#Japan #Shinjuku, Tokyo #Layoffs #CAREER FOCUS #employment disparity

Introduction

In September 2025, CAREER FOCUS conducted a nationwide survey involving 450 individuals who have experienced layoffs in Japan. This pioneering research aims to illuminate the harsh realities of career trajectories following layoffs, a subject that has remained largely obscured until now.

Background of the Survey

The modern employment landscape in Japan has seen a significant shift, particularly with the decline of lifetime employment and increasing corporate restructuring. News of layoffs, especially early retirement programs from major companies, has become commonplace, leading to a collective anxiety regarding one's career stability. This survey seeks to fill a critical gap in understanding how layoffs impact career paths and the associated financial and psychological effects.

Key Findings

The survey reveals four major disparities faced by individuals post-layoff:

1. Age-Related Disparity

Analysis indicates a significant age bias in the job market. While 76.9% of individuals in their twenties experienced salary increases post-layoff, those over 60 all reported salary decreases. This stark contrast demonstrates how age can drastically influence economic status, irrespective of an individual’s skills or experience.

2. Economic Disparity

Approximately 41.3% of participants reported a decrease in income, with 27.3% of these individuals experiencing a 30% or more decline in their earnings. Such reductions can jeopardize financial stability, affecting everything from mortgage payments to educational opportunities for children.

3. Career Path Disparity

The survey found that re-employment often takes considerable time, with many facing a lengthy job search process. The average duration of unemployment was reported to be over four months, indicating that re-establishing a career is not only challenging, but often extends for more than six months for a substantial portion of the individuals surveyed. This process is often complicated by invisible barriers that go beyond skill and experience.

4. Psychological Disparity

The emotional toll of layoffs is profound; over 75% of respondents experienced severe psychological distress during their layoffs. Feelings of anxiety, anger, and resignation were prevalent, highlighting the deep impact on personal dignity and future aspirations.

Structural Factors Behind Layoffs

The survey also sheds light on the systemic factors contributing to layoffs, indicating that this phenomenon is not simply an individual problem but a societal issue rooted in broader economic transformations.

• - Industry Concentration: The layoffs are notably concentrated in key sectors such as manufacturing, services, and IT. A staggering 75.3% of layoff cases originated from these industries, underscoring their vulnerability amidst global competition and technological advancements.
• - Ineffective Hierarchical Protection: Notably, layoffs affected individuals across all levels, including management positions. The misconception that only underperforming employees are targeted has been debunked, as layoffs are increasingly based on strategic corporate restructuring rather than individual performance.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The insights drawn from this survey point toward a pressing need for a societal re-evaluation of employment practices. Addressing the structures that lead to such disparities must be prioritized to foster a more equitable job market, where individuals are valued for their contributions regardless of age or circumstances.

Through this research, CAREER FOCUS aims to catalyze important discussions around employment and layoff practices in Japan, pushing for a future where all individuals can navigate their careers with dignity.