Ikusei Shuro: Operational Guidelines Published for Industrial Product Manufacturing — What Accepting Companies Must Do Now

On June 4, 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA) added the Industrial Product Manufacturing sector guidelines to the published operational requirements for the Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) system. With pre-launch applications opening in September 2026 and the system officially launching on April 1, 2027, companies in the manufacturing sector that plan to accept foreign workers under this new system need to begin preparations immediately.

What is the Industrial Product Manufacturing Sector?

The Industrial Product Manufacturing sector — overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) — covers a broad range of industries including foundry products, industrial machinery, and electrical/electronic/IT-related manufacturing. It is one of the 19 designated sectors under both the Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Gino) and Ikusei Shuro systems.

Many companies in this sector have previously accepted foreign workers under the Technical Intern Training (TITP) program. The Ikusei Shuro system represents a significant overhaul of the rules governing how such workers are accepted and supported.

Key Points in the Published Operational Guidelines

• Eligible job categories: The types of businesses and job functions that qualify for Ikusei Shuro acceptance are defined based on Japan's Standard Industrial Classification.
• Additional requirements (Japanese language, etc.): Sector-specific requirements beyond the common Ikusei Shuro standards are specified.
• Ikusei Shuro Plan content: Target skills, Japanese language proficiency milestones, and job duties for the 3-year development period must be specified in accordance with the guidelines.
• Supervisory Support Organization (SSO) requirements: Only organizations licensed as SSOs under the Ikusei Shuro system may provide supervision and support services.

Key Timeline for Ikusei Shuro

The window for pre-launch applications opens on September 1, 2026. Given that review and approval of an Ikusei Shuro Plan takes time, companies that do not begin preparations now risk not being ready to accept workers when the system launches in April 2027.

4 Steps Manufacturing Companies Should Take Right Now

① Confirm or select a Supervisory Support Organization (SSO)

The Ikusei Shuro system introduces a new entity called the Supervisory Support Organization (SSO) — equivalent to the former "supervisory organization" under TITP, but now operating under a licensed approval system. Check whether your current supervisory organization has obtained or is in the process of obtaining SSO approval for Ikusei Shuro.
Sakura Central Legal Office works in partnership with the Public Interest Incorporated Association Sakura Training Organization (さくら研修機構), which is preparing to provide Ikusei Shuro support services for manufacturing companies.

② Prepare an Ikusei Shuro Plan

Each foreign worker accepted under Ikusei Shuro requires an individual Ikusei Shuro Plan — a document detailing the 3-year development period, target job duties, skill milestones, and Japanese language goals. This plan must be certified by the Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT). Start drafting template plans now so they are ready for submission when pre-launch applications open.

③ Build Japanese language training and skills development capacity

Ikusei Shuro sets Japanese language proficiency requirements aimed at workers being able to transition to Specified Skilled Worker status after three years (typically targeting JLPT N4 or equivalent). Companies should evaluate whether they have sufficient in-house OJT capacity or need to partner with external Japanese language training providers.

④ Review current Technical Intern Training plans and visa status

Companies currently accepting Technical Intern Trainees must clarify the timeline and procedures for transitioning workers to the Ikusei Shuro system. Workers approaching the end of their second or third year of technical internship in particular require urgent attention.