#Japan #Caregiver #Shibuya #DX Platform #Medring

Introduction

Medring Corporation, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is actively working to tackle the severe shortage of caregiver professionals in Japan through the launch of an innovative digital exchange platform. The company has recently gained approval from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for a feasibility study aimed at establishing a caregiver talent circulation platform between Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan. With Japan projected to face a shortage of 700,000 caregivers by 2040, this initiative is crucial for balancing workforce demands in the aging care sector.

The Current Landscape

In recent years, Japan has been grappling with a severe shortage of caregiving personnel, leading to government initiatives to facilitate the acceptance of foreign workers in the field. By the end of 2024, it is anticipated that approximately 74,000 foreign caregivers will be employed in Japan, with plans to welcome an additional 135,000 by 2030. Currently, over half of these foreign workers, around 44,000, are in the specific skills category, which offers a five-year employment period. Unfortunately, to remain in Japan, these workers must pass the caregiving certification exam within this timeframe, a challenge as there's only one testing opportunity each year.

Challenges Faced

The certification exam has a pass rate of approximately 33%, highlighting the difficulties faced by foreign workers wishing to stay longer in Japan. Many are likely to return home once their work permits expire, particularly those who arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, ASEAN countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are experiencing demographic shifts, with increasing elderly populations. In Indonesia alone, over 30 million people are over 60 years old, stressing the need for caregiving solutions.

Medring's Strategic Initiatives

Given these circumstances, Medring aims to establish a platform that facilitates the return of foreign caregivers to their home countries while still allowing them to work in Japan. The platform will focus on gathering insights from workers who must return home and conducting interviews with Japanese caregiving service providers. This research will help shape a robust database for real-time updates and better connection management between returned caregivers and potential employers.

Skills Development Plans

Medring is also exploring reskilling programs for these caregivers to assist them in preparing for the certification exam. Collaboration with academic experts such as Professor Junin Ogawa from the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School will ensure the programs are of high quality. Additionally, strategies to support these caregivers with job placements that leverage their previous Japanese caregiving experience and language skills in their home countries will be investigated.

Future Prospects

The feasibility study is expected to conclude by August 2026, at which point Medring plans to formally initiate this groundbreaking project. Successful implementation could lead to a sustainable environment for skilled foreign caregivers to thrive, enabling Japanese caregiving businesses to access a steady supply of experienced personnel. Furthermore, it could strengthen the caregiving ecosystem in ASEAN countries, benefitting medical and caregiving institutions and enhancing business exports from Japan to the region

Company Overview

Founded in March 2019, Medring is dedicated to revolutionizing caregiving solutions with an emphasis on technology and human resources. The company currently employs 15 staff members and has operations in Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. As Medring continues to innovate in the healthcare and caregiving industry, it strives to foster an effective exchanges of knowledge and skills across borders.

For more information about Medring, visit Medring Corporation.