국제학술발표논문집 (International conference on construction engineering and project management)

한국건설관리학회 (Korea Institute of Construction Engineering and Management)
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A study on migrant workers in Japanese construction industry

  • Rumiko SASAKI (Department of Architecture, Graduate school of Engineering, University of Tokyo) ;
  • Tomoyuki GONDO (Department of Architecture, Graduate school of Engineering, University of Tokyo)
  • Published : 2024.07.29
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Abstract

This study focuses on a scheme for accepting migrant workers at Japanese construction sites and its impact on the industry. Recently, a severe shortage in the construction workforce has made the industry accept migrant workers through "Technical Intern Training (TIT)" program and "Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)" system in Japan. A new status of residence, SSW has been created to accept foreign nationals who work in jobs that require considerable knowledge of or experience in specified industry fields, and construction is one of them. However, many SSWs had already been working in Japan as TIT trainees, implying that the TIT program was the practical pathway to becoming a SSW. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively understand the operational realities of the Japanese TIT program in construction companies. Data were collected using a literature survey and semi-structured interviews. The literature survey was a macro perspective, mainly about analyzing the statistical data on the Japanese government, with the status of residence, profession, and nationality, to ensure the transition and full picture of migrant workers in Japan. By contrast, interview surveys focused on micro situations such as the challenges faced by companies that accept migrant workers. This study showed that workforce shortages had lasted for more than 30 years and were still a chronic issue and that migrant workers were indispensable in the construction industry.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the JSPS Grant Number JP 19K15173 fund. All the kind support for the case study is gratefully acknowledged.

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