Kirk here with an English translation of an article about foreign workers. The "specified skilled worker" moniker is an awkward (but, according to the government, officially correct) translation of 特定技能 [tokutei gino], which is a step above the "technical intern" (技能実習 [gino jisshu]) status. The article says that Kumamoto has a low retention rate for such higher level workers; they tend to go to other parts of Japan.

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Kumamoto Aims to Help “Specified Skilled Worker No. 1” Foreign Workers Settle in the Prefecture

June 25, 2026, 7:15 p.m.

Foreign worker numbers reach a new record high

A meeting was held to consider coexistence with foreign human resources. It was reported that the number of foreign workers employed in Kumamoto Prefecture has exceeded 24,000, setting a new record high.

Many workers are also moving to other prefectures

At the same time, among foreign workers who transitioned from the Technical Intern Training Program to “Specified Skilled Worker No. 1,” a status for workers who can immediately contribute in specific fields, 32.8% moved from Kumamoto to other prefectures. This was the fifth-worst rate in Japan.

With the aim of encouraging workers to settle in the prefecture, Governor Kimura said, “We would like to promote mutual cooperation in developing both the regions these workers come from and Kumamoto, as well as in human resource development.”

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 7:15 p.m.
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