Japan headed for shortage of 970,000 foreign workers in 2040

Japan immigration

JICA doubles estimate amid global race for employees and weaker Asian growth

Japan’s shrinking labor force is a major obstacle for its economic growth. © Reuters

EUGENE LANG, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO — Japan will need 970,000 more foreign workers than it will have in 2040 to meet the nation’s economic growth target, a new estimate shows, highlighting the country’s challenges in attracting and retaining overseas talent.