The government needs to look at the broader picture and actively work to open the domestic labor market to unskilled workers so Japan is not alienated from the global community.

That is according to Kazuo Kumagai, who headed a Foreign Ministry panel that last week compiled a report urging the government to create a national consensus on accepting more unskilled labor from abroad amid the rapid graying of society.

"Opening our doors to more foreign labor will lead to Japan's revitalization," Kumagai said. "Despite voices of opposition, we need to resolve the issue so as not to isolate ourselves from international society."