When exploring opportunities to study or work in Japan, many Vietnamese people are interested in nursing and elderly care. As Japan’s ageing population continues to create a need for care workers, the sector offers various opportunities for people who want to gain practical experience and develop a long-term career in care-related work.
However, it is important to understand that nursing (看護師 – kangoshi) and elderly care (介護 – kaigo) are two different fields in Japan. They have different job responsibilities, professional requirements and residence status conditions.
1. Japan Has a Strong Need for Elderly Care Workers
Japan has an ageing population, and more elderly people require assistance with their daily lives. As a result, securing sufficient personnel for care facilities and related services has become increasingly important.
Care workers support elderly people and others who need assistance with everyday activities such as eating, bathing, using the toilet, getting dressed and moving around.
Japan also accepts foreign workers in the care sector through several different programmes and residence status routes.
2. The Sector Offers Opportunities for Career Development
One reason people are interested in elderly care is the possibility of gaining experience in Japan and developing their careers over time.
While working, individuals can improve their Japanese language skills and develop their knowledge and practical abilities in elderly care. This can help them consider different career options based on their own goals.
The care sector also has different levels of professional development depending on experience, qualifications and specialist knowledge. This means that people can continue developing their professional skills rather than viewing the job simply as short-term employment.
3. A Possible Choice for Those Who Want a Career in Care
Working in elderly care requires patience, responsibility and the ability to communicate with the people receiving care.
Care work is not simply about helping someone with daily activities. Care workers need to observe the condition of each individual, provide appropriate support and work together with other staff members.
People who have studied nursing, healthcare or related fields in Vietnam may therefore consider learning more about elderly care and exploring this as a possible career direction.
However, a nursing qualification or degree obtained in Vietnam does not automatically allow someone to work as a licensed nurse in Japan.
4. Japanese Language Skills Are Essential in Care Work
Japanese communication skills play an important role in elderly care.
Care workers communicate with elderly people, understand their needs and circumstances, share information with colleagues and, where required, complete work-related records.
For this reason, studying Japanese is important not only for meeting the requirements for working in Japan but also for carrying out everyday duties effectively.
For those who hope to work in Japan for the long term, improving Japanese through daily life and work can also support further professional training and career development.
5. There Are Several Routes into the Care Sector in Japan
Japan has several systems for accepting foreign workers in the care sector. The requirements vary depending on an individual's educational background, experience, Japanese language ability, qualifications and intended residence status.
Some of the main routes include:
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Technical Intern Training in the care sector.
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Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能1号) in the care sector.
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The “Nursing Care” (介護) status of residence for people who meet the relevant professional requirements.
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Other foreign worker acceptance programmes depending on the applicant and applicable conditions.
Each route has its own requirements regarding Japanese language ability, skills, examinations, documents and residence status.
Therefore, studying nursing or care in Vietnam does not automatically mean that someone can work in Japan. It is important to check which programme and requirements apply to each individual situation.
6. Nursing and Elderly Care Are Not the Same Profession
This distinction is particularly important when considering a career in Japan.
| Category | Nursing | Elderly Care |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese term | 看護師 (Kangoshi) | 介護 (Kaigo) |
| Main duties | Professional nursing-related care | Daily living support and assistance |
| Professional requirements | Based on Japan's nursing licence system | Varies according to the relevant care system and qualifications |
| Typical workplaces | Hospitals and medical institutions | Care facilities, nursing homes and care service providers |
| Career development | Opportunities to develop specialist nursing skills | Opportunities to gain experience and qualifications, including the 介護福祉士 qualification |
Nursing is a regulated profession connected to Japan's national examination and nursing licence system. Elderly care, meanwhile, focuses on supporting elderly people and others who require assistance with daily life.
For this reason, anyone considering working in Japan should first clarify whether they want to pursue nursing as a licensed profession or elderly care as a care-related occupation.
7. Who May Be Interested in Elderly Care?
Elderly care may be worth considering for people who:
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Are interested in supporting elderly people in their daily lives.
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Have studied or are currently studying nursing or a related field in Vietnam.
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Have previous experience in care or welfare-related work.
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Want to improve their Japanese while developing professional skills.
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Are considering building a long-term career in Japan.
However, the most suitable route depends on each individual's age, educational background, qualifications, work experience and Japanese language ability.
8. What Should You Prepare Before Going to Japan?
If you are considering a career in elderly care, it is useful to prepare not only your Japanese but also basic knowledge related to the work.
Japanese language:
Basic communication skills are important when communicating with elderly people and colleagues.
Basic care knowledge:
Understanding fundamental support such as eating, bathing, using the toilet, getting dressed and moving can be useful when preparing for work in a care environment.
Physical ability and understanding of the work:
Care work may involve helping people with limited mobility and spending considerable time standing or moving around. Understanding the physical aspects of the job beforehand is therefore important.
Understand the actual job:
Before making a decision, check the duties, working hours, workplace environment and requirements of the specific position to determine whether it is suitable for you.
9. Why Are Many People Interested in Elderly Care in Japan?
Interest in elderly care is influenced by several factors, including Japan's demand for care workers, the various systems available for accepting foreign workers and the possibility of developing professional skills through experience and qualifications.
The regular use of Japanese in care work can also appeal to people who want to improve their language skills while living and working in Japan and gradually build their professional knowledge.
At the same time, elderly care is a profession that directly supports people's daily lives. It requires responsibility, patience and respect for each person receiving care.
Understanding the actual nature of the work and considering whether it matches your abilities and career goals are therefore important steps before choosing this field.
Make an Informed Career Choice
If you are considering working in nursing or elderly care in Japan, the first step is to understand whether your goal is to become a nurse (看護師) or to work in elderly care (介護).
Although both fields involve supporting people, they have different responsibilities, professional qualifications, systems and residence status requirements.
If you have studied nursing in Vietnam, you can also read our article “Can You Work in Japan After Studying Nursing in Vietnam?” to learn more about the possible pathways and the differences between nursing and elderly care.
Tohoku Song Da provides information about studying and working in Japan, as well as programmes and systems for foreign workers. Our aim is to help prospective students and workers understand their options and prepare more carefully before choosing their future path.
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