How Fukuyama Businesses and the Community are Embracing and Supporting Foreign Workers

The Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced a new Japanese language education course for foreign workers in partnership with Fukuyama City University. Narikazu Komaru, the chamber's chairman, stated the goal is to ensure foreign workers feel secure and supported.

The increasing importance of foreign labor is a direct result of Japan's shrinking working-age population. The chamber had been advocating for these courses to support member businesses in attracting foreign talent. The involvement of a university provides companies with confidence in sending their workers to participate. The initiative aims to secure a stable workforce and promote the integration of foreign workers into the local community.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of foreign workers in Japan exceeded 2 million by the end of October 2023, and reached approximately 2.3 million by the same time in 2024. Manufacturing employs the largest number of foreign workers.

The technical intern training program, designed for technology transfer, accounted for a significant number of foreign workers. The "Specified Skilled Worker" status, introduced in 2019 to address labor shortages, saw a substantial increase in numbers.

At Innoshima Tekko Ltd., a hull block manufacturer, nearly half of the workforce is from Indonesia or Vietnam.

Suwatno, an Indonesian employee, first came to Japan in 2008 as a technical intern. He returned in 2023 under the Specified Skilled Worker status and has since passed the exam for a status that allows for indefinite renewals and family reunification. Now a manager, he mentors other foreign employees and hopes to bring his family to Japan.

The company began accepting foreign workers in 1998. Initially, they were seen as supplementary staff, but as local hiring became difficult, foreign workers became the core of the workforce. A dedicated department was established to support foreign staff and help them settle in.

The firm provides Japanese language classes, dormitories, prayer spaces, and regular meetings to address employee concerns. They also offer transportation to medical facilities and have reduced dormitory fees.

Yu Fukushima, a section chief, noted that the efforts have changed Japanese employees' attitudes. The ability to retain foreign workers long-term and pass on skills has become a source of pride.

The company is considering building a mosque for its Indonesian Muslim employees. However, challenges remain, such as a lack of rental housing and difficulties finding schools for employees' children. Fukushima hopes the government will work to improve these aspects of the environment.