Months into the global COVID-19 pandemic, the world has done its best to adjust to a new standard of normality. Many jobs have begun having their workers work remotely, and those industries that can’t have had to take strict precautions to avoid infections.
Japan is no exception. The country has fared better than other developed countries like the United States and Europe, but it is still dealing with a resurgence of cases as the weather turns cold.
The pandemic has also placed a strain on the world’s economy. Japan’s tourism dollars in particular have been hit hard. So what does the market look like for jobs in Japan, for foreigners particularly, and what is it projected to look like moving forward?
Japan’s Job Environment
The advancement of technology is driving Japan’s job market post-coronavirus, according to The Japan Times. As people continue to work remotely to help slow the spread of the virus, they’re increasingly using new tech to help them do it.
A government report cited by the Times has urged further investments in information technology, software, and human resources, claiming that there are adequate government resources to support such an investment.
A report by McKinsey and Company in July 2020 seemed to back this up, saying that automation is key to saving Japanese jobs. The report went on to say that “raising the level of economic activity swiftly along with protecting employment are the most important tasks” when it comes to getting Japan’s economy on track for growth.
Workers in Japan will continue to see their employers taking precautions like mandating remote work and implementing staggered shifts in an effort to keep new cases down.
The report also noted that it is essential moving forward to increase the quality of working conditions for women — especially women with families — and restrict working hours so everyone can take a more active role in the household.
Are Companies Hiring in Japan?
The answer to this question appears to be that it depends on what sector you’re looking at.
At the moment, Japan is facing a challenge with its workforce. Companies are looking not just to hire more workers, but also to change how they work to make them more efficient.
Japan’s economy was hit hard by the pandemic. Tourism and manufacturing were impacted particularly heavily, with companies forced to lay off workers. A number of Japanese businesses cut recruitment around September, according to the Jakarta Post. The cutbacks have worried foreign students, who work in many of the industries affected.
