2025-11-25

Companies and support organizations hiring foreign workers under the Specific Skills visa are legally required to conduct a “Life Orientation Program.” This article clearly explains the Specific Skills system overview, the purpose of the Life Orientation Program, and its specific content.

What is Specific Skills?

“Specific Skills” is one type of residence status allowing foreign workers to work in labor-shortage fields in Japan. Established in April 2019, this system allows acceptance in 12 fields including nursing care, food service, construction, and agriculture.

There are two types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 requires certain skills and Japanese language ability, with a maximum stay of 5 years. Type 2 targets more skilled foreign workers and permits family accompaniment.

For foreign nationals to work securely and continuously in Japan, workplace environment improvements and lifestyle support are essential. Therefore, accepting organizations (employing companies) and registered support organizations must provide support enabling foreign nationals to adapt to Japanese society, culture, and systems. A crucial part of this effort is the “Lifestyle Orientation.”

What is the purpose of Lifestyle Orientation?

“Life Orientation” refers to the explanations and guidance provided to foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program to help them understand the knowledge and rules necessary for starting life in Japan. Its primary purpose is to prevent problems arising from cultural and customary differences and to establish an environment where foreign workers can live with peace of mind.

The specific content covers a wide range of topics, including garbage sorting methods, traffic rules, how to use medical institutions, disaster response, manners, and how to interact with the local community. Acquiring this knowledge enables foreign workers to integrate smoothly into the local community, facilitating long-term, secure employment.

Furthermore, through this Life Orientation, companies can deepen communication with foreign workers, fostering trust within the workplace. Such efforts are crucial not merely as formal explanations but as the first step toward mutual understanding.

Content of Life Orientation

Life Orientation primarily covers the following topics:

First, “Daily Life Matters” cover explanations of housing contracts, utility payment methods, and how to use medical facilities in case of illness or injury. Next, “Work-Related Matters” teach basic rules such as working conditions, working hours, holidays, overtime, and resignation procedures. Furthermore, “Laws and Manners” include important knowledge like traffic rules, disaster prevention, crime prevention, and building relationships within the local community.

When a registered support organization conducts the orientation, it must be delivered in the foreign worker’s native language or a language they can easily understand, with content tailored for comprehension. After implementation, a record must be created and managed by the receiving organization. This thorough support enables specific skilled foreign workers to live securely in Japan.

Summary

The Life Orientation is a system designed to help specific skilled foreign workers adapt quickly to Japanese society. Its reliable implementation by companies and support organizations contributes to the successful integration of foreign workers into Japanese society and workplace stability.