Improperly run Japanese language schools may lose license under new rules

The government will introduce new rules on running Japanese language schools to eliminate poorly managed ones and keep the educational quality at an adequate level, sources said Wednesday. The Justice Ministry will revise the relevant ordinance soon, more clearly stating disqualifying conditions and making its screening more stringent, the sources said. There were 549 approved Japanese language schools in fiscal 2015, which ended in March. Due to Japan's declining population, the government aims to promote the establishment of Japanese language schools to attract more highly skilled foreign workers, but inappropriate operations at some schools have surfaced recently. A man running a Japanese language school in Fukuoka Prefecture was convicted in May of finding part-time jobs for students who worked more hours than allowed by law so they could earn money for school fees.