The world is currently experiencing a Washoku boom, and we imagine many people are curious just how many Japanese restaurants there are globally. We thought we'd take a moment to go through some of the numbers, while adding in some of Washokujob's thoughts to the equation.
Here is the data about Japanese restaurants internationally in 2017 as posted by the Ministry of Agriculture. （Source：Japanese Restaurants Abroad)
- North America 25,300
- Central/South America 4,600
- Asia 69,300
- Oceania 2,400
- Europe 12,200
- Middle East 950
- Africa 350
- Russia 2,400
And here are the numbers from 2015：
- North America 25,100
- Central/South America 3,100
- Asia 45,300
- Oceania 1,850
- Europe 10,550
- Middle East 600
- Africa 300
- Russia 1,850
From 2006 with 24,000 restaurants, to 2017 with 118,000, the number of Japanese restaurants has quintupled!
The most impressive increase comes from the Asian countries, which are close to Japan. It may also be key that the local citizens in such countries have such a fine understanding of Washoku cuisine that such a boom has flourished.
The following is the opinion of Washokujob staff, but please take a look.
We will discuss some differences between what dining establishments are looking for in terms of chefs between Asian and Western countries.
・Language
While many Asian countries will hire chefs who can communicate in Japanese, Western countries seek chefs who can speak in English.
・Base Salary
As the cost of living is typically more affordable in Asian countries, you'll have more success saving money in most cases. However, while unfortunate, the working hours in Asian countries and the West are also fewer than in Japan.
・Housing
While it's about a 50/50 split within Asian countries whether there is housing assistance, nearly 100% of job offers in the West do not offer housing support.
・Types of Cooking
In Asia, most restaurants seek chefs in: sushi, kaiseki, yakiniku, and ramen, while the West has a vast need for sushi chefs.
・Familial Support
Regardless of region, it's often difficult to relocate your family as well when you transfer abroad. Typically, most chefs will relocate alone, create and stable life for themselves in the new country, and then later have their family relocate as well.
There are many other difference of course, but these are some of the main ones we find ourselves asked about.
If you have any other opinions regarding these matters, please feel free to contact us here at Washokujob any time!
Please take a peak at some of our job offerings abroad ~