Current Issues Concerning Foreign Workers in Japan

With concerns being voiced about a possible structural shortage of labor in the future due to a declining fertility rate and ageing of society in recent years, there is heightening pressure on Japan at EPA, WTO and other international arenas to accept foreign workers. At the same time, issues concerning foreign workers have been drawing attention at home, where there are calls for acceptance of workers from abroad in the interest of further globalization of Japan. This article overviews the current situation, the opinions of various circles, general public opinion, and policy issues among other things concerning foreign workers in Japan.