Where Should You Turn for Japanese Language Education for Employment for Skill Development? How to Choose and Compare Providers

Employment for Skill Development has Japanese language requirements for both before and after employment begins.

Point ① A1-Level Proficiency Before Starting Employment

Foreign nationals participating in Employment for Skill Development are required to demonstrate their Japanese language proficiency before starting employment.

Specifically, they must pass an A1-level examination or complete at least 100 hours of training in an employment-oriented course (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).

Point ② A2 Target During the Skill Development Period

The period of Employment for Skill Development is 3 years in principle.

During this period, workers must be provided with an opportunity to receive at least 100 hours of A2-level training (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).

Point ③ Japanese Language Education in Post-Entry Training

Post-entry training (入国後講習) also includes training in an employment-oriented course provided by an accredited Japanese language educational institution.

The total number of hours varies depending on whether the worker has passed an A1-level examination.

Workers who have not passed are required to complete at least 320 hours in principle, while those who have passed are required to complete at least 220 hours in principle (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).

For details about post-entry training, see Overview of Post-Entry Training for Employment for Skill Development.

First, it is important to understand that the Japanese language requirements differ before and after employment begins.

Institutions to which Japanese language education can be outsourced can be broadly divided into the following 3 types.

Type 1: Employment Courses at Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions

An accredited Japanese language educational institution is an institution accredited by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbu Kagaku-sho).

There are 3 types of courses: study abroad, employment, and daily life. For Employment for Skill Development, the “employment” course applies.

• Employment course: A course in which working people learn Japanese
• Study abroad course: A course for people seeking to continue their education or pursue similar goals
• Daily life course: A course in which people learn Japanese used in daily-life situations

Please note that even an accredited institution may not offer an employment course.

Type 2: Institutions with Registered Japanese-Language Teachers

For the time being after the system takes effect, transitional measures will be provided.

Certain classes taught by registered Japanese-language teachers will also be deemed equivalent to completing training in an employment course (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).

Type 3: Arrangements Made Through a Supervising and Support Organization (監理支援機関)

Many companies accept workers with support from a Supervising and Support Organization.

In some cases, the organization may also introduce institutions to which the education can be outsourced and provide consultations.

The role of a Supervising and Support Organization is explained in What Is a Supervising and Support Organization?.

Keep in mind that institutions to which Japanese language education can be outsourced can be broadly divided into 3 types.

When comparing contractors, the following points will be helpful.

Point ① Support for the Employment Course

First, check whether the contractor can provide classes for the Employment Course.

Determine whether it is an accredited institution or whether the classes are taught by a registered Japanese-language teacher in accordance with the transitional measures.

Point ② Number of Hours and Study Plan

Check whether the contractor can meet the required number of class hours.

If classes are required, both the A1-equivalent and A2-equivalent levels require at least 100 hours. If the person has already passed the examination for the relevant level, the corresponding classes are not required (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).

Point ③ In-Person and Online Formats

The class format varies by institution.

If the person will study while working, check whether the format is compatible with their work shifts.

Point ④ Responsibility for Costs

When considering the cost of Japanese-language classes, assume that the accepting organization will bear the cost.

Confirm the scope and breakdown of the quotation at an early stage.

It is recommended to compare contractors based on these 4 points: supported courses, number of hours, format, and cost.

When choosing a contractor, keep the following points in mind.

Point ① Check the Certification Status Yourself

Information on certified organizations is published by public authorities.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan publishes a list of training course availability (as of June, Reiwa 8).

Point ② The Number of Employment Courses Is Limited

There are still not many certified organizations that offer employment courses.

Depending on the region or field, it is advisable to consult them early.

Point ③ Check the Latest Requirements

The details of the system are being finalized for its implementation in April 2027.

Check official information for the latest details on the required number of hours and transitional measures.

Be sure to use official information to verify the certification status and the latest requirements.

It is easier to organize the contractor selection process by following the steps below.

Step 1: Identify the Required Scope of Training

Identify the number of people and fields your company will accept.

Identify the required training before employment and during the training period.

Step 2: Search for Candidate Organizations

Gather candidates from lists provided by public institutions and information about support organizations.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan's "List of Training Availability at Japanese Language Education Institutions" can be filtered and compared by prefecture, A1/A2 level, in-person/online format, and number of people that can be accepted on the operating company's website, "JWC (Search and Compare Japanese Language Courses)."

It is easier to narrow down the options if you make support for the employment course your first requirement.

Step 3: Compare Conditions and Consult

Make a list of the number of hours, format, and cost, and compare them.

Decide whether an option suits your company while consulting with the person in charge.

Proceeding in order, from identifying the scope to comparison and consultation, will make the selection process less confusing.

Japanese language education for Employment for Skill Development will primarily be based on the “employment” course offered by accredited Japanese language educational institutions.

However, the most suitable institution to outsource the training to will vary depending on the number of workers accepted, the field, and the working arrangements.

If you are unsure how best to proceed for your organization, please use our free consultation service.