FOREIGN NATIONALS | METI Government of JAPAN Japan Internship Program

Internship Prosess

Important Points to Note

Eligibility	Highly skilled foreign professionals who hold citizenship of a country listed on the OECD/DAC list (excluding the People's Republic of China), possess advanced knowledge and skills, and meet the program's eligibility criteria. ▶ Check the list of eligible countries
Number of Recruits	As a general guideline, about 1 person per company (maximum 80 companies).
Application Deadline	June 30th, 2026 (Tuesday)
Internship Placement	Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have their main offices in Japan. For the Online Course, interns will use their residence or workplace as their workspace, performing the internship under the host company's guidance and management. *Host companies will be determined through a matching process by the Office.
Internship Period	[Online Course] 1. August 24 – September 18, 2026 (up to 20 days and approximately 80 hours total; 2–8 hours per day) *The final presentation session is scheduled for September 18. [In-person Course] 1. Arrival: October 7, 2026 / Departure: November 26, 2026 (up to 30 business days; approximately 7–8 hours per day) 2. Arrival: November 4, 2026 / Departure: December 18, 2026 (up to 30 business days; approximately 7–8 hours per day)
Desired Candidate Profile	Candidates who have obtained a degree (or an equivalent qualification) from a university or graduate school in Japan or overseas, and who aspire to engage in roles such as engineers, researchers, interpreters, sales professionals responsible for overseas expansion, or legal and accounting professionals at Japanese companies
Eligibility and Participation Criteria	Applicants must meet all of the following requirements: 1. Endorse the purpose of this project and be willing to contribute to the internationalization of Japanese companies, the expansion of overseas business, and the establishment of networks with overseas universities through the internship 2. Hold citizenship of a country listed in the OECD/DAC (excluding the People's Republic of China). Applicants residing in a country different from their nationality (including developed countries) are eligible. However, applicants currently residing in Japan are NOT eligible 3. Agree to adhere to the "Intern's Main Responsibilities" and act conscientiously as a participant in a program using public funds from the Japanese government 4. Have sufficient proficiency in Japanese (at least JLPT N3 / CEFR B1 level) or English 5. As a general rule, be between 18 and 39 years of age as of August 24, 2026 6. Be a current student in their final year or a graduate of a university (undergraduate or graduate school) 7. For current students, be able to submit a certificate of enrollment and a recommendation letter from the university or a faculty member; for graduates, a certificate of graduation and a recommendation letter from a faculty member or affiliated institution (after passing document review) 8. Be able to submit various certificates and proofs of qualifications (language test scores, qualification certificates, etc., after passing document screening) 9. Be able to devote themselves entirely to all training programs and internship activities, and participate reliably on specified activity days based on the action plan agreed upon with the host company. Additionally, for those participating in the in-person course, they must be able to arrive in Japan following the travel schedule arranged by the Office 10. Have not secured employment yet and have a desire to work in Japan (if already employed, they may apply if they have a strong desire to change jobs to Japan). 11. Have not participated in this project from FY2016 to FY2025
Support and Benefits	■Support Common to Both Courses ・Provision of various training programs for interns (cross-cultural understanding training, crisis management training, mid-term follow-up training, Japanese language training for prospective interns, etc.) ・Insurance coverage for the internship (performance bond insurance, liability insurance, and fidelity insurance) ■Support for the Online Course ・Allowance: An amount equivalent to JPY 1,000 per day of activities, disbursed in local currency post completion of the online engagement ・Provision of necessary equipment such as PCs, dedicated email addresses, Wi-Fi, and paid file-sharing systems for conducting activities ■Support for the In-person Course (First and Second Terms) 【JIP Office Support】・Allowance: JPY 3,000 per day of internship stay, disbursed in multiple installments ・Provision of Japanese language training spanning three months before and after the stay (First Term:September–November; Second Term: October–December) ・Payment for transportation between the airport, host company, and training facilities; accommodation provided during training sessions ・Provision of a mobile phone for emergency contact with the office and host company ・Round-trip economy airfare, insurance for travel to Japan, and support for visa acquisition ・Provision of pre-departure career training 【Host Company Support】・Accommodation during the internship at the host company, including the arrangement and payment for furniture, appliances, bedding, tableware, and utilities (Wi-Fi, electricity, water, gas) ・Coverage of commuting costs or arrangement for safe transportation between lodgings and the workplace (host company office, etc.) ・Provision of the necessary work environment, including a computer and desk for internship activities
Expectations and Responsibilities	・Work with the responsible person at the host company to develop and agree on an internship plan, including roles, responsibilities, and goals ・Submit a daily report via the system managed by the Office every day throughout the internship period ・Participate in all training sessions and the final presentation, and promptly submit the questionnaire afterward ・Ensure personal safety and health management, including communication, reporting, and consultation with the Office and host company ・Submit all required applications, reports, recommendation letters, and other documents by the deadlines specified by the Office ・After the internship, respond to the post-internship and employment questionnaires by the prescribed deadlines, and cooperate in additional surveys and case study interviews

※This internship program offers work experience opportunities with a Japanese company for a specific duration and does not constitute employment.

１. Recruitment / Information sessions1	Recruitment / Information sessions ●Interns who are nationals of the OECD/DAC listed countries (excluding the People's Republic of China) will be recruited. ●Please note that it is not necessary to attend the information session to apply.
２. Application2	Application ●The Japan Office conducts the document screening to select candidates. ●Applicants who pass the document screening proceed to the first interview (in Japanese or English). ●Before the interview, applicants will be asked to submit individual documents such as certificates (such as Certificate of Enrollment and language proficiency scores) and recommendation letters. ●The Japan Office matches the applicants’ experience and preferences with the companies' profiles and activity plans, prioritizing combinations expected to achieve the program's objectives. ●Selected applicants have a second interview with the companies, which then make the final decision on their intern candidates. ●The matching results are communicated to both the companies and the applicants; the match is finalized upon mutual agreement.
３. Selection / Matching3	Selection / Matchinge ●When selecting candidates, the JIP Office will screen documents and conduct a first interview (in Japanese or English). ●During the interview, you will be asked to submit documents such as certificates (certificate of enrollment, language proficiency scores, etc.) and letters of recommendation. ●The JIP Office will match the experience and preferences of the intern applicant with the company's registration details and activity plans, and will prioritize the combination that is expected to achieve the goals of this project. ●Selected intern applicants will have an interview with the company (second interview), and the company will ultimately select the intern candidate. (As the interview is optional, it may not be held.) ●The company and intern applicant will be notified of the results of the matching, and the matching will be completed with the consent of both parties.
4. Notification of results/Conclusion of a contract4	Notification of results/conclusion ●After final confirmation by the Office, an acceptance notice is sent to both the intern and the host company. ●Participants are required to submit a pledge before starting the internship.
5. Conclusion of a contract5	Conclusion of a contract ●Regarding the acceptance of interns and the implementation of the internship, a contract that specifies the rules and obligations regarding acceptance will be concluded between the JIP Office, the company, and the intern. (In the case of the Online Course, a contract will be concluded between the company and the JIP Office, and between the intern and the JIP Office.) ●Under any circumstances, the intern cannot withdraw from the match after it has been made.

1. Submission of internship plan1	Submission of internship plan ●The host company will contact the intern and discuss the internship's mission, goals, plans, etc. Based on the decisions made, the company will submit an "Internship Plan" to the JIP Office. ●The JIP Office will arrange for the intern's insurance during the period of the internship.
2. Preparation before starting the internship2	Preparation before starting the internship 【In-person Course (First and Second Terms)】 1. Arranged by the Office 　・Round-trip airfare to Japan (economy class) 　・Travel insurance for the visit to Japan and internship insurance 　・Provision of a mobile phone for safety and necessary communication 2. Visa ・Following instructions from the Office, you will complete the visa application yourself. The Office covers the associated costs. 3. Arranged by the Host Company 　・Accommodation 　・Transportation arrangements from the training venue to the company 　・Preparation of living environment 【Online Course】・The Office provides the computer, internet, and communication tools needed for your activities. ＜What to Do Before the Internship Begins＞ ■Build a strong working relationship with your host company through online meetings, emails, and similar channels — ask about your upcoming activities/role at the company, share your preparation progress, and confirm expectations. ■If you have any questions or uncertainties, reach out to the company directly. If you can't get in touch, please contact the Office.
3.Pre-Program Orientation Participation and Training Attendance3	Pre-Program Orientation Participation and Training Attendance ●During the guidance session, we will explain the rules for the internship and the system for daily reports, etc. ●A seminar will be held to provide insights into cross-cultural understanding and offer guidance on navigating the internship, including tips and precautions. * The timing and contents of the internship may vary depending on the internship type.
4. Kick-off training (In-person course only) 4	Kick-off training (In-person course only) ●On the first day in Japan, you will participate in a lifestyle orientation and cross-cultural understanding training. This session will cover everyday rules and manners in Japan, the characteristics of Japanese business culture, and business etiquette. ● On the second day, a joint training session with the company will be held, where you will meet in person with the company and engage in both communication and team building for mutual understanding.

1. Interinship1	Interinship ●On your first day of activities, an orientation will be conducted with the host company, where you can confirm workplace rules, communication methods, and other important points for your activities. ●You and your host company must hold meetings at least twice a week and maintain daily communication. ●Please submit a daily report to the Office; the host company will also review it. ●The host company will bear the commuting costs between your accommodation and the workplace during the internship period. [In-person Course (first and second term)] ・If the intern travels more than 100 km, they must submit a long-distance travel application form to the JIP Office at least 5 business days in advance so that the intern's location can be confirmed at all times. [Online Course] ・If the intern will be visiting the host company's branch office or conducting on-site research outside the designated activity location, they must report to the JIP Office in advance and request their decision regarding the feasibility of carrying out the activities.
2. Mid-term follow-up training and mid-term interview2	Mid-term follow-up training and mid-term interview ●Midway through the internship, a midterm follow-up training session will be conducted for both company representatives and interns. It will be held in person in Tokyo and Osaka or online. The training includes discussions on challenges and best practices in hosting, as well as networking events for interns and company representatives. ●In the middle of the program, the JIP Office will visit the company for the In-person Course, and online interviews will be held between the JIP Office, the company representatives, and the interns for the Online Course.
3. Wrap up presentation3	Wrap up presentation ●A presentation of results is held online at the end of the internship. The company manager/supervisor and intern will deliver presentations on the internship outcomes and the achievement of the company’s mission. *Participation is mandatory for every training session and the wrap-up presentation. The JIP Office will inform participants of the schedule as soon as it is confirmed, so they should plan accordingly to ensure attendance.
4. Career training4	Career training ●Once all activities are completed and the online wrap up presentation is held, career training will be conducted at the training facility. ●The interns on the In-person Course are scheduled to return to their home countries the day following the career training.
5. Conclusion of the internship5	Selection process ●Interns must submit all surveys, expense reports, and related documents to the Office by the specified deadlines. ●An online Japanese-language training program is planned for interns who have received a job offer.

Schedule

For each course, there are three stages of selection:
　1. Document screening
　2. Interview with the Office (First Interview)
　3. Interview with the company (Second Interview)

We will email you the final selection result (pass or fail) for each course.
If you do not receive an email by the time indicated below, it means you did not pass.
If you have applied to multiple courses, please wait for the result emails from each course.
Many people apply each year.
Therefore, we cannot respond to inquiries about the results during the selection process.
Thank you for your understanding.

Expected timing of final results:
[Online Course] Around the end of July
[In-person Course (First Term)] Around mid-August
[In-person Course (Second Term)] Around early September

If you do not pass 1. (document screening) or 2. (interview with the Office), we will not send an email at that point.
After all stages of selection are completed for each course, we will email you the final result.

FAQ

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Entry for Foreign Talent

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ENTRY FOR FOREIGN TALENT

You can apply after reviewing the Application Overview in full.

Before submitting your application, please review and agree to the following:

1. Submitting an application does not guarantee a match with a host company.
2. We are unable to provide responses to inquiries regarding the selection process, reasons for acceptance or rejection, etc.
3. Even after approval by the screening committee and successful matching, there is a possibility of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters).
4. Once a match is confirmed, it cannot be declined.
5. Once the internship has begun, interruptions are not permitted due to reasons from either the company or the intern. A completion certificate will not be issued if the internship is not completed.
6. As this is a government-funded internship program, internship outcomes may be published on the website, including the name of the company or institution, a summary of the internship, and information on the interview.

METI Government of JAPAN Japan Internship Program

METI Government of JAPAN, Japan Internship Program
3-6-5 Iidabashi , Chiyoda ku, Tokyo 102 8111 Japan（in Pasona Inc.）