Approaching the Japanese Language Education for Technical Intern Trainees - Multiple Case Studies towards Building a Multicultural Coexistence Society -

Abstract

The environment for small- and medium-sized businesses in japan has changed significantly due to a declining birth rate and an aging population. Many industries that rely on simple or manual labor depend on foreign workers to survive. As the government has been forced to review the system, the technical intern trainees are not japan's way of allowing them to learn skills; instead, they provide a labor force vital to japan's industry and economy. The training and technical internship system for foreigners is a system under which japanese companies accept trainees from overseas countries through organizations, etc., and send them back to their home countries after on-the-job training (ojt) in the workplace. However, the government has been reluctant to implement immigration policies. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of multicultural coexistence. Recently, more attention has been paid to foreign workplace workers' japanese language communication skills. This study examines japanese language training in the tohoku region of japan, using case studies from two companies. It analyses interactions in the field and identifies language and communication problems. The author collected data from the questionnaires, interviews, natural conversation recordings, and follow-up interviews. Based on this analysis, the study recommends that host companies conduct japanese language communication, intercultural communication awareness, and team-building training. These are not only good for technical intern trainees but would also be helpful for small- and medium-sized enterprises to stimulate japanese employees to improve their skills, create a comfortable workplace, and serve as an opportunity for further development.