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40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation

Indonesian, Filipino and Vietnamese

are the supporters of Japan's aging population

Ever since the start of the dialogue of exchange between Japan and the 10 Southeast Asian countries that make up ASEAN, the two entities have been strengthening their relationship for the peace and prosperity of Asia. Japan and ASEAN countries are also business partners; especially in the past five years. In fields such as medical facilities and care centers in Japan, ASEAN's bright population is helping to support.

Based on the economic partnership agreement, the intake of foreign nurses and caregivers began with the purpose for them to work and research at nursing homes and medical facilities while also obtaining the national nursing qualification or the national caregiving qualification in order to become certified and continue their work in Japan.

Currently, Japan is taking in nurses and caregivers from Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam. Indonesians were the first to arrive in Japan out of the three nations in August 2008 with 104 nurses and 104 caregivers. Actual work for this group started in February of the following year. Intake from the Philippines started in 2009, and the initial numbers were 93 nurses and 190 caregivers. Vietnamese candidates are due to arrive next year.

Training and language program

When the intake first started in 2008, a Japanese language education program specifically for foreign employees did not exit. However, there were many requests for the provision of language courses from medical facilities and nursing homes. Thus the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare launched a learning support program. This involves providing grants for Japanese language courses and other necessary training programs. Morover, a group training program that will take place four times a year is in the works. This would mean that candidates will be able to receive Japanese lectures from experts of the national examinations. As for caregivers, with kanji learning and national examination study as a focus, they are able to take practice tests and group training. These programs began in 2010.

A representative of the intake coordination agency JICWELS (Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services) states that "Indonesian and Filipinos are extremely kindhearted toward their patients, and they have a lot of respect for the elderly. Where Japanese tend to forget about certain gestures, Indonesians and Filipinos do not fail in doing so. For example, a seemingly small action such as being on eye level with their patients when speaking to them. At the facility, when Japanese staff witness these scenes, they are reminded of the basics."

Since 2008, Yamaguchi Rehabilitation Hospital in Yamaguchi City has been taking in foreign nurses and caregivers. On her new life in Japan, Filipino nurse Garnica Jean Cristie Lincuna said "patients and staff here are very kind, and the environment is really great. I'm now able to take the bus on my own, so I'm enjoying shopping on weekends." Another Filipino nurse, Seguerra Joyce Anne Castillo, says, "The little expressions of Japanese language are very complex, and at times it is difficult to read what the patients are conveying. Still, I am enjoying my work here." At this particular hospital, welcome ceremonies are held for new trainees, and there is active interaction between Japanese and foreign staff. For example, they take part in local festivals, apple picking and fishing together. Through these interactive events, nurses are able to learn from the Japanese staff as well as feel happy and find worth in their job.

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