Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Internship Program offered by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This initiative is designed to give individuals from developing nations the unique chance to gain practical experience in Japanese enterprises. Through this program, participants will explore international business practices, acquire specialized knowledge, and develop the competencies necessary to become future leaders who can work effectively in Japan, their home countries, and globally.

The internship is intended to enhance the working environment for skilled foreign professionals within small and mid-sized Japanese firms. By hosting interns, these companies can improve their capacity for global engagement and business expansion while also supporting professional development for interns interested in working with Japanese companies. Participants will not only gain firsthand experience with Japanese corporate culture and operations but will also receive language support and post-internship career assistance aimed at facilitating long-term employment and integration into the Japanese workforce.

Eligible applicants must come from countries included in the OECD/DAC list, excluding China. Those residing outside their country of citizenship, including in developed nations, may still apply. However, individuals currently living in Japan are not eligible. Applicants should have proficiency in Japanese (N3 level or higher) or English and must fall within the age range of 18 to 40 as of late August 2025. The program is open to those who are either enrolled in or have completed higher education, such as junior colleges or technical institutes. Documents verifying education status and letters of recommendation are required from applicants. Participants should also be able to provide valid certificates demonstrating their language skills, including IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, CEFR, or JLPT results. Only those who can fully commit to the scheduled internship period and have not previously taken part in this initiative between 2016 and 2024 will be considered.

Internship placements will be arranged in small and medium enterprises headquartered in Japan. These placements may either be remote—with interns working from their home countries—or in-person in Japan, depending on the format selected by the secretariat. In-person internships will involve placements with selected companies and require travel to Japan, while remote participants will carry out their work under the guidance of host companies via virtual platforms.

Those selected will benefit from comprehensive support throughout the program. Training will be offered in multiple areas such as cultural awareness, safety, business language skills, and career development. Interns participating remotely will receive the necessary tools and internet access, along with a daily stipend of 1,000 yen paid in local currency. Participants traveling to Japan will be provided with transportation to training venues, accommodation, a mobile phone, and round-trip airfare. They will also receive daily allowances of 3,000 yen, travel insurance, and assistance in obtaining their visa. Host companies will support interns by providing accommodation and arranging transport between the lodging and the workplace.

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