■ Introduction: How a Single “Want a Haircut?” Social Media Post Led to an Arrest

On May 13, 2026, KAB (Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting) reported that a 27-year-old Vietnamese national living in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, had been arrested on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

According to the police, the suspect held only a Specified Skilled Worker status of residence in the agricultural sector, yet around December 2025 he worked as a barber inside his apartment in Yatsushiro and received payment for his services. He had been advertising in Vietnamese on social media with phrases such as “Want a haircut?” Police identified the activity through cyber patrols and subsequently arrested him. More than 60 items, including scissors and hair clippers, were seized from his residence, and authorities are also investigating possible violations of the Barbers Act.

From the perspective of an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) specializing in immigration and status-of-residence law, this is a case that could happen anywhere in Japan. It also highlights a widespread misunderstanding of Japan’s status-of-residence framework.

This article is written for foreign nationals living in Japan, and for business owners and HR professionals who employ foreign nationals. It walks through three essential points:

  1. Why this arrest occurred — what was legally problematic about performing barber work under a Specified Skilled Worker (Agriculture) status
  2. Whether foreign nationals can legally work as barbers or hairdressers in Japan at all
  3. Concrete checkpoints and preventive measures for both employers and foreign nationals

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■ 1. Performing Barber Work Under “Specified Skilled Worker (Agriculture)” — Why Is It Illegal?

The Specified Skilled Worker system was established in 2019 to address severe labor shortages in designated industries by accepting foreign workers with a specified level of skills and Japanese-language proficiency. Currently, work is permitted only in limited fields such as nursing care, building cleaning, agriculture, fishery, food service, and accommodation.

The critical point is that “Specified Skilled Worker (Agriculture)” permits employment only within the agricultural sector. Even within the broader Specified Skilled Worker framework, an individual cannot freely switch to working in a restaurant or cleaning company. Barber and beauty services, which are not even covered by the system in the first place, clearly fall outside the scope of permitted activities — making such work an unauthorized employment activity.

Article 19 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act defines the scope of activities permitted under each status of residence. A violation may result in deportation, as well as imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to three million yen (Article 70 and related provisions).

In this case, the evidence was effectively created by the suspect’s own social media activity, and he was identified by police cyber patrol — an investigative method that has become increasingly common. The assumption that working privately from home is acceptable no longer holds up under modern enforcement practices.

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■ 2. A Surprising Fact: There Is No Status of Residence That Permits Foreign Nationals to Work as Barbers or Hairdressers

Here is a point that surprises many readers:

Under Japan’s current immigration framework, there is currently no work-related status of residence that permits foreign nationals to work as barbers or hairdressers.

You might think, “What about the Skilled Labor visa?” or “Surely Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services would cover it?” Let’s go through them one by one.

Skilled Labor: Covers highly specialized skills in industries unique to foreign cultures, such as Chinese or French cuisine, sommelier work, architecture unique to foreign cultures, and gem cutting. Barber and beauty services are not included.

Specified Skilled Worker: As mentioned, limited to designated industries such as nursing care, building cleaning, agriculture, fishery, food service, and accommodation. Barber/beauty services are excluded.

Technical Intern Training: Designed to transfer technical skills to developing countries. Barber and beauty professions are not designated occupations.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: Covers work requiring scientific or humanities-based expertise, or work rooted in foreign cultural background. Barbering and hairdressing are practical service occupations and fall outside its scope.

A frequently asked question:
“If I obtain a Japanese national license as a barber or hairdresser, can I get a work visa?”

The answer is No.

Obtaining a national qualification and being granted a status of residence are two entirely separate matters. Even if a foreign national graduates from a Japanese vocational school, passes the national examination, and proudly holds a Japanese barber or beautician license, this alone does not grant eligibility to reside in Japan under a work-related status.

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■ 3. So, Under What Status Can Foreign Nationals Legally Work as Barbers or Hairdressers?

Foreign nationals who can legally work as barbers or hairdressers in Japan are limited to those holding status-based residence categories. Specifically:

  • Permanent Resident: No activity restrictions. Can engage in any work, including barbering and hairdressing.
  • Spouse or Child of a Japanese National: No activity restrictions.
  • Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident: No activity restrictions.
  • Long-Term Resident: No activity restrictions.
  • Dependent: With Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted, work is permitted up to 28 hours per week (excluding work in adult entertainment-related sectors).
  • Student: With the same permission, work is permitted up to 28 hours per week (up to 40 hours per week during long school vacations).

In short, the legal basis for working comes from a status-based residence or from permission to engage in activities outside the primary status — not from a work visa itself.

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■ 4. Risk for Employers: The Crime of Promoting Illegal Employment

“We didn’t know — the employee lied to us.” Such an explanation generally does not exempt employers from liability.

Article 73-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act stipulates the Crime of Promoting Illegal Employment. An employer who knowingly — or even negligently without knowledge — employs a foreign national engaged in illegal work may be punished by imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to three million yen, or both.

The fact that negligence alone can lead to criminal liability is critically important. Simply checking a residence card is not enough. Employers should verify:

  1. The specific status of residence held
  2. Whether the intended duties fall within the activities permitted under that status
  3. Whether the period of stay is still valid
  4. The existence and content of any Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted
  5. the Certificate of Authorized Employment, where applicable

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■ 5. What Foreign Nationals Themselves Should Do

If you currently reside in Japan under a work-related status and hope to one day work as a barber or hairdresser, the following realistic options may be available:

  • Obtaining Permanent Resident status (requirements are strict, but once acquired, activity restrictions are lifted)
  • Marrying a Japanese national or Permanent Resident and changing to a spouse-based status (needless to say, sham marriages are strictly prohibited; a genuine marital relationship is the absolute prerequisite)
  • Pursuing Long-Term Resident status (limited to specific cases such as persons of Japanese descent or recognized refugees)

In any case, casually seeking clients through social media is a path you must absolutely avoid. As this case demonstrates, the consequences can seriously affect the course of your life in Japan.

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■ 6. Practical Checklist for Employers

☐ Did you verify the original residence card in person?
☐ Does the status of residence on the card match your intended job duties?
☐ Have you confirmed and recorded the period of stay?
☐ Have you checked the reverse side for any permission for supplementary work activities?
☐ Where appropriate, did you use the Immigration Services Agency’s residence card number verification system?
☐ Did you consult with an administrative scrivener or other specialist before making a hiring decision?

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■ Conclusion: Understanding the System Protects Both You and Others

The recent case in Kumamoto is far from unique. Wanting to earn a little extra income, or wanting to make use of skills learned in one’s home country, are entirely natural feelings. However, Japan’s status-of-residence system operates based on legal frameworks rather than personal intentions.

And the fundamental fact that “there is no work-related status of residence that permits foreign nationals to work as barbers or hairdressers” is a fundamental principle that both workers and employers must understand.

If you have any questions or concerns, please consult an administrative scrivener or other specialist before making independent decisions. The system is complex, but with proper understanding and the correct procedures, foreign nationals can absolutely live and work in Japan with greater peace of mind.

▼ Reference article
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/663e7e0cb5b3c0feadd0e5cc0006a2ce6ec3e6a6

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