01/03/2026
Advice for JFT Passers Who Are Still Undecided About Which Prometric to Take 📚🇯🇵🎌💯
To all JFT passers who are still unsure which Prometric skill to choose, here’s my advice based on current hiring trends in Japan. Of course, the final decision is still yours, but I want to share insights based on what I’m seeing now in the industry.
If your goal is to apply as soon as possible and have more job opportunities available, I suggest choosing:
• Caregiver (Kaigo)
• Food & Beverage Manufacturing (Food Processing)
• Food Service
These are currently the most in-demand skills in Japan.
Lately, I’ve noticed a significant increase in hiring for Food & Beverage Manufacturing (Food Processing). I actually predicted last year that this field would grow — and now it’s happening. Many agencies are requesting applicants in bulk for food processing positions, especially for ready-made meal production.
If you’re struggling to pass Food Service, I recommend trying Food & Beverage Manufacturing instead. As someone who has taught both, I can honestly say that Food Service is more difficult because:
• It requires strong Nihongo communication skills
• You must interact directly with customers
• You need confidence (especially if you’re shy)
In Food Service, you usually work in front-of-house roles like waiter/waitress, taking orders and dealing with customers daily.
On the other hand, Food & Beverage Manufacturing (Food Processing) usually involves factory-based work such as:
• Cutting vegetables or meat
• Sorting products
• Packing finished goods
• Assembling bento or ready-made meals
• Labeling and packaging
This job has less customer interaction and focuses more on manual work. If you prefer a “back office” type of environment with minimal communication, this might be the right choice for you.
Now, for Caregiver (Kaigo):
It remains the number one most in-demand job in Japan because of the growing elderly population and shortage of workers. However, strong Nihongo skills are also necessary because you need to:
• Communicate with patients
• Make reports
• Endorse shifts
• Handle incidents properly
So choose the job that fits your personality and strengths.
Another good news about Food & Beverage Manufacturing:
• Experience is usually optional
• Many agencies accept applicants without prior experience
• As long as you have JFT A2 or JLPT N4 (depending on requirement), you can apply
• You will receive training once you arrive in Japan
I’ve also seen agencies accepting applicants up to 45 years old, and some even have flexible age limits as long as you are physically capable of working.
So my advice is simple:
Choose a skill that is consistently in demand. If you take a skill that has low demand but many applicants, you will face tougher competition and longer waiting time for interviews.
Be strategic. Choose wisely. Think long-term.
