Language as a Gate or as Infrastructure? Rethinking the Japanese Requirement [Balanced Coexistence Model – Part 20]

Introduction Japan has introduced a new requirement(Japan to require language proficiency proof for engineer, specialist visa KYODO NEWS 2026-04-04):Applicants for the status of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services may now be required to demonstrate Japanese language proficiency at approximately the B2 level (equivalent to JLPT N2), particularly for roles that require Japanese. At first glance, this …