Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of Japan’s workforce and the increasing number of foreign workers, particularly Filipinos, the Japan Foundation, Manila, recently hosted its second advocacy seminar on March 17, 2025. The online event, titled “Building a Future of Working Together: 共に働く未来を創る日本語教育,” addressed the critical need for practical and effective Japanese language education tailored to meet the demands of various industries and foster better understanding in increasingly diverse workplaces.
With the impending full-scale implementation in 2027 of the Training and Employment System, which will replace the former Technical Intern Training Program, alongside the existing Specified Skilled Worker Visa Program, Japan is witnessing a significant surge in its foreign labor population. The seminar served as a timely platform for experts from diverse sectors to discuss the discrepancies between traditional classroom Japanese and the actual language used in the workplace, ultimately aiming to foster smoother communication and integration.
The insights shared during the seminar underscored the crucial role of industry participation in shaping relevant Japanese language education. Professor SHIMADA Noriko of Musashino University highlighted the ongoing discussions in Japan to potentially mandate Japanese language learning opportunities for foreign workers within accepting organizations under the new Training and Employment system. This aligns with recent developments, including the establishment of the CEFR-based Framework of Reference for Japanese Language Education (日本語教育の参照枠, Nihongo Kyōiku no Sanshōwaku), the creation of a guiding document for this framework, the enactment of the Japanese Language Education Institution Certification Act, and the launch of a national certification system for Registered Japanese Language Teachers.
Professor Shimada emphasized that language acquisition is integral to foreign workers in Japan for them to experience a better quality of life. She advocated for setting individual learning goals and moving away from the notion that native speakers should be the benchmark for assessing language proficiency, as an overemphasis on prescriptive “correctness” can sometimes hinder practical learning in the workplace.
The seminar highlighted the importance of “can-do” statements within the CEFR framework, encouraging organizations and educational institutions to develop these statements based on the specific Japanese language skills required in various workplaces, thus necessitating active involvement from industries to clearly define these needs.
The limitations of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) as the sole indicator of practical workplace communication skills were discussed. Mr. MORISHIMA Satoshi of DENSO Corporation shared his company’s proactive approach in developing their own CEFR-based goal-setting framework to better assess and cultivate the specific Japanese language abilities needed within their organization. Their field research to establish clear distinctions among different proficiency levels underscored the need for more nuanced evaluation methods. Mr. MORISHIMA emphasized the need to develop qualified assessors who can provide the accurate data, insightful feedback, and consistent standards necessary to navigate the path towards more effective teaching and improved learning outcomes.
Mr. Alexander Macainag, Advisor of The Association of Nihongo Teachers in the Visayas (ANT-V), echoed this sentiment, pointing out the existing gap between the “correct” Japanese emphasized in JLPT preparation and the practical communication skills demanded by Japanese companies. He raised a pertinent question about the level of dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the Philippines – government, academia, the private sector, and civil society – in addressing these crucial issues.
The Japan Foundation, Manila, through this advocacy seminar, aims to stimulate a more of this kind of dialogue among educators, industry representatives, and policymakers, to promote a more practical and purpose-driven approach to Japanese language education, and in the hope that this effort will ultimately empower Filipino workers seeking employment in Japan, equipping them with the linguistic tools necessary for effective communication, seamless integration, and greater success as part of Japan’s growing multicultural workforce.
[Watch Full Video (2 Hours 11 minutes)]: https://youtu.be/aM26GeFWCX8
I am a “balikbayan” – although I am newly appointed, I have been the Director of The Japan Foundation, Manila once from 2005 – 2010.