NHK Documentary

Death of a Dream: Vietnamese Workers in Japan

The Japanese government's Technical Intern Training Program, a solution to the country's severe labor shortage, is making it easier for people from other Asian countries to work in Japan. Some 1.46 million people from abroad are now working in Japan, many dreaming of a better life. But harsh working conditions, long hours, and even wage theft lead many to quit their jobs or even commit suicide. And they are often exploited by schools that charge high tuition but fail to provide an education. We explore the reasons behind this harsh trend and meet the Vietnamese monk who's trying to reverse it.