Japan's new foreign worker plan faces language challenge

Japan's plan to invite foreigners to work in fields with severe labor shortages faces a challenge. Schools and other institutions may find it difficult to fulfill the new program's language requirement due to the lack of Japanese teachers.

Up to 420,000 foreigners are expected to be accepted over two years starting in April next year. The plan applies to those who meet Japanese language proficiency or study requirements and offers work in construction, nursing care, agriculture and other fields.

The new Employment for Skill Development Program will replace a Technical Intern Training Program in place for more than 30 years.

Applicants who do not pass proficiency tests will be required to take 100 or more hours of language classes before starting work, and 100 or more hours during the 3-year program at their employers' expense.

A June survey of about 900 Japanese language schools and other institutions showed that less than 30 percent said they can provide or consider providing such courses.

The Immigration Services Agency conducted the survey and held a briefing session for Japanese language schools and other institutions last month to call for cooperation. An agency official asked them to consider holding the courses to ensure training opportunities while maintaining quality.

Aoyagi Akiko, an official from the agency's policy division, said Japanese language education under the new training program will not be possible without the cooperation of Japanese language schools. She also said she wants to make thorough preparations in six months amid concerns about the shortage of teachers.