#Japan #Tokyo #Employment #ManpowerGroup #Hiring Trends

ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook for Q2 2026

ManpowerGroup, based in Minato, Tokyo, recently released findings from its quarterly employment outlook survey, indicating a solid hiring forecast for the second quarter of 2026 (April to June). This survey, conducted across 42 countries and regions, aims to gauge corporate employment plans by asking companies about their hiring intentions in comparison to the previous quarter.

In the latest survey, 1,033 companies in key Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya participated, resulting in a seasonally adjusted net employment outlook of +17%. This figure remains stable compared to the previous quarter, with a 3-point increase year-over-year. The survey categorizes responses by industry and organizational size, providing a detailed analysis of hiring trends across various sectors.

Breakdown of Hiring Intentions

The net employment outlook is calculated by subtracting the percentage of companies expecting to reduce staff (10%) from those planning to increase their workforce (28%), adjusted for seasonal fluctuations. Japan's +17% outlook places it slightly below the global average forecast of +31% across 42 countries, with most nations showing a positive hiring intention.

Every industry in Japan is projected to see an increase in hiring for Q2 2026, but the information services sector leads the way with a whopping +32% forecast, a notable increase of 17 points from the same period last year. This surge reflects heightened demand for IT professionals driven by digital transformation (DX) initiatives and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various functions. Furthermore, the hospitality industry is witnessing a significant rebound, with a +20% outlook, benefiting from increased tourism and seasonal events that stimulate hiring in anticipation of busy periods like cherry blossom season and Golden Week.

Insights on Organizational Size

The survey also reveals variations in employment outlook by organizational size. Companies with 1,000 to 4,999 employees are reported to have the highest hiring intentions at +33%, indicating robust investment capacity and recruitment potential. As these organizations expand, they combine growth aspirations with the ability to maintain a strong hiring brand, allowing them to navigate evolving market conditions effectively.

Key Considerations for the Future

Overall, the findings present a fairly optimistic picture of the Japanese job market for Q2 2026. The overall hiring momentum, particularly from the information services field and larger enterprises, is expected to propel employment growth. However, some sectors, such as manufacturing and mid-sized businesses, show signs of caution, indicating a potential disparity between varying industries and organizational sizes in their response to external market shifts. The hiring prospects highlighted in this report underscore the crucial need for companies to adopt proactive recruitment strategies amidst ongoing talent shortages.

As employment dynamics evolve, it becomes essential for businesses to remain conscious of industry trends and prepare for changes in job market behavior. The next ManpowerGroup employment outlook for the third quarter of 2026 is anticipated to be released in June 2026, continuing to provide valuable insights into the state of employment across the globe.

About ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup® has over 75 years of experience in connecting talent with opportunities. Operating in 70 countries and territories, it continues to support global organizations in adapting to the changing world of work through its comprehensive talent services, including recruitment, assessment, and workforce management. Recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ManpowerGroup was selected as one of the ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies’ for the 16th time in 2025. For more detailed information on the employment outlook survey, visit here.