National Aug 30, 2022
Moment of truth as Japan eyes review of foreign 'trainee' workers
by Noriyuki Suzuki
Some employees feel the country needs to welcome more foreign workers as immigrants to keep the economy going.
National Aug 20, 2022
Japan investigating mistreatment of pregnant foreign trainees
The government is conducting a survey to determine whether trainees have been forced by employers or intermediary groups to leave the country because they became pregnant or gave birth.
National Jul 29, 2022
Japan to conduct full-scale review of technical trainee program
An increasing number of cases of harassment and abuse of foreign trainees has resulted in mounting criticism at home and abroad.
National / Social Issues Jul 21, 2022
Japan urged to help foreign trainees amid reports of abuse and low pay
The government-affiliated Organization for Technical Intern Training, which supervises employers hiring foreign interns, has drawn much criticism over its work.
National | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Jun 6, 2022
Bento-maker sets example with language lessons for Vietnamese trainees
Asahikawa Ekitachiuri Shokai in Hokkaido says the classes make communication and work easier, and that trainees will have more job options after they return to Vietnam.
National May 31, 2022
Government bans technical intern program intermediary after abuse of foreign trainee
A 41-year-old Vietnamese man sustained serious injuries including a broken rib in repeated assaults by his coworkers at a construction firm.
National May 31, 2022
Japan to end special visas for people stranded in country due to COVID
by Kanako Takahara
The temporary measure has granted six-month “designated activities” residence statuses to foreign students and trainees stuck in Japan due to border controls in their home country.
National Apr 1, 2022
In rare use of rights, Sri Lankan trainee in Japan takes maternity leave and gives birth
The case highlights the difficulties trainees face in having children in Japan.
Business Mar 1, 2022
Japan's eased border restrictions offer hope for struggling business sectors
by Kazuaki Nagata
From major tech companies to elderly care facilities, Japanese businesses have had to battle through the pandemic without the foreign staffers they need.
National Feb 18, 2022
Government bans firm from accepting foreign trainees after assault case
The victim of the sustained assault is demanding an apology as well as compensation from the construction company and the intermediate body which introduced the him to the company.
Business Feb 12, 2022
Japan plans to launch a new survey in fiscal 2023 to collect data on foreign workers, such as their income and types of employment, to better accommodate their needs.
Business Feb 11, 2022
Japan’s biggest airline calls for border controls to be eased
by Shiho Takezawa and Tsuyoshi Inajima
The strictest among the G7, Japan’s border controls have attracted criticism as the country slammed its door shut to foreign visitors and students.