Japan hopes to attract highly skilled professionals with new residency program

TOKYO, Feb 18 (NHK) - The Japanese government will launch a new residency program in a bid to attract talented professionals from other countries. Qualified foreign nationals would be given preferential immigration treatment.

The plan was decided at a meeting of relevant Cabinet ministers on Friday.

A new special category for highly skilled professionals would include foreign researchers and engineers with an annual income of at least 20 million yen, or around 150,000 dollars, and a master's degree or more than 10 years of work experience.

It would also cover corporate managers who earn more than 40 million yen, or about 300,000 dollars, and have at least five years of work experience.

Foreign nationals who qualify for this category would be able to obtain the right of permanent residence in Japan after living in the country for only one year. ...continue reading

Bus carrying Japanese tourists crashes in Turkey, 6 people hospitalized

The Japanese embassy in Turkey says six Japanese tourists were hospitalized with injuries on Thursday after their bus was involved in an accident in western Turkey. (NHK)

New Replica COVID Vaccine Sparks Controversy in Japan

Japan’s recent approval and rollout of a new "Replica Vaccine" for COVID-19 has triggered widespread public concern, with some businesses imposing entry bans on vaccinated individuals. The vaccine, which began regular administration in October, has faced backlash due to its ability to "self-replicate" in the body, raising anxiety about its safety.

Japan's Oldest Reactor Gets Approval to Operate 50+ Years

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has granted approval for Kansai Electric Power Company's Takahama Reactor No. 1 to operate for over 50 years, marking a first in Japan, reaching its 50th anniversary next month.

Japan Faces 18 Trillion Yen Economic Loss Due to Sleep Deprivation

Japan is grappling with a severe sleep deprivation crisis, with economic losses estimated at 18 trillion yen annually due to reduced productivity, according to a study by the RAND Corporation.

Ibaraki Escapes Last Place in Attractiveness Ranking

The 'Prefectural Attractiveness Ranking,' which started in 2009, marked its 16th edition in 2024, with competition for the bottom rank a hot topic. This year, Ibaraki Prefecture, which ranked last in 2023, moved up two spots, overtaking Saitama Prefecture.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Japan's Plan to Control Deadly Snake Population Backfires

Twenty-five years ago, Japan faced a dangerous problem on Amami Oshima Island: an invasion of highly venomous Habu snakes. The island was overrun, with hundreds of people being bitten each month. (Top 10s)

University Students Experience 'Juvenile Justice'

At the Naniwa Juvenile Detention Center in Ibaraki City, Osaka, around 50 young people, aged 15 to 20, are held for various offenses such as theft, robbery, and assault.

Japan's Teens and Women Lacking Fitness

A recent survey conducted by Japan’s Sports Agency has highlighted a lack of exercise among teenage boys and girls, as well as women in their 30s and 40s.

【Day in the Life】16-year-old High school GAL【Tokyo, Japan】

We are on a day in the life of High school GAL in Japan.

12 Unspoken Rules NOT to Break in Japan

12 Things to Avoid Doing in Japan that are often overlooked and typically unspoken. (Abroad in Japan)

Language School Official Arrested for Assisting Chinese Woman’s Illegal Entry

A Japanese language school official has been arrested on suspicion of aiding the illegal entry of a Chinese woman by using forged documents to issue a student visa.

Picture Books Booming in Japan

Despite a general slump in Japan's publishing industry, picture books featuring food as central characters are finding significant success. At the 8th Miraiya Picture Book Awards, three of the top five books focused on food.

University of Tokyo 28th in World University Rankings

Japan's University of Tokyo has come in 28th in global rankings compiled by a British educational journal, up one spot from last year. (NHK)

< 2 3 4 5 >