High and Growing Demand – Japan faces severe labor shortages in the nursing care sector, with an estimated demand for 2.45 million workers by 2025 . The aging population ensures continuous employment opportunities and job security for care workers.

Stable Employment – Nursing care facilities operate year-round, providing consistent work with regular hours. The industry is less affected by economic fluctuations compared to other sectors.

Clear Career Progression – SSW workers can transition to the “Nursing Care” status of residence by passing the national examination. Licensed nurses enjoy unlimited renewals, higher pay, and family accompaniment privileges .

Comprehensive Training – Employers provide thorough training covering care techniques, safety protocols, and Japanese language for workplace communication. Mo from Vietnam, an SSW worker, noted that the collaborative environment helped her adapt quickly to the Japanese care system .

Competitive Compensation – Nursing care offers stable income with comprehensive benefits. Licensed nurses can earn ¥325,000-¥370,000 monthly plus bonuses totaling 4 months of salary . Even SSW workers receive net pay around ¥150,000-¥160,000 after deductions .

Visa Pathways – Multiple visa options (SSW, Technical Intern, EPA, Nursing Care Status) accommodate workers at different career stages. The ability to transition from SSW to the Nursing Care status provides a clear path to permanent settlement .

Respected Profession – Nursing care is viewed as an honorable and essential profession in Japan. The one-on-one interaction with elderly residents can be highly rewarding for those who value meaningful work.

Cons

Shift Work – Many nursing care jobs require rotating shifts including early mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends. Night shifts and overnight stays are common in residential care facilities .

Physical Demands – Care work involves physically demanding tasks including lifting, bathing assistance, and mobility support. Proper lifting techniques are essential to prevent injury.

Emotional Challenge – Working with elderly residents who may have dementia or terminal illnesses can be emotionally taxing. Building close relationships with residents who may pass away requires emotional resilience.

Language Barriers – For foreign workers, the Japanese language requirement (N4 or higher) is a significant hurdle. The Nursing Care Japanese Language Test requires practical communication skills including understanding care records and staff communication .

SSW Visa Limitations – SSW holders cannot bring family members to Japan and are limited to a maximum of 5 years. Workers who fail to pass the national examination must leave Japan after the SSW period ends .

Cultural Differences – Adjusting to Japanese work culture, including hierarchical structures and indirect communication styles, can be challenging for foreign workers.

How to Apply for Japan Nursing Care Jobs

Application Process Overview

The application process for Japan nursing care jobs varies depending on the visa pathway :

For SSW Nursing Care Workers:

1. Pass Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test
2. Pass Japanese Language Test (JLPT N4 or JFT)
3. Apply through registered sending organizations
4. Receive job offer from Japanese receiving organization
5. Apply for SSW visa

For Licensed Nursing Positions:

1. Obtain Japanese nursing qualification
2. Search for positions through nursing recruitment platforms
3. Apply directly to facilities or through agencies
4. Interview and job offer
5. Work visa application

Key Application Links

Recruitment Platforms for Foreign Workers

• SLBFE (Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment): Job orders for SSW Nursing Care positions 
  • Job Order No: AL/3803/0004/26
  • Job Order No: AL/3599/0004/26
  • Job Order No: AL/3433/0001/26
• Japan Care Worker Guide: Comprehensive information for foreign care workers in Japan
  • https://japancwg.com/ (Available in multiple languages)

Nursing Recruitment Platforms (Japan)

• Levwell (レバウェル): Nursing and care job listings
  • https://levwell.jp/
• Nurse Power (ナースパワー): Nursing positions across Japan
  • https://www.nursepower.co.jp/
• BP2MI (Indonesia): Official Indonesian migrant worker protection agency for SSW program
  • https://bp2mi.go.id/ 

Organizations

• Japan Foundation (JFT-Basic Test): Japanese language testing
• Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES): JLPT administration
• Japan Care Worker Skills Evaluation Center (JACFA): Skill test administration 

Indonesia-Specific Application Process

For Indonesian applicants, the official pathway flows through BP2MI (Badan Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia) in collaboration with Japanese monitoring organizations under OTIT (Organization for Technical Intern Training) .

Tests Available in Indonesia:

• Japanese Language: JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 (Japan Foundation)
• Skills Test: Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test (JACFA)

Testing Locations: Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan

Requirements:

• Minimum 18 years old
• High school (SMA) or vocational school (SMK) graduate
• Good physical and mental health
• No criminal record 

Interview Questions and Preparation Tips

Common Interview Questions

1. Why do you want to work in nursing care in Japan?
Show genuine interest in caring for elderly people. Muhammad Akbar Resardi from Indonesia shared that he found care work “interesting” while working part-time in a nursing home and decided to pursue it as a career .

2. Do you have any caregiving experience?
Even without experience, express enthusiasm for learning. Discuss any personal care experience (e.g., caring for family members). Mo from Vietnam mentioned caring for her grandmother as motivation for entering the field .

3. How would you handle difficult residents?
Describe patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Nursing care in Japan focuses on preserving residents’ independence and dignity . Discuss communication strategies.

4. Can you work rotating shifts including nights?
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to adapt. Nursing homes operate 24/7 and require shift coverage. Mo described the four-shift pattern at her facility: morning, day, evening, and night shifts .

5. What is your Japanese language level?
Be honest about your JLPT/JFT level. For SSW, N4 is the minimum. The Nursing Care Japanese Test requires higher practical communication ability .

6. Why do you want to work at this facility?
Research the facility’s reputation, location, and programs. Thuy chose her facility partly because it was near Nagai Park in Osaka . Linh appreciated the presence of other foreign workers, stating she felt there would be no discrimination .

7. What are your career goals?
Show ambition to advance in the field. Discuss interest in obtaining the national nursing care qualification and eventually transitioning to the “Nursing Care” visa status .

Interview Tips

Research the Facility – Study the facility’s location, services, and philosophy. Understand its approach to resident care.

Practice Japanese – For SSW interviews, practice care-related vocabulary and common care scenarios. The Nursing Care Japanese Test assesses communication in care settings.

Show Empathy – Nursing care is about compassion. Share your genuine interest in helping others.

Prepare Documents – Have your test certificates, resume, and application forms ready.

Ask Questions – Inquire about the work schedule, training, and advancement opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need experience to work in Japan nursing care?

No. SSW nursing care positions explicitly state “No experience required” . Comprehensive training is provided on the job.

2. What is the average salary for nursing care jobs in Japan?

SSW nursing care workers earn gross ¥210,000-¥220,000/month (net ¥147,000-¥156,000 after deductions). Licensed nurses earn ¥238,000-¥370,000/month plus bonuses .

3. What is the SSW nursing care exam?

The SSW nursing care exam has two parts: (1) Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test and (2) Nursing Care Japanese Language Test. The skills test uses computer-based questions with visuals and audio .

4. Can I bring family members to Japan as an SSW worker?

No. SSW workers cannot bring family members. To bring family, you must pass the national nursing care examination and transition to the “Nursing Care” status of residence .

5. What happens after 5 years on the SSW visa?

The SSW visa is limited to 5 years total. To stay longer, you must pass the national nursing care examination and transition to the “Nursing Care” status of residence. The nursing care field is NOT covered under SSW Level 2 .

6. Is the JLPT N4 enough for nursing care?

While N4 meets the minimum requirement for SSW, the nursing care field requires higher practical communication ability. The Nursing Care Japanese Test specifically assesses care-related communication skills .

7. Can I work part-time in nursing care?

Yes. Some nursing positions accept part-time workers. However, SSW and visa status restrictions may apply to working hours.

8. What are the benefits for SSW nursing care workers?

Benefits include health insurance, employee pension, accommodation (with utilities deducted), and some commuting allowance. Food is generally not provided .

9. Can nursing care lead to permanent residency?

Yes. Through the “Nursing Care” status of residence, workers can renew indefinitely. Long-term residence and contributions to Japanese society may lead to permanent residency eligibility .

10. How can I become a licensed nursing care worker in Japan?

After gaining experience through SSW or other programs, you can take the national nursing care worker examination. Passing the exam allows you to transition to the “Nursing Care” visa status .

Helpful Links and Resources

Official Programs and Agencies

• Japan Care Worker Skills Evaluation Center (JACFA): Nursing care skills test administration
• Japan Foundation: JFT-Basic Japanese language test
• Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: JLPT administration
• BP2MI (Indonesia): Indonesian migrant worker protection agency 
• SLBFE (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment 

Recruitment and Information

• Japan Care Worker Guide: https://japancwg.com/ (Foreign care worker guide) 
• Levwell Nursing Jobs: https://levwell.jp/ 
• Nurse Power: https://www.nursepower.co.jp/ 

Visa Information

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Official visa information
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Nursing care policy and data

Language Training

• JLPT Preparation: Study materials for N4 exam
• JFT-Basic: Japanese language test for specific skills
• Care Japanese: Specialized vocabulary for nursing care communication

Conclusion

Japan nursing care jobs offer exceptional career opportunities with competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits in a sector facing critical labor shortages. The diverse pathways, from SSW for new entrants to the “Nursing Care” visa for licensed professionals, accommodate candidates at different career stages.

The application process is accessible through registered sending organizations and official recruitment platforms. Comprehensive training ensures all workers succeed in their roles, with many positions welcoming candidates without prior experience . The benefits packages, including health insurance, pension contributions, and accommodation allowances, make these positions attractive for long-term careers.

Working in nursing care offers more than just employment – it provides opportunities to contribute to Japan’s aging society while building meaningful relationships with residents. The 40,000 foreign care workers already in Japan demonstrate the viability of this career path . Stories from workers like Mo, Thuy, Akbar, and Linh show the potential for a rewarding career in Japan’s nursing care sector .

Candidates interested in Japan nursing care jobs should prepare for the required examinations, research reputable agencies, and demonstrate genuine commitment to care work. With careful preparation and enthusiasm, applicants can secure rewarding positions in Japan’s growing nursing care sector.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The application process is free of cost; beware of fraudulent recruiters. Always verify job postings through official channels and never share personal financial information with unauthorized parties.