INDUSTRY GUIDE | ESD & SSW

Resource Circulation

Eligible work, entry requirements and practical employer controls for the resource circulation field under Japan’s Employment for Skill Development and Specified Skilled Worker frameworks.

Eligible work

Sorting, processing, recycling and resource-recovery work within designated facilities and operations.

Eligibility is determined by the official work category and actual duties. A company’s general industry classification alone is not enough.

Entry and transition

Check both the national work category and any additional field or facility standards applicable to the accepting business.

Candidates may qualify through the prescribed skill and Japanese-language examinations or, where permitted, through a recognized transition route from a relevant training or development program.

Employer checklist

  • Match the written job description to the permitted work category.
  • Confirm the applicable examination or transition exemption.
  • Provide equal or equivalent remuneration and lawful working conditions.
  • Prepare workplace instruction in a language the worker understands.
  • Check field council, certification and notification requirements.

Safety and supervision

Control mixed waste, sharps, hazardous substances, fires, compactors, conveyors, vehicles and personal protective equipment.

Keep orientation, qualification, training, incident and corrective-action records. Review actual duties whenever the workplace or production process changes.