Timee Releases Report on Spot Work Utilization in Primary Industries

The company Timee, located in Minato, Tokyo and represented by CEO Reiji Ogawa, has recently published a comprehensive report on the utilization of spot work in primary industries, particularly in light of challenges such as labor shortages and an aging workforce. This report offers valuable insights into how spot work can help alleviate workforce gaps in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and dairy farming.

Labor Shortages in the Primary Sector

Japan's primary industries, which include agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, are facing significant labor shortage challenges, exacerbated by a declining birth rate and the urban migration of young people. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of workers in agriculture and forestry is projected to decrease from 1.8 million in 2023 to 1.73 million by 2024, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Furthermore, the fishing industry is also experiencing a decline, with employment numbers expected to drop from 121,000 in 2023 to 68,000 by 2048.

In response to these alarming statistics, Timee has been proactive in supporting primary industry workers. Establishing a specialized agricultural team in November 2023 and expanding to a broader primary industry-focused team in spring 2024, Timee aims to enhance support for businesses in these sectors.

Growth of Spot Work Utilization

The demand for spot work services has surged in primary industries, multiplying the businesses adopting this method by approximately 8.7 times over the last two years. As a result, the number of job postings increased nearly fivefold, particularly during peak seasons for labor-intensive agricultural tasks. By collaborating with local governments and various agricultural and fisheries organizations, Timee has raised awareness about spot work among farmers and fishery operators, providing dedicated guides on best practices and operational strategies.

For example, the rise in vegetable and fruit sorting farms utilizing spot work has been significant, with job postings now available in all 47 prefectures across Japan. Simple yet essential tasks such as harvesting, sorting, and packing have increasingly relied on spot work, contributing to business efficiency tailored to seasonal demands. Additionally, Timee has developed case studies on job separation techniques to help farmers manage their workload more effectively, showcasing 30 different crops as examples.

Bridging New Farmers to Long-Term Employment

As the aging workforce poses both challenges and opportunities, Timee has provided a gateway for new entrants into farming through its spot work service. In Oita Prefecture, for instance, one agricultural corporation has successfully converted three spot workers into long-term hires, proving that spot work can be an effective pathway for newcomers in the industry. The inherent flexibility of the spot work system, with no resume or formal interview process required, encourages individuals curious about agriculture to gain experience without commitment.

Proof of Increased Productivity

Beyond tackling labor shortages, case studies demonstrate how spot work significantly enhances productivity and workplace improvements. In Aichi Prefecture, one agricultural company reported doubling sorting efficiency while increasing their shipping volume threefold after implementing spot work services. As workers provide feedback on operational challenges, businesses can innovate workplace practices, resulting in improved efficiency.

Collaboration with Fisheries and Local Communities

The fishing industry, facing its own labor challenges, has also seen success through collaborations initiated by Timee. In June 2025, Timee partnered with Fisherman Japan, an organization dedicated to the development of future fishery workers amidst declining employment figures. This partnership aims to combine Timee's expertise in the spot work model with Fisherman Japan's approach to nurturing new talent in the industry.

In a unique collaboration with the town of Toyako in Hokkaido, Timee signed a comprehensive partnership agreement to support local primary industries. The focus on specific local needs, such as the labor demands of scallop fishing, has led to the creation of easy-to-follow guidelines for potential workers, facilitating smoother operations for first-time workers and reducing the burden on fishery businesses.

Extending Services to Dairy and Rice Farming

The reach of spot work services continues to expand to new areas such as dairy farming and rice production. Timee is developing video tutorials that simplify the onboarding process for spot workers in dairy operations while also responding to the increased demand for labor in rice production, such as milling and planting. As challenges like rising prices and supply difficulties in rice become more pressing, Timee's initiatives aim to address these issues effectively.

With demand for spot work in primary industries climbing annually, Timee remains dedicated to partnering with stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries, and local governments to sustain and enhance the future of these crucial sectors in Japan's economy.

Company Overview

- Founded: August 2017
- CEO: Reiji Ogawa
- Location: Shiodome City Center, 1-5-2 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan
- Website: Timee Corp
- Timee Lab: Timee Lab
- Spot Work Research Institute: Spot Work Institute