Japan is preparing a new system to accept foreign workers, but it is facing a shortage of Japanese language teachers. This shortage could affect anyone planning to work in Japan, so it is important to understand why it happens.

The Employment for Skill Development program requires foreign workers to pass the A1 level or attend at least 100 hours of Japanese language classes before starting work. A government survey of 1,880 organizations received 348 valid responses about securing Japanese language teachers. The survey asked companies that will support foreign workers about their progress in finding teachers.

35.9% of respondents, that is 125 organizations, reported not having enough registered teachers and no prospects for obtaining them. Only about 20,000 Japanese language teachers were registered as of August, and many organizations do not know how to locate them. This shows a clear gap between the need for teachers and the supply available.

An Immigration Services Agency official said awareness of the system must be raised and further efforts are needed to secure teachers. The government will try to improve the situation so that foreign workers can meet the language requirements before they arrive.