Business / Corporate May 23, 2019
Few Japanese firms plan to hire foreign workers under new immigration law, poll suggests
The survey suggests the government may struggle to get the workers it needs to ease the country’s labor woes.
National / Crime & Legal May 22, 2019
Chinese trainee on Japan's technical intern program gets suspended prison term for abandoning baby
A 22-year-old Chinese trainee in the technical intern program was given a suspended prison term for abandoning her newborn son last December for fear of being sent back home.
National / Politics May 16, 2019
Japanese government seeks public comment on plan to bring foreign trainees into hotel sector
by Magdalena Osumi
The government on Thursday started soliciting public comments over its plan to allow foreign nationals who come to Japan under the government-sponsored Technical Intern Training Program to work directly for hotels for up to five years, officials said. Those workers could eventually apply for a ...
National May 3, 2019
In labor-starved Japan, Aomori farm pins hopes on Vietnamese student workers
by Junko Horiuchi
A garlic and apple farm in the northeast of the country has recognized that its survival largely depends on finding the next generation of workers to replace the aging local population. That is why Aomori Japan Farm Co. is keen on training a group of ...
National Apr 26, 2019
Japan grants first work permits under new blue-collar visa system to address labor crunch
by Magdalena Osumi
Two permits were issued and similar visas are in the works for another 45 applicants engaged mainly in agriculture.
National | Regional voices: Chubu Apr 22, 2019
As Japan's banks snub personal stamps, hanko makers pin hopes on growing foreign population
With Japan's foreign population expected to grow in light of the new visa statuses introduced this month, makers of hanko (personal seals) see a new opportunity for business. The traditional seals are still required to conduct various kinds of transactions in Japan, from purchasing cars ...
Editorials Apr 6, 2019
A disturbing new report shows once again how badly the foreign trainee program needs major fixes.
National Mar 29, 2019
Probe reveals 759 cases of suspected abuse and 171 deaths of foreign trainees in Japan
by Magdalena Osumi
The Justice Ministry’s probe into the Technical Intern Training Program confirms growing concerns about a link between the trainees’ working conditions and their growing disappearances from companies.
National / Social Issues Mar 29, 2019
Vietnamese nun in Tokyo prays for compatriots who lost lives at work in Japan, fearing more to come
by Kwiyeon Ha and Linda Sieg
Rows of wooden mortuary tablets inscribed with names line an altar at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo — silent testimony to Vietnamese people who died after coming to Japan to work or study. "Whenever I am contacted about a death, I can speak only two ...
National Mar 26, 2019
Justice Ministry to accept online Japan visa renewals from July, but only by employers and agents
by Magdalena Osumi
The ministry will start by accepting online applications for visa renewals for employees including highly skilled professionals, university professors, and interns working under the technical trainee program.
National / Social Issues Mar 14, 2019
Japan warns firms not to fire pregnant foreign trainees, as interns fear impact on work status
The warning came ahead of the launch of a new visa program that will allow the entry of more workers to address serious labor shortages.