As Japan faces a declining population and labor shortages, the number of companies accepting foreign workers is increasing year by year.
A new foreign worker acceptance system, the Training and Employment System, will begin in April 2027. However, many companies feel uncertain, saying, "I don't understand the details of the system well" and "I'm anxious about what I should prepare."
In response, Kurashiki City will hold a seminar targeting companies within the city.
In this article, the author, who has been involved in the practical aspects of accepting foreign workers for over 20 years, will introduce the purpose and content of the seminar, as well as key points to know before participating.
About the 2026 Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar
The 2026 Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar, to be held on August 26, 2026 (Wednesday), is a seminar designed for companies working on accepting and retaining foreign workers, where participants can learn about the overview of the Training and Employment System and acceptance case studies in an easy-to-understand manner.
Additionally, it will be a place for participating companies to network with each other.
Schedule for the Day
This seminar will be conducted in two parts.
- Part 1: Overview of Foreign Residents and the Training and Employment System
Okayama Branch of the Hiroshima Immigration Services Agency
Chief Examination Officer Nakano Ryo - Part 2: Creating an Acceptance System that Continues to be Chosen Regardless of Nationality
International Relations Cooperative
Representative Director Shimizu Takayuki
The capacity is 70 people, and participation is free of charge (pre-registration required). Questions in advance are also accepted.
For the schedule of the day and how to apply, please check the image below.
Recommended for Companies with These Concerns
The Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar is recommended for companies that have the following concerns:
- Not understanding the differences between "Technical Intern Training," "Training and Employment," and "Specified Skills."
- Unsure which system would be best for their company.
- Wondering what kind of acceptance environment should be established for foreign workers to thrive long-term.
For companies with such questions, there are three reassuring features to this seminar.
- Content that is reassuring for companies that are already accepting foreign workers as well as those considering acceptance in the future.
- Participants can exchange business cards and information with each other, allowing for networking with other companies.
- At the end of the seminar, there will be a time for the instructor to answer questions submitted in advance by participants, deepening understanding of the system and acceptance.
Information to Check Before Participating
To deepen understanding of the new Training and Employment System, the author, who is usually involved in the practical aspects of accepting foreign workers, will introduce information from the Immigration Services Agency as reference material.
The three systems of "Technical Intern Training," "Training and Employment," and "Specified Skills" are summarized in an easy-to-understand manner.
- Technical Intern Training System (New acceptance will end in April 2027. There are transitional measures for current technical interns)
- Training and Employment System (To be implemented from April 2027)
- Specified Skills System (Currently in effect)
For those who want to know more, the "Training and Employment System Q&A" published by the Ministry of Justice's Immigration Services Agency is also recommended. Reviewing it in advance will make it easier to understand the content of the seminar.
These materials are also useful when you want to confirm the system or consult with professionals such as administrative scriveners. Please bookmark and utilize them as a reference.
Interview with the Organizers
We spoke with Miwa Hirata and Eri Kanada from the Labor and Employment Policy Division of Kurashiki City about their thoughts on holding the Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar and the points they want to convey to companies.
Can you tell us about the background of planning the Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar?
Hirata
As the aging population and declining birthrate progress nationwide, Kurashiki City is no exception.
For companies facing the significant challenge of labor shortages, foreign workers have become an important presence supporting the regional economy and corporate growth.
With the start of the "Training and Employment System" in April 2027, companies are required to deepen their understanding of the new system and prepare their acceptance systems.
Therefore, Kurashiki City planned this seminar as an opportunity for companies to correctly understand the content and changes of the system before it begins and to learn about creating workplaces where foreign workers are chosen and can work for a long time.
In recent years, the number of companies hiring foreign workers has increased. What kind of consultations have you received from companies in the city?
Kanada
Currently, there are not many individual consultations regarding the acceptance of foreign workers received by the city. However, through interviews and opinion exchange meetings with companies that accept foreign workers, several common challenges have emerged.
For example, improving Japanese language skills, addressing differences in lifestyle and culture, creating a workplace environment where they can work with peace of mind, and promoting interaction with the community and Japanese people are important challenges for foreign workers to work comfortably and build their careers in a new environment.
Companies have expressed a desire for administrative support regarding these challenges.
What is the most important message you want to convey to companies at this seminar?
Hirata
The most important message I want to convey this time is to deepen understanding of the Training and Employment System.
Creating a system that continues to be chosen for work regardless of nationality, as mentioned in Part 2, will ultimately lead to corporate growth and stable employment.
To achieve this, I want to convey the importance of understanding the new system and "creating an environment to be chosen."
Can you tell us why you chose to focus on the "Training and Employment System"?
Hirata
There are various options for systems to accept foreign workers. "Which system should we utilize?" is a crucial decision related to the company's management strategy.
Therefore, I wanted to ensure that companies correctly understand the changes in the new system. I hope this theme will serve as a reference for companies when deciding whether to accept under "Specified Skills" or utilize the "Training and Employment System."
Additionally, we have also considered the timing of the event.
To utilize the Training and Employment System starting in April 2027, I hope companies will prepare well in advance rather than rushing just before the system starts, aiming to build a higher quality acceptance system.
For this reason, we decided to hold the seminar on August 26, 2026, after adjusting the schedule of the instructors.
What kind of companies would you like to participate?
Kanada
I would like companies that are already working on accepting foreign workers, as well as those considering hiring foreign workers in the future, to participate.
Furthermore, I hope not only human resources and labor personnel but also managers and employees who work alongside foreign workers will participate.
Please give a message to companies considering participation.
Hirata
Accepting foreign workers may seem daunting and present high hurdles for first-time companies. However, in this seminar, the instructors for both parts have extensive experience in their respective fields and will explain the content and examples in an easy-to-understand manner.
As a first step in moving forward with accepting foreign workers, please feel free to participate.
Conclusion
As a citizen of Kurashiki City and as someone involved in accepting foreign workers, I spoke with the staff of the Labor and Employment Policy Division of Kurashiki City.
What stood out during the interview was their attitude of listening to the voices of companies accepting foreign workers and addressing each challenge while working towards creating a livable and work-friendly community.
Additionally, I learned that not only the content of the seminar but also the timing of the event has been carefully considered, making it easier for companies to prepare for the start of the Training and Employment System.
I believe this seminar will provide many hints for companies that are already accepting foreign workers as well as those considering acceptance in the future.
Please participate as an opportunity to alleviate concerns and worries regarding the acceptance of foreign workers.
Data on the 2026 Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar
| Name | 2026 Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar |
|---|---|
| Date | August 26, 2026 (Wednesday) 1:30 PM - 3:45 PM *Reception: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
| Location | 1st Floor Conference Room, Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Center, Kurashiki City Office |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | ・Free of charge ・Pre-registration required |
| Website | 2026 Foreign Worker Acceptance Seminar |
