Japan is expanding acceptance of foreign care workers as its population ages. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 workers in Japanese care settings and analyzed their experiences qualitatively. Barriers-psychological, situational, and institutional-included difficulties with linguistic and cultural understanding, challenges in acquiring specialized terminology, insufficient career support, and weak daily living support systems. Opportunities included acquiring advanced care knowledge and skills and building trusting relationships with older adults. In building relationships with older adults across cultures, professional expertise was embodied beyond awareness and enhanced care quality. Findings suggest institutional and workplace reforms to leverage workers' strengths.
Yasufumi Kochi (Mon,) studied this question.