The Japanese government has decided to accept up to around 1.23 million foreign workers by March 2029 under two programs -- one for skilled workers and the other for trainees.
The sector-by-sector operational policies for the two programs were approved at a Cabinet meeting on Friday.
The government plans to accept foreign workers under the existing Specified Skilled Worker System and the Employment for Skill Development Program to be introduced on April 1 next year. The new program aims to train workers so that they can attain the level of specified skilled personnel in three years' time in principle.
Under the program for specified skilled workers, 805,700 people will be accepted in 19 industrial fields, including manufacture of industrial products and production of food and beverages. The new training program is expected to accommodate 426,200 people in 17 industrial fields, two sectors short of those for skilled workers. The two are automobile transportation and aviation.
The government says 1.23 million is the maximum number to be accepted. It says it has come up with the figure by taking into account the prospects for the workforce domestically available and improvements in productivity.
Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Justice Minister Hiraguchi Hiroshi vowed to work to revamp the existing program and prepare for the launch of the new system.

Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the format you requested.

Quiz 1:
What is the maximum number of foreign workers the Japanese government plans to accept by March 2029?
A. 805,700
B. 1.23 million
C. 426,200
D. 1 million

Quiz 2:
When is the Employment for Skill Development Program scheduled to be introduced?
A. Friday
B. March 2029
C. April 1 next year
D. January 24, 2026

Quiz 3:
How many industrial fields are included in the program for specified skilled workers?
A. 19
B. 17
C. 20
D. 18

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A