Vietnamese people researching how to work in Japan often confuse two programmes: Tokutei Ginou (特定技能) and the Technical Intern Training Programme (技能実習 — Ginou Jisshuu). They are very different — and this choice can shape three to five years of your life.
Quick comparison
- Japanese name: 特定技能 (Tokutei) vs 技能実習 (Ginou Jisshuu)
- Official purpose: Filling labour shortages vs vocational training and technology transfer
- Maximum duration: 5 years (Tokutei 1) / unlimited (Tokutei 2) vs 5 years
- Changing employer: ✅ Free to move within the industry vs ❌ Virtually impossible
- Bringing family: ✅ Tokutei 2 vs ❌ Not permitted
- Pay: Equal to Japanese nationals vs usually significantly lower
- Japanese requirement: N4 or JFT-Basic vs none (in theory)
Tokutei Ginou — advantages and drawbacks
Advantages
- Pay equal to a Japanese national in the same role — far more transparent
- You may change employer within the same industry if you are unhappy
- You are not "locked in" to one company if conditions are poor
- Tokutei 2 is a route to long-term permanent residence
- No illegal brokerage fees (the law prohibits them)
Drawbacks
- You must pass two exams (industry skills and Japanese) — six to twelve months of preparation
- Test places in Vietnam are still limited in some industries
The Technical Intern Programme — the reality behind the advertising
Existing problems
The Japanese government has acknowledged numerous problems with the Ginou Jisshuu programme:
- Pay below the minimum wage at some non-compliant companies
- No right to change employer even when badly treated — you depend entirely on your employer
- High brokerage fees in Vietnam (20–80 million VND) — many families take on debt to pay them
- The highest rate of absconding among all sending countries
Why do people still choose Ginou Jisshuu?
- There is no Japanese exam to pass before departure
- Some good companies do pay fairly and provide proper support
- After three years on the programme, you can transfer directly to Tokutei Ginou without sitting the exams
Japan is changing the system entirely
In June 2023 the Japanese government approved a plan to abolish the Technical Intern Training Programme altogether and replace it with the "Employment for Skill Development" system (育成就労), which grants considerably more freedom — in substance, much closer to Tokutei Ginou. It is expected to take effect from 2027.
Nexora's recommendation: If you have six to twelve months to prepare, Tokutei Ginou is clearly the better option. You will have stronger rights, higher pay, and you will not be tied to a single employer. Contact Nexora for advice on the route that fits your circumstances.