Japan faces Japanese language teacher shortage for new foreign worker program

A government survey has revealed that approximately 36% of organizations preparing for Japan’s new foreign worker program lack sufficient certified Japanese language teachers. The shortage comes ahead of the April launch of the Employment for Skill Development program, which is set to replace the controversial Technical Intern Training program.

Under the new regulations, foreign workers must demonstrate proficiency at the A1 level or higher or complete at least 100 hours of Japanese language instruction. The survey, conducted by the Immigration Services Agency and the labor ministry, found that while 14.7% of respondents have secured the necessary staff, 35.9% reported they have not secured enough registered teachers and have no immediate prospects of doing so.

The new program aims to improve labor conditions by allowing workers to change employers under certain conditions and providing a pathway to specified skilled worker status after approximately three years. Officials from the Immigration Services Agency stated they will work with relevant ministries to understand the situation and increase awareness to secure necessary teaching personnel.