Can Japan Become a Preferred Destination for Skilled Foreign Workers?

As Japan grapples with a declining workforce, many companies are finding it essential to attract foreign talent to remain competitive. Human Holdings Inc., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is at the forefront of this initiative. The company, which encompasses various sectors including education, IT, care, and sports, recently conducted a survey through its group company, Human Global Talent, targeting registered foreign professionals on the job site Daijob.com. The survey focuses on understanding the work mindset and career aspirations of foreign workers in Japan, aiming to glean insights to enhance their retention and integration.

Key Findings of the Survey

1. Vision for the Future: An impressive 87.2% of foreign professionals report having a clear vision of their desired future selves, indicating a strong sense of career direction.

2. Commitment to Reskilling: Nearly 67% of respondents are actively engaging in reskilling initiatives, showcasing a high level of awareness and drive towards career self-determination.

3. Focus on Advanced Skills: The top skills that foreign professionals wish to acquire include digital IT and AI/IoT technologies, highlighting a keen interest in mastering cutting-edge fields.

4. Insufficient Support for Reskilling: The survey uncovers that both Japanese and foreign companies fall short in providing adequate reskilling support, suggesting that addressing this gap could significantly improve foreign worker retention.

Detailed Insights from the Survey

Understanding Career Aspirations

When asked if they can envision their “ideal selves,” nearly 90% of the foreign talent expressed confidence in their future goals. This is particularly striking when contrasted with a similar survey conducted among Japanese professionals aged 40, where only 8.9% responded affirmatively, demonstrating a notable difference in career outlook and ambition between the two demographics.

Active Engagement in Reskilling

The survey finds that 66.8% of foreign talent is involved in reskilling programs. This dedication reflects a proactive approach to career management. Furthermore, this finding correlates strongly with their ability to visualize their career paths, as they seek skills to match their career visions.

Desired Skills for Career Growth

Among the 187 respondents engaging in reskilling, a notable 23% aim to enhance their digital IT skills, with 21.9% focused on AI and IoT. Additionally, 11.2% expressed an interest in improving their language skills beyond Japanese, indicating a desire for global communication competencies. Business skills such as management and data analysis also showed a significant interest, highlighting a multidimensional approach to skill improvement.

Purpose Behind Reskilling Efforts

The primary goal of reskilling for most respondents (32.1%) is to update their workplace skills and knowledge, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining their professional relevance. Others cited potential job transitions and the necessity to adapt to evolving job markets as reasons for their reskilling initiatives.

Challenges in Support for Reskilling

Despite the positive inclination towards reskilling, a staggering 61.1% of respondents either have not received reskilling support from their current employers or are unaware of any initiatives in place. This raises concerns about the commitment of both Japanese and international firms to adequately support their employees’ career growth.

The Way Forward

The findings from this survey shed light on the motivations and aspirations of foreign talent in Japan. As Japan continues to face labor shortages, addressing the support structures for reskilling is paramount. By enhancing these programs, companies can not only attract skilled workers but also foster a work environment conducive to long-term retention.

Human Holdings, established in 1985, is committed to its vision of addressing societal issues such as labor shortages and demographic changes. Through various initiatives across its branches, the company is dedicated to creating a society where individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For more information on Human Holdings and its initiatives, visit Human Holdings Official Site.