Proficiency in Japanese a plus for Pinoys seeking careers in Japan — minister

The Japanese government is urging Filipinos to study the Japanese language while seeking career opportunities in the Land of the Rising Sun.

"Proficiency in the Japanese language will serve as a great asset for Filipinos seeking various career paths in Japan," Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi said in a news release.

Yokota made the remark following the completion of the Preparatory Japanese Language Training (PJLT) in the Philippines for the 18th batch of Filipino nurse and certified care worker candidates bound for Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

The 18th batch, consisting of 211 candidates (17 nurses and 194 care workers), successfully departed for Japan.

Upon arrival in Japan, PJLT candidates will undergo an additional six months of intensive Japanese language training before beginning their assignments in hospitals and caregiving facilities across the country.

Yokota said the Japanese language would help Filipinos expand their job opportunities.

The Japanese government recognized the importance of Filipino healthcare workers in the medical field, highlighting that the JPEPA contributes to strengthening people-to-people exchange between Japan and the Philippines. — VDV, GMA News