#Japan #Tokyo #SpecifiedSkills #ForeignEmployment #Summit2026

Overview of the Fourth Specified Skills Summit in Tokyo

On February 10, 2026, the Non-Profit Organization (NPO) for Foreign Resident Support Consortium will host the Fourth Specified Skills Summit in Tokyo, adopting a hybrid format featuring both on-site and online participation. This event comes in the wake of the Japanese government's recent decision to implement a comprehensive strategy to facilitate the acceptance of foreign workers and promote harmonious coexistence. Just days after the government's announcement, key stakeholders—including officials from the Immigration Services Agency, practitioners, and specialists—will gather for this summit to examine how policies will shift on the ground and what preparations stakeholders must make.

Background of the Summit

Japan is currently facing a severe labor shortage, leading to the rapid expansion of the Specified Skills system. With new additions in sectors like home care and automotive transportation, it is estimated that around 820,000 foreign workers will be brought in over the next five years under this system. This evolution is crucial for sustaining Japan's industries. Moreover, the country is undergoing a significant transition from the Technical Intern Training Program to the new training and employment scheme. By 2026, further diversification is being considered in sectors such as warehousing, logistics, linen supply services, and waste management and recycling, urging companies and registered support organizations to accurately assess these developments and prepare in advance.

Features of the Summit

This summit aims to provide comprehensive insights into the recent changes in the Specified Skills system and their practical implications. Attendees can expect:

• - Presentations by officials from related ministries on the latest trends, utilization, and anticipated expansions of the Specified Skills system.
• - Updates on current conditions in various sending countries and successful case studies of host organizations.
• - Expert analyses on the Specified Skills system's current state and future directions, particularly in light of the upcoming training and employment scheme's commencement.

The second part of the event will feature a talk by attorney and labor consultant Shohei Sugita, who will discuss not just understanding the system but also how to leverage it effectively to differentiate from competitors. Following the lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a networking session, facilitating direct exchanges of ideas across various sectors.

‘We are in a historical transitional phase regarding foreign labor acceptance in Japan, moving toward the new training and employment scheme,’ explains the Consortium’s Chairman Tomoyuki Maeda. 'With unprecedented government interest, it is imperative for all stakeholders to act based on accurate information. This summit stands out for its opportunity to hear directly from immigration officials about the latest developments and for fostering live exchanges of information and network-building during the after-event gathering. This is a practical space to advance towards a multicultural society.’

Event Details

• - Event Name: The Fourth Specified Skills Summit in Tokyo
• - Organizer: NPO for Foreign Resident Support Consortium
• - Date: February 10, 2026, 13:00 to 19:10 (Registration starts at 12:00)
• - Format: Hybrid—On-site and Online (via Zoom)
• - Venue: Ginza Unique 7-chome Shop, Chuo City, Tokyo
• - Target Audience: Registered support organizations, supervising bodies, local government employees, financial institutions, Japanese language educators, recruitment agencies, and companies considering hiring foreigners.

Program (Tentative)

• - Opening Remarks: Shinjitsu Ogawa, Chairman of the Japan International Cooperation Organization (JITCO)
• - Part 1: Current Utilization and Future Expansion of the Specified Skills System (featuring officials from the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries)
• - Part 2: The Present and Future of Specified Skills, focusing on the training and employment scheme (led by attorney Shohei Sugita)
• - Part 3: The Importance of 'Easy Japanese' for Smooth Integration (by Akira Yoshikatsu, Representative Director of the Easy Japanese Promotion Liaison Council, among others)
• - Part 4: Case studies of the Specified Skills system from member organizations of the NPO.
• - Closing Remarks and Networking Session (17:30 to 19:30)—Open to on-site participants only.

Participation Fees: On-site participants: 4,000 yen (2,000 yen for NPO members); Online participants: 2,000 yen (1,000 yen for NPO members). Networking session fee: 6,500 yen (limited to 100 participants). Applications can be made via Peatix.

To apply, please visit: Peatix Registration

Organization Overview

• - Name: NPO for Foreign Resident Support Consortium
• - Established: October 1, 2020
• - Location: 2nd Floor, BR Ryogoku Building, 21-10, Midori 1-chome, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
• - Activities: Conducting seminars and workshops to support foreign residents in employment and daily life, aiming for a multicultural coexistence society.
• - Official Website: Foreign Resident Support