Under the legislation, Japanese-language instructors will be required to obtain national certification by successfully passing a written test and completing a classroom practicum.
Under the legislation, Japanese-language instructors will be required to obtain national certification by successfully passing a written test and completing a classroom practicum.
The Japanese government recently passed legislation mandating certification for Japanese-language instructors to ensure language education for foreign workers.
The move came as Japan grapples with the challenges posed by an aging society and a shrinking workforce, where foreign workers play an increasingly vital role, as per Asia Nikkei report.
Addressing concerns surrounding the inconsistent quality of language schools and teachers, the government seeks to ensure that foreign workers receive adequate language education to meet the demands of their roles.
The report also said that the government wants to foster better integration, promote effective communication, and ultimately contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and globally competitive workforce in Japan.
Scheduled to take effect in April 2024, the new framework established by the government entails a thorough evaluation of schools’ curriculums, facilities, and student support services.
Only schools that meet the stringent standards will receive official accreditation, and their details will be made available online in multiple languages, facilitating easy access for prospective students seeking reliable information. Additionally, the government will possess the authority to request reports from schools, issue warnings, and enforce improvement measures as deemed necessary.
Under the legislation, Japanese-language instructors will be required to obtain national certification by successfully passing a written test and completing a classroom practicum.
This certification will also be a prerequisite for current instructors to continue their teaching activities.
However, recognizing the need for a transitional period, the government has granted a waiver for the teaching practicum until March 2029, allowing instructors sufficient time to fulfill the new requirements.
Upon the conclusion of the grace period, only accredited schools will be authorized to enroll students, ensuring that foreign workers receive high-quality language education that aligns with their evolving needs.
According to a report recently published by The Asahi Shimbun, it is anticipated that Japan’s population will shrink to approximately 70 percent of its present size by the year 2070 as a consequence of the country’s declining birth rate.
The report also revealed that the number of foreign residents residing in Japan is expected to grow fivefold by 2070, potentially mitigating the pace of population decline.
