People who are already working in Japan, and those who wish to work in Japan in the future— Starting in 2027, the current Technical Intern Training Program will be replaced by a new system called “Development Employment (Ikusei Shūrō)”.

This new system greatly improves the rules for changing employers (tenseki) to better protect workers’ rights. Here is a clear explanation of what will change, based on the latest information.

1. Under the current Technical Intern Training Program, changing employers is basically not allowed

Under the Technical Intern Training Program, trainees were not allowed to change companies unless there were special circumstances such as illness or company bankruptcy.

Because of this, even if someone felt:

• Human relationships at the workplace were difficult
• The salary was different from what was promised
• The working environment did not match their expectations

they often had no choice but to continue working at the same company.

2. Under the Development Employment system, workers can change employers if certain conditions are met (from 2027)

The new system allows workers to build a safer and more stable career. If certain conditions are met, workers can change employers based on their own intention (“hon’nin ikō tenseki”).

Main conditions for changing employers (Government proposal / planned for 2027)

1. Working at the same company for a certain period (generally 1 year or more) This may vary depending on the field.
2. Passing basic Japanese language tests or skills tests
3. The new employer must meet the acceptance requirements for Development Employment

Many people wonder what “choosing a company by your own intention” really means. Let’s look deeper.

🔍 What does “choosing a company by your own intention” really mean?

It does not mean you can change jobs freely at any time.

The system is based on three important principles:

① The right to change employers is officially recognized

Under the old system, even if trainees wanted to quit, changing employers was almost impossible. Under Development Employment, if conditions are met:

• Workers have the right to request a transfer
• Companies cannot unfairly stop them
• Supervising organizations cannot interfere

This means the situation of “I want to quit but I’m not allowed to” will no longer exist.

② You cannot choose any company—there are rules

Changing employers is allowed only within certain limits:

• The new job must be in the same field (e.g., caregiving → caregiving, agriculture → agriculture)
• The new company must meet the acceptance requirements
• There must be available slots for foreign workers

So, “choosing by your own intention” means choosing within the rules of the system.

However, unlike the old system where changing employers was nearly impossible, workers will now be able to choose from multiple companies that fit their needs.

③ If workers face unfair treatment, they can change employers even before 1 year

If there are problems such as:

• Harassment
• Unpaid wages
• Unsafe working conditions

workers can transfer more smoothly, even before completing one year.

This is designed to eliminate situations where workers are forced to stay in harmful environments.

🔍 What does it mean for a company to “meet the acceptance requirements”?

Not all companies can accept workers under Development Employment. Only companies that meet certain standards can be chosen as transfer destinations.

Main requirements include:

• Proper working conditions (working hours, holidays, safety)
• Anti-harassment measures
• No unpaid wages or labor violations
• A training system to help foreign workers grow
• Respecting the limit on the number of foreign workers
• No past violations or administrative penalties
• Meeting field-specific requirements (e.g., caregiving, construction, agriculture)

In short, only safe and reliable companies can be chosen.

4. What future opportunities open up when changing employers becomes easier?

The goal of Development Employment is to help workers advance to Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Gino) 1 or 2.

• Gain Japanese language and technical skills through Development Employment
• Choose a company that fits your goals and move to Specified Skilled Worker
• Specified Skilled Worker (ii) in construction or shipbuilding allows family members to come to Japan
• Long-term residence becomes possible

This makes it easier to build a long-term career plan in Japan.

Summary: From 2027, you can choose your own career path

With the shift to the Development Employment system, workers will move from:

“Just doing the work you are told to do” → “Improving your skills and choosing your workplace.”

To achieve your dreams and work safely in Japan for many years, keep studying Japanese and building your skills step by step.