A bridge for foreign talent, 'compassion alone is not enough'

Yes. We are involved in job hunting for foreign technical trainees and specific skilled workers. We are essentially a private organization. Although it takes the form of a union, it is a private union. The union is sustained by contributions from companies, but our main job, in a nutshell, is to be a bridge between foreign workers, whose status of residence is limited to technical trainees and specific skills, and companies that want foreign talent.

Well, initially, I am a returnee, and when I came to Japan from Indonesia, I thought I wanted to do a job where I could make use of this, make use of this language, and become a bridge, so I chose my current profession.

Well, this job involves national organizations like the Immigration Bureau and the Technical Intern Training Organization, so you have to learn and understand the laws and other related aspects. Since laws are written in somewhat difficult language, learning and understanding them can be challenging, especially if you're not yet accustomed to it.

Yes, when taking care of technical trainees who have come from abroad, they usually know nothing about Japan. We have to teach them procedures that don't exist overseas, like how to pay taxes or about the national pension, and guide them through it. So, unless you're familiar with those aspects, it can be very difficult.

First, we receive a request from a company for a certain type of person. Then, we ask the sending institution overseas to find foreign workers who meet those conditions. We request them to gather several candidates for the desired number of people under those conditions. Now, many interviews are conducted online via Zoom, but some company presidents also go to the location for face-to-face interviews. After the interview, if they want this person and that person, we proceed with the entry procedures. It usually takes about six months before entry, during which the sending institution in the home country provides Japanese language and cultural training. After six months, they enter Japan. Upon entry, they don't go directly to the company but spend at least 20 days learning Japanese at a center before being assigned to the company. This is the process up to acceptance. Of course, the procedures with the Immigration Bureau are also part of our job.

Yes. There are training systems, but basically, everyone has their own way, and some companies may have their preferred methods. So, while working, many people develop their own style, of course, within the legal framework. Often, they find themselves remembering things without even realizing it. I'm not someone who can study a lot, and I'm not good at document preparation, so I learned by doing, understanding the rules and how to handle problems as I went along. It's a learn-as-you-go approach.

It comes from Japanese companies, like construction company presidents or those in need of manpower. Without their demand, we couldn't ask sending institutions to prepare people. So, it's usually the Japanese company presidents or HR personnel who decide. It's pretty much a 'please come' stance because, without people, construction sites or factories can't operate. It's not that they don't want to hire Japanese people; it's just that Japanese people aren't coming, so they have no choice but to rely on foreigners.

After six months of being sent here, studying at the center, and then starting to work, when I hear about their various experiences in Japan for the first time, like 'I did this' or 'I went to this place in Japan,' I think, 'That's amazing' or 'That's great.' If they come to work in Japan and not just for work but truly fall in love with Japan, I feel like it's worth doing this job. When I see them getting to know Japan, I think this job is worthwhile.

The feeling of connecting companies and foreigners through our interpretation, and for me personally, I enjoy conducting on-site interviews overseas to find candidates and doing a bit of sightseeing on the side.

Well, we're human, so we can't always interpret perfectly. Sometimes, even if we convey something, it doesn't get across well, leading to misunderstandings and strained relationships between companies and trainees. Also, when it comes to repatriation, when foreigners return home temporarily, we have to send them to the airport or pick them up when they come to Japan. Depending on flight times, we might have to pick them up at 2 AM and still have work to do until 9 AM or even later. It's not uncommon for us to work through the night and then rest at home the next day.

I think it's a compassionate heart. It's not just about foreigners; you also need to consider the company's perspective and the foreigner's perspective. When mediating, you should judge based on emotions but not be lenient. You should be able to get angry when necessary and point out mistakes. You need to be able to firmly say 'That's not right' to company presidents, trading partners, or anyone else. That's why I think someone who can clearly say 'That's different' is necessary. Even though my foreign colleagues, who are my peers, grew up in countries other than Japan, I can't imitate that, but I respect and admire them for it.

Not particularly. I'm just focused on doing my current job to the best of my ability. When asked if there's a career-advancing job ahead, I wonder. Right now, I'm concentrating on what I'm doing and haven't given it much thought.

I find a sense of fulfillment in the new connections this job creates. Personally, I honestly think I could use a bit more salary, but I feel I'm adequately compensated. However, I do take my colleagues out to meals to maintain relationships, and those expenses, of course, come back as costs. To have credibility in managing someone else's life, I need to be financially stable myself, so money is necessary in that regard.

I think people with a light footwork are suited for it. Since we move around a lot, it's difficult without light footwork. Also, in my team, while the Japanese members work normally, those who can interpret languages and have an understanding of foreign cultures are suited for it. Additionally, people who can clearly point out mistakes and provide proper guidance, as well as those with a caring and kind heart, are well-suited.

I started living in Indonesia in the 6th grade of elementary school, and at that time, no one helped me, I couldn't speak the language, and my father was working in Japan. I experienced being teased and bullied. There was no one to help me, and I was really bad at communication. I don't want others to go through that, and I love both Indonesia and Japan. I constantly think that I want a world where these two can connect well.

I would say, understand each other. Don't just rely on anger or your own feelings. First, try to accept it, swallow it, interpret it within yourself, and then try your best to convey it in an understandable way.