Why has the number of foreign residents increased so much? 3 reasons
When people hear that "the number of foreigners has increased," many may think of immigration policy.
However, in reality, changes in Japanese society have had a major impact.
1. Serious labor shortages
The biggest reason is Japan's labor shortage.
As the population ages and the birth rate declines, labor shortages are becoming serious in many industries, including construction, nursing care, food service, hospitality, logistics, and agriculture.
It has become impossible to secure enough workers with Japanese people alone, and accepting foreign talent is becoming a "necessity" rather than an "option."
2. Expansion of the Specified Skilled Worker system
The "Specified Skilled Worker system," which began in 2019, has significantly changed how Japan accepts foreigners.
Previously, the Technical Intern Training Program was the center, but now it has shifted to the Specified Skilled Worker system, which aims to secure human resources.
By the end of 2025, the number of residents with Specified Skilled Worker status will reach approximately 390,000, an increase of about 37% from the previous year.
The number of target industries is expected to continue to expand.
3. Increase in international students and highly skilled professionals
It is not just those working on the front lines who are increasing.
Highly skilled professionals such as IT engineers and researchers, international students from countries like China and Nepal, and foreigners finding employment at Japanese companies are also increasing year by year.
Due to the shortage of talent in Japanese companies' DX and AI fields, the competition to acquire highly skilled foreign talent is becoming even more intense.
Summary
Japan has already changed from a "country where the number of foreigners is increasing" to a "country that supports society together with foreigners."
Responding to labor shortages, institutional reform, and globalization.
As a result of these three factors overlapping, the number of foreign residents has exceeded 4 million for the first time.
From now on, the important theme for companies will not be "how many foreigners to hire," but "how to help them thrive."