Strategies for Developing Foreign Human Resources for Traditional Architecture: A Guide for Utilizing Specific Skills

Introduction: New Options for Traditional Technology Transfer and Recruitment of Foreign Talent

The training of skilled craftsmen is essential for the maintenance and revitalization of traditional Japanese building techniques, especially for historical buildings such as the Kyo-machiya. However, as the shortage of successors grows more serious, recruiting young people with an international perspective is the key to passing on skills and revitalizing local communities.

In order to develop and retain foreign human resources over the long term, it is essential to utilize the appropriate residency qualification system established by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This column explains a strategic approach to developing and retaining foreign craftspeople by utilizing the "specified skills" system in the construction field.

1. pathways to long-term retention provided by the specific skills system

In the training of craftsmen with on-the-job training (OJT) in traditional construction, the construction fieldspecific skillis the best residence status.

Features of specific skills

status of residence (in Japan)	period of stay	bringing one's family along (to a warship, etc.)	continuity
Specified Skills 1	Up to 5 years	not allowed	Utilized as a technical learning period
Specified Skills No. 2	without a deadline	possible	Permanent settlement is possible

By starting the project with a view to transitioning to Specified Skill No. 2, your company will be able toSkilled craftsmen for the long termWe can build a strategic foundation that can nurture and secure the

2. three pillars of professional support for obtaining and maintaining residency status

Acceptance of Specified Skilled Foreigners requires complicated application procedures and ongoing legal support after their arrival. As an administrative scrivener and registered support organization, we take care of this entire process on your behalf, reducing your company's burden to zero.

Pillar 1: Ensuring plan approval and pre-entry procedures are carried out

From the stage before the decision is made to hire foreign personnel, we support the procedures necessary for their entry into Japan.

support item	Summary
Verification of eligibility for acceptance	Based on your company's construction license and business plan, we will examine your company's conformity to the requirements for the specified skills (construction work category).
Preparation and submission of acceptance plan on behalf of the client	Created a "Construction Specific Skills Acceptance Plan" for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Clarify the content of OJT for traditional construction and support the process of obtaining certification.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)	We collect the necessary documents for each foreigner and apply to the Immigration and Residence Management Agency on his/her behalf. We ensure prompt and reliable entry into Japan.

Pillar 2: Acting as a statutory registered support organization (RSO)

The agency accepting the specified skills is obligated to assist the foreigner to live stably in Japan and to comply with the laws and regulations (10 statutory obligations). Our office isRegistered Support AgenciesWe will collectively take on this important role on behalf of your company as a

support item	Summary
orientation	Instruction will be given on the rules of living in Japan, administrative procedures, cultural precautions, etc.
Consultation and complaint handling	Regular interviews and as-needed consultation services for workplace and daily life issues are available in their native language and English.
Administrative Reporting and Legal Compliance	We will report the results of periodic interviews to the government (quarterly) and wage and labor status reports on your behalf to ensure your company's compliance.
Providing opportunities to learn Japanese	We provide learning opportunities and information to improve their Japanese language skills and assist them in adapting to the workplace.

Pillar 3: Support for long-term retention and career advancement

The transition to Specified Skill No. 2 is very important to ensure the indefinite availability of trained personnel.

support item	Summary
Acting on behalf of renewal of period of stay	To prevent your residence card from expiring, we will apply for annual renewal of your period of stay on your behalf before the expiration date of your residence card.
Transition Strategy to Specified Skill No. 2	We support your company's human resource strategy by providing information and advice on career paths to help you pass the evaluation exam, which is required for transition to No. 2.

Significance of utilizing administrative scriveners

Hiring foreign personnel brings great benefits to your company's future business development, but it also entails legal risks.

By hiring our firm, your company will enjoy the following benefits

1. Focus on core business:. Free from complicated application procedures with the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as well as legal support services after entry into Japan, you can concentrate your management resources on your core business (traditional technical guidance and construction business).
2. Minimizing Legal Risks:. Thorough compliance management by experts avoids the risk of suspension of acceptance of foreign personnel due to violations of laws and regulations.

We strongly support the international challenge of connecting traditional architecture to the future from a legal perspective.

If you are interested in discussing your foreign recruitment needs or would like to learn more about our detailed assistance and costs, please feel free to contact us.