RFAs: Japan Offers Japanese-Language Teacher Training Program

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Japanese-Language Teachers Training Program to Accept Foreign Nationals is a five-week training programme in Japan for overseas Japanese-language teachers who prepare learners for employment in Japan under working visa programmes such as the Specified Skilled Worker and Employment for Skill Development programmes. The programme is designed to strengthen teachers’ practical Japanese-language abilities so they can better support learners preparing to live and work in Japan. Training uses Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan, a Japanese-language textbook developed by JFJLI, Urawa, with an emphasis on language skills required for everyday life and workplace situations. Selected participants receive support for travel, accommodation, and tuition. The training is tentatively scheduled from October 13, 2027, to November 18, 2027. Applications must be submitted by eligible institutions or organizations, rather than by individual teachers.

About the Japanese-Language Teacher Training Program

The Japanese-Language Teachers Training Program to Accept Foreign Nationals is intended for overseas organizations that provide Japanese-language education to people planning to come to Japan for employment. The programme focuses on teachers who prepare learners for working-visa pathways such as: - Specified Skilled Worker. - Employment for Skill Development. Rather than concentrating on Japanese-language teaching methodology, the training aims to improve the participating teachers’ own practical Japanese-language proficiency and understanding of Japan. This enables teachers to provide more effective support to learners who will eventually need to communicate in Japanese in workplaces and daily life. What Does the Training Program Focus On? The programme emphasizes practical Japanese-language skills that are useful for living and working in Japan. Participants study Japanese using Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan, developed by JFJLI, Urawa. The training is intended to help teachers understand language that their students may need when they arrive in Japan, including communication connected with: - Everyday life. - Workplace situations. - Basic social interactions. - Living in Japanese communities. - Practical communication for foreign workers. The programme therefore has a strong practical and life-oriented focus. Understanding Japanese Society and Culture In addition to Japanese-language training, participants gain knowledge about Japanese society, culture, and current affairs. This component helps teachers better understand the environment in which their students will live and work. By gaining greater awareness of Japanese society and culture, teachers can provide more informed support to learners preparing for their transition to Japan. The programme therefore combines practical Japanese-language learning with broader knowledge that can help overseas teachers prepare students for life in Japan.

The Role of Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan

A key resource used during the training is Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan. The textbook was developed by JFJLI, Urawa, and focuses on practical Japanese needed for everyday living in Japan. Its use in the programme reflects the training’s emphasis on language that foreign nationals can use in real-life situations rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical language knowledge. Teachers can use the training experience to strengthen their understanding of practical communication needs faced by learners preparing to work and live in Japan. Does the Program Include Japanese-Language Teaching Methodology? No. The programme does not include lessons on Japanese-language teaching methodology. Instead, the focus is on improving the participating teachers’ Japanese-language proficiency and their understanding of Japanese society, culture, and affairs. This distinction is important for applicants because the programme is designed primarily around the practical language and cultural needs of teachers supporting prospective foreign workers. When Will the Training Take Place? The training is tentatively scheduled to take place from:

- Start date: October 13, 2027

- End date: November 18, 2027

- Duration: Five weeks

The dates are described as tentative, so applicants should rely on the official programme information for the final schedule. What Support Do Selected Participants Receive? Selected participants receive support covering key costs associated with attending the training in Japan.

The programme provides:

- Travel expenses. - Accommodation. - Tuition. This support allows selected teachers to participate in the five-week training programme in Japan without having to independently arrange these core programme-related costs. Who Can Apply? Applications are open to eligible overseas organizations and institutions that provide Japanese-language education for people planning to come to Japan under specified working-visa programmes. Eligible organizations must be located in one of the following countries: - Mongolia. - Indonesia. - Cambodia. - Thailand. - The Philippines. - Vietnam. - Malaysia. - Myanmar. - Laos. - India. - Sri Lanka. - Nepal. - Pakistan. - Bangladesh. - Uzbekistan. The organization must provide Japanese-language education for people coming to Japan under the relevant working-visa programmes. Can Individual Teachers Apply Directly? No. Applications must be submitted by institutions or organizations, not individual teachers. Therefore, teachers interested in participating should apply through an eligible organization that provides Japanese-language education to prospective workers coming to Japan. The organization serves as the applicant rather than the individual teacher.

Participant Eligibility Requirements

Participants selected through eligible organizations must satisfy specific experience and Japanese-language requirements.

Applicants must:

- Have at least one year of experience teaching Japanese. - Have teaching experience ot