The purpose of this study is to investigate through qualitative research methods the difficulties
experienced by Indonesian nurses who came to Japan under the Economic Partnership Agreement
(EPA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Indonesian nurses who had been working
in Japan after obtaining Japan’s National Nursing Certificate. The data was analyzed invoking KJ
Methods. The difficulties revealed occupation-related stress (19 instances), language and communication
barriers (16 instances), problems with the workplace environment and treatment by others (14
instances) and insufficient social network (2 instances). Moreover, analyses of the cases concerned with
occupation-related stress showed that it is difficult to cope with it by the self-act effort. Furthermore,
occupation-related stress could be one of the factors in the decision to return home unless the situation
is improved. The results of this study indicate the necessity of providing a support system including
giving instruction of duties.