Kawasaki Ward to Launch Demonstration Program: 'Japanese Language Course for Workers' by Certified Japanese Language Education Institution

The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), a certified Japanese language education institution in the employment field, is collaborating with Kawasaki Ward to implement a demonstration project titled 'Japanese Language Course for Workers' as a model initiative ahead of the implementation of the Skill Development and Employment System. This program is a Japanese language course designed for foreign employees working at businesses within Kawasaki City, serving as a model curriculum for the A2-targeted language training mandated under the Skill Development and Employment System starting in FY2027.

Schedule

Period 1: August 18, 2026 (Tue) – October 15, 2026 (Thu), 17 sessions, 34 hours total Period 2: October 20, 2026 (Tue) – December 17, 2026 (Thu), 17 sessions, 34 hours total Period 3: January 12, 2027 (Tue) – March 11, 2027 (Thu), 16 sessions, 32 hours total

All periods will be held every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding public holidays) from 18:30 to 20:30. Participation in all three periods is原则上 preferred, though participation in a single period is allowed.

Content

The Skill Development and Employment System, scheduled to launch in April 2027, will require companies employing foreign workers under this program to provide 100 hours of Japanese language training aimed at A2※1 (N4※2) proficiency (A2-targeted training).

This course follows the model curriculum for A2-targeted training developed by certified Japanese language education institutions under government commission, enabling participants to practically acquire communication skills necessary in the workplace.

To evaluate the curriculum content, effectiveness, and operational methods, participants and designated representatives from host companies will be asked to cooperate in interviews and questionnaire surveys.

※1 A2: Refers to the basic proficiency level in the 'Comprehensive Scale' of Japanese language ability (6 levels) defined in the 'Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education' by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

※2 N4: One of the levels of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, indicating the ability to understand basic Japanese.

Format

Online (first and last sessions of each period will be held in person at the Kawasaki City Educational and Cultural Hall)

Course Fee

Full program [100 hours]: 55,000 JPY (tax included) Per period [32 or 34 hours]: 22,000 JPY (tax included) *Special pricing applies for this demonstration project and is valid only for this instance.

Eligibility

Foreign employees working at businesses located in Kawasaki City. Capacity: 20 participants. (Applicants must be able to read and write hiragana and katakana and conduct simple Japanese conversations in daily life and work settings.) *This course is intended for Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Workers aiming for A2-level proficiency.

Application Method

Applications must be submitted via the online web form. *Applications are limited to corporations with business offices in Kawasaki City. Individual applications will not be accepted. *Multiple applicants from a single company are permitted.

Application Deadlines

Period 1 or Full Program: Until Tuesday, August 4, 2026 Period 2: Until Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Period 3: Until Tuesday, December 22, 2026

If applications exceed capacity, registration may close earlier than the deadline. If the full-program capacity is filled by August 4, recruitment for Periods 2 and 3 will not proceed.

Contact Information

Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE)

JICE Japanese Language Education and Employment Support Center (Certified Japanese Language Education Institution for Employment)

Multicultural Coexistence Division, Planning and Management Section

Phone: 03-6838-2738 Email: [email protected]

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For more details

Kawasaki City, Kawasaki Ward: Call for Participating Companies – Japanese Language Course for Workers (Kawasaki Ward Model Project)