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July 05, 2025
 

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LABOR SHORTAGE

Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 23, 2017
Goldman Sachs economist urges crackdown on unpaid overtime to boost Japan's productivity
Japan should crack down on excessive unpaid overtime in order to boost productivity, as the nation's irreversible labor shortage means companies must streamline to cope with fewer people, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. chief Japan economist.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 14, 2017
Tokyo's Filipino housekeepers arrive as part of program to bolster sagging labor numbers
Housekeeping operators are looking to increase more foreign maids in Tokyo, taking advantage of a special deregulation-zone system, as the need for such services is expected to grow.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
May 1, 2017
Labor shortage prompts grudging turn to permanent jobs
The tightest labor market in decades is showing signs of reversing a long shift toward the hiring of temporary workers.
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 6, 2016
Labor shortage is worst in least productive industries
Japan's aging and shrinking population is causing labor shortages that should be helping workers win higher pay.
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 27, 2016
Labor panel meets after report Japan may open doors to nursing staff and construction workers
A government panel on labor reforms such as a narrowing of the pay gap between regular and nonregular workers held its first meeting Tuesday at the Prime Minister's Office.
JAPAN / Society / DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES
Jan 6, 2016
Government weighs immigration to maintain population, boost workforce
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in September announced administrative measures seeking to maintain a population of at least 100 million people over the next 50 years with a target of significantly raising the fertility rate to 1.8.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 15, 2015
In Japan, the rise of the machines solves a labor problem
The rise of the machines in the workplace has U.S. and European experts predicting massive unemployment and tumbling wages.
EDITORIALS
Feb 10, 2015
Wrong way to import workers
If Japan needs foreign workers to fill its manpower needs, the government should consider a new system of accepting such labor on a longer-term basis rather than under the guise of an technical internship program.
JAPAN
Jul 28, 2014
Nearly a third of companies facing worker shortfall: survey
About a third of Japanese companies with at least 30 workers are facing a shortage of part-time or full-time staff, according to the results of a recent survey by Recruit Works Institute, and many employers see little hope of fixing the problem.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jul 15, 2014
Robots can solve labor woes: Son
Employing all-purpose robots endowed with artificial intelligence as a workforce in the manufacturing industry is the solution to staving off any impending labor shortage in Japan, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said Tuesday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 30, 2014
Contractors feeling impact of 'Abenomics'
The construction industry is raising wages and selling bonds as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stimulus policies cause labor shortages and a need for funds.
EDITORIALS
Apr 15, 2014
Flawed foreign labor plan
The Abe administration's sudden plan to use participants in a controversial foreign trainee program to fill manpower shortages in the nation's construction industry smacks of a ploy that benefits only Japan. The government must first consider how these workers' rights will be protected as well as how to avoid social problems if they are used.
A prophesied disaster (likely) won’t strike Japan this weekend
A viral manga prediction of a July 5 disaster has gripped Japan with anxiety and triggered an economic impact, but experts warn that while such dates are unreliable, the threat of a massive earthquake remains real. 
Magnitude 5.5 earthquake jars Tokara Islands amid flurry of seismic activity
A strong quake struck off the Tokara Islands on Thursday afternoon, with the island chain having recorded around 1,000 earthquakes since a burst of seismic activity first began on June 21.
Japan to require flight passengers to keep power banks within sight
The transport ministry has announced new regulations requiring flight passengers to keep power banks within sight to mitigate fire risks while on board planes.
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Residents of Tokara Islands begin evacuation as seismic swarm continues
Details about evacuations from Akuseki Island, located in the Tokara island chain in Kagoshima Prefecture, is seen written on a whiteboard in the city of Kagoshima on Thursday.
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Flag football facing challenges and opportunities ahead
Japan’s women’s flag football team at the 2025 International Bowl in Los Angeles in June. The sport is enjoying continued growth in the country.
From Hokusai’s Great Wave, shinkansen to One Piece: a cultural treasure box for Lego Japan
Michael Ebbesen, general manager of Lego Japan, says Lego bricks based on Japanese culture have a rich global appeal and are sellable around the world.
With farmed fish, RelationFish swims against the tide in fine dining
Chef Hideaki Matsuo (middle) and the staff of Oseto Suisan Fisheries prepare to check on their sustainably farmed fish.
As Southeast Asia heats up, a Japanese cooling giant sees a major opportunity
An employee of Daikin Cambodia explains the use of different tools during an air conditioner installation training session in Phnom Penh. Daikin is one of Japan’s oldest air conditioning companies, but as Japan’s population falls, the firm is keying in on overseas growth.

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