Job Discussion Forums

revelation99 · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 10

I read somewhere that Japan will need to hire 50,000 foreign workers a year to keep up with their aging population. Has anyone ventured into this realm?

Sherri · Posted: Sat May 17, 2003 7:47 am Post subject:

Your question is too vague to answer properly. What realm exactly are you talking about? Do you have a particular skill or profession that you would like to practice in Japan? Whatever it is (assuming it is not EFL), if you want to succeed you will have to speak Japanese quite well and you will face a lot of competition from Japanese workers. It is true that Japan will need some serious replacement immigration in the coming years but at the moment there is a recession and an unemployment problem. I suspect most of the non-EFL jobs that are filled by foreign workers at the moment are in low-paid manufacturing positions or as labourers on building sites.

revelation99 · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 10

I was talking about professional jobs. There does exist an employment agency for people who don't speak any japanese. I don't know the details. Ijust read about it in a magazine

nakanoalien2 · Joined: 04 Mar 2003 Posts: 52 Location: Nakano, Japan

A couple of things to consider:

-First, there is a big difference between a statement like, "Japan needs to hire 50,000 workers..." and Japan actually taking steps to increase the number of foreign workers. This is probably a theoretical figure put out by an economist or analyst. I haven't seen or heard of this as a government target.

-Second, there was a statement by Koizumi that the government is targeting a 100% increase in foreign direct investment into Japan over the next 5 (?) years. The way to attract that kind of money would be: 1) acquisitions of Japanese companies by non-Japanese companies and 2) new start ups in Japan 3) making it easier policywise and otherwise to come to and live in Japan.

But 50,000 per year. Hmmm.....don't hold your breath.

Sherri · Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 6:43 am Post subject:

You might have better luck on the career forum on

http://www.gaijinpot.com/

someone there might help you get the contact info you need. A little advice before you post there, try to be as specific as possible. Tell your nationality (determines your visa options), what profession you are interested in and your qualifications (also determines your visa options). Say that you cannot speak Japanese (if this is true) and any other relevant information. This way they can give you the best advice and will save you a lot of time!