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Japan has faced significant employment challenges, a problem that has been around for the past few years, to which the government has yet to find a permanent solution. Driven by the aging population and the shifting labor dynamics, the country is increasingly turning to international manpower agencies to tap into the skills and expertise of foreign workers. One prominent source of professionals is the Philippines, which offers a diverse range of talents that can help mitigate Japan’s employment challenges.
Specified skilled workers are renowned talents worldwide. Their ability to speak a language that is second to them, as well as their ability to form strong cultural bonds is what makes them pleasing to work with. But that’s not all that there is to them.
Let’s unpack how specified skilled workers can contribute to solving Japan’s employment dilemmas.
Specified Skilled Workers and the Pressing Need for International Manpower
The backdrop of Japan’s employment landscape is painted with the stark realities of an aging population and persistently low birth rates. These factors have catalyzed labor shortages across various sectors, prompting Japanese corporations to widen their search for skilled talent. In this context, international manpower agencies have gained prominence as conduits for tapping into a global pool of skilled workers, including the talented workforce from the Philippines.
How Specified Skilled Workers Can Help Solve Japanese Employment Challenges
Filipino skilled workers possess a wealth of expertise and capabilities that hold the potential to alleviate some of Japan’s pressing employment challenges significantly. This valuable workforce from the Philippines can play a pivotal role in addressing several critical issues faced by the Japanese job market:
1. Filipino Against the Aging Workforce
Japan is experiencing a rapidly aging population, leading to a need for more skilled and experienced workers. An aging population refers to the phenomenon in which older people outnumber the young. Japan is considered a “super-aged” nation since more than 28% of its population comprises people over 65 years old. In comparison, the Philippines’ current median age is only 25, a striking contrast between the ages.
Given this information, Filipino skilled workers are in a place to inject fresh energy and vitality into Japan’s workforce. Professionals coming from the Philippines can bring in new ideas and perspectives while transferring valuable knowledge to the local labor community.
2. Filipino Skilled Workers and Their Technical Excellence
Before being deployed to other parts of the world, one of the requirements is the worker’s proof of proficiency in the field he or she is undertaking. Filipino skilled workers have long established themselves as knowledgeable in their respective fields. In a statistics report by the Philippines Statistics Authority dated 2021, the largest share of Filipino workers were in the following occupations:
- Plant and Machine Operator and Assemblers (31.2%)
- Services and Sales Workers (15.5%)
- Technicians and Associate Professionals (14.8%)
- Craft and Related Trades Workers (13.8%)
- Elementary Occupations (10.7%)
- Other Occupations (14%)
3. Labor Support for Various Sectors
The issue of labor support for various sectors in Japan is paramount due to its aging population, which significantly strains the younger generations to bridge the workforce gaps. The Japanese government has identified several critical sectors with an acute need for skilled labor. These sectors are:
a. Nursing Care
b. Building Cleaning Management
c. Machine Part & Tooling Industries
d. Industrial Machinery
e. IT & Engineering
f. Construction
g. Shipbuilding & Machinery
h. Automobile, Repair and Maintenance
i. Aviation Industry
j. Accomodation Industry
k. Agriculture
l. Fishery and Aquaculture
m. Manufacturing
n. Food Service
The government’s foremost concern is the shortage of nursing, caregiving, and medical professions. These sectors play a vital role in ensuring the healthcare needs of the elderly population, which forms a significant portion of Japan’s demographic makeup.
While the focus is on these critical areas, the demand for skilled labor also extends to other sectors. To address this labor shortage, Japan looks beyond its borders for potential solutions. The Philippines emerges as a significant source of skilled workers who can be deployed to various parts of the world, including Japan.
In 2022, the Philippines sent out more than 1.2 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to meet global labor demands. The projection for 2023 suggests that the number of OFWs deployed will surpass the two-million mark, demonstrating the Philippines’ capacity to provide skilled labor to countries experiencing workforce shortages.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility
Filipino workers are known for their adaptability and versatility, which Japanese employers love the most about these specialized skilled workers. Their excellent work ethic and friendly disposition are often cited in commendation of their performance. This is possibly interpreted from the fact that Filipinos are natural communicators.
Their ability to speak English and Filipino fluently is their hallmark, making them invaluable intermediaries in international business interactions. Aside from skill, your ability to communicate effectively will set you apart.
Even if Japan prefers Nihonggo over English, this poses a non-issue for Filipinos as the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) exercises a 6-month intensive program on Japanese language basics. Mastering Nihonggo, for Filipinos, comes as easy as their breeze.
A Collaboration Solutions
The partnership between Japanese companies and specialized skilled workers offers a mutually beneficial solution to Japan’s employment challenges. How so, you may ask?
By harnessing the expertise of specialized skilled workers, Japan can address labor shortages, infuse fresher perspectives, and foster international collaboration. The Philippines is the ideal partner for Japan in this endeavor. The country boasts a robust network of employment agencies and a surplus of skilled workers who are readily available for immediate deployment, ensuring a swift response to Japan’s labor needs.
This collaboration between Japanese businesses and specialized skilled workers presents a win-win solution to Japan’s labor shortages. Ultimately, it reflects the potential for international cooperation and the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce. So, if you’re all fired up and ready, we invite you to partner with us!
Because at Greatways Manpower International, Inc., we want more than nothing but to build great partnerships in Japan. Contact us today for your requirements!
