[2026 Latest] Japanese Language Education Challenges in the Era of 3.95 Million Foreign Residents: Essential Information for Employers of Foreign Workers

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1. Introduction: The Context Behind the Record-Breaking Number of Foreign Residents

As of the end of June 2025, the number of foreign nationals residing in Japan reached a record high of 3.95 million. This figure represents approximately 3% of Japan’s total population and marks a substantial increase compared to a decade ago.

As Japan faces a declining birthrate and aging population, foreign workers have become essential in addressing labor shortages. This is particularly evident in sectors such as nursing care, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries, where many businesses would struggle to continue operations without foreign labor.

The government has demonstrated an active policy stance toward accepting foreign talent, including expanding the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa program and promoting international student enrollment. Given these developments, the trend of increasing foreign residents is expected to continue.

However, while the number of incoming foreign residents grows, a serious challenge has emerged: the infrastructure to support them has not kept pace with this growth. The most visible example of this gap is the inadequate development of Japanese language education facilities.

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2. Current State and Challenges of Japanese Language Education

According to a Yomiuri Shimbun report (February 21, 2026), the Japanese language education environment faces several critical challenges.

Number and Certification Status of Japanese Language Schools

As of February 2025, only 64 Japanese language institutions nationwide have been certified under the new system administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Meanwhile, 873 schools certified under the previous Ministry of Justice notification system existed as of the end of 2024, indicating a significant delay in transitioning to the new framework.

These notification-based schools must obtain MEXT certification by March 2029 to continue accepting international students. However, many schools are struggling to meet the stricter certification standards.

The Reality of Japanese Language Learners

In fiscal year 2024, approximately 290,000 students were enrolled in Japanese language schools and similar institutions—a number comparable to correspondence high school enrollment. Learners include international students, workers, and their families, representing a diverse demographic.

At New World International Academy in Nagoya, 83 students from nine countries and regions, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, are currently studying. One 19-year-old Nepali student who arrived in autumn 2024 initially knew only basic greetings in Japanese. Within months, however, she progressed enough to handle part-time job interviews with confidence and now aims to attend junior college and pursue a career in nursing care.

This demonstrates that with proper educational support, foreign residents can steadily improve their Japanese proficiency and build successful lives in Japanese society.

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3. MEXT’s Stricter Certification Standards for Japanese Language Schools

Background of the Reform

Previously, the Ministry of Justice was responsible for certifying Japanese language schools. However, issues arose with inadequate enrollment management and insufficient Japanese language instruction at some institutions. Certain schools functioned essentially as entry routes for migrant workers rather than as genuine educational institutions, raising concerns about educational quality.

To address these concerns, the “Act on the Certification of Japanese Language Education Institutions” was enacted in fiscal year 2024, transferring oversight to MEXT.

Key Certification Standards Under the New System

The new framework establishes rigorous standards, including:

1. Curriculum Development Schools must create systematic curricula tailored to specific purposes such as higher education, employment, or daily life. Beyond simply teaching Japanese, programs must clearly define learning objectives and assessment methods.

2. Instruction by Registered Japanese Language Teachers Teaching must be conducted by instructors holding the national “Registered Japanese Language Teacher” credential, ensuring educational quality.

3. Facility and Equipment Standards Requirements include appropriate classroom size, library facilities, and self-study spaces.

4. Rigorous Enrollment Management Strict tracking of student attendance and residence status is mandatory.

Difficulties in Obtaining Certification

Sendagaya Japanese Institute in Tokyo formed a team of eight teachers who spent nearly a year developing their curriculum before successfully obtaining certification in October 2024. However, most Japanese language schools are small institutions with around 100 students, facing limited human resources and time for certification preparation.

A language school in the Hokuriku region applied twice for certification but was rejected both times. A representative lamented, “We operate a notification-based school, but we simply don’t have the expertise in ‘curriculum development’ that the new system demands.”

Professor Uichi Kamiyoshi of Musashino University (Japanese Language Education) analyzes the situation: “Japanese language schools have traditionally functioned primarily as ‘preparatory schools’ for university admission. The new system emphasizes communication skills, and some schools struggle to adapt. We need to strike a balance between educational quality and learning opportunities.”

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4. Japanese Language Education Challenges Faced by Employers

Communication Issues After Hiring

Employers of foreign workers commonly report concerns such as:

• “While procedures for status of residence were completed successfully, communication challenges emerged once actual work began.”
• “Understanding technical terminology and honorific language is difficult, prolonging on-the-job training.”
• “Inability to comprehend internal documents and safety manuals creates risk management concerns.”

These issues highlight how Japanese language proficiency directly impacts job performance and workplace safety.

Limitations of In-House Training

Many companies attempt to provide Japanese language education internally but encounter obstacles including:

• Lack of employees with specialized knowledge in Japanese language instruction
• Difficulty allocating training time alongside regular business operations
• Inability to create systematic curricula
• Inability to provide instruction tailored to individual proficiency levels

Expectations vs. Reality Regarding External Educational Institutions

While companies would prefer to enroll employees in external Japanese language schools, they face practical challenges:

• No Japanese language schools located near the workplace
• Limited evening and weekend course offerings
• Insufficient practical courses designed for working adults
• High cost burden

These issues prevent companies from providing adequate educational opportunities.

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5. Post-Visa Challenges: Perspectives from Immigration Specialists

As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) supporting numerous applications for status of residence, I consistently observe that “obtaining a visa is not the goal—it’s the starting point.”

The Process of Obtaining Status of Residence

Securing status of residence involves several steps:

1. Selecting the Appropriate Status Choosing the right category based on job content, educational background, and work experience

2. Document Preparation Assembling extensive documentation including employment contracts, business plans, and financial statements

3. Immigration Application Submitting applications to regional immigration bureaus and responding to examination inquiries

4. Certificate of Eligibility Issuance Upon approval, receiving a certificate that enables visa acquisition

This process typically takes 1-3 months and places a significant burden on both companies and foreign nationals.

The “Invisible Barrier” After Visa Acquisition

However, after successfully obtaining status of residence and arriving in Japan, many foreign nationals encounter the “language barrier”:

• Unable to complete municipal office procedures
• Cannot explain symptoms at medical facilities
• Difficulty communicating with children’s schools
• Isolation due to inability to communicate with community members
• Unable to secure desired employment due to insufficient Japanese proficiency

These challenges can affect many foreign residents, regardless of visa type or intended length of stay.

The Need for Comprehensive Support for Integration and Success

To enable international employees to truly thrive requires comprehensive support including:

1. Obtaining appropriate status of residence
2. Providing Japanese language education opportunities
3. Support with daily life matters (housing, bank accounts, mobile phones, etc.)
4. Building connections with local communities
5. Career development assistance

These needs cannot be addressed by any single organization or individual. They require collaborative efforts among companies, specialists such as administrative scriveners, local governments, and community organizations.

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6. The Problem of Japanese Language Education “Underserved Areas”

38% of Nationwide Municipalities Are “Underserved Areas”

One of the most serious problems is the existence of underserved areas lacking Japanese language education resources. According to MEXT surveys, 38.2% of municipalities nationwide lack facilities for learning daily conversation and life rules in Japanese.

Approximately 170,000 foreign residents live in these areas, unable to access learning opportunities despite their desire to study.

Regional Disparities

Significant gaps exist in Japanese language education opportunities between urban and rural areas:

Urban Areas (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, etc.)

• Multiple Japanese language schools available
• Well-developed evening and weekend courses
• Relatively comprehensive multilingual support services

Rural and Remote Areas

• No Japanese language schools
• Limited volunteer-run classrooms
• Inconvenient public transportation making school attendance difficult
• Virtually no multilingual support

Difficulties Faced by Foreign Residents in Underserved Areas

Foreign nationals living in areas without Japanese language learning opportunities encounter:

• Limited employment opportunities due to lack of language improvement
• Increased risk of social isolation
• Adverse impacts on children’s education
• Safety risks due to inability to respond in emergencies
• Disillusionment with life in Japan, leading to repatriation or relocation

These difficulties represent losses not only for individual foreign residents but for entire communities.

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7. Japanese Language Teacher Shortage and the Need for Better Treatment

Current State of Japanese Language Teachers

According to MEXT data, approximately 50,000 Japanese language teachers were active in fiscal year 2024, but about 27,000 (54%) were volunteers.

In other words, Japan’s Japanese language education system heavily depends on the goodwill of volunteers.

Working Conditions of Japanese Language Teachers

Many Japanese language teachers work under difficult conditions:

• Employment status: Predominantly part-time instructors with unstable employment
• Salary levels: Low hourly wages of approximately 1,500-2,500 yen
• Social insurance: Often ineligible for coverage
• Preparation time: No compensation for lesson preparation outside class hours
• Career advancement: Limited opportunities for salary increases or promotions

Introduction of the “Registered Japanese Language Teacher” System

To enhance professionalization, the government introduced the national “Registered Japanese Language Teacher” credential in fiscal year 2024. Obtaining this qualification requires:

1. Passing the Japanese Language Teacher Examination
2. Completing practical training (teaching practicum)
3. Registration procedures

This process demands considerable time and expense.

However, if working conditions don’t improve even after obtaining qualifications, the number of people pursuing this career path won’t increase.

Yoko Ishikawa, president of educational support company Elron, notes: “Unless the profession offers stability, we won’t attract more practitioners. We must address teacher compensation improvement alongside educational quality enhancement.”

The Quality-Quantity Dilemma

Japanese language education currently faces the following dilemma:

When attempting to improve quality… → Certification standards become stricter → Fewer schools can comply → Learning opportunities decrease

When attempting to increase opportunities… → Standards must be relaxed → Low-quality education becomes mixed in → Learning outcomes decline

How to achieve both simultaneously represents a major challenge moving forward.

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8. Solutions Through Collaboration Among Companies, Local Governments, and the National Government

Japanese Language Education as “Social Inclusion”

Professor Keizo Yamawaki of Meiji University (Multicultural Coexistence Studies) emphasizes: “Japanese language education for adult foreign residents should be approached from a social inclusion perspective—developing capacity for daily life, child-rearing, and community participation.”

In other words, Japanese language education should be viewed not merely as “language skill acquisition” but as comprehensive support enabling foreign nationals to participate fully in local communities, contribute meaningfully, and live fulfilling lives.

Policies Required from the National Government

1. Promoting Japanese Language Education Institutions

• Support for establishing Japanese language classrooms in underserved areas
• Development of online learning environments
• Introduction of mobile Japanese language classrooms

2. Improving Treatment of Japanese Language Teachers

• Support for raising salary levels
• Employment stabilization (promoting full-time positions)
• Establishing career pathways

3. Flexible Operation of Certification Systems

• Enhanced support for small-scale schools
• Providing curriculum development guidelines
• Introducing phased certification acquisition systems

Roles Expected of Local Governments

1. Operating Community Japanese Language Classrooms

• Establishing classrooms in community centers and libraries
• Training and supporting volunteer Japanese language teachers
• Setting up multilingual consultation services

2. Collaboration with Companies

• Providing information to companies employing foreign workers
• Subsidies for companies implementing Japanese language education
• Building networks connecting communities and businesses

3. Coordination with School Education

• Japanese language instruction for foreign children and students
• Japanese language classes for parents
• Promoting multicultural coexistence education

What Companies Can Do

1. Establishing In-House Japanese Language Education Systems

• Implementing e-learning systems
• In-house training by external instructors
• Allocating Japanese language study time within working hours

2. Partnering with External Educational Institutions

• Collaborating with Japanese language schools
• Subsidizing tuition costs
• Adjusting work schedules to accommodate classes

3. Introducing Mentor Systems

• Support from Japanese employees
• Peer support from senior foreign employees
• Regular meetings and feedback sessions

4. Adopting “Easy Japanese” (Yasashii Nihongo)

• Simplifying internal documents
• Creating multilingual manuals
• Communication training (for Japanese employees)

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9. Practical Approaches for Companies Employing Foreign Workers

Verification Points During Recruitment

When hiring foreign nationals, it’s important to verify:

1. Verification of Status of Residence

• Type of status of residence held
• Permissible work activities
• Period of stay

2. Japanese Language Proficiency Assessment

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level
• Actual conversational ability
• Reading and writing skills (ability to understand work documents)

3. Motivation for Japanese Language Learning

• Willingness to continue studying
• Previous learning history
• Future learning plans

Support Systems After Onboarding

1. Initial Orientation

• Explaining company rules and culture (in easy Japanese)
• Detailed explanation of job responsibilities
• Clear identification of resources for assistance

2. Adapted On-the-Job Training

• One-on-one instruction
• Use of visual materials
• Frequent comprehension checks

3. Regular Follow-up Meetings

• Confirming work-related concerns
• Checking Japanese language learning progress
• Career planning discussions

Importance of Status of Residence Management

Managing foreign employees’ status of residence is a critical compliance responsibility for companies:

1. Managing Period of Stay

• Begin renewal procedures three months before expiration
• Supporting renewal applications
• Assisting with required documentation

2. Verifying Work Activities

• Ensuring work falls within permitted activities for the visa type
• Verification when transferring departments
• Determining need for permission for activities outside designated status

3. Collaboration with Specialists

• Consulting with administrative scriveners
• Ongoing support through retainer agreements
• Prompt response when issues arise

Utilizing Specialists in Foreign Employment

Employing foreign workers requires knowledge spanning labor law, immigration law, social insurance, and more. Collaboration with specialists is highly effective:

Administrative Scriveners (Gyoseishoshi)

• Handling applications for status of residence
• Drafting employment contracts and related documents
• Immigration law consulting

Certified Social Insurance and Labor Consultants (Sharoushi)

• General labor management advice
• Social insurance procedures
• Developing employment regulations

Attorneys

• Responding to legal disputes
• Building compliance systems

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10. Conclusion: Toward a Truly Multicultural Society

With foreign residents exceeding 3.95 million and continued growth anticipated, developing Japanese language education infrastructure has become an urgent priority.

Summary of Current Problems

• Only 64 MEXT-certified Japanese language schools—extremely limited
• 38% of municipalities are underserved areas where approximately 170,000 people lack learning opportunities
• 54% of Japanese language teachers are volunteers with unstable working conditions
• Imbalance between quality and quantity

Desired Direction

1. Balancing Expanded Opportunities with Quality Maintain certification standards while strengthening support for small schools and rural areas to increase learning opportunities.

2. Professionalizing Japanese Language Teaching and Improving Conditions Use national certification as an opportunity to enhance professional appeal and attract talented individuals.

3. Japanese Language Education as Social Inclusion Provide comprehensive support beyond language instruction, encompassing daily life, employment, and community participation.

4. Promoting Public-Private Partnerships Build support systems connecting national government, local governments, companies, NPOs, and community residents.

To Business Leaders and HR Professionals

Employing foreign talent represents not merely securing labor but an opportunity to build organizations that leverage diversity.

This requires:

• Proper acquisition and management of status of residence
• Providing Japanese language education opportunities
• Ongoing career development support
• Creating comfortable work environments

To Foreign Residents

Japanese language study will significantly enrich your life in Japan. While current learning environments are inadequate, you can start with:

• Utilizing online learning tools
• Participating in community volunteer classrooms
• Actively communicating in the workplace
• Consulting with government agencies and specialists

Final Thoughts

As an administrative scrivener, I remain committed not only to supporting applications for status of residence but to creating environments where foreign nationals can live with peace of mind, work successfully, and thrive as members of local communities.

I remain committed to providing comprehensive support that looks “beyond visa acquisition” and to working alongside all stakeholders toward realizing a truly multicultural society.

Whether your concerns involve foreign employment, status of residence, or Japanese language education support—no matter how small—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s find the optimal solution together!

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Reference Article: Yomiuri Shimbun Online: “Foreign Resident Population Reaches Record High While Japanese Language School Development Lags—Only 64 MEXT-Certified Schools Nationwide” (February 21, 2025) https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ed62504651e647b45c1f1530e4db9975a0779267

Related Keywords: Foreign nationals residing in Japan, Japanese language education, foreign employment, status of residence, visa applications, administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi), multicultural coexistence, Japanese language schools, Registered Japanese Language Teachers, Specified Skilled Worker visa, international students, human resources management, corporate management, social inclusion, underserved areas, Japanese language teachers, foreign talent

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