Recently, with the aim of rebuilding the eastern Tokyo area damaged by the earthquake and tsunami and preparing facilities for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Japanese Government has planned to increase the use of foreign labour. Regarding this matter, Japan’s NHK news program recently provided specific information as follows:
“Along with the reconstruction of the eastern Tokyo area damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, and preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the government held a Cabinet meeting to raise the issue of a potential labor shortage in the construction sector, while considering a temporary policy to expand the acceptance of foreign workers in the spring of next year.
The ministerial meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office, with the participation of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism - Taro, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare - Damura, and others. At the meeting, the Ministers stated that it is necessary to strengthen efforts to revitalize the eastern Tokyo area damaged by the earthquake and tsunami and to prepare for the construction of facilities for the Tokyo Olympics. Therefore, expanding the acceptance of foreign workers is very necessary.
At the meeting, Minister Taro announced that the aging population is accelerating, the number of young workers is decreasing significantly, and the working-age population has fallen to its lowest level, with a decline of 1,100,000 workers. In preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, demand for labor in the construction sector is increasing, so there is a possibility of a labor shortage.
Therefore, at the ministerial meeting, the Ministers discussed and considered a temporary policy on expanding the acceptance of foreign workers to support the reconstruction of the eastern Tokyo area damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, and to properly prepare facilities for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Government is reviewing temporary measures and will compile proposals by March this year.”
Source: Japan’s NHK News