Watami’s Ambitious Training Initiative in Bangladesh: A Game Changer for Labor Mobility
In an exciting development for labor mobility, Japanese restaurant group Watami has unveiled plans to establish a training center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This initiative, reported by Nikkei Asia, aims to bridge skills gaps and facilitate the movement of skilled workers from Bangladesh to Japan, particularly in the thriving food service sector.
A Comprehensive Training Program
Set to open in October 2025, the Japan Training Center will operate in collaboration with a Bangladeshi government agency. Initially, 1,500 individuals will participate in a two-month training program focused on essential skills such as farming, customer service, factory operations, and food service techniques. The ultimate goal? To prepare 3,000 skilled workers annually for opportunities in Japan through specialized worker visas.
Language and Cultural Integration
Watami plans to leverage resources from a Japanese language school run by a subsidiary to enhance the training experience. This will not only aid in language acquisition but also help trainees adapt to the cultural nuances of the Japanese workplace—an essential component for success in overseas employment.
A Response to Labor Needs
The initiative comes on the heels of Japan’s recent visa expansion, which now covers 11 industries, including food service. This reform allows foreign workers to take on more complex roles, encompassing aspects like store management and operations. Watami’s chairman, Miki Watanabe, emphasizes the importance of securing human resources as a key challenge for growth in the restaurant sector, stating that developing talent in-house will provide a significant competitive advantage.
Expanding Horizons for Workers
Established in 2020, Watami Agent, the human resources development arm of Watami, has already welcomed 900 foreign workers as of March 2025. This includes both technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers, with 400 being placed across 107 companies. Such initiatives are part of Japan’s broader strategy to recruit up to 100,000 workers from Bangladesh by 2030, aiming to alleviate its pressing labor shortages.
Government Support and Future Outlook
Bangladesh’s commitment to facilitating overseas employment was echoed by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus during a recent seminar on human resources. The interim government’s proactive approach aims to create more opportunities for its citizens in international markets, particularly in Japan, where the demand for skilled labor continues to rise.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright
Watami’s training center represents not just an opportunity for Bangladeshi workers but also a thoughtful response to Japan’s labor market needs. By investing in talent development, Watami is setting the stage for mutual benefit, strengthening ties between the two nations and paving the way for a new era of skilled labor mobility.
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