Elections Aside, Japan Needs Foreign Workers Now

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Foreign Professional
July 13, 2025

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Upper House Election
Election Noise

With the July 20 Upper House election approaching, immigrant labor and foreign talent are once again central in Japan’s political discourse. While there are rhetorical tensions, the urgent economic and demographic reality remains simple: Japan needs foreign workers, and smart local governments are acting on that need now. If you're living abroad and dreaming of Japan, this edition is for you.

Pro-Foreign Leaders
Pro-Foreign Leaders Taking Action

Despite the national headlines, many local leaders are actively working to attract foreign workers and turning their regions into opportunity hubs.

Governor Murai’s Game Plan in Miyagi

Governor Yoshihiro Murai, in a July 9 address, highlighted how Japan exports workers overseas but still hesitates to welcome foreign labor domestically. He noted:

  • Employers needing 10 staff can only hire 7 locally, making foreign labor not a choice, but a necessity.

  • Miyagi Prefecture has signed agreements with regions in Indonesia to create structured job pipelines, complete with training and English-friendly onboarding.

  • They’ve already hosted virtual job fairs and plot to visit universities in Southeast Asia to recruit directly.

Murai’s plan is not hypothetical, it’s operational. Miyagi's “Work in Miyagi” site actively lists positions (in food processing, lodging, agriculture, logistics) that accept overseas applicants and offer relocation assistance.

Local Governments
How Local Governments Are Depending on Foreign Talent

Rural and mid-size cities across Japan are implementing practical measures to integrate foreign workers into their local economies and communities.

Sendai’s Inclusive Programming

Sendai has recognized a demographic downturn and implemented concrete strategies:

  • Monthly recruitment events connect international job candidates with local employers.

  • Particular sectors, like tourism, elderly care, and food production, are offering subsidized relocation packages including up to ¥500,000 for moving expenses.

  • Language support: Daily Japanese classes and community mixers are being funded by the city.

  • Multilingual user centers are now publicly available to help with everything from tax paperwork to school enrollment.

These programs are not experimental, they’re budgeted, staffed, and consistently marketed abroad.

Election Debate
Election Debate: Reading Between the Lines

National Rhetoric

Some party platforms, including Sanseito and certain voices within the LDP, are pushing a hardline “Japan-first” agenda. They talk about:

  • Stricter immigration controls

  • Nationwide moves to “eliminate foreign crime”

  • Zero tolerance for undocumented workers

These signals may sound discouraging, especially if you read only national headlines.

The Local Reality, Completely Different

Meanwhile, leaders like Murai and Kori are issuing statements like:

  • “We need foreign workers to keep industries alive”

  • “We should send the same respect and opportunity as we offer abroad”

  • NGOs such as Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan are highlighting the balance between security and economic necessity

Dig into the balanced perspectives below:
https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025071000671/

This matters for you
Why This Matters for You (Living Abroad)

All this isn’t just politics, it’s directly relevant for people considering a move to Japan right now. Here’s how:

You Can Apply Directly from Abroad

  • Employers in Miyagi and Sendai actively recruit internationally using online portals designed for overseas applicants.

  • These positions include full support, visa sponsorship, training, housing help, language guidance, and warmer integration.

Jobs Come in Multiple Forms

Opportunities span across:

  • Specified Skilled Worker roles in agriculture, food processing, cleaning, logistics

  • Hospitality positions in rural inns, resorts, and tourism

  • Caregiving roles in elderly facilities or community elder-care programs

These openings often pay wages that cover living expenses and allow visa holders to save or prepare for family relocation.

A Built-In Support Structure

Unlike the isolation that can happen in big city apartments, Miyagi, Sendai, and others provide:

  • Shared housing or community host families during initial months

  • Organized Japanese classes tailored to everyday life and job scenarios

  • Mentorship systems connecting you with local volunteers or bilingual residents

What to do
How You Can Seize This Moment

Step One: Choose Your Region

Start with places like Miyagi or Sendai. Then explore rural prefectures offering relocation grants under "Rural Revitalization" programs.

Step Two: Apply For Jobs Overseas

Use region-specific sites or broader aggregators filtered to “visa sponsorship” roles:

Step Three: Attend Virtual Job Fairs

Miyagi and Sendai already run international job fairs, many held online. Signing up early gives you access to interviews and information sessions before you move.

Step Four: Prepare Documentation

Most roles will require:

  • A resume formatted for Japanese employers (reverse chronological)

  • Proof of language competency (JLPT N4 or equivalent)

  • Access to a passport and educational certificates

  • A plan for rent and cost-of-living in smaller cities

Step Five: Arrange Arrival Logistics

  • Find share houses near your job site (typically requires one month’s rent and utilities upfront)

  • Take part in municipal welcome orientation

  • Access language support and official services tailored for international residents

CONCLUSION
Final Thought

Yes, the national discourse might raise questions. But the on-the-ground reality in countless Japanese regions is clear: foreign workers are essential for economic stability and community rejuvenation.

If you’re living outside Japan and want to move, this is your best entry window yet.

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