Japan Ikusei Shuro 2027: The New Visa Replacing Technical Intern Training Program (育成就労制度)

By Yamada · Chiba, Japan · May 2026

If you came to Japan as a Technical Intern Trainee (技能実習生, ginō jisshūsei) — or you are thinking about it — your visa system is changing. From April 2027, Japan will replace the old system with a new one called Ikusei Shuro (育成就労), which means "Employment for Skill Development."

This is the biggest change in Japan's foreign worker policy in 30 years. The new system is designed to fix the problems of the old TITP (Technical Intern Training Program) and give foreign workers a real career path.

In this guide:

• What is Ikusei Shuro?
• How is it different from the old system?
• Who can apply?
• Can you change companies?
• Path to Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
• Which countries and which industries
• Real stories
• FAQ

Table of Contents

1. Why the Old TITP Is Being Replaced

The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP, 技能実習制度) was created in 1993. Officially, it was to share Japanese skills with developing countries. In reality, many companies used it as cheap labor.

Big problems:

• Workers could NOT change jobs even if conditions were terrible
• Many were paid less than legal minimum wage
• Reports of harassment, unpaid overtime, deportation threats
• Some workers ran away or even committed suicide

Internationally, Japan was criticized for human rights violations.

In June 2024, Japan passed a new law. The old TITP will end. The new Ikusei Shuro starts April 2027.

2. What Is Ikusei Shuro?

Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) = "Employment for Skill Development"

Key idea: Instead of pretending to be "training," it admits this is a real job that develops skills.

Core features:

The system is overseen by a new organization: ONEFN (Organization for Nurturing Employment for Foreign Nationals, 外国人育成就労機構).

3. Old System vs New System

4. Industries Covered

The new system will operate in 17 sectors initially:

The government plans to accept up to 426,000 workers in the first 2 years of Ikusei Shuro.

5. Job Change (Tenshoku) Allowed

This is the BIGGEST change.

Old TITP: You were stuck with one employer for 3-5 years. If they treated you badly, your only choices were stay or run away (and become illegal).

New Ikusei Shuro: You CAN change jobs, but:

• You must work at least 1-2 years at your first company
• You must pass basic skill tests
• You must stay in the same industry
• The new employer must be approved

This protects workers from abuse but also prevents endless job-hopping.

6. Path to SSW (Specified Skilled Worker)

Ikusei Shuro is designed as a bridge to SSW (特定技能).

Step 1: 3 years of Ikusei Shuro

You work and train at one or two companies in the same industry.

Step 2: Pass two tests

• Skill test (technical exam in your field)
• Japanese test (typically JLPT N4 minimum)

Step 3: Switch to SSW 1

You become a Specified Skilled Worker. You can stay another 5 years.

Step 4: Maybe switch to SSW 2

After more years and another exam, you can move to SSW 2 (no time limit, family allowed, path to PR).

Total career path: 3 years Ikusei Shuro → 5 years SSW 1 → SSW 2 → maybe PR.

That is real career progression.

7. Japanese Language Requirement

Old TITP: No formal language requirement.

New Ikusei Shuro:

• At entry: Equivalent to JLPT N5 or basic conversation
• At end of 3 years: JLPT N4 minimum (to switch to SSW)

This is a big change. The government wants foreign workers to integrate, not be isolated.

8. Pay & Working Conditions

New rules:

• Must pay at least local minimum wage
• Overtime paid at 25%+ premium (same as Japanese workers)
• Health insurance + pension required
• No keeping passports (ONLY worker keeps it)
• Annual paid leave (有給休暇)
• Can join a labor union

Reality check: Some companies will still try to cut corners. Know your rights. Keep our Labor Rights Guide bookmarked.

9. Yamada Hack: How to Prepare

If you are thinking of coming to Japan via Ikusei Shuro:

Before coming:

After arriving:

If problems happen:

10. Real Stories

Phyo (Myanmar, Caregiver TITP, Now Switching):

Phyo came in 2024 under TITP for caregiving. She has 3 years done. From 2027, she will switch to the new Ikusei Shuro path for the remaining time, then SSW. She is happy because her bad supervisor cannot threaten her anymore.

Nguyen (Vietnam, Construction Trainee):

Nguyen came in 2025. He plans to finish his 3 years in 2028 under the old system, then switch to SSW. He may not benefit from Ikusei Shuro directly but will benefit from the cleanup.

Indra (Indonesia, Future Applicant 2027):

Indra is finishing high school in Surabaya. She wants to come to Japan in 2027 as a caregiver. She will be one of the first Ikusei Shuro workers. She is studying JLPT N5 already.

Suresh (Nepal, Hotel Worker TITP):

Suresh works at a ryokan in Hakone. His TITP ends in 2027. He plans to immediately switch to SSW for hospitality. The transition is smoother now.

11. FAQ

Q1: When exactly does Ikusei Shuro start?

April 1, 2027 (target date). Some details still being finalized.

Q2: I am on TITP now. Do I switch automatically?

There is a transition period of about 3 years. Existing TITP workers can finish their term or switch.

Q3: Can my family come with me?

Not at first. After you switch to SSW 2 (which is the higher level), family is allowed.

Q4: Can I bring my spouse later?

Yes, once you reach SSW 2, your spouse and children can come on Dependent visa.

Q5: What if my company treats me badly?

You can apply to change employers after 1-2 years. Contact ONEFN, your supervising organization, or a labor union.

Q6: What is the salary?

Same as Japanese minimum wage for your area. Tokyo is ¥1,163/hour (2025). Most workers earn ¥180,000 - ¥250,000/month gross.

Q7: Is there an age limit?

Generally 18-30 years old at entry, but exceptions for some industries.

Q8: I want to bring my own translator. Allowed?

Usually you go through approved channels. Your sending organization in your home country handles arrival.

Q9: Can I come on tourist visa first and switch?

No. You apply from your home country with a Certificate of Eligibility.

Q10: Will the system be 100% better than TITP?

The rules are better, but enforcement depends on the company. Always be cautious, keep records, and know your rights.

12. Official References

• Immigration Services Agency: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/
• OTIT (Old TITP Org, transitioning): https://www.otit.go.jp/

Related EasyNihon Tools

• SSW Food Service Freeze Guide
• 28-Hour Visa Guardian (for students)
• Labor Rights Guide
• Resume Maker (Japanese 履歴書)

Ikusei Shuro is a real improvement over TITP. But "rules on paper" do not always equal "practice in reality." Choose your sending organization and company carefully. Read every contract. Keep all documents. Study Japanese. The workers who know the rules are the workers who succeed.

Welcome to Japan. We need you. — Yamada