Over 80,000 foreigners working at convenience stores in Japan

in a trend likely to continue amid labor shortages from an aging population.

That old chestnut without a mention of wages

Oh Kyodo.

20 years ago you would have your purchases put into a bag, assorted and change made and your purchase handed to you.

Now that has basically been subcontracted to the customer.

Have prices fallen due to productivity gains?

No.

Have wages risen for staff?

No.

Have corporate profile risen?

Yes.

Once the remaining restocking and preparation duties are automated Japan Inc. will happily bid all these foreigners adieu.

individuals from countries such as China, Vietnam, and Nepal.

If life is so great in 'economic powerhouse' China, why are Chinese individuals opting to leave their homeland to work minimum pay jobs here? Maybe something about feeling they have more freedom in Japan? Maybe access to better seafood?

is it a problem?

I don't even go to mini stop anymore near my place as the service is horrible and the food not prepared like it once was. The two ladies working there everyday always speak to each other in chinese. Rarely around and expect the self-checkout lane to be used. Everything has become touch screen this and self service that and its not a good thing.

Thanks for your valuable job..

So give them a smile and thank them, it's a tedious and unappreciated job,

There are many foreigners now staffing the convinience stores all over Osaka. I appreciate them, they are obviously needed.

I don’t expect them to be exactly the same as Japanese, and they usually speak it well. Why the negativity?

China is the world's 2nd laregest economy, but you don't hear of Japanese (or any othre nationality) working in convenience stores in China.

Just hope that these folks do not get persecuted by the CCP's secret overseas police.

In Tokyo it is not 10 % but more like 70%.

Getting the same in restaurant chains like Yoshinoya, Matsuya. Totally different than 5 years ago. Japan is changing.

Another article about the myth of a “labor shortage” in Japan.

Over 80,000 foreigners working at convenience stores in Japan

Thanks for coming to Japan.

Nothing wrong with diversity, but Itd be nice if these people, and their Japanese counterparts too, could earn a living wage.

Over 80,000 foreigners working at convenience stores in Japan

Why is not being filled by Japanese?

The paid is slightly above minimum standard, working in night time especially 24h, Job can be demanding need to be run around, between shelves, cashier, storage room, during those working hour.

Local Japanese know there are other jobs that can pay better with good condition.

And, in my experience, a fine job they are doing, too.

Chinese and Vietnamese are coming in record numbers to work in Japan - and who can blame them? They now live and work in a country that loves freedom - unlike China and Vietnam - and safety, away from communism, and earn far, far more in convenience stores in Japan than they would in any job back home.

Ptownsend's take on why heaps of Chinese are working "low wage" jobs in Japan:

Maybe something about feeling they have more freedom in Japan? Maybe access to better seafood?

Could be mate! And what is your story? We all have a story.

I've been slingin' oden, hopposhu, and nudie mags over here at Lawson (Akita City REPRESENT!) since I finished JET in 2007.

My wife is a dentist so it's worked out, despite the low wages. Plus they hook it up with an extra ¥82/hr. if I hump the 3rd shift which is sweet.

Man, I've got some shoplifter stories you wouldn't believe!

A manager at one outlet said that "without foreign employees, we don't have enough people to cover the shifts."

…

Try paying more money and Japanese people will come running!

There are masses of foreigners coming to Japan and (without checking) would assume convenience store sales are up as this where most Instagram clips seem to focus on.

Why, if taxes are higher in Japan then why are wages not?

Corporate greed seems to be somewhat to blame

A manager at one outlet said that "without foreign employees, we don't have enough people to cover the shifts."

That statement should be, without cheap foreign labor we don't have worker to keep our business running

And this shows how Japan use cheap labour from developing countries as disposable human material.

A wage that is insignificant compared to any developed European country and few rights.

Not a rosy prospective for this country.

Some of the Matsuya places in central Tokyo are paying 1,600 yen an hour for night shifts. That’s not bad at all for a part time job for students.

Given the demographics, this is much needed to keep the cogs turning, though I would have thought the numbers would be much much higher.

New Zealand, a country of 5 millions, had 15 thousands foreign workers last year just for the agri sector, and they desperate want to double that.

I understand the anxiety that foreign labor brings to Japanese, just this week there was reportss of asian men speaking broken Japanese casing out and invading homes in Fukushima.

But, at the end of the day, Japan needs workers to maintain standard of living. Bloomberg is reporting that Japan' GDP shrank 2% in the first quarter, whilst Taiwan had massive growth.

Good article. As long as the locals perceive us as low paid servants there will be no backlash.

Yep really noticed this changed after coming back post COVID! Not really a fan but if the locals don't or won't do the work there is not much choice.

This is welcoming peoples with lower education to pay them lower than nationals.

Typical immigration system nowadays that profit to big holdings paying less but affecting locals by being pull from the bottom in term of salary.

PTownsend: "If life is so great in 'economic powerhouse' China, why are Chinese individuals opting to leave their homeland to work minimum pay jobs here? Maybe something about feeling they have more freedom in Japan? Maybe access to better seafood?"

Tsk tsk, Mr. Townsend. Most of the foreigners I've seen working at convenience stores that are Chinese and Korean do so around universities and are young; they are on work-study visas. Others that I have seen working in convenience stores in bigger cities, one of whom I talked to about it after seeing her name, said she was born and raised here but has kept her Korean nationality -- hence labelled a "foreigner".

Don't be so defensive, my friend. It is a fact China is now two slots above Japan in terms of economic world ranking, but it doesn't mean there are those who don't want to come to Japan and live and work for whatever reason, and in some cases it might even be to find a better life here -- whether they do or not is another question, but I sure hope so, or Japan has no future.

And lest we forget, tens of thousands of young people are fleeing Japan each year to get "better jobs", or to find a non-Japanese partner in that country, or for a myriad of other reasons. I mean, if you want to get into economic reasons for leaving one's country.

Why would a Chinese citizen work at Japanese konbini in 2024?

Chinese wages is about the same as Japanese wages in 2024 for low-skilled jobs, actually higher in high-skilled jobs.

I saw many cashiers were India and Pakistani, some were working in MacDonald restaurants. But that's fine, very easy and good helping people !

Yep really noticed this changed after coming back post COVID! Not really a fan but if the locals don't or won't do the work there is not much choice.

A foreigner isn't "a fan" of being served his sandwiches and happo-shu by another foreign worker.

There's some twisted irony right there.

Why would a Chinese citizen work at Japanese konbini in 2024?

Chinese wages is about the same as Japanese wages in 2024 for low-skilled jobs, actually higher in high-skilled jobs.

There are a million reasons - but two common ones spring to mind.

Freedom.

Lifestyle.

Just like working for Eikaiwa schools and jukus was an IN for many westerners back in the day, the enroll in an international school and work at a conbini seems to be the current route to living in sushiland for many an eager person from country gaikoku!

AI will be the final death blow for the Eikaiwa industry so my prediction is that it will be Japans developing country neighbors that chose to fill the inevitable labor gap the demographic cliff has presented. With wages so low people will wonder why, but we all know the charms of living here are varied and many.

AI will be the final death blow for the Eikaiwa industry so my prediction is that it will be Japans developing country neighbors that chose to fill the inevitable labor gap the demographic cliff has presented.

Thats actually not a prediction - it's a permanent fact. You realize Japan's Asian neighbours have always provided the vast amount of foreign workers in Japan, right?

When translating from Japanese,, please do not use the word 'foreigners'.

This word is rarely used in English-language nation's media because it creates a sense of exclusion or otherness, perpetuates stereotypes, and fails to recognise the individuality of people from other countries.

Using more specific and inclusive language like "international workers" or "migrant workers" can help avoid these issues and promote a more respectful and welcoming discourse.

Other terms include:

Migrant workers

Immigrants

Expatriates (expats):

Non-Japanese workers

Thank you.

I have no issue with the term "foreigner". I am not a migrant worker, non-Japanese worker, or expat I dislike. "Foreigner" simply refers to all non-citizens in Japan.

Why would a Chinese citizen work at Japanese konbini in 2024?

I have read that China has massive unemployment of over 20% for university grads and high cost of rent. Coming to low cost Japan may make sense and be interesting for the lay flat generation.

I don't care which nationality the workers are provided they are polite and serve my needs.

wallaceToday  10:15 am JST

I have no issue with the term "foreigner". I am not a migrant worker, non-Japanese worker, or expat I dislike. "Foreigner" simply refers to all non-citizens in Japan.

Glad to hear it, Wallace.

Words that describe people matter. Terms like "foreigner" and "gaijin" are cold and impersonal and create a barrier between Japanese and non-Japanese residents, perpetuating exclusion.

Instead, let's consider using more specific terms like nationalities (American, Vietnamese) or residency status (resident, visitor). This shift towards inclusive language fosters a more welcoming environment. Japan needs to rethink its use of terms if it hopes to become a more welcoming and inclusive society aligned with the global community.

As you may know, in the UK and other English-speaking countries, "foreigner" is often used as a derogatory term. To illustrate the impact of this word, I ask Japanese people:

If you were living in the UK or the US, would you prefer to be called a "foreigner" or "Japanese"? If your nationality were unknown, would you prefer "foreigner" or "expatriate" or "international visitor", 'international worker' etc?

They always answer 'Japanese' or 'expatriate/international visitor or worker/student' and why would you?

Great to see especially in the big cities and tourist areas.

There are several foreign convenience workers in my neighborhood including one Nepalese student who is an absolute star. She speaks her native tongue, Japanese, English, and basic Korean and Chinese.

Great news indeed!!!

Just from my experience, these guys and those with disabilities are some of the most charming and uplifting staff at the conbinis I go to. Any time I get a young Japanese person, they tend to be dull and careless. The minimal interaction we get daily whilst living in a metropolitan city shouldn't be a dull and boring experience and so I thank these hard working non-Japanese and those with disabilities for helping me tackle those depressing mornings before work!

I remember when I first came to Japan I used to get surprised every time there was a foreigner working at the convenience store. These days it is almost the opposite - I get surprised when it is a Japanese person behind the register.

So much for those - including a world leader - recently saying that Japan was being held back by being "xenophobic".

Japan is embracing these foreign workers.

Wednesday marked 50 years since the opening of Japan's first-ever convenience store -- a 7-Eleven outlet in Tokyo's Toyosu area -- on May 15, 1974.

Happy Anniversary!

As a person born overseas myself, I think it would be ironic if I didn't welcome other people from overseas to work here. In my experience, a lot of people who have been here for several years are a little bit sensitive to other foreigners being here because they see it as de-valuing their own experiences. The days of being a novelty or curiosity by simply being here and looking different are long gone, and some people just cannot accept that. I applaud the convenience stores for embracing change and making the most of an untapped pool of talented people.

Negative NancyToday  11:27 am JST

As a person born overseas myself, I think it would be ironic if I didn't welcome other people from overseas to work here. In my experience, a lot of people who have been here for several years are a little bit sensitive to other foreigners being here because they see it as de-valuing their own experiences. The days of being a novelty or curiosity by simply being here and looking different are long gone, and some people just cannot accept that. I applaud the convenience stores for embracing change and making the most of an untapped pool of talented people.

Glad i lived in Japan from 1998 to 2014. :)

When I first arrived Japanese chidlren upon seeing me would yell out 'ma ma gaijin da!!'

People would stare so much my GF told me to say; 'bokuno sashin toritainoka? :)

Fighto!Today  10:57 am JST

So much for those - including a world leader - recently saying that Japan was being held back by being "xenophobic".

Japan is embracing these foreign workers.

The presence of immigrant workers in a country doesn't preclude it from being xenophobic.

Xenophobia refers to a fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures, and it can manifest in various ways, including discriminatory policies, social exclusion, stereotyping, negative attitudes toward immigrants, or even violence.

While Japan does have foreign workers, it also has strict immigration policies and discriminates against foreigners in housing and employment.

I think it is perhaps cultural arrogance as opposed to xenophobia but we could discuss ad infinitum.

I was in Nara last week and went to a 7/11 near the station and the young caucasian woman working there are her Japanese was perfect. I was super impressed. Same in Tokyo with some Indian people

> RedemptionToday  12:03 pm JST

I think it is perhaps cultural arrogance as opposed to xenophobia but we could discuss ad infinitum.

Cultural arrogance and xenophobia are related but distinct concepts.

Cultural arrogance involves a sense of superiority or pride in one's own culture, often accompanied by a dismissive or derogatory attitude toward other cultures and general ethnocentrism.

Xenophobia, on the other hand, is a fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures, often leading to prejudice, discrimination, or hostility toward them.

Japan has a long history of cultural pride and a strong sense of cultural identity, which can sometimes manifest as cultural arrogance, particularly in interactions with foreigners.

However, xenophobic attitudes in Japan can also be observed in various forms, such as discrimination against foreign residents, particularly in employment and housing, as well as nationalist movements that advocate for strict immigration policies and the preservation of Japanese cultural homogeneity.

Cultural arrogance usually stems from a sense of cultural pride and superiority, whereas xenophobia is rooted in fear, distrust, or hostility toward foreigners. Additionally, cultural arrogance may involve condescension or patronizing attitudes toward other cultures, while xenophobia often results in discrimination, exclusion, or even violence against individuals from other cultures.

I won't lie; most foreign convenience store workers I've come across give some of the best customer service I've seen in any other service industry in Japan. They're usually smiling, make eye contact, and the ones who can speak English...man, you can't help but walk out of there with a smile. Those are the ones that make me want to take the long way home just so I can stop in, get a few drinks and say "Hey, what's up? How was your day?"

Last year I bought a small insurance for my motorcycle at the combini, all the 3 staff were chinese and we had to figure it out together.

I could have refused and went to a different shop just across the street but I guessed the knowledge and experience could be useful for them for future requests.

Combini should be paying more than say supermarkets as the staff is supposed to solve and know about so many different things.

PTownsend Today 07:21 am JST

individuals from countries such as China, Vietnam, and Nepal.

If life is so great in 'economic powerhouse' China, why are Chinese individuals opting to leave their homeland to work minimum pay jobs here? Maybe something about feeling they have more freedom in Japan? Maybe access to better seafood?

Or they're spies or military cells waiting to be activated by the CCP?

If it were me, I'd replace them with workers from Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, etc.

Hundreds of thousands of Chinese stores and restaurants have been force out of business in the past 5 years because the customers have vanished, because most are not even getting basic wages or have a job. It is good to see the CCP's policy paying off well.

Samit BasuToday  09:54 am JST

Why would a Chinese citizen work at Japanese konbini in 2024?

Because Chinese immigrant workers don't face the discrimination in Japan that they would in some other countries.

"Background In South Korea, Korean Chinese workers experience ethnic discrimination although they share physical similarities and ethnic heritage with native-born Koreans. "

https://shorturl.at/aqtQU

Over 80,000 foreigners working at convenience stores in Japan

It's been that way at my local Kombini for at least 5 years. They've all been very friendly. If they are from countries other than Japan, I try to learn a few phrases in their language. No worries here.

Give me a smiling human who can now afford to eat and shelter over a pathetil robot or piece of self-service rubbish anyday.

uaintseemeToday  12:29 pm JST

I won't lie; most foreign convenience store workers I've come across give some of the best customer service I've seen in any other service industry in Japan. They're usually smiling, make eye contact, and the ones who can speak English...man, you can't help but walk out of there with a smile. Those are the ones that make me want to take the long way home just so I can stop in, get a few drinks and say "Hey, what's up? How was your day?"

Yes, this was one thing I could never really get used to - very polite but quite cold customer service (apart from the rare exception). It's nice to be treated like royalty for a while, but you eventually just want to have that human-to-human connection and friendliness.

And when I got back to NZ, which has some of the most friendly customer service on the planet, the contrast could not have been starker. 0)

Maybe the non-Japanese customer service style will have a positive influence on Japanese service staff. :)

Almost 10 years ago I applied baito for many konbinis and rejected just because I’m a foreigner. Look how the tables have turned

Shadows of the Rising SunToday  01:18 pm JST

I can't tell if you are joking or not - " Chinese immigrant workers don't face the discrimination in Japan that they would in some other countries." ??!

Are you serious? Are you IN Japan?!

The last report was that 87.3% of Japanese have a negative view of China and Chinese people, which is an improvement compared to 5-10 years earlier.

You are confusing Chinese vistors/tourists with Chinese immigrant workers. This article is about the latter, not the former. Japanese views of Chinese tourists and China as a country are not good, which coincides with the view found almost everywhere else on this planet.

But this article is talkling about foreign immigrant workers in Japan, with China being just one example. These people are not visitors and they are part of Japan's society. They interact with co-workers and customers. If there was blatant discrimination, they wouldn't even be getting these jobs.

OssanAmericaToday  01:44 pm JST

Shadows of the Rising SunToday  01:18 pm JST

I can't tell if you are joking or not - " Chinese immigrant workers don't face the discrimination in Japan that they would in some other countries." ??!

Are you serious? Are you IN Japan?!

The last report was that 87.3% of Japanese have a negative view of China and Chinese people, which is an improvement compared to 5-10 years earlier.

You are confusing Chinese vistors/tourists with Chinese immigrant workers. This article is about the latter, not the former. Japanese views of Chinese tourists and China as a country are not good, which coincides with the view found almost everywhere else on this planet.

But this article is talkling about foreign immigrant workers in Japan, with China being just one example. These people are not visitors and they are part of Japan's society. They interact with co-workers and customers. If there was blatant discrimination, they wouldn't even be getting these jobs.

Sadly, no, in fact, it's worse for residents.

Discrimination against Chinese people in Japan occurs toward both Chinese residents living in Japan and Chinese tourists visiting the country, although the nature and extent of discrimination may varies.

Chinese Residents:

Chinese individuals living in Japan face discrimination in various aspects of daily life, including employment, housing, social interactions, and access to services. They can encounter prejudices based on nationality or ethnicity, leading to unequal treatment or barriers to integration into Japanese society.

Chinese Tourists:

Chinese tourists visiting Japan also experience discrimination, usually in interactions with service providers, such as hotels, restaurants, or tourist attractions, where they often face stereotyping or negative attitudes based on their nationality.

Yea. So frustrating. Can't interact. They don't speak/understand Japanese well. Stand there like robots. No feelings. No smiles. Nothing !

Wait, Biden said Japan was Xenophobic.

I love how some posters think they know the facts, as if they themselves are Chinese tourists or Chinese residents of Japan. LOL

Seth MajerToday 03:58 pm JST

Wait, Biden said Japan was Xenophobic.

Letting a few foreigners in to squeeze some low paid labor out of them does not make a country not Xenophobic.

Letting a few foreigners in to squeeze some low paid labor out of them does not make a country not Xenophobic

Well by that definition I guess your country is Xenophobic as well as immigrants stand in front of DIY stores daily to get picked up for $5-10 an hour.

METATTOKYO Today 01:57 pm JST

Sadly, no, in fact, it's worse for residents.

Discrimination against Chinese people in Japan occurs toward both Chinese residents living in Japan and Chinese tourists visiting the country, although the nature and extent of discrimination may varies.

Chinese Residents:

Chinese individuals living in Japan face discrimination in various aspects of daily life, including employment, housing, social interactions, and access to services. They can encounter prejudices based on nationality or ethnicity, leading to unequal treatment or barriers to integration into Japanese society.

Chinese Tourists:

Chinese tourists visiting Japan also experience discrimination, usually in interactions with service providers, such as hotels, restaurants, or tourist attractions, where they often face stereotyping or negative attitudes based on their nationality.

Sorry, your victim card has been declined.

Being disgusted with selfish, arrogant and uncultured behavior by China-nese is NOT discrimination or xenophobic.

Think about it. Despite what the Japanese did during the war, they are STILL warmly welcomed in most parts of the world, particularly in Asia ( despite what the nationalistic media or chest-thumbing politicians of these countries say).

In contrast, thanks to the uncultured & unethical behavior of the china-nese, they are widely despised & distrusted throughout the world. The Japanese are not alone in this aspect. Taiwanese, S.Koreans and even Vietnamese don't trust or respect china-nese. Why? Because of their attitude and behavior.

It's not discrimination or xenophobic to point out uncultured behavior.

In order to be respected, one has to BEHAVE respectfully, particularly when you are in someone else's country.

By offering to bring in workers from abroad, it is cheaper than offering a higher hourly rate. Which in turn keeps costs down, but can (if prices are nudged up a bit) increase profits, which in turn increase dividend payouts. Which the low-paid workers themselves probably won't do. because they arent full time workers,(probably mostly female) as they'll be fired if they get pregnant. Since they aren't full-time, there are not benefits, except just for the right to work here. This has nothing to do with xenophobia at all. Yes, we need staff! But if the economy turns bad, some young people, or older, may resent not being given a job. The new workers may resent being kicked out of a job. or as they did post Lehman shock, kick them back on a plane home. It may start with low-paid work, but what about when we move up the salary chain? Shouting Xenophobia when there are legitimate issues to discuss, isn't helpful. And frankly, some countries DO use immigrants, as cheap labour and fire the native staff. P&O Ferries was a great example of firing the staff and replacing them with workers who are paid a pittance. Nurses are another service where it is cheap to bring in nurses rather than the more expensive option of training nurses, doctors, etc. This steals the staff from other countries who "invested" in those nurses,docs etc, only for the richer countries to poach the staff.

Just search for a JT article called " Housing complexes becoming Japan's new Chinatowns"

And you'll see why your so-called "xenophobia" or "discrimination" against china-nese are not actually "xenophobia" or "discrimination" but simply disgust at the way they behave in their host country.

I think the idea that we may be xenophobic discussing immigration, demographics and employment while living in Japan seems to be an oxymoron since we "are foreigners" in their country. So I (ironically) must be petrified of myself (as the foreigner) and everyone in Japan, cause to me they're "foreign" to me. We must separate, criticising legitimate bad behaviour, (no matter the nationality) and xenophobia. Two completely separate problems and shouldn't be conflated.

@OssanAmerica Do you really think other nationalities want to work in China? Working for China is working for the CCP. You put money in the bank to save once in hard to get out. Why go to work only to be harassed by ignorant bosses. I have a neighbor who live in AMERICA but runs her company in China from her home. She has cameras installed on the manufacturing floor where she watch her employees and correspond through internet etc.. She only travels their when she said she has to see the tax people I am like you put your foot down on your workers neck fire them and don't allow breaks but live a lush life here. She thinks nothing of it and just saying they have a good life. I am like WTF!

China is the world's 2nd laregest economy, but you don't hear of Japanese (or any othre nationality) working in convenience stores in China. Just hope that these folks do not get persecuted by the CCP's secret overseas police.

a trend likely to continue amid labor shortages

show people the money, and these "shortages" will magically disappear!

It isn't just Japan. For the last 30+ yrs in the US, immigrants have worked in Quickie-Stores across the country. It isn't a highly skilled occupation, but can pay well if the family owns the store.

The Quickie-Mart workers here tend to be from India or other central Asian or middle eastern countries. I suspect this is because their university degrees don't transfer to the local country and need a paying job ASAP on arrival with a work permit or sponsoring family member. I know a few highly educated people from the middle east that became trades-men - licensed plumbers - and earn very good livings here for being smart and excellent plumbers. Getting licensed is faster than getting a new in-country degree.

@samit

Chinese wages is about the same as Japanese wages in 2024 for low-skilled jobs, actually higher in high-skilled jobs.

Nope, not even close. Even Shanghai, the highest paying city in China is about half what minimum wage earners make anywhere in Japan. Other cities in China pay even less.

https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china/

And, having lived in both countries, a modest life in Japan is far preferable to a higher paying life in China for me.

Abe234May 16  10:18 pm JST

I think the idea that we may be xenophobic discussing immigration, demographics and employment while living in Japan seems to be an oxymoron since we "are foreigners" in their country. So I (ironically) must be petrified of myself (as the foreigner) and everyone in Japan, cause to me they're "foreign" to me. We must separate, criticising legitimate bad behaviour, (no matter the nationality) and xenophobia. Two completely separate problems and shouldn't be conflated.

You don't become Japanese just by living in Japan, you know.