- Foreign employment in Japan reached a record high of over 2.5 million in 2025, demonstrating increasing labor shortages.
- Vietnamese workers comprise the largest group of foreign nationals employed, followed by Chinese and Filipino workers.
- The medical, welfare, accommodation, and construction sectors experienced the most significant increases in foreign worker numbers.
A: Hey! Did you hear about the news?
B: No, what happened?
A: Apparently, more foreigners are working in Japan than ever before!
B: Wow, really? That’s a lot! How many?
A: Over 2.5 million! It’s the highest number they've ever recorded.
B: Crazy! That’s a big jump from last year, isn’t it?
A: Totally! It’s up by over 268,000 people!
B: Who are most of these workers?
A: Mostly Vietnamese, then Chinese, and people from the Philippines, Nepal, and Indonesia.
B: Makes sense, lots of people looking for opportunities.
A: Exactly! And some industries *really* need the help.
B: Like what kind of industries?
A: Healthcare and social care are booming with foreign workers! Also restaurants, hotels, and construction.
B: Oh, I can imagine! Those jobs can be tough to fill.
A: Yeah, foreigners now make up over 4% of Japan's workforce!
B: That’s pretty significant!
A: The government wants to make sure they have good working conditions too.
B: That’s good to hear! Hopefully things will keep improving!
- Vietnamese workers comprise the largest group of foreign nationals employed, followed by Chinese and Filipino workers.
- The medical, welfare, accommodation, and construction sectors experienced the most significant increases in foreign worker numbers.
A: Hey! Did you hear about the news?
B: No, what happened?
A: Apparently, more foreigners are working in Japan than ever before!
B: Wow, really? That’s a lot! How many?
A: Over 2.5 million! It’s the highest number they've ever recorded.
B: Crazy! That’s a big jump from last year, isn’t it?
A: Totally! It’s up by over 268,000 people!
B: Who are most of these workers?
A: Mostly Vietnamese, then Chinese, and people from the Philippines, Nepal, and Indonesia.
B: Makes sense, lots of people looking for opportunities.
A: Exactly! And some industries *really* need the help.
B: Like what kind of industries?
A: Healthcare and social care are booming with foreign workers! Also restaurants, hotels, and construction.
B: Oh, I can imagine! Those jobs can be tough to fill.
A: Yeah, foreigners now make up over 4% of Japan's workforce!
B: That’s pretty significant!
A: The government wants to make sure they have good working conditions too.
B: That’s good to hear! Hopefully things will keep improving!
Similar Readings (5 items)
Number of foreign workers in Japan hits record high
Number of foreign workers in Japan hits record high at over 2 mil.
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Summary: Japan govt. to accept 1.23 mil. foreign workers under 2 systems
Summary: Japanese govt. to accept more foreign workers
Summary
Japan's foreign workforce hit a record 2.5M+ in 2025 due to labor shortages. Vietnamese, Chinese, & Filipino workers are most prevalent, filling critical roles in healthcare, construction, & hospitality. #Japan #ForeignWorkers #LaborShortage
Reading History
| Date | Name | Words | Time | WPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/01/30 19:05 | Anonymous | 223 | 96s | 139 |
Statistics
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Read CountDetails
ID: a1446c6f-3967-4a47-b939-db41d75d2aa1
Category ID: listed_summary
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260130_13/#summary
Date: Jan. 30, 2026
Notes: NHK News Summary - 2026-01-30
Created: 2026/01/30 16:40
Updated: 2026/01/30 19:05
Last Read: 2026/01/30 19:05