#Japan #Fukuoka #Fukuoka City #Human Academy #Foreign Workers

Human Academy Initiates Support Program for Foreign Care Workers

In a recent initiative, Human Academy Inc., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has been awarded a contract by Fukuoka City to implement the “Mutual Support and Exchange Program for the Acceptance of Foreign Care Workers.” This program aims to create a supportive environment for foreign care workers while facilitating communication between local businesses and the foreign workforce. The program will involve workshops and交流 events aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding between care facilities and foreign care workers.

The Importance of the Initiative

The declining labor force has become a pressing issue for many sectors, particularly in the care industry. According to a survey by Teikoku Databank conducted in August 2025, one in five companies in Fukuoka Prefecture employs foreign workers, with 15.5% planning to expand their recruitment. However, many companies cite challenges in communication and education as significant barriers to hiring foreign labor.

The need for qualified care workers is particularly acute, as projections indicate that by 2040, approximately 2.72 million care workers will be needed in Japan, an increase of 570,000 from the current figure of 2.15 million. This shortfall underlines the critical role that foreign workers can play in alleviating staffing shortages in the industry.

Program Highlights

The “Mutual Support and Exchange Program” will provide several key activities designed to support both businesses considering hiring foreign care workers and those seeking work in Japan. Here are the main components:

1. Information Exchange Meetings for Companies

The program will host meetings aimed at sharing insights regarding the acceptance of foreign workers, including visa regulations, success stories, and strategies for overcoming common challenges associated with hiring foreign staff. This initiative will also facilitate deeper collaboration with local government and support organizations.

Schedule for Information Exchange Meetings

• - Day 1: February 20, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 at Meeting Room 11
• - Day 2: March 4, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 at Meeting Room 9
• - Location: Tenjin Building, Fukuoka City
• - Target Audience: Care facilities and industry groups interested in foreign workforce integration
• - Capacity: Approximately 50 participants per session

2. Cultural Exchange Events

Additionally, a series of workshops will be held designed to foster mutual understanding between Japanese and foreign participants. These events will feature language and culture workshops, quizzes on Fukuoka’s culture, and creative activities like four-panel comic creation that emphasize communication and cultural integration.

Schedule for Cultural Exchange Events

• - February 11, 2026: Workshop on dialect introductions and Fukuoka quizzes.
• - February 12, 2026: Focus on everyday life rules and origami.
• - February 23, 2026: Language games using idioms.
• - February 27, 2026: A mix of quizzes and origami introductions.
• - Location: Various community centers across Fukuoka.
• - Capacity: Each workshop will accommodate up to 50 participants.

Comprehensive Support Approach

Human Academy leverages its extensive network of over 23 locations nationwide to deliver valuable support to municipal governments and organizations. Since its inception in 1985, Human Academy has facilitated over 600 training courses for job seekers, with more than 10,000 graduates, showcasing their expertise in educational initiatives.

The overarching goal of this program is to establish a welcoming environment for foreign care workers while simultaneously assisting local businesses in building an effective intake system for these professionals. This holistic approach not only aims to meet immediate staffing needs but also fosters long-term integration and community cohesion.

For further details regarding the program and upcoming events, please contact Human Academy at 03-6684-2175.