My dream is to create a system that allows Vietnamese and Japanese artisans to travel freely between the two countries.
TK KENSOU Co., Ltd. in Chiba Prefecture began accepting Vietnamese workers in 2014 and currently employs many Vietnamese nationals. This time, we introduce the voices of the company's representative, Mr. Takahashi, and two Vietnamese employees. (Interview conducted on April 10, 2024)
Company Profile
| Location: | NA Building 101, 2-44-15 Kitahonmachi, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture |
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| Business details: | Metalwork (light steel frame) construction / Interior finishing work such as boarding, wallpapering, flooring, and painting, etc. |
| Number of employees: | 20 people |
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Acceptance status
Specified Skills: 3 people Technical Intern Training: 6 people (All Vietnamese) |
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| Website: | https://tk-kensou.co.jp |
| Initial setup: | Accommodation provided: Dormitory, air conditioning, household appliances (rice cooker, washing machine, microwave), bedding, Wi-Fi access, Japanese language study sessions taught by Vietnamese instructors. |
Salary Image
- Specified Skills(Monthly basic salary)
Approximately 326,000 yen and up
* Salary increases based on skill level and proficiency. - Technical Intern Training(Monthly basic salary)
Approximately 220,000 yen and up
Interview Host Companies
Representative Director
Masahiro Takahashi
What were the reasons for deciding to accept them?
Ten years ago, my father was the chairman and I worked as the master craftsman, but fewer young people are aspiring to become craftsmen, and even when we advertise for workers, we don't get many.
There was no response from the locals. That's when we started a trial program to accept foreigners. I was in a supervisory position for the foreigners, and since we started without knowing the language or culture, I spent more time with them than my own family for the first year, supporting their daily lives.
What were the benefits of accepting it?
To me, Vietnam 10 years ago resembled Japan in the early Showa era. People there were serious and hardworking, striving to improve their lives. There's a term, "human resources," and these motivated individuals, who sweat and toil for their livelihoods, are truly our company's greatest asset. It's a joy to work alongside them.
What measures or precautions do you take after accepting them?
Ten years ago, when I took them shopping, they were often looked at suspiciously, probably because Vietnamese people were a rare sight. So, I made a point of always taking them with me, and taking them out for dinner in the evenings. I also went to my favorite izakaya (Japanese pub) and introduced them to my drinking buddies so they could become friends with me and understand that they belonged there.
Please send a message to companies planning to implement this system.
I hope you will protect these young people who have come to Japan. If you support them properly, they will undoubtedly become valuable assets to your company. However, education is crucial. It's difficult even with your own children, so it's natural to be worried when it comes to foreigners. You'll just have to proceed through trial and error. What's important is not only teaching them the job, but also focusing on their personal growth. I hope you will help them develop lifelong human skills such as greetings and manners.
Voices from those working on-site
We spoke with HIEP and ANH, both from Vietnam and working in Japan as Specified Skilled Worker (i), about their work and life in Japan, as well as their future goals.
ヒエップ
Every day is fresh and fun as I go to different job sites!
HIEP says her initial interest in Japan was sparked by anime, stating, "One Piece is my favorite, and watching it made me want to visit Japan." Despite being busy with work and studying Japanese, she finds the daily trips to various work sites refreshing and enjoyable. She also has a driver's license and is responsible for transporting people to and from work sites. Her hobby is walking, and she also enjoys sightseeing, saying, "Tokyo Tower was beautiful!"
アイン
Even difficult problems are quickly solved by reliable senior colleagues.
"All the employees are so kind, I'm really glad I get to work at this company," ANH with a smile. "Even when difficult problems arise, I can just call my seniors and they'll solve them right away," she added, showing her trust in her superiors. She currently lives alone in an apartment, and plans to start living with her Vietnamese wife sometime this year. She also had a wedding ceremony in Japan, and President Takahashi congratulated them.




