Japan Businesses Open Up to Foreign Workers

The transcript discusses Japan's efforts to expand its intake of migrant workers through various programs, including extending guest worker visas and creating new ones for agricultural workers. The need for foreign workers is driven by Japan's aging population and low employment rate, which is the lowest among G7 nations. While immigration is seen as a potential solution, structural reforms are also considered, though the topic of permanent immigration remains largely unaddressed.

What is one of the strategies the Japanese government is considering to increase the number of migrant workers?

• Limiting the intake of agricultural workers

• Decreasing the number of special economic zones

• Creating a new guest worker program with five-year visas

• Reducing the length of visas

Why is Japan in dire need of foreign workers?

• Surplus of job opportunities

• Aging population and declining workforce

• Increasing birth rate

• High unemployment rate

What is the employment rate in Japan compared to other G7 nations?

• Lowest among G7 nations

• Average among G7 nations

• Second highest among G7 nations

• Highest among G7 nations

What do economists believe could solve many of Japan's workforce problems?

• Encouraging early retirement

• Reducing working hours

• Increasing birth rates

• Immigration

What is the current stance on permanent immigration in Japan?

• Widely accepted and implemented

• Not yet widely discussed

• Already in place for over a decade

• Completely opposed by the government