In Japan, where the declining birthrate and aging population continue, labor shortages are accelerating across many industries. As a result, technical intern trainees from Vietnam—where the younger population is large—have increased substantially as future contributors to Japanese industry. Why has the number of Vietnamese technical intern trainees kept rising? We explain in detail below.

Vietnamese Technical Intern Trainees in Japan Are on the Rise

Until around 2019, most foreign nationals working in Japan were Chinese. As of 2022, the share of Vietnamese nationals has surpassed that of Chinese nationals and ranks first. Over roughly ten years leading up to the major impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions on Japan’s Technical Intern Training program, the number of Vietnamese workers increased about tenfold.

In 2020, the number of Vietnamese workers reached 440,000. About half of them were working under the “technical intern trainee” status, followed by work outside their status of residence.

Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Summary of Notifications of the Employment Status of Foreign Nationals” (as of end of October 2020)

Profile view of pretty teenage student sitting at desk and writing essay with enthusiasm, interior of classroom on background

In Vietnam, Japanese-language education is promoted as a national priority, so it may be a natural path for Vietnamese people to choose work in Japan as technical intern trainees. Japan, for its part, faces a shrinking younger population that will support future industry and urgently needs to address talent shortages. Vietnamese technical intern trainees have become indispensable, valuable talent for Japan going forward.

Why Do Vietnamese Technical Intern Trainees Choose Japan?

Why do Vietnamese people choose Japan as a country in which to work? Several reasons follow.

The first reason is the large gap between average starting salaries in Vietnam—around 30,000 yen for new graduates—and average starting salaries in Japan. Working in Japan as a technical intern trainee therefore offers more financial room than working in Vietnam and makes it possible to send remittances home. Another reason is that many Vietnamese people study at schools in Japan and then choose to work in Japan.

The second reason is that Vietnamese people tend to see Japan as a familiar, easy country in which to work. Japan has a long history of continued support for Vietnam through ODA and other assistance. Japan also has a well-established social security system and strong corporate benefits, making it a very workable country for Vietnamese workers. Taking these factors into account, the number of Vietnamese people choosing to work in Japan has continued to grow.

The third reason is that exchange between Vietnam and Japan has long been active, and Vietnam has historically been a Japan-friendly country. As a result, many Vietnamese people feel little resistance to working in Japan. In addition, there are many places to study Japanese in Vietnam, and some public elementary schools have introduced Japanese as a first foreign language, so Japan may feel especially close to Vietnamese people.

What Are the Characteristics of Vietnamese Technical Intern Trainees?

Below are several characteristics often said to be shared by many Vietnamese people that are useful to know when hiring Vietnamese technical intern trainees.

・Dexterous with their hands

Vietnamese people are also known for being highly dexterous, regardless of gender.

Women are often skilled in traditional crafts such as embroidery, while many men are good with machinery and can repair motorbikes and bicycles themselves.

They also tend to acquire skills quickly and handle a wide range of tasks skillfully, regardless of the type of work.

people, needlework, sewing and tailoring concept – tailor woman with thread in needle stitching fabric. Hands sewing with a needle and thread. Fingers pulling thread into the needle

・Strong drive for self-improvement

Vietnamese people are said to adapt well to new environments and to be very diligent. They approach new work seriously, show high adaptability, and demonstrate strong ability when given opportunities.

They are also said to aim for improvement in both work and daily life and not to spare effort. That may stem from strong feelings toward family back home. Vietnamese people place great importance on family, which is also reflected in how many work in Japan as technical intern trainees to support their families.

・Many tend to think in short-term terms

Vietnamese people often seem to think more in short-term than long-term terms. The previous generation lived through the Vietnam War, when survival itself was difficult. As a result, prioritizing survival is seen as most important, and there is a tendency not to plan far into the future.

They also tend to prioritize profit first and are highly sensitive to pay levels, internal systems, and differences from others.

It is important to fully understand that Vietnamese people, who are often strong at logical thinking and uncomfortable with things they cannot accept, tend to view matters from a short-term perspective.

Please also see our article on Vietnamese people, “What Differences Exist in Vietnamese National Character? Explaining Key Factors in Hiring.”

Points to Note When Hiring Vietnamese Technical Intern Trainees

While many Vietnamese people are diligent and serious, they are said to be less strict than Japanese people about deadlines and appointment times.

They also have a strong sense of rights regarding pay and working conditions and constantly aim to advance their careers.

If conditions do not match their preferences, or if they become isolated at work, they tend to choose a job change without much hesitation.

It is important to know these tendencies in advance and, after hiring Vietnamese staff, to use regular one-on-one meetings and similar systems to keep hearing their hopes and concerns.

In addition, English proficiency varies by place of origin within Vietnam. It is also important to note that not everyone necessarily has sufficient English ability.

Considering Specified Skilled Worker Talent? Consult Experienced YourBright

If you are considering hiring Specified Skilled Worker talent, please consult YourBright, which has extensive experience.

This article has covered Vietnamese technical intern trainees. We hope it is useful for those considering hiring technical intern trainees.

YourBright serves as a Registered Support Organization, introducing Specified Skilled Worker talent to many companies and providing post-placement support.

Companies considering employment of Specified Skilled Worker talent are welcome to contact us anytime.

Using an Understanding of Characteristics in Hiring and Retention

It is important not to view national character or traits too rigidly, and instead to confirm each person’s values and views on family. For retention support, Vietnamese talent’s family values and their relationship to work is also a useful reference.