Japan's foreign worker population hits record 1.82 million

A record 1.82 million foreigners were working in Japan as of the end of October last year, government data showed Friday, in a 5.5 percent rise from the year before driven primarily by labor shortages as well as foreign students and permanent residents finding employment.

I disagree with adding "students" into these statistics, as their main purpose for being here is to study, and their working hours are limited, and by law can not work full time.

1.82 million foreigners were working in Japan as of the end of October last year, government data showed Friday, in a 5.5 percent

Japan really need more that 5.5% increase

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-immigration/Japan-to-require-four-times-more-foreign-workers-study-says

Those foreign workers only earn less compare to Japanese, they still need to pay taxes and mandatory pension even most of them won't live in Japan that long until retirement. Pension services still can maintain they payment really need to thanks to this people.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-immigration/Foreign-workers-in-Japan-earn-only-70-of-average-pay

sakurasukiToday  07:40 am JST

Japan really need more that 5.5% increase

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-immigration/Japan-to-require-four-times-more-foreign-workers-study-says

To keep wages low, immigration from poorer countries is the key. Japan does not have a labor shortage IF people resources are usedmore efficiently. Do we really need 4 guys directing pedestrian traffic when 2 guys are working?

Those foreign workers only earn less compare to Japanese, they still need to pay taxes and mandatory pension even most of them won't live in Japan that long until retirement. Pension services still can maintain they payment really need to thanks to this people.

You can request a refund of the tax payments when you leave, up to 5 years. So if you are here working short-term, that is the way to go.

A record 1.82 million foreigners were working in Japan as of the end of October last year,

A record? In a country where the population is just under 125 million this is pathetic.

Those foreign workers only earn less compare to Japanese, they still need to pay taxes and mandatory pension even most of them won't live in Japan that long until retirement. Pension services still can maintain they payment really need to thanks to this people.

exactly. why do you think Japan is having so much trouble getting people to come and work here?

You can request a refund of the tax payments when you leave, up to 5 years. So if you are here working short-term, that is the way to go.

I know that, you got only less the ammount you pay, that's how they make money.

As they send most of their earnings overseas, severely damaging Japanese fragile economy, they need to be taxed at 50%.

Tokyo was home to the most foreign workers with 500,089 people

But dont forget 99% of these people are other asians, you stumble upon dozens if not hundreds of them everyday and dont even realize.

The numbers should only include those living here on PR or visas and a separate figure for working visa holders.

As they send most of their earnings overseas, severely damaging Japanese fragile economy, they need to be taxed at 50%.

Must have well-paid jobs then.

You can request a refund of the tax payments when you leave, up to 5 years. So if you are here working short-term, that is the way to go.

I think you can only claim health and pension payments.

As they send most of their earnings overseas, severely damaging Japanese fragile economy, they need to be taxed at 50%.

I'm guessing with your plan, there would be exemptions for "special" foreigners? Such as yourself.

Taxing foreigners at 50% is a sure fire way to ensure almost no foreign workers come to Japan.

Such low numbers for an apparent developed country.

I wonder how many are paid well?

Miles behind Europe as always, Japan.

“ Of the 1,822,725 foreigners in Japan's workforce, Vietnamese nationals accounted for 25.4 percent, the largest proportion, or 462,384 people. They were followed by Chinese nationals at 21.2 percent and 385,848 people, and Filipinos at 11.3 percent and 206,050 people. “

“I’d like to know” how many western folks are working here but the article only mentions Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipinos… smh(!) ( -_- ); yes, many asians in Japan, we get that…; how about properly informing people(?)

From G7 countries: 81,175, 4.5% of the total.

Of these: 34,178 from the US.

And the always theoretically promised high economy boost is exactly taking place now where? Any idea or verified statistical data at hand?

I'm still working in Japan, and somewhat regret it, though have become tied here due to subsequent family.

same here.

I would not, recommend Japan, as a place to further your Career... even the Japanese go Overseas.

agree 100%

I wonder how many are paid well?

Miles behind Europe as always, Japan.

Many illegals in Europe and legals working and living in poor conditions. On a pure confort aspect, Japan is not so bad.

Most of my friends who have been here for years are leaving this year due to the deteriorating conditions, higher wages in their home countries.

Wonder what job they are doing. I have much more here that I would have in my home country. The main difference is a bit less vacation and certainly a lower pension later.

I would not, recommend Japan, as a place to further your Career... even the Japanese go Overseas.

I would also not recommend Japan for a career, but for me, after 20 years here going through J companies and some hurdles, then being able to speak Japanese at quite a good level, I can further develop my career in my field, at a level I am not sure I would have reached at home. Once you are trusted and can communicate well, this makes a huge difference.

Immigration for most of it is just for businesses to get cheap workers.

Paying the real prices for any product shall be the norm.

Fruits and vegetables would remain cheap because no skill required.

The more education and time to work the higher wages shall prevail. That is not usually the case in most developed countries because of immigration.

I see that with my own eyes for most jobs : in my office, 2 foreign origin workers while they realize with time their salaries should be higher...same applies in Japan where in combini, instead of paying 1500 or 2000 yen an hour, they take a Nepale or Pakistani or Vietnamese to do the job...so bad.

Nothing againdt foreigners but it kills the local worker power against the owners of businesses.

In my neighborhood (Osaka suburbs) the locals are having a really hard time trying to get staff. Some businesses have signs up permanently now looking for staff and supermarkets and convenience stores are noticeably undermanned even on weekends. I think I mentioned before the local beef bowl restaurant closes some overnight hours as they have no staff despite being advertised as a 24 hour business. They had a message on their stating this.

I have seen another foreigner since early last year when I came across some young Vietnamese training in fishing.

Wallace..

I think you can only claim health and pension payments.

Just pension and not all of the payments either.

Of course “ students “ should be included in these statistics as the majority actually come to work under the cover of a student visa.

I would not call the vast majority foreign workers but foreign slaves. Underpaid, abused, mistreated.

if Japan wants people to work, they have to start paying them correctly.