Japan faces shortage of language teachers for foreign workers
Japan lacks enough Japanese language teachers for foreign workers, survey finds.
japantimes.co.jp1 min read
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
A survey reveals a shortage of language teachers for foreign workers in Japan, ahead of a new system's implementation.
Japan needs more teachers to help foreign workers learn Japanese so they can work in the country.
Analysis
{"
Survey Details and Response Rate":"The Immigration Services Agency and labor ministry conducted a survey of 1,880 organizations supporting foreign workers. Out of these, 348 responded, with 125 organizations reporting insufficient language teachers and no prospects for finding them. Only 51 organizations reported sufficient teachers, and 66 had prospects for securing them. The remaining 106 were working on finding teachers.","
Government Efforts":"An Immigration Services Agency official stated, 'We have to raise awareness about the system. We will make further efforts to secure teachers.'","
Foreign Worker Numbers":"The survey indicates that 348 respondents plan to accept a total of 17,247 foreign workers in the first year, including 13,502 who are expected to pass the A1 level or higher on Japanese proficiency tests."}
Key points
- Survey shows shortage of language teachers for foreign workers
- 348 organizations responded to the survey
- 125 organizations reported insufficient teachers
- 51 organizations reported sufficient teachers
- 348 respondents plan to accept 17,247 foreign workers in the first year
The Upside
With increased awareness and government efforts, the shortage could be addressed in time for the new system.
The Downside
If the shortage persists, it could delay the implementation of the new system and affect the integration of foreign workers.