Japan has reached a new milestone in its foreign workforce, with the number of foreign employees hitting a record 2.3 million as of October last year. This marks a steady 12.4% growth rate, matching the previous year’s increase, according to recent government data. Despite concerns over the weakening yen, Japan continues to attract overseas talent to support its labor market.

The foreign worker population has seen continuous annual growth since 2013. A significant contributor to this rise is the Specified Skilled Worker visa program, which allows foreign nationals to work in industries facing severe labor shortages, such as nursing care and construction. In the latest report, the number of workers under this visa category surged by 49.4%, reaching 206,995.

The total number of workplaces employing foreign nationals also set a new record at 342,087, reflecting a 7.3% increase from the previous year. Notably, small businesses with fewer than 30 employees accounted for 62.4% of these workplaces, highlighting the critical role foreign workers play in supporting Japan’s small business sector.

Despite the yen’s depreciation, Japan remains an attractive destination for many foreign workers, especially those from Southeast Asia. A labor ministry official noted that many individuals still prefer Japan as a place to build their careers.

In terms of nationality, Vietnamese workers make up the largest group, totaling 570,708, or 24.8% of all foreign workers in Japan. They are followed by Chinese workers at 408,805 (17.8%) and Filipinos at 245,565 (10.7%).

As Japan continues to address its labor shortages, the growing presence of foreign workers plays an essential role in sustaining key industries and supporting economic growth.