Free Support for Foreign Employment in Sapporo and Hokkaido This Summer — Labour-Management Training and Expert Consultations

A run of free support for companies employing foreign nationals, and for foreign residents themselves, is under way across Hokkaido this summer. Here we introduce a training course from the Hokkaido Labour Bureau and expert consultation sessions run by the Sapporo International Plaza and others (previously reported).

• Labour-Management Training Course for Employers of Foreign Workers (Hokkaido Labour Bureau, held July–September 2026, Reiwa 8): a free course for businesses that employ, or are considering employing, foreign nationals. "The course covers the rules around employing foreign nationals and, drawing on workplace case studies, how to communicate with foreign workers." Each session is capped at 40 places (first come, first served), with applications accepted by QR code or online.
• Free Expert Consultation Session for Foreign Nationals (held 8 August 2026, applications open from 7 July, co-hosted by the Sapporo International Plaza, Sapporo City and others): 30-minute free consultations with lawyers, administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) and tax accountants, available both in person and via Zoom. "Consultations are available in Japanese, English and Chinese. Other languages can be accommodated using telephone interpretation."

Both require advance registration, so companies and foreign residents considering taking part should apply early.

For advice on hiring and managing foreign employees, please see our recruitment support services.

Source: Hokkaido Labour Bureau, "Guide to the Labour-Management Training Course for Employers of Foreign Workers (July–September 2026, Reiwa 8)" / Sapporo Foreign Residents' Advisory Centre, "Get in Touch" / Sapporo City, "Sapporo Foreign Residents' Advisory Centre"