Survey Insight on Senior Employment in Kyushu and Okinawa
A recent research conducted by Senior Job, a company dedicated to supporting senior employment in Japan, focused on the job market trends for seniors in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions. The survey analyzed the job listings on the Senior Job website across the eight prefectures of Kyushu and Okinawa: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa.
Key Findings
The data revealed that the proportion of full-time job listings is notably higher in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions compared to the national average, which stands at 33.5%. For instance, Miyazaki Prefecture had a striking 46.5% of job listings for full-time positions. Similarly, Kagoshima showed close numbers at 46%. This trend signifies a positive shift in the job landscape for seniors in these areas when compared to Tokyo, where only 30.5% of job offerings are for full-time positions.
In contrast, the ratio for part-time jobs presents a different scenario. The national average for part-time positions is 57.7%, with Tokyo and Osaka at 57.1%. However, in regions like Miyazaki (43.7%) and Kagoshima (44.8%), the percentages are lower. That said, there are exceptions in certain prefectures like Saga and Oita, where the part-time job listings remain strong, at 60% and 58% respectively.
Age Appeal in Job Listings
The survey also found that there is a considerable number of job offerings targeted at seniors aged 60 and above. Each prefecture boasts a robust percentage welcoming candidates over 60, but 70+ job offers were abundant particularly in Nagasaki, where 33% of listed jobs encouraged applicants aged 70 and above. Other prefectures, while supportive, showed fewer offerings aimed at the 70+ demographic.
Experience and Qualifications
When analyzing the requirements for experience and qualifications, Miyazaki and Saga emerged as leading regions with high percentages of job listings stating 'experience not required'—79.6% and 77.4% respectively. However, areas like Kagoshima (65.8%) and Okinawa (65.6%) reflected a contrasting trend, indicating a growing divide in job offerings across the different prefectures. Furthermore, listings that did not necessitate any qualifications were generally lower in comparison to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Work Arrangements
The survey shed light on work arrangements, revealing that Nagasaki (12.5%) and Fukuoka (10.2%) offered the highest percentages of jobs that allow for side jobs. On the contrary, in Okinawa and Saga, availability for side jobs was quite limited. Remote working opportunities were similarly scarce, particularly in regions like Kumamoto and Kagoshima, which reported an insignificant 0.5% for remote work options. Overall, these figures still lag behind those from Tokyo and Osaka.
Popular Job Sectors
Examining the popular job sectors reveals that caregiver roles, cooking, nursing, and security are in demand across the nation, including the metropolitan areas. However, uniquely for Kyushu and Okinawa, there is a notable demand in construction-related jobs like site management and drivers, reflecting the economic reliance on the construction sector in these regions. For example, in Saga, construction workers and truck drivers ranked among the top ten job sectors, with respective percentages of 3.4% and 3.2%.
Oita positioned itself differently with job offerings in vibrant industries such as beauty and fashion, indicating a unique job market catering to seniors. Interestingly, agriculture-related jobs are also prevalent in Miyazaki, showcasing the diversity in available job opportunities.
Conclusion
As the survey illustrates, the job market for seniors in Kyushu and Okinawa is not only vibrant but also supportive—with a commendable percentage of full-time job offers and a welcoming stance towards older job seekers. The emphasis on part-time positions and work conditions reflects the diverse needs of seniors navigating today's job market. As we look ahead, the continuous evolution of this segment will play a crucial role in addressing the employment challenges faced by the aging population in Japan.
For those interested in exploring opportunities or hiring senior talent, visit
Senior Job for more information.