The linen supply sector has been added as a new category under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and the upcoming ESDP (Employment for Skill Development Program).
On April 7, 2026, the first council meeting for the linen supply sector under the SSW framework was held, marking the start of discussions toward accepting foreign workers. Companies planning to hire under SSW and ESDP will begin full-scale preparations by joining this council.
Details such as skill requirements and operational standards are still under development and will be finalized in the near future.
What is Linen Supply?
Unlike standard cleaning services, linen supply companies own and manage linen products and rent them out to clients such as hotels and hospitals. These clients do not need to purchase linens themselves.
Instead, linen supply companies regularly collect, wash, and finish the linens, providing a continuous and efficient service.
Linen products are durable and comfortable fabrics used in a wide range of settings, including hotel and hospital bedding (such as sheets, pillowcases, and towels), as well as restaurant tablecloths.
Projected Number of Workers
The estimated number of workers to be accepted over three years (FY2026–FY2028) is 7,700:
- SSW Type 1: 4,300 workers
- ESDP: 3,400 workers
Work Process and Skill Development
The workflow in the linen supply industry can be broadly divided into five stages:
- Receiving and Sorting
Collected linens are delivered to specialized facilities and sorted by type. They are then processed using appropriate machines with controlled temperature settings for washing, dehydration, and drying. - Feeding for Finishing
Before finishing, linens are checked for alignment, stains, wrinkles, and damage. They are then fed into specialized machines depending on the item (e.g., sheets, yukata, pillowcases, towels). - Inspection
After machine inspection, a final visual check is conducted to ensure there are no stains, wrinkles, shrinkage, discoloration, damage, deformation, or odors. - Bundling
Linens are bundled according to item type and client requirements. Final checks are performed to confirm the correct quantity for each client. - Shipping Preparation
Bundled linens are loaded into containers and prepared for delivery to clients.
Skill Development Path
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Able to perform feeding tasks, operate machinery, and conduct basic machine maintenance |
| Years 2–3 | Able to perform inspection, bundling, and manage/guide workflow on the production line |
| SSW Type 1 | Able to handle full finishing operations, including machine operation, inspection, bundling/packaging, maintenance, and line management |
Summary
There are approximately 4,284 linen supply establishments in Japan (Economic Census 2021, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications).
The industry has already accepted foreign workers under the Technical Intern Training Program, with 2,971 trainees residing in Japan as of the end of 2024.
Full-scale employment under the new system is expected to begin in spring 2027, with more detailed guidelines likely to be clarified around summer 2026.
With the continued growth of inbound tourism and the expansion of hotels, demand for linen supply services is expected to increase.
This is an essential job that supports hospitality behind the scenes in hospitals, hotels, and other facilities. Your skills can help create better experiences for others.
It is also a field with stable demand and long-term employment opportunities.
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC