At its January 23, 2026 cabinet meeting, the Japanese government formally set the combined intake cap for Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) and the forthcoming Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) program at 1,231,900 persons over five fiscal years (FY2024–2028). The decision also added three new eligible sectors — linen supply, logistics warehousing, and resource recycling — bringing the total to 17 sectors.
The cabinet meeting also officially confirmed that the Ikusei Shuro system will launch on April 1, 2027, on which date the Technical Intern Training (Gino Jisshu) program will be abolished.
What Is Ikusei Shuro? — Key Differences from Technical Intern Training
| Feature | Technical Intern Training (Current) | Ikusei Shuro (from April 2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Technology transfer / international contribution | Worker development / pathway to SSW |
| Maximum stay | Up to 5 years (levels 1–3) | 3 years (leading to SSW status) |
| Job transfer | Prohibited in principle | Permitted within same sector under conditions |
| Supervising body | Supervision organization (union type) | Kanri Shien Kikan (stricter licensing) |
| Japanese language | Basic post-arrival training | JLPT A1 on arrival required; A2 by completion |
The Three New Sectors
① Logistics Warehousing (cap: 50,000)
Covers picking, shipping/receiving, inventory management, and forklift operation in warehouse settings. Added in response to rapid e-commerce growth and a severe labor shortage in the logistics sector. Companies in warehousing and distribution now have meaningful access to SSW and Ikusei Shuro workers.
② Linen Supply (cap: 10,000)
Covers washing, drying, pressing, and delivery of linens (sheets, towels, uniforms) for hotels, hospitals, and care facilities. A labor-intensive service sector where worker shortages have long been acute.
③ Resource Recycling (cap: 20,000)
Covers waste collection, transport, sorting, and recycling processing. Highlighted as a policy priority in Japan's push toward a circular economy and the 2050 carbon-neutrality goal.
5-Year Intake Caps by Major Sector
| Sector | 5-Year Cap |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care | 135,000 |
| Construction | 80,000 |
| Food & Beverage Manufacturing | 130,000 |
| Agriculture | 73,000 |
| Manufacturing (multiple) | ~225,000 (combined) |
| Logistics Warehousing (new) | 50,000 |
| Resource Recycling (new) | 20,000 |
| Linen Supply (new) | 10,000 |
What Employers Should Do Now
Companies with current Technical Intern Trainees
Technical Intern Training contracts and supervision agreements will need to be transitioned to the Ikusei Shuro framework by April 1, 2027. This is not automatic — new supervision agreements with a licensed Kanri Shien Kikan, revised employment contracts, and Japanese language support plans are all required. Begin planning now.
Companies in the three new sectors
Logistics, linen supply, and resource recycling businesses can start the accreditation process and select a supervision organization immediately. Early movers will have a significant advantage in workforce recruitment.
Key Takeaways
- 5-year (FY2024–2028) combined SSW + Ikusei Shuro cap: 1,231,900 persons
- Three new sectors: logistics warehousing, linen supply, resource recycling (total now 17 sectors)
- Ikusei Shuro launches April 1, 2027; Technical Intern Training abolished on the same date
- Key change: conditional job transfers within the same sector are permitted under Ikusei Shuro
- Existing Technical Intern Training programs must be transitioned — not automatic
- Companies in new sectors should start accreditation and supervision organization selection immediately
For SSW and Ikusei Shuro supervision support, accreditation assistance, and immigration planning, contact Sakura Training Organization (registered supervising organization) or Sakura Central Legal Office.
⚖️ Expert Comment — Licensed Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener)
📋 Practical Impact
The 1.23 million cap is roughly double the current SSW resident population (~600,000 at end-2025). For employers, this confirms that the government is serious about scaling up foreign workforce participation across virtually all labor-intensive sectors. The three new sectors open significant recruitment channels for businesses that have had no access to these programs before.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls
The transition from Technical Intern Training to Ikusei Shuro is not a seamless automatic rollover. Existing supervision contracts, training plans, and visa statuses all need to be re-evaluated under the new framework. Companies that assume "nothing changes until April 2027" and delay planning will face a scramble and potential compliance gaps at the transition point.
✅ Action Steps
Map your current Technical Intern Trainees' expected status as of April 1, 2027 — how many will still be in program, and what will their transition path look like? Engage your supervision organization (or a new one) to build a migration plan. For new-sector companies, identify whether you qualify and initiate the accreditation application. Sakura Training Organization supports both Technical Intern Training and Ikusei Shuro supervision. For immigration filing support, contact our office.