#Japan #Foreign Workers #Toyama #Nihonkai Lab #KUROFUNE

KUROFUNE and Nihonkai Lab Join Forces to Support Foreign Workers in Japan

In a significant move to aid foreign workers in Japan, KUROFUNE Inc., known for its innovative application KUROFUNE PASSPORT which provides legal and integration support for foreign workers, has announced a partnership with Nihonkai Lab. This collaboration aims to create a more accommodating and welcoming environment for foreign employees in Toyama Prefecture.

Background of the Collaboration

KUROFUNE has been recognized as one of the companies selected for the "NGAS-Accelerator Program 2025," a project initiated by Nihonkai Gas Kizuna Holdings Co. With discussions surrounding business development ongoing since September 2025, the partnership seeks to address the growing issue of labor shortages in Toyama, which has been facing a population decline for 27 consecutive years. Given that the future of the local workforce depends increasingly on attracting and retaining foreign labor, this partnership is timely and essential.

KUROFUNE's vision of supporting the settlement of foreign workers aligns perfectly with Nihonkai Lab's mission to contribute to the economic growth of the region. Leveraging the extensive network of the Nihonkai Gas Kizuna Holdings Group, KUROFUNE will collaborate to provide enhanced services that facilitate better integration for foreign workers in the local economy.

About Nihonkai Lab

Founded in 1942, Nihonkai Lab has served as a crucial infrastructure provider in the Hokuriku region, playing a vital role in the development of the local economy and society as part of the Nihonkai Gas Kizuna Holdings Group. The company is committed to fostering innovation and facilitating the creation of new business ventures through its corporate venture capital arm. It aims to build collaborative platforms that encourage open innovation in the region.

Location: 2-36 Johokumachi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
CEO: Hirotaka Nitta
Established: June 2020
Capital: 40 million yen
Website: nihonkailab.jp

About KUROFUNE

Established in February 2018, KUROFUNE specializes in supporting foreign workers in Japan and aims to create a society where working and living is as comfortable as in their home countries. The company's mission is succinctly stated: "Opening up the world to design a future for foreigners feel as easy to work and live as in their home country."

Currently, KUROFUNE operates two applications: the KUROFUNE app, which assists foreign residents in job hunting, and the KUROFUNE PASSPORT, launched in April 2019. This app specifically provides both legal support and settlement assistance for foreign workers under the specified skills program.

Headquarters: 8F Fushimi FG Building, 1-10-29 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Hamamatsu Branch: B1F Zaza City Hamamatsu Central Building, 100-1 Kaji Town, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture
Tokyo Branch: 1F Otemachi Building, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Imabari Branch: 803 Live Town Hourai, 1-5-32 Kita Hourai Town, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture
Odate Branch: 1-7 Sakura Town Minami, Odate, Akita Prefecture
Cebu Branch: Base Line Center, Juana Osmena St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
CEO: Ryo Kurakata
Established: February 2018
Capital: 41 million yen
Website: kurofune-inc.com

Overview of KUROFUNE PASSPORT

The newly established "Specified Skills" residency status has become increasingly popular, with an average of approximately 380 new foreign workers entering Japan daily. However, many companies face challenges in retaining employees due to the nature of the employment status that allows for job changes. Traditional recruitment agencies often encounter limitations because their revenue is primarily generated through introduction fees, making it difficult for them to offer support beyond placement.

KUROFUNE PASSPORT addresses this gap by focusing on providing legal assistance and retention support, charging fees based on settlement rather than the conventional introduction commission model. This innovative approach is designed to change the norms within the foreign labor recruitment landscape and ensure that foreign workers can thrive within Japan's workforce.

Through this partnership, KUROFUNE and Nihonkai Lab aim to make Toyama a haven for foreign talent, ultimately strengthening the region's economy by enhancing its labor market and cultural diversity.