Aichi: A Second Home for Indonesian Workers
Aichi Prefecture, with Nagoya as its capital, is home to one of the largest communities of Indonesian citizens in Japan. This is because Aichi is a hub of the manufacturing industry, with Toyota, Denso, Aisin, and hundreds of other factories. Many Indonesians work here through the Technical Intern Training (技能実習), Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能), or as dispatch workers.
Major Industries in Aichi
| Industry | Major Companies | Area | Job Types for Indonesians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Toyota, Denso, Aisin | Toyota-shi, Kariya, Anjo | Assembly, welding, painting, inspection |
| Electronics | Brother, NGK | Nagoya, Kasugai | Assembly, quality control |
| Food | Various | All of Aichi | Processing, packaging |
| Plastics/Metals | SME factories | Industrial parks | Press, molding, finishing |
Visa Types and Worker Rights
Technical Intern Training (技能実習)
- Duration: 3 years (can be extended for another 2 years)
- Salary: 150,000-180,000 yen/month (before deductions)
- Managed by a sending organization and a receiving organization
- Rights: Minimum wage applies, overtime is paid, mandatory health insurance
- Limitations: Cannot change companies (except under certain conditions), cannot bring family
Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能)
- Duration: 5 years (type 1), can be extended and bring family (type 2)
- Salary: 180,000-250,000 yen/month
- CAN change companies within the same industry
- More freedom compared to ginou jisshu
Dispatch Worker (派遣社員)
- Works through a staffing agency
- Salary: 1,100-1,500 yen/hour
- Overtime is possible (125% rate)
- Contracts are typically 3-6 months and can be renewed
Worker Rights You MUST Know
- Aichi minimum wage 2026: Around 1,077 yen/hour
- Overtime: Must be paid at 125% (regular), 135% (holidays), 150% (late night)
- Annual paid leave: 10 days after 6 months of work, increases every year
- Health and pension insurance: MUST be provided by the company
- Work safety: The company must provide safety training, PPE, and accident insurance
If your rights are violated: Contact the consultation hotline for foreign workers: 0120-928-896 (free, Indonesian language support available on specific days). Or contact the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo / Consulate General in Osaka.
Cost of Living in Aichi
| Expense | Estimate/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (factory dormitory) | 20,000-40,000 yen | Often provided by the company |
| Rent (private 1K apartment) | 35,000-55,000 yen | Much cheaper than Tokyo |
| Food | 25,000-40,000 yen | Cooking for yourself is very economical |
| Transportation | 5,000-15,000 yen | Many factories provide a shuttle bus |
| Mobile phone | 1,000-3,000 yen | MVNO |
Total: 60,000-130,000 yen/month. With a salary of 180,000+, you can save and send money to Indonesia.
Daily Life in Nagoya
Transportation
- Nagoya Metro - 6 lines, sufficient for getting around the city
- Meitetsu - The main private railway, connecting to Chubu Airport and the suburbs
- Bicycle - Very popular for short-distance commutes
- Car - For factory areas in the suburbs, a car is very useful. Many Indonesians buy used cars (kei-car starting from 200,000 yen)
Indonesian Community
- Nagoya Masjid (Naka-ku) - The Indonesian Muslim community is very active
- Facebook Group: "Komunitas Indonesia Nagoya/Aichi"
- Event: The Indonesian Festival Nagoya is held every year
- Indonesian Stores: There are several Indonesian grocery stores in the Nagoya and Toyota-shi areas
Tips for Factory Workers
- Follow safety rules - Japan is very strict about safety. Always wear full PPE.
- Don't hesitate to ask - It's better to ask 10 times than to make one mistake.
- Learn factory terms in Japanese: 品質 (hinshitsu/quality), 安全 (anzen/safety), 不良品 (furyouhin/defect), 残業 (zangyou/overtime).
- Maintain a good relationship with seniors - Senpai in the factory are very influential.
- Keep a record of your own work hours - Make sure your overtime is paid correctly.
- Take advantage of training - Many factories offer useful additional skills training.
Saving and Sending Money
- With a salary of 180,000 and expenses of 80,000-100,000, you can save 80,000-100,000/month
- Send via SBI Remit or Wise (cheaper than remittance at a convenience store)
- Some companies facilitate money transfers through payroll
Aichi offers stable job opportunities with an affordable cost of living. The large Indonesian community also makes the transition easier. With hard work and discipline, many Indonesians have successfully built good careers and lives here.