#Japan #Tokyo #Uzbekistan #Skilled Workers

Historic Agreement for Skilled Workers

On May 29, 2025, a significant memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Japan-China Asia Education, Medical, and Cultural Exchange Organization (JCAEMCE) and the Uzbekistan State Migration Service (headed by Director Behzod Musaev) in a ceremony held at the Japan Press Club in Tokyo. This agreement aims to facilitate the acceptance of 10,000 skilled workers from Uzbekistan to Japan over the next five years.

The Significance of the Agreement

This event marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between Japan and Uzbekistan, bringing together representatives from both nations. With Japan facing severe labor shortages due to its aging population and declining birth rate, this initiative seeks to address these challenges by bringing in highly skilled workers from Uzbekistan. The historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the Silk Road, have laid a solid foundation for this partnership. The MOU symbolizes a new chapter in the long-standing friendship, promising mutual growth.

Overview of the Signing Ceremony

The event commenced at 2 PM, with leaders gathering to celebrate this historic collaboration. JCAEMCE's Senior Advisor, former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, and Director Behzod Musaev of the Migration Service shared their visions for the future. Hatoyama emphasized how this project would harness Uzbekistan's young talent to drive growth in various sectors of Japan's economy, including construction, nursing, and agriculture, all of which are facing acute workforce shortages.

In his address, Musaev expressed Uzbekistan’s eagerness to send more skilled workers to Japan, tapping into the country’s growing youth population. He referred to Japan as a friendly nation, furthering the motivation for collaboration.

A Collaborative Approach

This initiative is a joint effort between JCAEMCE and local partner UniCap Holdings. Together, they are establishing a comprehensive support system that begins with Japanese language education and extends to job placement and post-arrival support. The program, dubbed “Yapon Mahorat Nuri,” focuses on teaching Japanese language skills and preparing candidates for specific technical skill examinations, job interviews, and overall integration into Japanese work culture.

Enhancing Job Readiness

Three educational hubs have been set up in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Namangan, providing structured curricula that cover all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, based on the CEFR standards. This ensures that Uzbek candidates are equipped with practical Japanese language proficiency, fostering better job retention once employed in Japan.

Innovative Matching Platform

Additionally, a unique matching platform called “WiseBridge” is being developed to connect candidates directly with Japanese employers. This platform will allow job seekers to filter job listings based on their skills, desired work location, and job type while also providing tools for online interviews. This initiative is expected to launch by June this year.

Statements from Key Speakers

Tackling Labor Shortages

Takushi Maeda, a senior advisor at JCAEMCE, highlighted the project's potential to alleviate labor shortages in the construction industry and extend into other sectors like healthcare and agriculture. He expressed hopes for cross-border personnel exchange to invigorate Japanese industries with new energy and growth opportunities.

The Need for Care Workers

Takaiko Serizawa, an executive officer at the KenSeikai Medical Corporation, stressed the critical labor shortages in the nursing sector, which often disrupt daily services. She expressed her optimism that the inclusion of motivated Uzbek workers would revitalize the care industry, contributing to a culturally rich environment of care beyond language barriers.

About JCAEMCE

JCAEMCE has been functioning as a bridge between Japan and Asia, providing educational support, fostering human resource development, and facilitating study abroad programs since its establishment in 2012. It has played a crucial role in creating connections through educational initiatives across six Asian countries.

Uzbekistan's Migration Service

The Uzbekistan State Migration Service is responsible for labor export policies, promoting cooperation and exchange with countries like Japan. It actively engages with the technical skill system, ensuring its efficient implementation to meet international standards.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this project, please contact:
Japan-China Asia Education, Medical, and Cultural Exchange Organization (JCAEMCE)
Email: info@jcaemce.org
Phone: 03-4216-0208

In summary, this agreement marks a substantial shift in labor dynamics and international collaboration, nurturing growth opportunities for both Uzbekistan's emerging workforce and Japan’s diverse industries.