Japan Sets 1.23 Million Cap for Specified Skilled Worker & Ikusei Shuro Programs — 3 New Sectors Added by Cabinet Decision

On January 23, 2026, Japan's Cabinet approved sector-specific operational policies for both the Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) and the upcoming Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) programs. These policies set the combined intake cap at 1,231,900 foreign nationals by the end of March 2029, and add three new eligible sectors: logistics/warehousing, linen supply, and resource recycling. With the Ikusei Shuro system set to launch in April 2027, employers need to understand the landscape now.

Intake Caps at a Glance

The Three New Sectors

The January 2026 Cabinet decision adds the following three sectors to both the Specified Skilled Worker and Ikusei Shuro programs:

• Logistics / Warehousing (物流倉庫): Covering warehouse operations including loading/unloading, picking, and packing. Added in response to surging e-commerce logistics demand and chronic labor shortages in the sector.
• Linen Supply (リネンサプライ): Washing, processing, and delivery of linens (sheets, towels, etc.) for hotels, hospitals, and care facilities. Operational guidelines for this sector were further refined in the April 2026 revision.
• Resource Recycling (資源循環): Waste processing and recycling operations. Added to support Japan's decarbonization goals and secure workforce for the growing recycling industry.

The Ikusei Shuro System: What Employers Need to Know

The Ikusei Shuro system launches April 1, 2027 and will replace the Technical Intern Training (技能実習) program, which is expected to be phased out by around 2030. The system's core design is a pathway from Ikusei Shuro to Specified Skilled Worker Type 1:

• Foreign nationals complete up to 3 years of Ikusei Shuro training, developing skills and Japanese language ability.
• They can then transition to Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (up to 5 years), and potentially to Type 2 — which has no renewal limit and opens a pathway toward permanent residence.
• Each sector has a sub-cap under the operational policy, meaning companies should plan their workforce strategy with sector-specific limits in mind.

Current Eligible Sectors

The full list of sectors eligible for Specified Skilled Worker / Ikusei Shuro (including the three new additions) is:

• Care / Building Cleaning / Linen Supply (new) / Industrial Products Manufacturing / Construction / Shipbuilding & Marine Machinery / Automobile Maintenance / Accommodation / Railway / Logistics & Warehousing (new) / Agriculture / Fishery / Food & Beverage Manufacturing / Restaurant / Forestry / Timber Industry / Resource Recycling (new)

Action Points for Employers

• Check if your sector is covered: Companies in logistics/warehousing, linen supply, or resource recycling are now eligible. Confirm your sector classification first.
• Start planning early: Sector-level caps mean earlier planning improves your access to available intake slots.
• Prepare for the 2027 transition: Companies currently accepting Technical Intern Trainees should understand the migration path to Ikusei Shuro before the April 2027 launch.

How Sakura Central Legal Office Can Help

We assist companies with Specified Skilled Worker and Ikusei Shuro acceptance applications, support plan preparation, and visa application filing. We also advise on the 2027 system transition. Free initial consultation available.