Top 5 Sectors and Workforce Challenges in the Processing Industry

Japan’s Processing Industry (加工産業) and Their Workforce Demands

Japan’s processing industry is known worldwide for its competitive advantage in food, automotive, and electronics. But behind its success lies a growing concern: labor shortage. 

This issue is putting pressure on production and slowing down the growth of several verticals. As a result, recruiters must now adjust their hiring strategies to keep operations running smoothly.

In this blog, we will explore the top five processing sectors in Japan, examine the workforce challenges each one faces, and show how turning to reliable dispatch partners and sending organizations can help you overcome these challenges head-on.

Why the Labor Shortage in Japan’s  Processing Industry (加工産業) Is Getting Worse

Japan’s workforce crisis is driven by three main issues: an aging population, lower birth rates, and limited immigration for entry-level skilled workers. If you’re in recruitment, you’ve likely seen the impact in the processing industry, including longer hiring times, lower productivity, and higher labor costs. 

To have a deep understanding, let’s break down the five sectors that thrive in Japan’s processing industry and their workforce demands.

5 Sectors Driving Japan’s Processing Industry (加工産業)  and Their Workforce Demand

1. Automotive and Manufacturing

Japan is known worldwide for its strong automotive industry. Its ability to manufacture some of the most renowned car brands strengthened its economy, making up 2.9% of the country’s total GDP. However, the industry is struggling with a serious labor shortage. This has been amplified by:

 

  • High turnover in assembly and machine operator roles
  • Difficulty recruiting younger workers in Japan for physically demanding jobs
  • Pressure to meet export timelines despite manpower gaps
How to solve workforce challenges in the Automotive and Manufacturing Sector? 

With 派遣サービス and sending organizations, you can hire foreign workers who have the technical skills and experience in assembly, welding, and materials handling. This makes your hiring process faster, easier, and more productive—while ensuring you work with trusted industry professionals.

2. Technology and Electronics

The demand for skilled workers in Japan’s electronics and semiconductor sectors is at an all-time high. Rapid tech advancements and the growing use of electronic components across many industries are driving this need. 

 

As a result, companies face major challenges in staying competitive while maintaining high production quality and efficiency.

 

This talent gap is already affecting production and could slow business growth. Experts estimated that by 2029, the industry could be short of hundreds of thousands of skilled workers.

How to solve workforce challenges in the Technology and Electronics Sector?

To close this workforce gap, you can turn to accredited dispatch services. These services allow skilled professionals from trusted sending organizations to be placed temporarily, helping your business to adjust quickly to changing market demands—without the long-term cost of permanent hires.

3. Food and Beverage

The food industry in Japan is one of the most prominent verticals of the processing industry, with a larger number of workers supporting both local and export markets. However, an aging workforce, shrinking rural populations, and seasonal demand surges are making it harder to keep operations running smoothly in this sector.

 

Some of the common labor issues in food and beverage operations include:

 

  • Shortage of line operators and quality controllers
  • Inability to fill peak-season roles
  • Language barriers with temporary hires

How to solve workforce challenges in the Food and Beverage Sector?

A 人材派遣会社 in Japan offers trained and flexible workers who can perform well in temperature-controlled areas and follow food safety rules.

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4. Metal Fabrication and Machining

Metal finishers, CNC operators, and welders are among the most in-demand roles in this sector. These are professions that require certifications and years of experience that are not easy to acquire right away, especially with the demand in Japan. 

 

As a recruiter, you may often struggle with long training periods for new operators, delays in custom orders due to limited staff, and strict safety standards that require highly skilled workers.

How to solve workforce challenges in the Metal Fabrication and Machining Sector?

Dispatch companies give you access to a large pool of certified welders and machinists trained to use specialized tools and follow strict manufacturing standards. Partnering with one can help you solve hiring challenges and quickly fill these hard-to-find roles.

5. Pharmaceutical

Japan’s need for pharmaceutical workers has grown steadily in recent years, driven by an aging population and a rise in chronic illnesses. This growing demand calls for a skilled and flexible workforce that can adapt to the healthcare sector’s changing needs.

 

Fortunately, there’s a practical solution you can integrate into your hiring process.

How to solve workforce challenges in the Pharmaceutical Sector?

Dispatch services allow companies to quickly place trained professionals where they’re needed most. This setup helps the sending organizations respond to changes in staffing needs without delays. It improves efficiency, supports product development, and ensures high standards in patient care.

How Greatways Can Help Streamline Recruitment in Japan’s Processing Industry (加工産業)

As a licensed human resource dispatch company, Greatways helps Japanese companies solve their labor shortage by:

  • Screening and training overseas workers
  • Deploying job-ready talent for specific processing roles
  • Complying with Japan’s labor and immigration laws
  • Offering flexible contracts to meet seasonal or long-term needs

Whether your company operates in the verticals of food processing, automotive, or semiconductor manufacturing, we can provide you with tailored staffing solutions to reduce turnover and improve your productivity.

結論

Each processing sector in Japan faces unique staffing challenges. However, they all share one common need—a reliable and long-term labor solution. Let’s face it, labor shortages will continue to impact productivity and delay your operations but Greatways provides a strong answer to this problem. 

With deep experience in overseas manpower deployment and dispatch support, Greatways offers services tailored to Japan’s specific labor needs. This allows you to focus on developing strategic business goals while we take care of the recruitment that will strengthen your operations.

Need Sector-Specific Workers? Greatways Has You Covered!

Partner with Greatways Manpower International and discover how our international dispatch services can help you solve labor shortages—no matter your industry in Japan.

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