Introduction: Background of the Settlement in the Technical Intern Lawsuit

On August 6, 2026, the Miyazaki Branch of the Fukuoka High Court reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed by four female technical interns from the Philippines. The plaintiffs had sought approximately 9.7 million yen in damages from a supervising organization and training companies, alleging poor working and living conditions.

The case had initially resulted in a district court ruling in March 2024, ordering the defendants to pay approximately 1.2 million yen. Dissatisfied with the amount, the plaintiffs appealed. In the appellate settlement, the defendants agreed to pay an amount exceeding the original judgment, with the plaintiffs commenting that they were offered “acceptable conditions.”

This news carries significant implications for foreign residents in Japan, companies considering employing foreign workers, and professionals involved in visa and residence status applications. This article provides a detailed analysis of the lawsuit, explains the legal obligations companies must observe, outlines the rights foreign workers should be aware of, and discusses future reforms to the system.

1. Overview of the Lawsuit: What Were the Issues?

(1) Violation of Housing Standards

One of the main issues identified in the district court ruling was that the shared rooms provided by the supervising organization failed to meet the government’s operational guidelines regarding floor space per person.

When accepting technical interns, there is a legal obligation under the “Act on Proper Technical Intern Training and Protection of Technical Intern Trainees” to ensure appropriate living conditions. Specifically, the floor area per intern must be at least 4.5 square meters.

The failure to meet this standard was deemed a breach of duty of care by the supervising organization and formed the basis for the damage award.

(2) Lack of Respect for Human Rights: Forced Apology Letters

Another critical issue was that the organization forced interns to write apology letters for alleged rule violations, excessively restricting their freedom.

The district court ruled that this conduct “excessively restricted the interns’ freedom of action and thought, constituting a tort.” Technical interns, as foreign nationals residing in Japan, are entitled to fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Employers and supervising organizations that impose unilateral and excessive rules or restrictions may be liable for human rights violations.

(3) Settlement in the Appellate Court

While the district court had ordered payment of approximately 1.2 million yen, the plaintiffs appealed, dissatisfied with the amount. In the appellate proceedings, the presiding judge recommended settlement, and the defendants agreed to increase the payment. Although the details of the settlement are confidential, it is clear that the plaintiffs were offered terms they found acceptable.

This settlement demonstrates that courts are placing a strong emphasis on protecting the human rights of technical interns and that the responsibilities of companies and supervising organizations are being strictly scrutinized.

2. What Is the Technical Intern Training Program? The Gap Between Principle and Reality

(1) Official Purpose: International Contribution and Skills Transfer

The Technical Intern Training Program was established in 1993 with the stated purpose of contributing to international development by transferring skills to developing countries. Interns are expected to return to their home countries with skills acquired in Japan to contribute to economic development.

(2) The Reality: A Means of Securing Labor

In practice, however, many small and medium-sized enterprises accept technical interns to address severe labor shortages, creating a significant gap between the stated purpose of “skills transfer” and the reality of “labor procurement.”

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 73.2% of workplaces inspected in 2024 were found to have violated labor standards laws or occupational safety and health regulations. This figure clearly illustrates the systemic failure to properly implement the program.

(3) International Criticism: “Modern-Day Slavery”

In response to these issues, the Technical Intern Training Program has been internationally criticized as a form of “modern-day slavery.” The U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report has repeatedly highlighted forced labor and human rights abuses within Japan’s technical intern system.

3. Legal Obligations and Risks for Companies

(1) Obligation to Provide Proper Housing

As mentioned, clear legal standards govern the housing provided to technical interns:

  • Floor area per person: at least 4.5 square meters
  • Adequate lighting, ventilation, and heating/cooling
  • Respect for privacy

Failure to meet these standards may result in liability for damages for supervising organizations and training companies.

(2) Compliance with Labor Conditions

Japanese labor laws apply to technical interns as well:

  • Compliance with minimum wage
  • Proper management of working hours and rest days
  • Payment of overtime wages
  • Provision of paid leave

The mistaken belief that “interns can be employed cheaply” can lead to serious legal violations.

(3) Obligation to Respect Human Rights

Technical interns have the right to be treated with dignity:

  • Prohibition of excessive restrictions on behavior
  • Prohibition of confiscating passports or residence cards
  • Prohibition of forced savings or remittances
  • Prohibition of violence, verbal abuse, and harassment

Violations can result not only in tort liability but also criminal penalties.

(4) Litigation and Administrative Sanction Risks

Failure to comply can lead to:

  • Damage claims from technical interns
  • Guidance or corrective orders from supervising organizations or the Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT)
  • Revocation of training certification
  • Suspension of future intern acceptance
  • Damage to corporate reputation and employer brand

4. Rights and Resources for Foreign Residents

(1) You Have Rights

Many technical interns mistakenly believe that “if I complain, I’ll be sent home” or “I have no one to turn to.” However, foreign nationals in Japan are protected by law and have rights, including:

  • The right to receive fair wages
  • The right to work in a safe and healthy environment
  • The right to take days off and holidays
  • The right not to be subjected to unfair treatment

(2) Where to Seek Help

If you encounter problems at work or in your living environment, please contact:

  • Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT): Consultation services for technical interns (available in native languages)
  • Labor Standards Inspection Office: Issues regarding unpaid wages or working hours
  • Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu): Legal consultations (with interpreter support)
  • NPOs and Support Organizations: General life support and accompaniment services

Seeking help can improve your situation or connect you with appropriate support. Never suffer alone.

5. Transition to the “Training and Employment Program” Planned for 2027

(1) Abolition of the Technical Intern Program and Creation of a New System

Due to the issues outlined above, the Japanese government plans to abolish the current Technical Intern Training Program by 2027 and replace it with a new framework called the “Training and Employment Program.”

(2) Key Features of the New System

  • Higher Japanese language proficiency requirements
  • Greater freedom to change employers (under certain conditions)
  • Stricter oversight of supervising organizations
  • Enhanced human rights protections

This reform is expected to strengthen protections for trainees and promote more appropriate acceptance of foreign workers.

(3) What Companies Should Prepare Now

In anticipation of the new system, companies should:

✅ Review current acceptance systems (housing, labor conditions, consultation services)
✅ Promote understanding of foreign workers (cross-cultural training, human rights education)
✅ Establish consultation systems with experts (administrative scriveners, labor consultants)
✅ Develop long-term human resource development plans

6. A Message from Visa and Residence Status Professionals

As specialists in visa and residence status applications, we support many foreign residents and their employers daily. One thing we consistently observe is that “not knowing” is the greatest risk.

Complying with laws and creating a respectful acceptance environment for foreign workers is not difficult. In fact, doing so enhances corporate credibility and helps secure and retain talented personnel.

If you are:

  • Considering hiring foreign workers
  • Uncertain about your current acceptance system
  • Facing a legal issue

Please consult a specialist early. Proper advice and support can protect both your business and the future of foreign workers.

Conclusion

This settlement underscores the importance of “human rights” and “legal compliance” in the Technical Intern Training Program. The acceptance of foreign workers has become indispensable to Japanese society. Therefore, each of us has a responsibility to respect foreign nationals as equal partners and to create appropriate environments.

For companies, strict compliance becomes a source of competitive advantage. For foreign workers, knowing your rights is the first step toward working with peace of mind.

We hope this article serves as a starting point.

Source Article:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/f6a2ae88d59c0fed772c1472e1d413dc7c91e30e

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