#Japan #Ibaraki #Zenken #Foreign Care Workers

Zenken Corporation's New Initiative in Ibaraki

In a significant development for the caregiving sector, Zenken Corporation, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has been awarded a contract by Ibaraki Prefecture for the 'Fiscal Year 2025 Initiative to Enhance Acceptance Environments for Foreign Care Workers.' With a strong commitment to improving caregiving standards, this project aims to ensure a supportive and integrated environment for foreign care workers in Japan.

Collaborating with Educational Institutions

Zenken will work closely with the Japan Welfare Education Specialized School, an institution renowned for its expertise in providing caregiving education to foreign nationals. Together, they will develop a practical training program, free of charge, for both foreign care workers and their Japanese counterparts at receiving facilities. This initiative marks Zenken's second engagement with Ibaraki Prefecture, following their ongoing project supporting skills trainees in passing national qualification examinations in caregiving.

Addressing Pressing Challenges

The caregiving sector in Japan faces pressing issues such as the outflow and early departure of specific skilled personnel. With stabilizing these foreign workers being crucial, the new training program focuses on enhancing mutual understanding between foreign staff and Japanese workers. By conducting joint training sessions, Zenken aims to cultivate an atmosphere of cultural acceptance and cooperation, thereby improving the overall acceptance environment in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Training Program Details

The training initiative includes an action-oriented approach that allows participants to apply what they learn in real-world settings. Specific workshops designed for foreign care workers will cover essential Japanese language skills and caregiving techniques tailored to the Japanese healthcare culture. It involves group activities and assessments to deepen work comprehension and lay a solid foundation for their upcoming national examinations.

For Japanese staff supporting the integration of foreign workers, the training will offer valuable insights on necessary knowledge, simplified Japanese language training, and strategies for creating a supportive work environment. Participants will identify key challenges in welcoming foreign staff and devise actionable improvement plans aimed at fostering their retention.

The program will culminate in an in-person joint training session that facilitates face-to-face interactions between foreign and Japanese staff. This collaborative setting will promote trust, enhance communication skills, and solidify learning outcomes, benefiting both groups.

Zenken's Continued Commitment

Zenken is deeply committed to supporting foreign care workers' stability in the region. By investing in their training and integration, Zenken strengthens the local caregiving landscape and addresses the growing societal needs in this field. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing endeavors, the corporation aims to support initiatives that create a sustainable framework for the care sector in Ibaraki.

About the Japan Welfare Education Specialized School

Since its opening in 1988, the Japan Welfare Education Specialized School has been dedicated to developing skilled welfare professionals, including care workers. The school has prioritized educating foreign students, offering a unique curriculum that combines caregiving skills with Japanese language and cultural understanding. In May 2025, they plan to establish the Japan Care Training Center within its institution to effectively respond to increasing social demands for caregiving personnel both domestically and internationally, further enhancing practical training methodologies tailored for success in national examinations.

Zenken Corporation, known for its dedication to educational advancement in caregiving, continues to lead initiatives that foster an inclusive environment for foreign care workers, creating robust systems that support the caregiving sector across Japan.