Foreign workers in Japan reached a record 2.57 million by end-October 2025, up 11.7% year on year, as labour shortages deepen amid demographic decline, according to health ministry data.
The figures were released shortly after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced measures on foreign residents, combining tighter regulation with expanded Japanese-language access.
Key developments
• Foreign workforce has risen for 13 consecutive years, nearly triple 2015 levels.
• High-skilled worker status holders increased from ~167,000 (2015) to 866,000 (2025).
• By nationality: Vietnamese (23.6%; 605,906), Chinese (431,949), Filipinos (260,869).
• Fastest growth: Myanmar (+42.5%), Indonesia (+34.6%).
• By sector: manufacturing (~25%), retail/wholesale (13.3%), hospitality (12.4%).
Separately, Immigration Services Agency data showed 42.43 million foreign entries in 2025, driven by tourism, with short-term stays accounting for 98.1%.
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