#Japan #Uzbekistan #Shinjuku #Proud Partners #foreign labor

Promoting a New Era of Foreign Talent in Japan

As we usher in a new year, we at Proud Partners, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, want to celebrate the achievements and growth we've witnessed in 2025. Our mission has always been to create a fair and borderless working environment for foreign professionals, allowing them to significantly contribute to Japanese society.

Major Milestones in 2025

In the previous year, despite the lingering effects of the pandemic and the constraints of border controls, we proudly supported 2,357 foreign skilled workers nationwide, with 1,636 located in the Kanto region alone. This represents about 9.3% of the market share in construction, enabling numerous companies and foreign workers to thrive in a time of labor shortages.

The construction sector is vital to Japan's infrastructure, yet it faces ever-increasing manpower shortages, particularly among small to medium-sized enterprises. According to a report from Teikoku Databank, many construction companies have had to shutter their doors due to this labor scarcity. We take great pride in addressing this urgent need and assisting these companies through our services.

Rising Demand for Foreign Workers

Looking at Japan's workforce landscape, the number of foreign workers has increased significantly, reaching a record high of approximately 2.3 million by October 2024. The number of individuals possessing the specific skills under the relevant visa category has also grown, reaching 336,196 by mid-2025. Despite this growth, challenges remain, particularly in sectors like transportation that are still underrepresented in skilled labor.

New Initiatives with Uzbekistan

In response to these challenges, we initiated a 'Skills Development Project' in collaboration with the Government of Uzbekistan last fall. Aiming to cultivate local talent in industries such as logistics and transport, this initiative reflects our commitment to fostering international cooperation. Uzbekistan features a youthful demographic and a strong work ethic, making it an ideal partner for Japan looking to integrate more foreign skilled labor into its economy.

Training and Supervision

The Skills Development Project encompasses a rigorous selection process that includes assessments of candidates' behaviors, enthusiasm for work, and understanding of Japanese culture. Successful candidates will undergo 6 to 8 months of training in Uzbekistan, focusing on Japanese language competencies and industry-specific skills in driving and safety practices.

Our goal is not just to train foreign workers but to empower them as key assets within Japanese industries, ensuring better integration and retention once they enter the workforce.

Global Expansion and Economic Challenges

The importance of this training initiative cannot be understated, particularly against the backdrop of Japan's shrinking domestic demand, projected to fall from approximately 300 trillion yen in 2019 to around 228 trillion yen by 2050. Many small and medium enterprises are struggling to explore international markets due to language and cultural barriers, jeopardizing their growth prospects. We believe that integrating foreign talent can pave the way for these companies, enhancing their understanding of global markets and contributing to their international competitiveness.

A Vision for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, our core principles will revolve around 'development', 'support for overseas expansion', and 'perseverance'. We envision a reciprocal relationship where Japanese companies and foreign talent grow together, creating a sustainable pathway for the future of the construction and hospitality industries.

At Proud Partners, we regard foreign talent as essential partners in achieving business sustainability and competitive strength. We aim to create an environment where both local businesses and international employees can thrive together. Our motto reflects our values: 'You cannot choose where you are born, but you can choose where you live and work.'

With these ambitious goals, we ask for your continued support and attention toward Proud Partners as we embark on this journey in 2026 and beyond.