In recent years, Japan has expanded its acceptance of foreign labor to combat its growing labor shortage. At the heart of this effort are the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa system. While these programs are often seen as means to supplement the workforce, they also present significant opportunities for foreign workers to acquire technical knowledge and business skills in Japan—skills which some are successfully leveraging to start businesses in their home countries.

Overview of TITP and SSW

The Technical Intern Training Program, launched in 1993, was designed to promote international cooperation through the transfer of Japanese skills and technologies. It targets fields such as construction, agriculture, and caregiving. Trainees work under Japanese guidance, gaining both practical and cultural insights.

The Specified Skilled Worker visa, established in 2019, allows foreigners with certain skills and language abilities to work more independently and for longer periods in Japan. This system was created to allow more flexibility and recognize the contributions of more experienced and skilled foreign workers.

How Japanese Experience Fuels Entrepreneurship

Foreign workers in Japan do not only learn technical skills; they also absorb values such as time management, attention to detail, safety awareness, and the high quality standards expected in Japanese industries. Moreover, living and working in Japan often leads to improved Japanese language skills and broader worldviews—both critical for future entrepreneurs.

For example, Nguyen Van Tan, a former Vietnamese technical intern, worked for three years in Japan’s construction industry before returning home to start his own construction company. By applying the efficiency, safety protocols, and quality control methods he learned in Japan, he distinguished his business from local competitors and began winning public contracts. He even partnered with a Japanese firm to access modern equipment and materials.

Source (Japanese)

Key to Success: Networks and Support Systems

Many returnees rely on the networks they built while in Japan. These include connections with Japanese employers, NGOs, and governmental organizations that offer post-return support, such as business seminars or funding assistance.

One notable case is Ani Susanti, a former technical intern from Indonesia who worked in elderly care in Japan for five years. After returning home, she launched a caregiving service for the wealthy using the skills and ethics she gained in Japan. Her services are in high demand, especially among the urban upper class. She received business support from a Japanese NPO focused on human resource development.

[No direct English source available; summary from IMM Japan Webmagazine]

In some cases, Japanese SMEs also establish joint ventures with former interns they trust. This not only helps the returning workers but also assists Japanese companies in expanding their operations into Southeast Asian markets. Former trainees, therefore, function not only as returnees but as human bridges between Japan and their home countries.

Challenges Faced Upon Return

Despite the success stories, returning interns and SSWs also face significant challenges. These include limited access to financing, underdeveloped entrepreneurial ecosystems, and cultural or regulatory hurdles in their home countries. Additionally, Japanese-style business practices do not always translate directly into different cultural or economic contexts.

Therefore, improving support mechanisms for returnees is essential. Governments and institutions on both sides can provide entrepreneurship training, startup incubators, and financial support tailored for former interns. It’s also important to integrate entrepreneurship readiness into the experience while they are still in Japan.

Conclusion

Foreign workers who acquire experience through Japan’s TITP and SSW programs are increasingly becoming successful entrepreneurs back home. Their journeys are testament to the power of skill transfer, cross-cultural learning, and the value of international human capital development.

To promote sustainable growth through these programs, stronger follow-up systems and institutional support are necessary. Japan’s foreign labor systems must evolve from simple labor pipelines to platforms for global human development—where future entrepreneurs are nurtured and encouraged to become agents of change in their home regions.

Reference Links:

Japan Immigration News