Japanese Language Training for the Employment for Skill Development (Ikusei Shuro) Program | Availability at 322 Institutions Nationwide

Starting April 1, 2027 (Reiwa 9), under the Employment for Skill Development (ESD; Japanese: Ikusei Shuro) Program, it is stipulated as an obligation for accepting companies to take measures to ensure that accepted foreign nationals receive Japanese language training. While the requirements of the program itself are already known, a practical hurdle that arises first is, “Where should we arrange this training?” In July 2026, the Immigration Services Agency published a List of Japanese Language Education Institutions’ Training Provision Status (as of June Reiwa 8) to answer this question. In this article, an Administrative Scrivener will analyze all 322 institutions listed in the published table, clarifying the differences between the principle and transitional measures, regional disparities, and what HR professionals at companies should start addressing in 2026.

The overall picture of the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program itself is explained in ‘What is the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program? | Starting April 2027, Differences from Technical Intern Training‘. Please refer to it as well.

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1. The ‘Two Japanese Language Training Courses’ Mandated by Employment for Skill Development (ESD)

The Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program incorporates a mechanism for progressively improving Japanese language proficiency. According to the Immigration Services Agency, ESD foreign nationals are required to fulfill the following two points:

Situation	Requirement
Before starting employment	Pass a Japanese language proficiency test equivalent to A1 of the ‘Common European Framework of Reference for Languages’ or take a corresponding Japanese language training course (A1 equivalent training).
By the end of the 3-year Employment for Skill Development (ESD) period	Take a Japanese language training course (A2 target training) to reach Japanese language proficiency equivalent to A2, which is the goal of Employment for Skill Development (ESD).

What is often overlooked here is that the two requirements differ in nature.

• For A1 equivalent (before starting employment), it is a choice between ‘passing the exam‘ or ‘taking the A1 equivalent training‘. If the exam is passed, the training is not mandatory.
• For A2 target (by the end of the 3-year Employment for Skill Development (ESD) period), ‘taking the A2 target training‘ is presumed. It is not stated that passing an exam can substitute for it.

In other words, the A2 target training represents a burden that is more difficult for accepting companies to avoid. The idea of simply ‘hiring individuals who can pass the exam’ alone will overlook the provisions needed until the third year.

Practically, it is safer to understand that ‘the exit (A2)’ will definitely require training arrangements more than ‘the entrance (A1)’.

2. Who Bears the Cost? — Obligations of Accepting Companies

The Immigration Services Agency explains that regarding these Japanese language training courses, accepting companies (ESD implementers) for ESD foreign nationals are obligated to take measures to ensure they receive these Japanese language training courses, including bearing the costs.

The key points are the following two:

1. The cost burden is explicitly stated. The design does not leave Japanese language learning to ‘the individual’s self-effort’.
2. The content of the obligation is to ‘take measures to ensure they receive the training‘. While companies are not required to teach themselves, the responsibility to provide conditions for participation lies with the company.

While post-entry training has also been conducted under the Technical Intern Training program, the change with Employment for Skill Development (ESD) is that achievement targets of A1 equivalent and A2 target are explicitly stated, and corresponding training courses are positioned within the system. From the perspective of HR professionals, it is necessary to budget on the premise that Japanese language training fees will be added to recruitment costs.

3. Principle and Transitional Measures — Periods when a ‘Course for Employment’ is Not Required

This is the most important part of this article.

In principle, this Japanese language training is expected to be conducted in a ‘Course for Employment‘ at an Accredited Japanese Language Education Institution. An Accredited Japanese Language Education Institution is a Japanese language education institution that has received accreditation from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology based on the Act on the Accreditation of Japanese Language Education Institutions for the Proper and Reliable Implementation of Japanese Language Education. There are three types of courses: ‘Course for Study Abroad’, ‘Course for Employment’, and ‘Course for Daily Life’, and some institutions, even if accredited, do not offer a ‘Course for Employment’.

Furthermore, the Immigration Services Agency explains that it has established the following transitional measures:

As a transitional measure for the time being, for approximately five years after the enforcement of the ESD Act, training conducted by Registered Japanese Language Teachers, even if not a ‘Course for Employment’ by an Accredited Japanese Language Education Institution, will be recognized if it meets certain requirements, such as having no more than 20 students per teacher.

Due to these transitional measures, Japanese language education institutions other than Accredited Japanese Language Education Institutions can also provide Japanese language training to ESD foreign nationals through their Registered Japanese Language Teachers. The fact that the list mentioned at the beginning is divided into three parts reflects this structure.

4. The Three Lists Published by the Immigration Services Agency—Which One Should You Refer To?

The published lists are the following three (all in Excel format):

#	List	Positioning	Number of Institutions Listed
①	Accredited Japanese Language Education Institutions “Course for Employment” only	Principal Route	3 Institutions
②	Accredited Japanese Language Education Institutions (excluding ①)	Transitional Measures Route (Training by Registered Japanese Language Teachers)	45 Institutions
③	Designated Japanese Language Education Institutions	Transitional Measures Route (Training by Registered Japanese Language Teachers)	274 Institutions
	Total		322 Institutions

A “Designated Japanese Language Education Institution” refers to a Japanese language education institution designated by the Minister of Justice, based on the provisions for standards related to the Student Status of Residence in the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (hereinafter, Immigration Control Act) Article 7, Paragraph 1, Item 2, which specifies Japanese language education institutions. The legal basis and jurisdiction differ between accreditation (by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) and designation (by the Minister of Justice).

Each list contains the following information for each institution:

• Location (Prefecture/City/Town/Village) and School Name
• Number of affiliated Registered Japanese Language Teachers
• Availability of Japanese Language Training
• Content of Provision (A1 equivalent training / A2 target training, in-person / online distinction, both 100 hours or more)
• Number of Trainees that can be Accepted for Training
• Availability of Referral for affiliated Registered Japanese Language Teachers
• Contact Information and Website URL

From a business perspective, the three practical points are “availability of provision,” “number of trainees that can be accepted,” and “whether it’s in-person or online.” In particular, the availability of online support will determine whether regional disparities, which will be discussed later, can be overcome.

5. Breakdown of 322 Institutions Nationwide—63 Institutions “Available for Provision”

Aggregating the lists, the responses regarding availability of provision are categorized as follows:

Response	Number of Institutions	Percentage
Available for Provision	62	Approx. 19%
Available for Provision (from FY2027)	1	Approx. 0.3%
Considering Provision	179	Approx. 56%
Considering Non-provision	36	Approx. 11%
Not Available for Provision	26	Approx. 8%
No Response, etc. (—)	18	Approx. 6%
Total	322	—

Furthermore, the combined total of 62 institutions that are “unavailable” or “considering not providing” cannot be relied upon at this time.

The Immigration Services Agency also clearly states that the list itself is positioned as “information provided as a reference to enable stakeholders such as accepting companies (ESD implementers and supervising and support organizations) to smoothly request Japanese language courses.” Inclusion on the list does not constitute a guarantee of acceptance.

Furthermore, this list is based on a survey conducted as of June 2026. Many institutions that responded “considering” will move in one direction or another in the future. The figures should be viewed with the understanding that they are subject to change.

Regarding the content of services, many institutions that responded “available” or “considering” cited both A1 equivalent courses and A2 target courses, and both in-person and online formats. Since some institutions offer only online or only in-person options, it is necessary to compare this with your company’s acceptance system (dormitory location, shifts, commuting time).

6. By Prefecture – 39 Prefectures Listed, 8 Prefectures with Zero Listings

When aggregated by location, the bias becomes even clearer. Here are the top 10 prefectures by the number of listed institutions.

Prefecture	Number of Listed Institutions
Tokyo	70
Osaka	35
Fukuoka	25
Aichi	21
Hyogo	20
Chiba	18
Saitama	14
Kanagawa	12
Shizuoka	11
Kyoto	10

• Listings are available in 39 prefectures.
• There are no listed institutions in 8 prefectures: Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Fukui, Shiga, Shimane, Ehime, and Kochi.
• The situation is even more challenging when narrowed down to “available” institutions. Institutions explicitly stating “available” are located in only 20 prefectures, and not in the remaining 27 prefectures.
• The top three prefectures (Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka) alone account for 130 institutions, approximately 40% of the total.

This means that there are a considerable number of regions where the premise of “simply relying on a nearby Japanese language school” does not hold true. This is where the online support cited by many institutions comes into play. For accepting companies in rural areas, a strategic decision will be needed before April 2027: either to secure in-person services locally or to request online services from a distant institution.

7. Situation in Kyushu and Miyazaki Prefecture

Let’s also look at the situation in Kyushu, including Miyazaki Prefecture, where our office is located.

Prefecture	Number of Listed Institutions	Of which “Available”
Fukuoka	25	2
Kagoshima	5	0
Nagasaki	3	0
Saga	2	1
Kumamoto	2	0
Oita	1	0
Miyazaki	1	1

Only one institution is listed for Miyazaki Prefecture. However, that one institution responded as “available,” capable of providing both A1 equivalent courses and A2 target courses, in both in-person and online formats, with an acceptance capacity of 80 students and 33 Registered Japanese Language Teachers, indicating a capacity that can meet local demand to some extent (a designated Japanese language education institution located in Miyazaki City). Miyazaki Prefecture is one of the 20 prefectures where an institution explicitly stating “available” exists.

On the other hand, we must also face the reality that there is only one option. There is a limit to the number of students that can be accepted, and if the acceptance of Nurturing and Work increases within the prefecture, slots will fill up quickly. Looking at neighboring prefectures, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Oita currently have no institutions explicitly stating “available.”

For accepting companies in rural areas, it is more advantageous to secure training providers sooner. It is advisable to avoid starting preparations just before the system begins.

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8. What HR Professionals at Accepting Companies Should Do in 2026

There is not much time left until the system’s operation begins on April 1, 2027. We recommend proceeding in the following order:

1. Check the latest version of the list: Obtain three Excel files from the Immigration Services Agency’s website and filter by your company’s location and neighboring prefectures. Since the survey is as of June 2026, also check for any updates after its publication.
2. Prioritize institutions listed as ‘Available’: Institutions listed as ‘Under Consideration’ may change their responses. First, contact those with higher certainty.
3. Decide between in-person or online: Design based on commuting time from dormitories/workplaces, shifts, and communication environment. If there are no nearby options, expand candidates assuming online provision.
4. Match the number of available slots with your company’s acceptance plan: The list includes the number of available slots for each institution. Estimate based on the premise of competing for slots with other companies in the same region.
5. Budget for A2 target training, including up to A2 level: Not only A1 at the entry level, but also A2 target training up to the third year is required. The cost burden is explicitly stated as an obligation of the company.
6. Check for ‘Teacher Introduction’ even at institutions not offering training: The list includes a column for availability of Registered Japanese Language Teacher introduction, which also includes responses indicating that while the institution does not offer training itself, it will respond to teacher introductions. Do not narrow down your options too much.
7. Decide on role-sharing with the supervising support organization: The list is provided for both Nurturing and Work implementers and supervising support organizations. Clarify early on who will secure the training providers.

Key points that companies should be aware of regarding the acceptance of foreign nationals in general are also explained in ‘Foreign Employment Precautions | Notifications for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Residence Cards‘.

9. Significance for Foreign Nationals Themselves

This list is not irrelevant for those planning to come to Japan under Nurturing and Work, or for their families who are planning to do so.

• The system is designed such that measures are taken, including the accepting company bearing the cost of Japanese language training. If you are asked to bear the full cost yourself, please carefully check the details.
• For A1 equivalent before starting work, training is not mandatory if you pass the exam. Aiming to pass the exam before coming to Japan can broaden your options.
• It is a prerequisite to complete A2 target training by the end of the three-year Nurturing and Work period. When considering potential employers, it is reassuring to confirm how that company intends to secure the training.
• To progress from Nurturing and Work to Specified Skilled Worker (i), a certain level of skill and Japanese proficiency is required. Japanese language learning directly leads to stable residence thereafter. The framework of the Specified Skilled Worker System is explained in ‘Differences Between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)‘.

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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. If an institution is listed in the table, will they undertake the training?
A. Not necessarily. The Immigration Services Agency explicitly states that this list is provided as reference information. Inclusion does not guarantee acceptance of a commission; actual feasibility and conditions are determined through individual communication with each institution. Please note that the largest number of institutions, 179, responded with ‘Under consideration for provision’.

Q2. There are no Japanese Language Education Institutions nearby. What should I do?
A. Many institutions listed in the table offer online provision. Expanding your options regardless of location is a realistic choice. While there are 8 prefectures without listed institutions, there are online-compatible institutions throughout various regions.

Q3. Is it acceptable if it is not an accredited Japanese Language Education Institution?
A. As transitional measures for the time being, for approximately five years after enforcement, it is stipulated that even if it is not a ‘course for employment,’ it will be recognized if it meets certain requirements, such as training provided by a Registered Japanese Language Teacher and a student-to-teacher ratio of 20 or fewer students per teacher. However, these are transitional measures and are not presented as a permanent system.

Q4. Is it true that there are only three institutions with ‘courses for employment’?
A. In the list published as a survey result as of June 2026, three institutions are listed in the table specifically for ‘courses for employment’ at accredited Japanese Language Education Institutions only, all located in Tokyo. There is a possibility that the number of institutions offering such courses will increase in the future, so please check for the latest information.

Q5. If I pass the A1 equivalent exam, will Japanese language training become unnecessary?
A. No. While passing the exam is indicated as a measure for A1 equivalent before starting work, separately, it is required to complete A2 target training by the end of the three-year Nurturing and Work period. It is not something that concludes at the entry level alone.

Q6. How many hours of training are required?
A. In the “Services Provided” column of the list, each institution has responded with a category of 100 hours or more for both A1 equivalent training and A2 target training. The specific number of hours and content vary by institution, so please confirm individually.

Q7. Won’t the Supervising Support Organization arrange the training provider?
A. The list is provided to stakeholders, including both ESD implementers (accepting companies) and Supervising Support Organizations. Which party secures it depends on the agreement between the parties. We recommend clarifying this early to avoid reaching April 2027 with ambiguous roles.

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Summary

Under the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program, accepting companies are obligated to take measures to ensure that participants receive two Japanese language training courses, namely A1 equivalent training and A2 target training, including bearing the costs. In particular, A2 target training is a prerequisite to be completed by the end of the three-year ESD period, and there is no indication that passing an exam can serve as a substitute.

According to the compilation of the list published by the Immigration Services Agency in July 2026, while 322 institutions are listed, only 3 institutions (all in Tokyo) are certified Japanese Language Education Institutions with a “course for employment,” which is the principal route. The remaining institutions are providers of training by Registered Japanese Language Teachers, based on transitional measures for the time being, with a target period of five years after enforcement.

Furthermore, only 63 institutions explicitly state “available,” and more than half, 179 institutions, are in the “considering providing” stage. Listings are available in 39 prefectures, with 8 prefectures having zero listings, and when filtered by “available,” only 20 prefectures remain. Miyazaki Prefecture has one institution listed, and that institution has responded as “available.”

The preparation period remaining until April 2027 is effectively limited. Understanding the system’s requirements and actually securing a training provider are separate tasks. We recommend checking the list early and initiating contact with potential providers.

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of August 2026. Details of the system and implementation dates may change in the future. For actual applications, please refer to the official information from the Immigration Services Agency or contact our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture