The Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), conducted a Community Service activity in the form of a socialization session on ethics and morality for foreign workers in Japan for students of LPK Sekai Medan. This activity was conducted as a form of contribution by a higher education institution to equip prospective Indonesian workers who will depart for Japan with an understanding of social conditions, ethics, etiquette, and responsibilities as foreign workers.

Japan is one of the countries with an advanced economy that faces a labor demand due to a declining population and an increasing number of elderly people. This condition creates opportunities for foreign workers, including Indonesian workers, to work in various fields in Japan. The activity report also explained the growing interest among Indonesian youth in participating in work programs in Japan through various Job Training Institutions (LPK).

In this context, differences in language and culture are among the aspects that need to be prepared for by prospective Indonesian workers. The Japanese language has a writing system and linguistic structure that differ from Indonesian. In addition to language proficiency, prospective workers also need to understand the customs and social values of Japanese society to adapt to both living and working environments.

One of the aspects introduced during the activity was the importance of discipline and punctuality. Japanese society places high value on punctuality as a form of respect for others. Arriving early, completing tasks on time, and preparing before work begins are part of the etiquette that prospective Indonesian workers who will work in Japan need to understand.

The activity was conducted through lectures and discussions covering topics on the social conditions of Japanese society, ethics and etiquette in daily life, as well as the roles and responsibilities of foreign workers in Japan. Through these materials, LPK Sekai students received preparation on matters that need to be considered before entering life and the workforce in Japan.

The presentation also discussed the current conditions of Indonesian migrant workers in Japan through a case involving an Indonesian migrant worker. The discussion was part of an effort to provide an overview of the consequences of actions taken while staying in the destination country. The students participated in the presentation and discussion as part of their preparation before working in Japan.

In addition to ethics and etiquette, the activity was also aimed at building students’ readiness to face cultural differences and possible culture shock. Understanding the social conditions of Japanese society, daily customs, and workplace etiquette is expected to help students adapt more effectively when they are in Japan.

The activity also emphasized the importance of communication skills and a sense of responsibility. Communication skills and an understanding of etiquette serve as essential preparations for foreign workers in building good relationships with colleagues and people in their residential communities. Students were also equipped with an understanding of the importance of making use of their time to learn various new things while in Japan.

The Community Service activity was held at LPK Sekai, Jalan Selambo I No. 10 A, Medan Amplas District, Medan City, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 09:00 to 12:00 WIB. The activity was conducted through lectures and discussions. It was also supported by cooperation with business partners, as indicated in the attached statement of willingness to cooperate.

The community service activity was coordinated by Alimansyar, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., as the chair. The implementation team also consisted of Adriana Hasibuan, S.S., M.Hum. and Rani Arfianty, S.S., M.Phil. as members. The involvement of lecturers from the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, FIB USU, was part of the effort to provide knowledge relevant to the Japanese language, culture, and society to prospective Indonesian workers.

Based on the activity report, the community service activity provided basic knowledge to LPK Sekai students who will work in Japan. An understanding of ethics, etiquette, social conditions, communication, and responsibilities is expected to help students prepare themselves to face the working and living environment in Japan.

The Community Service activity on Ethics and Morality as Foreign Workers in Japan for students of LPK Sekai Medan was one form of contribution by the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, FIB USU, to prepare prospective Indonesian workers who will work in Japan. Through lectures and discussions, students received preparation regarding Japanese social and cultural conditions as well as the ethics that need to be applied in daily life and the workplace. This activity is expected to support students’ readiness to adapt, communicate, and fulfill their responsibilities effectively while in Japan.