The second batch of Filipino nurses and caregivers who were deployed to Japan consisted of 46 nurses (44 females and 2 males) and 72 CG (all females) under the JPEPA program. This study aimed to find out, from the nurse candidates, what they know about the JPEPA, their motivation to participate in the program, and what they see as prospects while "working" in Japan. It also attempted to present t heir situation and realities within the framework of the commitments speed out in Annex 8, Chapter 9 of the Agreement. Participants of the study belonged to the second batch of nurses who attended the pre-departure orientation (PDO) seminar held at the POEA in May 2010. Twenty (20) out of 46 nurses in attendance willingly participated in the focused group discussions (FGDs) which were conducted immediately after the PDO. The activity was designed to collect data in relation to a bigger study on Transnational Careworkers under the JPEPA. The FGDs were conducted by two Filipino nurse faculty from the University of the Philippines Manila, including this author, and a Japanese social scientist researcher who served as an observer. The participants were all females who were divided into two groups, each group consisting of 10 members. Group A members had less than four (4) years of work experience, while Group B members had four (4) or more years of work experience. Work experience classification was in line with the basic requirement set by the JPEPA. The FGD was guided by ten (10) questions and lasted for one-and-a-half hours. Ten months after the FGDs, in March 2011, two follow-up FGDs were conducted with nine (9) nurse candidates deployed in two hospitals in Japan. This activity was conducted with the permission of their employers. Both groups A and B shared the general perception that the technology in Japan is more advanced, of not better, and that this is true for the health care system. Group A pointed out that the JPEPA would offer good opportunities without the need to pay for a placement fee. Some of them stated that they are attracted to the Japanese culture especially 'manga' (Japanese word for comics or cartoons). Group B cited Japan's close proximity to the Philippines, both being in Asia; hence, culture shock may be easier to overcome. Some mentioned that their families could easily visit them in Japan. Others said that they opted to work abroad because they are not well compensated for in the Philippines. Accordingly, working overseas would provide them with enough money for their family's food, education and housing, notwithdstanding professional growth. Both the Philippine and Japanese governments decided to continue consultations to improve the process of accepting Filipino nurses for employment in Japan. At present, Japanese language training is provided to nurses and caregivers in the Philippines before their dispatch to Japan. This was the result of the earlier recommendations by officials and staff hospitals and by the trainees themselves that language training be done in the country of origin. There is a strong move from the trainees, as well, that the examination be given in the English language. Both governments also agreed to review the treaty pursuant to Article 161 of the JPEPA.