Japan is preparing to introduce a new system called the Training and Employment System (Ikusei Shuro).
This system will replace the current Technical Intern Training Program and is scheduled to start on April 1, 2027.
For foreign workers, this change is very important because it creates a clear and realistic path to long-term employment in Japan.

 

Why Japan Is Changing the System

 

The Technical Intern Training Program was officially described as a system for international contribution.
However, in reality, many participants were working as labor to support Japan’s serious labor shortage.
This gap between the official purpose and actual use caused problems such as low wages, limited job mobility, and worker disappearance.
The new Ikusei Shuro system removes this contradiction.
Its purpose is clearly defined as securing foreign workers and developing their skills so they can continue working in Japan.

 

What Is Ikusei Shuro?

 

Ikusei Shuro is a three-year training and employment program.
During these three years, foreign workers are expected to gain the skills and Japanese language ability equivalent to Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1.
After completing the program, workers are encouraged to move smoothly into SSW status and continue working in Japan.
This means Ikusei Shuro is no longer a “temporary stay and return home” system, but a career-building starting point.

 

Major Differences from the Technical Intern Program

 

One of the biggest changes is the possibility of changing employers.
Under the old system, changing jobs was basically not allowed, even in poor working conditions.
Under Ikusei Shuro, workers may change employers within the same industry after working for a certain period, usually one to two years, if they meet skill and Japanese language requirements.
Japanese language ability is also given more importance.
Both pre-entry and post-entry language evaluations will play a larger role than before.
In addition, job categories under Ikusei Shuro are aligned with Specified Skilled Worker industries, making future transitions much clearer.

 

What This Means for Foreign Workers

 

For foreign workers, Ikusei Shuro offers something that did not exist before: predictability.
You can plan your future step by step:
Ikusei Shuro → Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 → Specified Skilled Worker Type 2.
If you reach SSW Type 2, you may be able to bring your family to Japan and eventually apply for permanent residence.
In my view, this is the most important change.
Japan is finally recognizing foreign workers not as temporary helpers, but as long-term members of the workforce.

 

What This Means for Companies

 

For Japanese companies, Ikusei Shuro is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Because workers can change employers, companies must become “chosen workplaces” by offering fair treatment, proper training, and a good working environment.
At the same time, companies that invest in people will be able to retain motivated workers for many years.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Ikusei Shuro represents a major shift in Japan’s immigration and labor policy.
For foreign workers who want stability, growth, and a future in Japan, this new system can become a strong foundation—if you understand it early and prepare wisely.

 

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日本では、育成就労制度（Ikusei Shuro）という新しい制度が導入される予定です。
これは、これまでの技能実習制度に代わる制度で、2027年4月1日施行予定とされています。
外国人にとって、この変更は「日本で長く働けるかどうか」を大きく左右する重要な転換点です。

 

なぜ制度が変わるのか

 

技能実習制度は、建前としては国際貢献を目的としていましたが、実際には日本の人手不足を支える労働力として使われてきました。このズレが、低賃金や転職できない環境、失踪問題を生んできました。
育成就労制度では、この矛盾を解消し、人材確保と人材育成を正面から目的にしています。

 

育成就労制度の仕組み

 

育成就労は、原則3年間の制度です。この3年間で、特定技能1号レベルの
技能と日本語能力を身につけることが想定されています。
修了後は、特定技能へスムーズに移行し、日本で働き続けることが前提となります。

 

技能実習との大きな違い

 

最大の違いは、一定条件のもとで転職が可能になる点です。
同じ分野であれば、1～2年程度の就労と要件クリアにより、本人の意思で職場を変えられるようになります。
また、日本語能力や職種区分も、特定技能制度と連動した設計になります。

 

外国人にとっての意味

 

育成就労制度は、将来の見通しを立てやすくする制度です。
育成就労 → 特定技能1号 → 特定技能2号
というキャリアパスが見え、家族帯同や永住申請への道も現実的になります。

 

私見ですが、これは日本が外国人を「一時的な労働力」ではなく、長期的な仲間として扱い始めた象徴だと感じます。

 

企業側への影響

 

企業は「選ばれる側」になります。待遇や教育環境が悪ければ、人材は他社へ移ります。一方で、良い環境を整えれば、意欲ある人材を長期的に雇用できるチャンスが広がります。

 

まとめ

 

育成就労制度は、日本の外国人労働政策の大きな転換点です。
外国人にとっても、企業にとっても、長期的な視点での準備と理解が、これからますます重要になります。