In response to the increasing restrictions on foreigner policies under the Takai administration, Japan's Foreign Ministry has announced plans to deploy Japanese language experts to 'blank areas' in the Global South, which refer to emerging and developing countries where Japanese language education is lacking. This initiative, set to begin in 2026, aims to reinforce the infrastructure for Japanese language education in these regions before the arrival of foreign individuals in Japan. It focuses on training local Japanese language teachers and developing educational curricula to better prepare these potential immigrants for life in Japan.

The program will be managed by the Japan Foundation, an independent administrative institution under the Foreign Ministry, which has previously dispatched experts to Europe, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia in the fields of Japanese language education. These dispatched professionals typically hold advanced degrees (master’s level or above) and substantial experience in Japanese language teaching. The initiative will also involve positions like teaching assistants, and as of January, approximately 120 experts from about 40 countries are engaged in various capacities to enhance Japanese language education initiatives worldwide.

The emphasis on expanding Japanese language education in the Global South aligns with broader government policies that promote cultural exchange while ensuring that Japan remains an attractive destination for skilled foreign workers. By improving Japanese language learning opportunities in developing regions, the government seeks to create a more competent workforce that can more easily integrate into Japanese society, catering to Japan's demographic needs and enhancing its labor market adaptability.