Sous Chef-Japanese Restaurant (KAKO) *Japanese Speaker - JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Sous Chef will support the Chef de Cuisine in operating KAKO, JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo’s Japanese restaurant. Responsibilities include supervising kitchen associates, preparing and presenting high-quality Japanese dishes, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, controlling costs, ordering supplies, training team members, and coordinating smooth service with the restaurant and hotel departments. Candidates should have substantial experience in a Japanese restaurant or luxury hotel kitchen, strong knowledge of Japanese ingredients, cooking techniques, menu execution, and HACCP or equivalent food-safety practices. Japanese-language ability is specifically required, while English communication is advantageous. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate leadership, creativity, consistency, calm decision-making during busy service, attention to detail, and flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and holidays.

About the employer

JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo is a luxury property within Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. JW Marriott hotels focus on refined service, thoughtful experiences, wellness, and sophisticated dining for leisure and business travelers. The Tokyo hotel offers upscale accommodation, restaurants and bars, meeting facilities, and the service standards associated with the Marriott brand. Employees typically work in a multicultural environment with structured training, operational support, and opportunities to move within Marriott’s global hotel network. The Japanese restaurant KAKO forms part of the property’s culinary offering and is expected to emphasize premium ingredients, polished presentation, and attentive hospitality. As a major international employer, Marriott commonly provides benefits such as staff meals, uniform support, employee travel discounts, social insurance, and career-development opportunities, although exact benefits depend on the employment contract and Japanese labor regulations.

Working in Japan

Japan offers hospitality, culinary, tourism, technology, education, and healthcare opportunities, especially in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Okinawa, and Hokkaido. Hotel and restaurant professionals may find strong demand, although Japanese ability is often important for guest-facing and kitchen roles. Japanese culture values punctuality, teamwork, respect, cleanliness, and careful attention to service details. Tokyo provides excellent transport, dining, entertainment, and international communities, but housing and commuting can be expensive. Regional cities and islands generally offer a slower pace and lower living costs. Foreign workers normally need an employer-sponsored work visa; chefs may qualify under an appropriate Skilled Labor status, subject to experience and immigration requirements. Applicants should secure a written offer, confirm sponsorship, prepare qualifications and employment records, and arrange accommodation, insurance, taxes, and residence registration. A valid passport, health coverage, and basic Japanese are highly recommended for relocation. Japan has four seasons, so suitable clothing and adaptation to humid summers are important.