- Japan aims to accept over 1.23 million foreign workers by 2029 to address labor shortages.
- 805,700 workers will be admitted under the existing skilled worker program, focusing on manufacturing and nursing care.
- A new training program, launching in 2027, will accept 426,200 workers in fields like construction and manufacturing.

A: Hey! Did you hear anything about more foreign workers coming to Japan?

B: No way! Really? What’s the deal?

A: Apparently, the government wants to accept over a million! Like, 1.23 million!

B: Wow! That’s a lot. When will this happen?

A: They’re planning for it to happen by March 2029. Most will be through the existing skilled worker system.

B: Which jobs will they fill?

A: Lots! Manufacturing, food and drink production, and especially nursing care need help.

B: That makes sense. Nursing care is tough to fill here. What’s the other system?

A: Okay, so they’re starting a new training program in 2027. It’s supposed to train people to become skilled workers in about three years.

B: That’s clever! What industries will that cover?

A: Construction, manufacturing, and food & drink. They’re bringing in around 426,000 people that way.

A: The government thinks this is the maximum they can handle, to keep productivity up.

B: So, they’re going to officially decide everything in January?

A: Yep! They're having a debate and Cabinet approval then. It’s pretty big news!