Caring for the Elderly: A Guide to Certified Care Worker in Japan

Japan is known for its rich culture, heritage, and technological advancements. Do not forget the stunning landscapes! Oh! how beautiful they are! However, there is one pressing matter that Japan is facing ,i.e., it’s rapidly ageing population.

The constant increase in the ageing population in Japan has created a worker shortage in many areas, especially in the nursing care industry.

Did you know? According to researchers, Japan is said to be one of the first countries to be classified as “super-ageing society” in 2007. The percentage of older adults is expected to rise from 26.6% in 2015 to 38.4% in 2065.  

Now that is a huge number!

Not just this, as of 2021, more than 28% of Japan’s population was aged 65 years or older, and this is the highest proportion in the world!

Such an increase in the number of aged individuals, leads to an increase in the demand for care workers.  

Japan offers numerous opportunities and today we will guide you through the steps of becoming a certified care worker in Japan, highlighting the benefits, requirements, and impact you can make in this field.

Who is a Caregiver/care worker?

A caregiver/care worker is a person who looks after people who find it difficult to do their daily activities, such as a child, the elderly, the disabled, or sick people. It is not compulsory to hire a caregiver/care worker, they might also be a family member or a neighbour!

Caregiver, in Japanese is 介護士 (かいごしkaigoshi) or often shortened 介護 (かいご kaigo).

Why Pursue a career in Elder Care in Japan?

1.       High Demand and Job Security: With Japan's aging population, there is a continuous demand for skilled care workers. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan needs approximately 2.53 million care workers by 2025 to meet the growing needs of its elderly population.

2.      Competitive Salary: Certified care workers in Japan can expect to earn an average monthly salary of around ¥220,000 to ¥250,000 ($2,000 to $2,300), depending on their experience and location. Additionally, many employers offer bonuses and other financial incentives.

3.      Career Growth: The elder care industry in Japan provides ample opportunities for career advancement. Care workers can specialize in various areas, such as dementia care, palliative care, or even move into managerial roles.

4.      Cultural Exchange: The elder care industry in Japan provides ample opportunities for career advancement. Care workers can specialize in various areas, such as dementia care, palliative care, or even move into managerial roles.

How to become a Caregiver in Japan?

Well, there are 4 ways on how you can become a care giver in Japan: TITP, SSW, EPA, and Nursing Care Visa. Each system has its own way for applications, requirements, and period of stay.

Today we will tell you all about about the two most significant ones.

Technical Intern Training Program (TITP):

Technical Intern Training Program (技能実習制度, Ginō Jisshū Seido) is a government initiative by Japan aimed at the technical and skill training for foreign nationals from developing countries for up to 5 years in Japan. This program was launched in 1993 and is managed by Japan International Training Cooperation Organization (JITCO).

Requirements:

-       18 years or older

-       Japanese Skill minimum JLPT N4(equivalent to J.TEST of Practical Level E or Japanese Language NAT-TEST Level4)

-       Pass the test and interview

-       A citizen of partner countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Mangolia, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Laos, Bangladesh, Peru, Malaysia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kirgiz, China, etc.)

Specified Skilled Workers (SSW)

Specified Skilled Workers, or 特定技能( Tokutei Ginou) is a relatively new program in Japan. In 2019, in order to address the shortage of workers in certain industries, the Japanese government launched a new visa category to bring in more international human resources to Japan.

Requirements:

-       18 years or older

-       Have the necessary skills and pass the exam (Interns who have completed the Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempted)

-       Either pass the N4 (or above) level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or the A2 (or above) level of the Japan Foundation test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic).

The opportunity to become a caregiver in Japan is widely open!

P.S. Don’t forget to brush up on your Japanese language skills, because no matter where you are or what system you pick, you must prove your language competency.

Becoming a certified care worker in Japan is not only a career choice but a commitment to improving the lives of the elderly. With the country's aging population, your skills and compassion will be in high demand, offering job security, competitive salaries, and a fulfilling career.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey to Japan today! 

Reach out to TERN to know more! 

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