Language and Cultural Literacy Issues among Indonesian Prospective Migrant Workers to Japan Kenshuusei (研修生) Visa
Keywords:
Language Literacy; Cultural Literacy; Literacy Issues, Kenshuusei, LPKAbstract
This study investigates the language and cultural literacy issues faced by Indonesian prospective migrant workers preparing for deployment to Japan under the Kenshuusei (研修生) visa program. As Japan continues to rely on foreign trainees to address labor shortages, Indonesian candidates are required to demonstrate adequate Japanese language proficiency and cultural readiness to ensure effective workplace integration. However, preliminary observations indicate persistent challenges in basic linguistic competencies—such as hiragana and katakana literacy, particle usage, sentence structure comprehension, and pronunciation accuracy—which hinder communication in professional contexts. Likewise, cultural literacy barriers emerge in understanding Japanese daily norms, workplace discipline, communication styles, and hierarchical relationships, often leading to adaptation difficulties and misinterpretations.Employing a mixed-method approach, this research analyzes assessment results, classroom observations, and focus group interviews conducted within selected LPK (Lembaga Pelatihan Kerja) training centers. The findings reveal that limited exposure to authentic language use, reliance on memorization-based learning, and insufficient cultural immersion activities contribute to trainees’ low readiness. The study concludes that comprehensive training programs integrating contextual language learning and structured cultural orientation are essential for enhancing trainees’ communicative competence and cultural adaptability. Strengthening these aspects will support the success of Indonesian migrant workers in meeting Japanese workplace expectations and improving their overall well-being during their stay in Japan.
References
Adachi, T. (2019). Intercultural communication in Japanese workplaces: Challenges for foreign trainees. Tokyo: Meiji University Press.
Asari, M. (2018). Language barriers and workplace adaptation among technical intern trainees in Japan. Journal of Asian Migration, 5(2), 45–62.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Hamada, Y. (2020). Teaching Japanese pronunciation to non-native learners: Issues and strategies. Asian Journal of Japanese Language Education, 12(1), 77–94.
Hatoss, A. (2012). Displacement, language maintenance and identity. Multilingual Matters.
Ishii, S., & Klopf, D. (2017). Intercultural communication competence: Japanese perspectives. Tokyo: Sanshusha.
Kawamura, H. (2021). Workplace culture and foreign workers in Japan: An ethnographic analysis. Japan Labor Review, 18(3), 58–75.
Kirkpatrick, A. (2012). World Englishes: Implications for international communication and English language teaching. Cambridge University Press.
Lestari, N. P., & Rahmawati, D. (2020). Cultural adaptation of Indonesian migrant workers in East Asia: A comparative perspective. Indonesian Journal of Migration Studies, 4(1), 12–30.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Japan. (2022). Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) annual report. Tokyo: MHLW.
Nugroho, B. A. (2021). Language preparedness of Indonesian workers for overseas employment: A case study of LPK training. Journal of Applied Linguistics Indonesia, 9(2), 134–150.
Okada, T. (2019). Understanding Japanese daily etiquette: Implications for foreign residents. Journal of Japanese Society and Culture, 7(2), 101–118.
Rahman, M. (2021). Indonesian migrant workers in Japan: Education, challenges, and opportunities. Southeast Asian Labor Studies Review, 6(1), 53–71.
Sulistyo, P., & Wijayanti, R. (2020). Literacy skills and communication challenges among Indonesian technical interns in Japan. Language and Society Journal, 3(4), 88–102.
Yamada, K. (2018). Cross-cultural training for foreign workers: Best practices in Japanese vocational programs. Intercultural Education Review, 11(3), 25–39.
