Amid a labor shortage, Japan’s elderly working population has hit an all-time high. The country’s elderly working population reached a record 9.14 million last year.
The data is based on the latest records of the Japanese Ministry of Home Affairs. The total elderly population of Japan, aged 65 and over, is recorded at 36.25 million, with 25.2% of them working.
“About 15.72 million of the total elderly population are men,” the ministry statement added, as reported by Anadolu, Tuesday (17/9).
The ministry’s data also showed that the number of working elderly men fell by 40,000 from the previous year to 5.34 million, while the number of working elderly women increased by 50,000 to 3.8 million.
As Japan marks Respect for the Aged Day on Monday, the country recorded its biggest population decline in history last year, with a significant drop of 861,000 residents.
This demographic shift, observed across provinces, highlights the country’s ongoing challenges with an aging population and declining birth rate.
The population fell from 122.42 million in 2022 to 121.56 million in 2023, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said earlier this year in July. It marked the 15th consecutive year of decline and the largest drop since the survey began in 1968. (I-2)
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Table of Contents
Record Number of Elderly Workers in Japan Amid Labor Shortage Crisis
Japan has reached a new milestone, with a record 9.14 million elderly citizens aged 65 and above actively participating in the workforce last year. This unprecedented figure highlights the country’s struggle to address its crippling labor shortage crisis.
Elderly Population on the Rise
According to the Japanese Ministry of Home Affairs, the country’s total elderly population stands at 36.25 million, with a staggering 25.2% of them engaged in some form of employment. The data, released on Tuesday, September 17, indicates that approximately 15.72 million of these elderly citizens are men.
Working Elderly Population Breakdown
The ministry’s records also reveal that the number of working elderly men decreased by 40,000 from the previous year, totaling 5.34 million. On the other hand, the number of working elderly women increased by 50,000, reaching 3.8 million. This shift in demographics underscores the changing landscape of Japan’s workforce, where older citizens are playing an increasingly vital role.
Labor Shortage Crisis in Japan
Japan has been grappling with a severe labor shortage crisis, which has been exacerbated by its rapidly aging population and low birth rates. The country’s workforce is expected to continue shrinking, with the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare predicting that the working-age population will dwindle by nearly 40% by 2065.
Government Efforts to Address the Crisis
To mitigate the effects of the labor shortage, the Japanese government has introduced various initiatives aimed at encouraging older citizens to remain in the workforce. These efforts include:
- Raising the retirement age: The government has plans to increase the retirement age from 65 to 70, allowing older citizens to continue contributing to the workforce.
- Promoting lifetime employment: Companies are being incentivized to adopt lifetime employment practices, ensuring that older workers can continue to work and contribute to society.
- Enhancing elderly employment support: The government is investing in programs that provide training and support for older workers, enabling them to acquire new skills and adapt to changing job requirements.
Conclusion
Japan’s record number of elderly workers is a testament to the country’s efforts to address its labor shortage crisis. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of an aging population, it is essential to develop and implement sustainable solutions that support and empower older citizens to remain active contributors to the workforce.
Key Takeaways:
Japan’s elderly working population reached a record 9.14 million last year.
The total elderly population in Japan stands at 36.25 million, with 25.2% of them working.
* The government is implementing initiatives to address the labor shortage crisis, including raising the retirement age, promoting lifetime employment, and enhancing elderly employment support.
Meta Description: Japan’s elderly working population has hit an all-time high, with 9.14 million citizens aged 65 and above actively working. Learn more about the country’s labor shortage crisis and government efforts to address it.
Keywords: Japan, elderly workers, labor shortage, aging population, workforce, government initiatives, retirement age, lifetime employment, elderly employment support.
The retirement age
Record Number of Elderly Workers in Japan Amid Labor Shortage Crisis
Japan has reached a new milestone, with a record 9.14 million elderly citizens aged 65 and above actively participating in the workforce last year. This unprecedented figure highlights the country’s struggle to address its crippling labor shortage crisis.
Elderly Population on the Rise
According to the Japanese Ministry of Home Affairs, the country’s total elderly population stands at 36.25 million, with a staggering 25.2% of them engaged in some form of employment. The data, released on Tuesday, September 17, indicates that approximately 15.72 million of these elderly citizens are men.
Working Elderly Population Breakdown
The ministry’s records also reveal that the number of working elderly men decreased by 40,000 from the previous year, totaling 5.34 million. On the other hand, the number of working elderly women increased by 50,000, reaching 3.8 million. This shift in demographics underscores the changing landscape of Japan’s workforce, where older citizens are playing an increasingly vital role.
Labor Shortage Crisis in Japan
Japan has been grappling with a severe labor shortage crisis, which has been exacerbated by its rapidly aging population and low birth rates. The country’s workforce is expected to continue shrinking, with the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare predicting that the working-age population will dwindle by nearly 40% by 2065.
Government Efforts to Address the Crisis
To mitigate the effects of the labor shortage, the Japanese government has introduced various initiatives aimed at encouraging older citizens to remain in the workforce. These efforts include:
*Raising
