On December 23, 2025, the Japanese government released a draft proposal for the acceptance cap of the new "Training & Employment" (Ikusei Shuro) system to be introduced from FY2027. This represents a major turning point to resolve Japan's labor shortage while protecting the rights of foreign workers, replacing the Technical Intern Training Program. For foreign nationals hoping to launch businesses or stay long-term in Japan, this "Numerical Cap" and "Job Transfer Restrictions" are extremely important information.
The Impact of the 1.23 Million Cap: Restraint and Strictness
In the proposal presented to the expert panel, the government set the maximum number of acceptances for the first two years of the Training & Employment system at approx. 426,000. When combined with the existing "Specific Skilled Worker No. 1" (Tokutei Gino), it is calculated that a cumulative total of approx. 1,232,000 foreign nationals will be able to work in Japan by the end of FY2028.
Key Point: This cap setting includes a "restrained" aspect rather than simple expansion. The government is promoting stricter foreign policies in tandem, showing a stance to address growing concerns in some areas.
Acceptance quotas are set for each of the 17 fields (19 for Specific Skilled Workers), such as "Nursing Care," "Construction," and "Agriculture." Since this is managed by the "number of residents" after deducting those who have left the country, acceptance may be temporarily suspended if the limit is exceeded.
Still High Hurdles for "Job Transfer" (Ten-seki)
One of the pillars of the Training & Employment system is to allow foreign workers to change jobs ("Job Transfer") at their own will. However, in reality, many conditions are imposed, and it does not mean free job changes are allowed.
- Period Restrictions: In 8 fields such as industrial product manufacturing and construction (accounting for approx. 90% of the total), the period before a job transfer is possible is expected to be restricted to "2 years".
- Japanese Proficiency: Passing a certain level of Japanese proficiency is required for job transfer.
- Control of Concentration in Urban Areas: Restrictions on transfers to urban areas with high wage levels, such as Tokyo and Osaka, are being considered to prioritize securing human resources in rural areas.
Comparison: New System vs. Existing System
The following table summarizes the main differences between Technical Intern Training, Training & Employment, and Specific Skilled Worker. Please use this as a reference for future residence status changes and business planning.
| Item | Technical Intern Training (Current) | Training & Employment (From 2027) | Specific Skilled Worker (1 → 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | International Contribution | Talent Development & Securing | Securing Work-Ready Talent |
| Period of Stay | Max 5 Years (Premise of Return) | In Principle 3 Years (Transition to Specific Skilled Worker) | No. 1: Max 5 Years / No. 2: Unlimited |
| Job Transfer | In Principle Not Allowed | Possible after 1-2 Years (Within same field) | Allowed |
| Family Accompaniment | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | No. 1: Not Allowed / No. 2: Allowed |
Summary: Rights Protection and Corporate Challenges
Experts such as Professor Eriko Suzuki of Kokushikan University have pointed out concerns that "restrictions on job transfers may be justified for the sake of securing human resources in rural areas, potentially failing to sufficiently protect the rights of foreign workers."
For foreign nationals aiming for long-term stay or starting a business in Japan, and for those considering changing visas to Specific Skilled Worker etc., the tightening of the system is an unavoidable issue. The government plans to decide the details by the end of January next year, so it is necessary to closely watch the latest trends and make appropriate environmental arrangements and legal preparations.
