Number of foreign workers in Japan reaches a record high
Japan’s population crisis and immigration are perhaps the two most hotly debated domestic issues in Japan.
With an aging population, Japan has no alternative but to increase the countries workforce through alternative methods, such as increasing opportunities for foreign workers to fill roles that are not typically taken by natives.
According to the latest survey by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of the end of October 2024, the number of foreign workers in Japan has reached a record high of 2,302,587. This marks an increase of 253,912 people from the previous year.
By country, Vietnam had the largest number of foreign workers at about 570,000, accounting for about a quarter of the total, while the increase rate from the previous year showed a remarkable increase in foreign workers from Myanmar, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
Records show that the number of foreign workers from Myanmar increased by 61% from the previous year to 114,618 people.
In particular, the number of foreigners working with “specified skills” and “technical intern training” residence statuses is increasing, and by industry, workers in the medical and welfare fields had the largest increase from the previous year to 116,350 people.
In recent years, the number of foreigners working in the nursing care field, where there has been a labor shortage problem in Japan, is increasing, and more people from Myanmar and Indonesia are taking up nursing care work with “specified skills” residence status.
Regarding the record high despite the effects of the weak yen, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare pointed out that “wage and system alone do not determine which country foreign workers choose.”.
They speculated that the weak yen will not act as a deterrent to those seeking to work in Japan, as the country offers other benefits and many people prioritise lifestyle benefits, such as Japan’s safety record and culture.
On the other hand, they pointed out that South Korea and Taiwan are now rivals as countries chosen as places to work, and that Japan’s appeal will not last forever, so it is important to continue to improve systems such as raising wages to ensure that it remains an attractive destination for potential immigrant workers.