Japanese-Language-Teachers Training Program to Accept Foreign Nationals

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Japan Foundation is inviting applications from eligible overseas organizations in selected Asian countries for a five-week training programme designed to strengthen the teaching skills and cultural knowledge of Japanese-language teachers who work with learners preparing to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker and Employment for Skill Development visa categories. The Japanese-Language-Teachers Training Program to Accept Foreign Nationals (Teaching Method) focuses on practical Japanese-language education for people preparing to live and work in Japan. The programme helps teachers develop effective instructional approaches that reflect the everyday communication, cultural understanding, and practical needs of foreign workers in Japan. Selected participants receive support covering travel expenses, accommodation, and training fees, making the programme an opportunity for overseas Japanese-language teachers to receive intensive professional development in Japan.

About the Japanese-Language-Teachers Training Program

The programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of overseas organizations that provide Japanese-language education to individuals preparing to work in Japan. The training responds to the increasing need for Japanese-language instruction that goes beyond basic language knowledge and prepares learners for practical situations they may encounter in their daily lives and workplaces. Teachers will learn approaches that can help students communicate effectively, understand Japanese society, and adapt more successfully to living and working in Japan. Purpose of the Training Program The programme aims to improve the quality of Japanese-language education provided to prospective foreign workers.

Its objectives include:

- Strengthening Japanese-language teaching skills. - Improving teachers’ understanding of effective teaching methodologies. - Helping teachers provide practical Japanese-language instruction. - Incorporating Japanese society and culture into classroom teaching. - Preparing learners for communication in daily life and employment. - Strengthening overseas organizations that provide Japanese-language education. - Supporting teachers working with prospective Specified Skilled Worker and Employment for Skill Development candidates. Who Is the Training Intended For? The programme is intended for Japanese-language teachers working with candidates who are preparing to work in Japan under the relevant visa categories. Rather than accepting applications from individuals independently, the programme requires participants to be connected with eligible overseas organizations that provide Japanese-language education for these prospective workers. Five-Week Intensive Training Selected participants will take part in an intensive five-week training programme. The training is designed to provide practical professional development within a concentrated period, allowing teachers to strengthen their methodology and cultural knowledge and apply what they learn in their own educational settings. The programme combines classroom-based methodology training with approaches for incorporating Japanese society and culture into Japanese-language instruction.

Using IRODORI: Japanese for Life in Japan

A central component of the programme is training in the use of “IRODORI: Japanese for Life in Japan.” IRODORI was developed by the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa. The textbook is designed around practical Japanese-language use and can help learners develop communication skills relevant to everyday life in Japan. Teachers participating in the programme will learn how to use the resource effectively as part of their Japanese-language instruction. Task-Accomplishment Approach The training emphasizes a task-accomplishment approach. This approach focuses on helping learners use Japanese to accomplish practical tasks rather than treating language learning solely as the memorization of vocabulary or grammar. For teachers preparing students for life and employment in Japan, this approach can help connect classroom learning with situations learners may encounter outside the classroom. Japanese Society and Culture in the Classroom Another important part of the training is learning how to integrate Japanese society and culture into classroom instruction. Teachers can develop approaches that help learners understand not only how to communicate in Japanese, but also the social and cultural context in which communication takes place. This can help prospective workers prepare for everyday interactions and experiences in Japanese communities and workplaces. Preparing Learners for Life in Japan The programme is particularly focused on Japanese-language education for people planning to live and work in Japan. Teachers can develop methods that prepare learners for practical communication and everyday situations. The training therefore connects Japanese-language education with the broader needs of foreign nationals adapting to life in Japan. Preparing Learners for Employment in Japan Effective Japanese-language instruction can also support learners as they prepare to enter Japanese workplaces. The programme encourages teachers to consider the communication needs of people who will use Japanese while working and interacting within Japanese society. This practical orientation makes the training particularly relevant to organizations providing language education to prospective workers. Travel, Accommodation and Training Support Selected participants will receive support covering: - Travel expenses. - Accommodation. - Training fees. This support enables eligible teachers to participate in the five-week onsite training without having to independently cover the main costs associated with attending the programme. Who Can Apply? Applications are accepted from eligible organizations, rather than individual applicants. Organizations must be based in one of the specified countr