Story perspectives

Japan’s skills program needs 348 responses, 125 lack teachers

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 2:50 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Japan faces a shortage of Japanese language teachers for foreign workers.
The Employment for Skill Development program, launching next April, replaces the Technical Intern Training program.
The program requires foreign nationals to pass A1 Japanese tests or complete 100 language-class hours.
A survey received 348 valid responses by Oct 7, with 125 organizations lacking teachers.
Respondents plan to accept 17,247 foreign workers first year, 13,502 expected to pass A1.

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Story summary

Japan faces a shortage of Japanese language teachers for foreign workers.
The Employment for Skill Development program, launching next April, replaces the Technical Intern Training program.
The program requires foreign nationals to pass A1 Japanese tests or complete 100 language-class hours.
A survey received 348 valid responses by Oct 7, with 125 organizations lacking teachers.
Respondents plan to accept 17,247 foreign workers first year, 13,502 expected to pass A1.