{"id":2733,"date":"2026-05-25T21:20:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T12:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/?p=2733"},"modified":"2026-05-25T21:20:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T12:20:15","slug":"%e5%a4%96%e5%9b%bd%e4%ba%ba%e5%8a%b4%e5%83%8d%e8%80%85%e5%95%8f%e9%a1%8c%e3%81%a8%e3%81%af%ef%bc%9f%e7%8f%be%e7%8a%b6%e3%83%bb%e8%aa%b2%e9%a1%8c%e3%83%bb%e8%a7%a3%e6%b1%ba%e7%ad%96%e3%82%92%e8%a7%a3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/archives\/2733","title":{"rendered":"What is the issue of foreign workers? An explanation of the current situation, challenges, and solutions | How to increase retention rates through educational support."},"content":{"rendered":"

What is the issue of foreign workers? What is happening in Japan right now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why are the number of foreign workers increasing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The biggest reason for the increase in foreign workers in Japan is the serious labor shortage caused by the declining birthrate and aging population. Due to the decrease in the working population, many industries, such as manufacturing, nursing care, construction, and accommodation\/food service, are unable to secure enough personnel with Japanese workers alone. Therefore, accepting foreign workers has become an important business strategy.

Furthermore, the government is also supporting the acceptance of foreign workers. In addition to the "Technical Intern Training Program," the "Specified Skills Program" was established in 2019 to address labor shortages in certain sectors. Moreover, the increasing number of young people, particularly in Asia, who want to work abroad is another contributing factor. These factors combined suggest that the number of foreign workers will continue to rise.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Current status of the number of foreign workers (most recent statistics)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"The number of foreign workers in Japan is increasing year by year, and has recently exceeded 2.3 million, setting a new record high. This is a significant increase compared to the previous year, and their presence in the Japanese labor market is steadily growing. By nationality, many are from Asia, including Vietnam, China, and the Philippines, with Vietnamese making up a particularly large proportion."

By industry, manufacturing accounts for the largest proportion, but foreign workers are also widely active in sectors facing severe labor shortages, such as the service and construction industries. Furthermore, changes are being seen in terms of residency status, with an increase in workers with specific skills visas. These developments indicate that foreign workers are no longer merely supplementary, but are becoming a vital contributor to the Japanese economy.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Categories of foreign workers by system (technical intern training, specified skilled worker, etc.)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"For foreigners to work in Japan, they need a residence status (visa), and the most common systems are "Technical Intern Training" and "Specified Skilled Worker." Technical Intern Training is a system aimed at acquiring skills to be used in their home countries, and they learn while working for up to 5 years in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. However, in reality, it is often used to supplement labor shortages, and the discrepancy between the system's purpose and its actual use is considered a problem."

On the other hand, the Specified Skills program is designed to provide immediate workforce in sectors facing labor shortages, requiring a certain level of Japanese language proficiency and skills testing. It is utilized in a wide range of industries, including nursing care, construction, and accommodation, and has seen rapid growth in recent years. Because each program has different objectives and requirements, it is crucial for companies to understand them properly and establish appropriate training and support systems.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
The main challenges and problems of accepting foreign workers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Communication barriers due to the Japanese language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest challenges in accepting foreign workers is the "communication barrier" in Japanese. Japanese is a complex language with many characters and expressions, and even if you can hold a basic conversation, it can be difficult to accurately understand instructions and manuals in the workplace. In particular, in industries such as manufacturing and nursing care, misunderstandings of instructions can lead to accidents and problems.

Furthermore, language difficulties affect not only work performance but also interpersonal relationships. The inability to seek advice or engage in casual conversation can lead to isolation, often resulting in early resignation. Therefore, companies are required to provide continuous support, including job-specific Japanese language training, instructions in simplified Japanese, and the development of visually understandable manuals.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Problems caused by a lack of understanding of the system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"When accepting foreign workers, a lack of understanding of residence status and the system can cause problems. Technical intern training and specified skills programs each have defined purposes and scopes of work, and hiring without a proper understanding can lead to legal violations and contract disputes. For example, there are cases where technical interns are assigned tasks that exceed their intended scope, or where specified skills workers are made to engage in work that is not permitted."

Furthermore, insufficient explanation of the system can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction among foreign workers, and discrepancies in understanding, such as "it's different from what I was told," can result in early resignation. To prevent these problems, it is crucial for companies to correctly understand the system, explain it carefully in simple Japanese or the workers' native language, and create a safe and secure working environment.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Problems with the working environment and labor conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Among the challenges related to foreign workers, troubles concerning working conditions and environment are a major issue. There are cases where workers feel that wages, working hours, and overtime pay are different from what they were told, leading to dissatisfaction and distrust. In particular, contracts being signed only in Japanese without being fully understood are a major cause of misunderstandings.

Furthermore, a lack of understanding of uniquely Japanese workplace customs and unwritten rules is also a source of stress. For example, if overtime during busy periods is not explained in advance, it can easily become a burden. To prevent such problems, it is important to clearly explain working conditions and create an environment where employees can easily seek advice. Creating a safe and secure working environment will also lead to increased employee retention and productivity.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Lack of support for multicultural coexistence and daily life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"The challenges faced by foreign workers extend beyond the workplace to include a lack of support in their daily lives and a lack of multicultural coexistence. Finding housing, opening bank accounts, and accessing medical facilities are just some of the hurdles of life in Japan, and without sufficient support, they end up working while feeling anxious. As a result, they may not be able to concentrate on their work, leading to decreased performance and even resignation."

Furthermore, a lack of understanding of cultural and value differences is also a problem. Differences in religion, eating habits, and communication can cause stress and lead to friction in the workplace. To solve these issues, support for daily life and initiatives for multicultural understanding are crucial. Creating an environment where foreign workers can work with peace of mind will not only improve retention rates but also contribute to the overall stability of the workplace.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
What are the possible solutions to the foreign worker problem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Improving the acceptance system (initiatives by companies)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"To resolve the issue of foreign workers, it is crucial for companies to establish a proper acceptance system. Many problems arise not from the worker's abilities, but from insufficient preparation and explanation. First, by carefully explaining the job duties and working conditions in simple Japanese or their native language, misunderstandings can be prevented."

Furthermore, it is necessary to establish a system at the workplace where staff and contact points can be consulted, allowing for the early resolution of anxieties regarding work and daily life. Creating easy-to-understand systems, such as manuals using photos and illustrations, is also effective. These efforts will lead to improved productivity not only for foreign workers but also for the entire workplace.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Points that can be solved through education and support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"The issue of foreign workers can be greatly improved through education and continuous support. In particular, learning Japanese for use in the workplace and understanding job duties is important to reduce mistakes and misunderstandings and to allow them to work with peace of mind. It is necessary to learn not only everyday conversation but also things directly related to practical work, such as how to receive instructions and how to report, contact, and consult."

Furthermore, understanding Japanese workplace culture and work styles is essential. Learning about concepts like punctuality and teamwork beforehand can prevent problems arising from cultural differences. Moreover, it's crucial that training isn't a one-time event but continuous, and utilizing e-learning and other tools can create an efficient learning environment. These efforts also contribute to reducing the burden on staff.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Efforts toward a multicultural society<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"To solve the problem of foreign workers, it is important for not only companies but society as a whole to work towards multicultural coexistence. Multicultural coexistence is the idea of working together while respecting different cultures and values, and it requires not just "adapting to Japanese ways" but also an attitude of mutual understanding. Understanding differences in religion, eating habits, and communication can prevent misunderstandings and friction in the workplace."

Furthermore, it is important to collaborate with the government and local communities to provide life support and multilingual services. When people have a stable life, they can concentrate more easily on their work. Multicultural coexistence initiatives are a crucial element that enhances organizational flexibility and creativity, and contributes to the growth of businesses.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Solutions offered by Clover Academy x Platt Clover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why is education and learning effective in solving the problem of foreign workers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many problems with foreign workers stem not from a lack of ability, but from a lack of opportunities to learn and understand. Differences in language, culture, and systems can be gradually resolved through appropriate education. In particular, learning Japanese for workplace use helps to deepen understanding of instructions and prevents mistakes and accidents.

Furthermore, learning about Japanese work styles and workplace culture in advance reduces misunderstandings and dissatisfaction, and is effective in improving retention rates. Moreover, establishing a proper training system reduces the burden of on-site instruction. Education is not merely a cost, but a crucial investment that simultaneously prevents problems and fosters talent.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
What is Plat Clover? (Service Overview)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Platt Clover is an e-learning service specializing in Japanese language and workplace training for foreigners, developed based on the teaching know-how cultivated in the field of Japanese language education at Clover Academy, which opened in 1990. It has a system in place to comprehensively learn "language" and "culture" so that foreign employees can work in Japan with peace of mind and succeed for a long time. It is easy to implement in shift work and multi-location environments as learning can be done anytime from smartphones and PCs. In addition, through "Japanese for Daily Life," it is possible to supplement the expressions and knowledge necessary for daily life, such as shopping and using public transportation. Furthermore, it also provides information on Japanese culture and customs, incorporating content that supports all aspects of life in Japan. A major strength is that it is supervised by Clover Academy, an educational institution with a proven track record, and specializes in content that is actually useful in the workplace.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Strengths and Benefits of Plat Clover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"Plat Clover's greatest strength lies in its ability to provide foreign workers with the necessary 'level-specific Japanese language and culture' training on a single platform. Because the educational content is centralized, companies can reduce the effort required to prepare multiple teaching materials and training programs, enabling efficient human resource development."

Furthermore, because it is in an e-learning format, learning can be done anytime, anywhere, and there is no need for group training or arranging instructors. Even companies with multiple locations can provide consistent training. In addition, because it is based on "easy Japanese," it is easy for foreigners with beginner-level Japanese to learn, and it can lead to improvements in workplace errors and communication problems.

By implementing this system, we expect to see improved retention rates, reduced training costs, and lessened burden on staff, making it a practical service for developing foreign workers into a long-term workforce.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Case studies and hypothetical use cases (fictional scenarios are acceptable)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"At Company A, a manufacturing company, the increase in foreign workers had led to challenges such as instruction errors and training burdens. Therefore, they introduced Plat Clover and used it for new employee training and regular learning. As a result, understanding of business terminology improved, leading to a reduction in verification errors and training time."

Furthermore, Company B, which operates nursing care facilities, implemented Japanese language and cultural training specifically tailored to the nursing care setting for foreign staff who were anxious about communicating and recording information in Japanese. This led to increased staff confidence and contributed to improved evaluations from residents.

In this way, Platt Clover is being used by a wide range of companies, regardless of industry, as a service that can support "systematizing education" and "retaining and integrating foreign workers into the workforce."\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Summary and Next Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To correctly understand the current situation regarding the acceptance of foreign workers.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The environment surrounding foreign workers is changing dramatically, and they have become an indispensable part of Japanese society due to labor shortages. On the other hand, various challenges have arisen due to the complexity of the system and differences in language and culture. What is important is not to view these as "problems on the part of the foreigners," but to correctly understand the current situation, including the systems in place on the part of the companies that accept them.

Many foreign workers are highly motivated to work, but insufficient explanations and inadequate training systems often lead to problems. Hiring without understanding the system and acceptance conditions poses risks for companies. Proper understanding and preparation, along with a focus on "how to nurture" them, leads to stable talent utilization.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Improving the acceptance environment by incorporating education and support.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
"To solve the problem of foreign workers, it is important to incorporate education and support as a system. Rather than a haphazard approach, creating an environment where they can continuously learn will enable stable acceptance. In particular, education that enhances Japanese language skills and workplace understanding will deepen their understanding of instructions and help prevent mistakes and problems."

Furthermore, a support system for consultation and assistance with daily life is essential. A stable life leads to increased concentration and job satisfaction. While these initiatives may seem like costs at first glance, they offer long-term benefits such as preventing employee turnover and improving productivity. Enhancing education and support can be considered a valuable investment for both companies and foreign workers.\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Clover Academy x Platt Clover: Strengthening Learning in "Language, Culture, and Business"<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Platt Clover offers an integrated learning system that combines e-learning, which allows users to acquire Japanese language skills step-by-step from the basics, with online consultations. In addition to a curriculum that systematically teaches everything from the very basics of hiragana and katakana to elementary-level everyday conversation, it also provides informational content on "Japanese for Daily Life" and culture and customs, allowing users to acquire the knowledge necessary for living in Japan. The learning content utilizes apps and animations, making it easy to continue learning anytime, anywhere. Online consultations are also conducted at key learning milestones to check understanding and provide follow-up. Furthermore, operational mechanisms such as multilingual support and progress reports are in place, providing an environment where users can learn smoothly from the basics. Why not start by gathering information and consider implementing a system that suits your company?\t<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
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\uff3c Try it for free first! \uff0f<\/p>\n  
Sign up for a free trial\/demo at Clover Academy's Plat Clover.<\/h3>\n  
We support the retention and success of your foreign employees. Please experience our Japanese e-learning service developed by Clover Academy, which has over 33 years of educational experience.<\/p>\n  Sign up for a free trial \u2192<\/a>\n  
* After you apply, a representative will contact you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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