Pre-implementation certification applications for Ikusei Shuro plans — ahead of the program's April 1, 2027 launch — will open September 1, 2026. Sector-by-sector periods restricting worker-initiated job transfers (tenseki) have also been disclosed.
Transfer Restriction Period — 2 Years for 8 Sectors, 1 Year for 9
The restriction period was set according to sector characteristics, as follows.
| Restriction Period | Sectors |
|---|---|
| 2 years | Care work, construction, industrial product manufacturing, shipbuilding/marine equipment, automobile maintenance, food and beverage manufacturing, food service, resource recycling (8 sectors) |
| 1 year | Building cleaning, linen supply, lodging, railways, logistics warehousing, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, timber industry (9 sectors) |
- Pre-implementation Ikusei Shuro plan certification applications open September 1, 2026
- Transfer restriction period: 2 years for 8 sectors, 1 year for 9 sectors (17 sectors total)
- Even in a 2-year sector, the host organization may choose to shorten it to 1 year
- Host organizations that select the 2-year period must implement wage increases or other treatment improvements after the worker completes 1 year of employment
Considerations for Employers Choosing the 2-Year Sectors
Host organizations selecting a transfer-restriction period exceeding one year (i.e., two years) must, after the worker completes one year of employment, take measures such as wage increases or other treatment improvements in recognition of the ongoing restriction — a corresponding obligation for employers benefiting from the longer period.
What Comes Next
The September 1, 2026 opening of certification applications marks an important practical starting point ahead of the April 1, 2027 implementation. Host organizations and supervising support organizations should proceed with preparations, including license applications and confirming their sector's operational guidelines.
Summary
- Pre-implementation Ikusei Shuro plan certification applications open September 1, 2026
- Transfer restriction period: 2 years for care work, construction, and 6 other sectors; 1 year for building cleaning and 8 other sectors
- The 2-year period can be shortened to 1 year at the host organization's discretion; organizations choosing 2 years bear a treatment-improvement obligation
- Host organizations should now be actively preparing ahead of the April 1, 2027 implementation
If you have questions about Ikusei Shuro plan certification applications or supervising organization licensing procedures, please feel free to contact Sakura Central Legal Office (MOJ-certified application agent). Initial consultations are free.
⚖️ Expert Commentary from a Licensed Gyoseishoshi
📋 Practical Impact
The length of the transfer restriction period directly affects worker retention. Employers in 2-year sectors should note the treatment-improvement obligation after one year is effectively required, and should begin reviewing wage structures early.
✅ Actions to Take Now
Confirm whether your sector's restriction period is 2 years or 1 year; prepare the required entries and attachments for your Ikusei Shuro plan ahead of the September 1, 2026 opening; and confirm your supervising organization's licensing status. For consultations, contact Sakura Central Legal Office; for supervising organization matters, see Sakura Training Organization.