Overcoming Language Barriers for Skilled Workers in Japan: Zipan Rebrands to Support Foreign Talent

In recent years, Japan has experienced a surge in the number of foreign workers, driven by the increasing demand for skilled labor in various industries. However, the persistent challenge of the 'language barrier' continues to hinder their integration and success in Japanese companies. Recognizing this pressing issue, Bizmates Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced a major overhaul of its specialized online Japanese learning service, Zipan, effective from October 6, 2025.

The Current State of Foreign Workers in Japan

According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the total number of foreign workers in Japan reached approximately 2.3 million by October 2024, marking a historically high figure. Among them, around 720,000 are classified as highly skilled foreign professionals, making up about 30% of the total workforce, and this number has more than doubled in the last five years. Projections by JICA indicate that by 2040, Japan will require 6.88 million foreign workers to sustain its economy.

Bizmates has been providing a platform for foreign workers to learn business Japanese since 2019, aiming to facilitate their success in the Japanese corporate environment. With a unique curriculum tailored to business needs and instruction delivered by experienced Japanese trainers, Zipan helps cultivate effective Japanese language skills crucial for the workplace. The service has seen widespread adoption across various industries, particularly in IT and engineering sectors, where a significant percentage of learners are employed.

Addressing the Challenges

While the number of foreign talents entering Japan is increasing, a report by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) highlights several critical barriers they face. These include the high demand for Japanese language proficiency in hiring and promotion processes, limited access to practical language education tailored to workplace scenarios, and insufficient company support for learning Japanese during work hours. These challenges contribute to significant missed opportunities for both foreign workers and the companies that employ them.

To counter these issues, Bizmates has revamped Zipan to bolster the support for foreign workers and their assimilation into Japanese companies. The enhanced service features several important updates aimed at improving the learning journey:

1. Enhanced Learning Environment

The newly implemented student portal, MyZipan, presents a modernized interface ensuring seamless navigation and easy access to educational resources. This one-stop platform allows users to monitor their learning progress while engaging with materials tailored to their immediate workplace needs.

2. New Curriculum: Understanding Internal Procedures and Document Management

The revamped curriculum includes a specific focus on essential workplace tasks that new hires encounter, such as attendance management, vacation requests, expense claims, corporate communications, and benefits paperwork. The integration of rehearsal videos and role-playing activities aims to equip learners with practical language skills applicable to real-world situations.

Thanks to these enhancements, Zipan now acts as a vital resource, helping foreign professionals break through the language barriers that often obstruct their success in corporate Japan.

Practical Training for Real Work Environments

The revised curriculum emphasizes practical learning by featuring materials based on real business scenarios, such as meetings, reporting, and client interactions. Through this structured program, learners gain necessary linguistic and interpersonal communication skills while also developing an understanding of Japanese business etiquette and cultural nuances. These acquired skills can be readily applied in their roles, fostering career advancement between the employee and the company.

Bridging Educational Gaps with Online Learning

Zipan provides personalized learning opportunities through one-on-one online lessons available from early morning to late at night. This flexible system is designed to accommodate users from various backgrounds and working conditions, ensuring equitable access to high-quality Japanese education regardless of location.

Strengthening Corporate Support Structures

The corporate training initiatives facilitated by Bizmates have led to an analysis of organizational challenges through transparent progress tracking. By proposing effective learning plans, the service enhances overall company readiness, benefiting both the employees and the organizations.

Furthermore, within the year 2025, Bizmates plans to introduce a more personalized learning experience through its new platform, MyStage, along with a dedicated app for business Japanese. This innovation will enable learners to enjoy greater autonomy and consistency in their study routines.

Additional Support for Global Talent Placement

In conjunction with these educational advancements, Bizmates is also actively developing recruitment solutions that connect foreign talent with Japanese companies. Programs like G Talent, a recruitment service, and GitTap, a job placement support platform for global professionals, are being enhanced to facilitate smooth transitions into Japanese workplaces.

As part of the launch of the updated Zipan, those placed through G Talent will receive complimentary access for three months, enabling them to solidify their skills early in their careers within Japan. The program aims not just to integrate foreign workers but also to provide reskilling opportunities that promote long-term career growth.

In tandem with Bizmates' online business English services, this strategic combination addresses both the linguistic needs of foreign employees and the necessity for Japanese companies to cultivate a multilingual workplace, ultimately fostering an inclusive and diverse corporate culture.

Conclusion

Bizmates Corporation remains committed to supporting the entire journey of foreign workers in Japan, from recruitment and language learning to long-term career success. Through Zipan's recent overhaul and ongoing initiatives, the company envisions a future where diverse talents thrive within Japanese businesses, enriching the workforce and contributing to a more dynamic society.

For additional information about Bizmates and its services, please visit www.bizmates.co.jp.