Language, rules programme eyed for long-stay foreigners

Foreigners seeking to obtain permanent resident status or visas extending for over 10 years should be required to complete a Japanese language and lifestyle learning programme, a project team’s report said July 3.

The report also urged the government to consider using the new program during the screening of applicants for Japanese citizenship or to confirm the individual’s level of understanding.

The project team is headed by Mamoru Fukuyama, the parliamentary secretary in the Justice Ministry who oversees the Immigration Services Agency.

While many Western nations require immigrants to learn the host country’s language, basic rules and local culture, Japan has no such structure on the national level. Such matters are left in the hands of local governments or companies.

According to a government source, the outline of the program as well as a computer system to confirm the applicants finish the programme will be completed in fiscal 2027. A trial run will begin the following year.

The agency will also consider requiring a certain level of Japanese language ability for those applying for permanent resident status or Japanese citizenship, even before the program is set up.

The project team’s report said about 4.1 million foreigners reside in Japan, and the burden on municipalities where many foreigners live has become an issue.

The report said the central government should be responsible for providing a structured and effective program to learn the Japanese language as well as rules and manners for daily life.

The programme will mainly be directed at foreigners thinking about living in Japan over the medium- to long-term.

But a system to learn online will also be set up so prospective entrants to Japan can begin studying in their native land.

The report said the programme should be designed so that foreigners can choose what to learn based on their stage in life. For example, it could offer lessons on giving birth in Japan, raising and educating children, and caring for the elderly.

The project team also said foreigners on other visas should consider completing the program as an incentive to find jobs, renew their stay periods or change their visa status.


The Asahi Shimbun