Japan’s specified skilled worker’s visa program has seen a significant increase in the number of foreign workers, reaching 251,747 by the end of June – a 20.8% rise in just six months. The government aims to attract 820,000 foreign workers through this program by 2029, double the number from the previous five years. To meet growing labor demands, Japan has been expanding the list of eligible industry sectors for this visa.
Companies like Aeon, a major retail giant, are looking to hire foreign talent to address labor shortages. Aeon plans to bring in 4,000 foreign workers under the specified skills visa framework by 2030. This move reflects the trend of businesses turning to overseas recruits to fill gaps in the workforce.