Japan to overhaul troubled foreign trainee program: 3 things to know

New system to call for freedom to change jobs, better Japanese language education

20250127N Japan new skill development program

The overhauled program is set up as a way to bring workers to Japan and keep them there. (Photo by Rie Ishii)

EUGENE LANG

January 28, 2025 07:31 JST

TOKYO -- Japan will replace its technical intern training program -- which brought in laborers from other countries to support domestic industries like manufacturing, construction, agriculture and fishing -- with a new system by 2027.

Though details have been scarce, a concrete image of the new framework has begun to emerge thanks to a draft ordinance from the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.