Japan’s Ministry of Justice is considering the creation of a new “Japanese Language and Daily Life Learning Program” for foreign residents.
The program aims not only to improve Japanese language skills but also to help foreign residents learn the rules, customs, and social systems necessary for daily life in Japan. The government hopes the initiative will support foreigners in becoming active members of their local communities and living more comfortably in Japan.
A project team led by the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Justice has already released a report outlining the proposal. Discussions on the detailed design of the program will continue, with a pilot program tentatively planned for fiscal year 2028.
What Will Participants Learn?
The proposed program will consist of two main components:
- Japanese language education
- Daily life education in Japan
The daily life curriculum is expected to include topics such as:
- Garbage separation and recycling rules
- Community rules and customs
- Disaster preparedness
- How to use public transportation
- Japanese social systems, including taxes, pensions, health insurance, and everyday manners
These subjects are intended to help foreign residents adapt more smoothly to life in Japan.
Learning Before Arriving in Japan
The Ministry of Justice also plans to develop online learning materials using ICT.
Foreign nationals will be able to begin studying before arriving in Japan through online platforms. Interactive learning tools using AI, as well as comprehension assessments, are also being considered.
Possible Impact on Permanent Residency Applications
One of the most significant points in the report concerns immigration procedures.
The government is considering making completion of the learning program a requirement for:
- Applications for Permanent Residency
- Applications for residence statuses allowing long-term stay in Japan
The report also suggests that, for permanent residency and naturalization applications, not only course completion but also a certain level of understanding may be evaluated.
Reducing the Burden on Local Communities
Currently, Japanese language education and daily life orientation are often provided by local governments, volunteer organizations, and community groups.
By creating standardized learning materials, the government hopes to reduce the burden on:
- Local governments
- Japanese language schools
- Employers hiring foreign workers
while providing a consistent level of support throughout Japan.
What Happens Next?
The proposal has not yet been officially approved.
The government will continue discussions with experts and relevant organizations before finalizing the system. A trial period is expected before nationwide implementation.
Editorial Opinion
The publication of this report does not mean that new legal obligations will begin immediately.
The proposal is still under discussion. However, for foreign nationals planning to build a long-term future in Japan, it is important to follow future announcements closely, as the program could eventually affect Japan’s immigration system.
Personally, I believe that learning about daily life in Japan is valuable. Understanding topics such as taxes, social insurance, and public services can certainly help foreign residents settle into their new lives more smoothly.
However, I have reservations about making completion of this program a requirement for permanent residency or long-term residence applications.
Many aspects of daily life are best learned within the local community. For example, garbage separation rules differ from one municipality to another, and even as a Japanese citizen, I sometimes find them confusing. In many cases, the correct way to separate waste cannot be easily found online, and residents often rely on notices posted at local collection points.
The same applies to the Japanese language. Regional dialects vary across the country, and becoming familiar with them takes time and everyday interaction. Some municipalities even provide local dialect guidebooks for foreign care workers.
Rather than simply creating new requirements, I believe the government’s role should be to strengthen the support systems that enable local governments, volunteers, and communities to assist foreign residents more effectively.
I hope this proposal will lead to constructive discussions and ultimately result in a system that truly benefits both foreign residents and Japanese society.
By Hajime Saito
X:@hajimesaitoYJC
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (July 3, 2026)
