Deep Dive
What is the Japanese government's 'Technical Intern Training Program' and how is it perceived in Japan?
The 'Technical Intern Training Program' is a system designed by the Japanese government to allow individuals from less developed countries to intern in Japanese companies and later contribute to their home countries' industries. However, it is often referred to as a modern form of slavery in Japan, as it primarily serves to fill labor shortages in jobs that Japanese citizens are unwilling to do.
Why did the speaker feel deceived by the school's internship program?
The speaker felt deceived because the school presented the internship program as a valuable opportunity, but it turned out to be a way for the school and intermediaries to profit. Students paid high fees and worked as cheap labor in Japan, with their earnings being significantly reduced by various intermediaries.
What were the working conditions like for the speaker in Japan?
The speaker worked long hours in a Japanese hotel, performing tasks like room cleaning and restaurant work. The pay was fixed at 99,430 yen per month, regardless of overtime, and the speaker often worked alongside elderly colleagues. The physical demands of the job eventually led to a serious back injury.
How did the speaker's health issues affect their internship experience?
The speaker developed a severe lumbar disc herniation after nine months of physically demanding work. This health crisis led to feelings of despair and regret, as the speaker realized the toll the internship had taken on their body. Despite this, the school and intermediaries pressured the speaker to complete the remaining three months of the program.
What role did the school play in the internship program?
The school acted as a middleman, partnering with external agencies to send students to Japan as cheap labor. The school profited from the program by taking a significant portion of the fees paid by students. This financial incentive led school officials to pressure students to stay in the program, even when faced with health issues or unfair working conditions.
How did the speaker resolve their issues with the internship program?
The speaker filed a complaint with the Japanese labor authorities, which led to the return of unpaid overtime wages. However, the speaker still faced pressure from the school and intermediaries to withdraw the complaint. Ultimately, the speaker decided to return to China early, forfeiting the program's deposit, and later reported the school's misconduct to the provincial education department.
- 学校推荐赴日技能实习项目，从中收取高额项目费和押金
- 项目实际为廉价劳动力输出，学生需承担高额费用和风险
- 日本技能实习制度存在问题，劳务收入被多方抽成
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