Japan is accelerating its efforts to expand its acceptance of foreigners. Starting in April 2027, the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) will be abolished and the Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP) will be fully launched.
For those hoping to work in Japan and enjoy Japanese culture, these changes to the system are sure to be of interest.
The changes to the system will involve a shift from training-oriented employment to human resource development through real work.
The goal is not simply to transfer skills, but to develop human resources and ensure stable employment.
In other words, the system will welcome foreigners as members of society.
It’s a good idea to consider the roughly one year before the new system fully launches as a preparation period, focusing on studying Japanese and improving your skills. If there’s a specific field you’re interested in, it might be a good idea to study at a school where you can learn that skill in a short period of time.
So, let’s take a look at what specific changes will occur and what the government will do before the new system launches.
What’s Changing?
The following three points are significant differences from the previous Technical Intern Training Program.
- Employment by companies will be clearer.
- Assistance will be available from government-certified support organizations.
- Job changes will be possible under certain conditions.
The program aims to create a career path from training employment → Specified Skilled Worker (I) → Specified Skilled Worker (II).
The specific operational rules are still under discussion, but the framework for the system is summarized in the table below.
| Comparison Items | Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) | Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | International Contribution (Skills Transfer) | Securing Labor and Human Resources Development |
| Period of Stay | Maximum 5 years (1-3 year phased system) | Maximum 3 years (assuming transition to 5-year Specified Skilled Worker (I) status) |
| Legal Characteristics | “Training”-centered (ambiguous employment relationship) | “Employment system” based on a clear employment contract |
| Transfer (Change of Workplace) | Generally difficult | Transfer at the individual’s request possible under certain conditions |
| Supervising Organization | Non-profit Supervising Organization | Unified into the government-approved “Supervising and Support Organization” system |
| Plan Name | Technical Intern Training Plan (OTIT Certified) | Employment for Skill Development Plan (Newly Established Certification System) |
| Japanese Language Requirements | JLPT N5-N4 level | A1 (equivalent to N5) upon entry → A2 level upon completion |
| Transition to Specified Skilled Worker | Transition possible by passing an exam after completion | Smooth transition directly to “Specified Skilled Worker No. 1” after completing training and employment |
Roadmap to the Implementation of the New System
The government has outlined the roadmap in the table below.
Going forward, “target industries” will be determined first, followed by the establishment of specific operational rules and certification standards by 2026.
| Fiscal Year | Major Developments | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Legal Revisions and System Establishment | Amend the Immigration Control Act and the Technical Intern Training Act to establish the legal basis for the training and employment system (enacted in June 2024) |
| 2025 | Establish Basic Policy and Target Industries | Define the basic policy for the new system and the “training and employment target industries (tentative name)” |
| 2025-2026 | Re-sign the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) | Reestablish the cooperation framework with sending countries and promote transparency of sending costs |
| 2026 | Preparation and Certification Begin | The procedures for licensing “supervision and support organizations” and certifying “training and employment plans” begin |
| 2027 | System Implementation | The training and employment system officially begins. Transitional measures will be applied to existing technical intern trainees |
Immigration Services Agency: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/index_00005.html
New MEXT Program: Training for Sushi, Washoku, and Traditional Skills：https://yourjapancareer.jp/career-news-picks/sushi-washoku-training/
The Cabinet has recently approved detailed guidelines for the ESDP, clarifying eligibility, support frameworks, and implementation schedules.
In our next article, we’ll explore what this decision means for both employers and foreign workers — and how it shapes Japan’s labor market going forward.
Next Article: Inside Japan’s New ESDP: What the Government’s Basic Policy Reveals
Io’s Note
Preparation for a new system to accept you as coworkers is finally underway. I hope this will be an opportunity to expand the world where we can live in peace and grow together, transcending language and cultural differences.
Hajime’s Note
Japan opened its doors to the world about 170 years ago. Accepting many foreigners will have an impact just as great as that time. That’s why we want to take our time and not rush into developing a truly borderless society.
