Introduction: Current Status and Challenges of Accepting Foreign Workers in Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, the acceptance of foreign workers has been advancing across many industries, including nursing care and welfare, tourism, hospitality, and food services. In particular, the number of foreigners working under Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (tokutei gino) statuses of residence has been increasing year by year, and they have become indispensable to maintaining the regional economy and public services.

At the same time, however, the serious issue of early turnover has also become apparent. In Hokkaido especially, differences in living conditions—such as harsh winter cold, limited transportation options, and a scarcity of entertainment facilities—become major sources of stress for foreign workers. For technical intern trainees coming from the warm climates of Southeast Asia, temperatures dropping below freezing and life surrounded by snow are far more challenging than they might imagine.

Against this backdrop, Otaru City has been working on exchange programs aimed at preventing turnover among foreign care workers. In this article, we will examine this case in detail and consider how local communities and foreign workers can coexist.

Otaru City’s Initiative: The Molkky Exchange Event and Its Significance

On June 28, 2026, a Molkky exchange event for foreign care workers was held at Wing Bay Otaru in Otaru City. Molkky is a sport originating from Finland in which players throw a wooden stick to knock down targets. Its simple rules make it easy to enjoy across language barriers, which is why it has gained attention as a tool for multicultural exchange.

On this day, nine care workers from Indonesia, China, and New Zealand participated. One participant commented, “It’s fun. The game is difficult, but it’s so interesting that I can’t stop playing.”

A representative from Otaru City’s Welfare and Health Insurance Department stated, “Since they came all the way to Otaru, we want them to stay long and come to love this place.” This statement clearly reflects the city’s intention to welcome foreign workers not merely as “labor” but as “members of the community.”

In recent years, Otaru City has seen an increase in foreign care workers, but early turnover has also been high, threatening to disrupt the provision of local care services. Since 2023, the city has been actively organizing exchange events and training sessions aimed at promoting settlement in the community. Further training sessions are planned from July onward.

The Reality Faced by Foreign Workers in Hokkaido

I myself moved to Hokkaido from Tokyo, and to be honest, winters in Hokkaido are harsh. Travel is difficult, activities are limited, and unless you actively enjoy winter sports, it can be less enjoyable compared to other regions in Honshu. For technical intern trainees and Specified Skilled Workers coming from Southeast Asia, winter life is even more difficult.

Many of them send remittances to their families back home. With limited money to spend freely after cutting living expenses, they have little room to visit entertainment facilities or enjoy hobbies. Winter makes going out even more reluctant, deepening feelings of isolation.

“I want to work in a warmer region” or “I want to move to a place with higher wages”—such feelings cannot be denied. Rather, they are honest and natural emotions. Having experienced Hokkaido winters multiple times myself, I understand their severity firsthand.

That is precisely why it is important for the community as a whole to create an environment where foreign workers feel, “I want to continue living here.”

Preventing Turnover Is Not Just the Responsibility of Employers

For employers, the turnover of foreign workers is a significant business setback. Recruitment costs, training costs, and procedural costs for visa applications—all represent substantial investments. If a worker leaves shortly after being accepted, the very continuity of the business is jeopardized.

However, this issue should not be treated solely as the responsibility of employers. Especially in the fields of nursing care and welfare, these services constitute public services for the community. If care workers are insufficient, elderly residents cannot receive the necessary care, and the quality of life for the entire community declines. This is a serious problem for Japanese residents as well.

In other words, supporting the settlement of foreign workers is a challenge that the entire local community must address. This is where the significance of Otaru City’s initiative—led by the municipality—to hold exchange events and training sessions lies.

Key Lessons for Other Regions

There are many points that other regions in Hokkaido, particularly rural areas where the number of Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Workers is increasing, can learn from Otaru City’s initiative.

1. Municipality-Led Creation of Exchange Opportunities

It is difficult for individual employers to create opportunities for exchange across industries and companies. When a municipality takes the lead, foreign workers from multiple employers can gather in one place and build horizontal connections. Reducing isolation, exchanging information, and gaining the sense of security that “there are others like me” have a significant effect on preventing turnover.

2. Selection of Activities That Transcend Language Barriers

Sports and games like Molkky, which can be enjoyed without language, are ideal for multicultural exchange. Even foreign workers whose Japanese proficiency is not yet sufficient can participate on equal footing and gain a sense of achievement. Such experiences foster a sense of familiarity with the community.

3. Building a Continuous Support System

Otaru City does not stop at one-off events; it has plans to continue holding training sessions from July onward. The effect of a single exchange event is limited. By creating regular opportunities to meet, trust is built, and attachment to the community deepens.

The Potential of “Easy Japanese” and Grassroots Support by Local Residents

In addition to Otaru City’s initiatives, I hope to see the spread of “Easy Japanese” (yasashii nihongo) and grassroots support activities by local residents.

“Easy Japanese” refers to simplified and clear Japanese expressions that are easy for foreigners to understand. For example, instead of saying “Go fume na ten ga gozaimashitara” (formal: “If you have any unclear points”), say “Wakaranai koto ga attara” (casual: “If you have something you don’t understand”). Instead of “Hinan shite kudasai” (Evacuate, please), say “Nigete kudasai” (Run away, please).

Simply incorporating “Easy Japanese” into communication at government offices, medical institutions, and workplaces can greatly reduce the anxiety and isolation felt by foreign workers. Even in situations where professional interpreters cannot be arranged, anyone can immediately practice “Easy Japanese.”

Furthermore, grassroots support activities led by local residents are also effective. For example, inviting foreign workers to local festivals and events, holding Japanese language classes, and providing life orientation on topics like garbage disposal and how to use public transportation—small efforts like these, when accumulated, help foreign workers feel “accepted.”

Such support can be realized through the goodwill and ingenuity of local people, without requiring specialized knowledge or large budgets. It is important not to view foreign workers solely as “subjects of support,” but to welcome them as “members of the community” and “neighbors with whom we live together.”

The Relationship Between Status of Residence and Community Settlement

From the perspective of status of residence, the settlement of foreign workers in the community also has important implications.

Both the Technical Intern Training system and the Specified Skilled Worker system assume employment for a certain period, but if turnover or job changes occur frequently, issues can arise in residence management. In the Technical Intern Training system, job changes are, in principle, not permitted. If a trainee leaves their position, they may be forced to return to their home country.

On the other hand, under the Specified Skilled Worker system, job changes are possible, but if the period to find a new job becomes prolonged, the individual may face issues with their period of stay or living expenses. If there is a reliable support system in the community, it can function as a place to consult in times of trouble, helping to prevent unreasonable resignations or illegal employment.

Moreover, for foreign workers aiming to transition to “Specified Skilled Worker No. 2” or other statuses of residence in the future, a stable employment record and a good relationship with the local community are important factors at the time of application. Having a solid foundation of life in the community also works in favor of the individual’s career development.

From “Labor” to “Members of the Community”

When thinking about accepting foreign workers, we tend to focus on the perspective of “labor to supplement labor shortages.” However, they are human beings with emotions, dreams, and families—each one an individual.

Not only work, but also daily life, relationships, and involvement with the local community—all of these shape a person’s “quality of life.” If there is a place in the community, if there are friends, and if there is an environment that makes them think, “I want to live here,” they will naturally settle down. Conversely, if feelings of isolation and alienation are strong, they will not last long, no matter how good the salary.

Otaru City’s initiative clearly demonstrates an attitude of welcoming foreign workers not just as “labor” but as “members of the community.” This perspective is indispensable for creating a sustainable local society.

Hoping for Expansion Across Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, foreign workers are employed in many regions, including Niseko and Kutchan. In all industries—tourism, hospitality, food services, agriculture, fisheries, nursing care and welfare—the presence of foreign workers supports the community.

However, there are significant differences in acceptance systems and the quality of support depending on the region. In many areas, acceptance is left entirely to employers, with little involvement from municipalities or local residents.

I strongly hope that initiatives like Otaru City’s will spread throughout Hokkaido. Especially in rural areas where the number of Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Workers is increasing, I hope that regions will refer to this case, consider what they can do, and take action.

Conclusion: What Does “Accompanying Support” Mean?

As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi), I am involved in supporting visa applications for foreign workers and the companies that accept them. What I constantly feel in this work is that systems and procedures alone cannot change a person’s life.

Just because a visa is obtained does not mean that is the goal. That is the real starting point. Work, life, relationships, involvement with the local community—only when all of these are in place can a person’s life move forward.

Otaru City’s initiative shows a form of support that goes beyond the framework of systems and accompanies people’s lives. This overlaps with my own philosophy as an administrative scrivener.

Creating a society where foreign workers can live and work with peace of mind and be accepted as members of the community—this cannot be done by employers alone, nor by the government alone. It is a society built when the entire community, with each person contributing what they can, supports each other in a grassroots manner. I sincerely hope that such warm communities will emerge in many places across Hokkaido.

Article URL: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/60a5f4ed7e015a7a863c03aef0fe84fc321a1259

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