The experience of raising children who cannot be communicated through language,
To help employees grow significantly
Johoku Construction Co., Ltd. in Kagawa Prefecture began accepting foreign workers in 2018 and currently employs many foreign nationals. This time, we introduce the voices of the company's representative, Mr. Hosoya, and three Vietnamese employees. (Interview conducted on April 24, 2023)
Company Profile
| Location: | 796-122 Go-higashi-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture |
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| Business details: | Construction contracting / General civil engineering work, including scaffolding and earthwork, etc. |
| Number of employees: | 42 people |
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Acceptance status
Specified Skills: 3 people Technical Intern Training: 4 people (All Vietnamese) |
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| Website: | https://www.jhohoku.co.jp |
| Initial setup: |
Accommodation, complete set of household appliances, Wi-Fi access, life guidance counselor, transportation to and from work, etc. |
Salary Image
- Specified Skills (monthly basic salary)
Approximately 212,000 yen and up
* Salary increases based on skill level and proficiency. - Technical Intern Training (Monthly Basic Salary)
Approximately 167,000 yen
Interview Host Companies
Representative Director
Yoshihisa Hosoya
What were the reasons for deciding to accept them?
Ideally, I would have liked to continue creating jobs for Japanese people, but the truth is that the labor shortage made that impossible, and we started accepting Vietnamese workers. However, having worked for an airline and having seen a wide range of countries, I had the impression that Vietnamese people are similar in character to Japanese people. I decided to accept them because I believed they would do their best.
What were the benefits of accepting it?
On-the-job training (OJT) is the standard method for teaching work in the construction industry. However, when dealing with foreigners, you have to teach them even when language barriers exist. But the challenges of this undoubtedly contribute to their growth as individuals and as skilled workers. Now that our employees understand this, I feel that the quality of their work has improved compared to before.
What measures or precautions do you take after accepting them?
To help them understand the overall picture of their work, we create booklets and DVDs summarizing our company's business operations and daily workflows, and show them these materials. They need to understand the purpose of the work they're doing today and what the final product will be. Without that understanding, they won't find their work fulfilling or grow. Understanding their own work is the first step. That's where we start.
Please send a message to companies planning to implement this system.
Whether they're Japanese or foreigners, I believe there's not much difference when it comes to being colleagues. We eat from the same pot and do good work together. I think what's important is that each of us grows as a person in that environment. I teach them everything from how to arrange their shoes properly. That's because it builds their trust, and that builds trust in the company. If you accept them, I hope you'll nurture them carefully.
Voices from those working on-site
We spoke with three individuals holding Specified Skilled Worker (i)–DUNG, DUY, and HIJONG about their work and life in Japan, as well as their future goals.
DUNG
I persevered through days when I felt like I could do nothing, and now I enjoy driving my car on my days off!
When he first came to Japan, he said, "I couldn't do anything because I didn't understand the language." So, he spent his days writing down and memorizing words he didn't understand. Thanks to that effort, he has now grown to the point where he has earned the trust of his company. In his private life, he has bought a car and on his days off he drives his beloved car to Kyoto and Kobe. When asked about his recommended tourist spots, he told us, "The Anabuki River in Tokushima Prefecture is beautiful in the summer!"
DUY
When I felt discouraged, it was my colleagues and seniors who supported me.
Before coming to Japan, DUY researched the country online. "I was excited to learn that Japan has beautiful scenery and a high standard of living." However, once she started working, it took her some time to get used to the job, and there were times when she thought about returning home. "At those times, my colleagues and seniors were so kind to me. They made me laugh and treated me to meals and juice. I'm truly grateful!"
HIJONG
I refresh myself on my days off by going on motorcycle tours with my friends!
The biggest difference between Japan and Vietnam that surprised him was the climate. "The winters are extremely cold." Conversely, when asked about the appeal of Japan, he said, "The air in Vietnam is polluted with exhaust fumes. But the air in Japan is very clean." His hobby is touring with friends. On his days off, he visits tourist spots all over Shikoku. "Right now, I'm working hard to get my large motorcycle license!"




