Potentials and Challenges in Accepting Foreign Care Workers in Akita Prefecture

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of a survey conducted with elderly care facilities in Akita prefecture regarding their attitudes toward the acceptance of foreign care workers. Further it reports on the current situation of local Japanese language education in Akita, based on questionnaire and interview surveys conducted with different stakeholders, including municipalities, local Japanese language classes, and elderly care facilities. These results shed light on the potentials and challenges in accepting foreign care workers in Akita, amidst an increased demand for such workers especially through the Technical Intern Trainee Program.