- IIHS and Akutagawa HRM launched the Japanese Care Professional Program to train Sri Lankan youth for healthcare careers in Japan
- The program combines healthcare education, Japanese language training, and cultural preparation under Japan’s SSW visa pathway
- Japan’s growing caregiver shortage is creating high-demand opportunities with attractive salaries and long-term career growth prospects
The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), working with Akutagawa HRM Company, has introduced the Japanese Care Professional Program, a new education and career opportunity designed to help Sri Lankan youth build long-term futures in Japan’s healthcare sector. The initiative comes at a time when Japan is facing a rapidly ageing population and a shortage of more than 430,000 caregivers, creating strong demand for trained international talent in hospitals, elder care centers, and other medical support services.
What makes this program especially attractive is that it goes beyond ordinary job placement. It is built around Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa pathway, which values practical skills, Japanese language ability, and workplace readiness. Over a four-year period, students and trainees will receive a mix of healthcare education, Japanese language training, and cultural preparation so they can adapt smoothly to life and work in Japan. The program is designed to open doors not only to caregiving roles, but also to higher-skilled nursing and healthcare positions for those who continue to grow professionally.
Also Read: Hanam City Rolls Out 58 Youth Policies, Eyes 'City Where Youth Grow'
For many families, the financial outlook is also compelling. Starting salaries are estimated at around LKR 450,000 per month, with annual earnings potentially rising above LKR 5.4 million within five years. That kind of earning potential could allow participants to recover their initial investment within just a few months of employment. To make the pathway more accessible, financing support is available through institutions such as the National Savings Bank (NSB), while accommodation, travel arrangements, and long-term visa guidance are also part of the package.
IIHS CEO Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe described the initiative as a move toward skills-based global mobility, while Akutagawa HRM President Yuna Akutagawa emphasized the importance of international collaboration in meeting Japan’s growing workforce needs.
