India and Japan plan 50,000 workers, language barrier poses challenge
India and Japan want to send 50,000 skilled Indian workers to Japan over five years, but the Japanese language barrier is a big challenge.
Even though nearly 53,000 Indians are learning Japanese now, a 47% jump in three years, only about 3,500 to 5,000 actually qualify for jobs each year.
To help close this gap, Honda India Foundation just kicked off a year-long training program at its Manesar center.
Honda trains 60 health care assistants
Honda's new program will teach Japanese (N5/N4 level), workplace skills, and cultural basics to 60 health care assistants aiming for jobs in Japan.
Experts say more employer-led efforts, like language stipends and practical training, plus partnerships with vocational institutes, could make it easier for Indian youth to land these global opportunities.