Modern Japan is also famous for its rapid aging, with a population that is rapidly decreasing compared to the growing elderly population. The labor shortage that supports the pension system is also severe.
In this situation, companies are increasingly actively recruiting foreign workers as a valuable labor force. In the manufacturing industry, the number of foreign workers has reached a record high of about 1.27 million in 2017.

There are many benefits to companies actively recruiting foreign workers.
First, they can acquire young and energetic labor.
As mentioned above, in Japan, where the aging population is rapidly increasing, young people are becoming increasingly valuable. Even in jobs that are not popular with Japanese young people, foreign young people who come to work from abroad are not particularly difficult.
In addition, by hiring foreign workers with different cultures and values, we can activate the internal environment. Foreign workers who come to work in Japan are very motivated and have a strong sense of duty to their work, which stimulates the organization. We can also promote globalization, and foreign workers may come up with ideas from a foreign perspective.
Because of these many benefits, the number of foreign workers is increasing year by year.

The number of foreign workers is now very large, and in industries and jobs that are prone to labor shortages, they are becoming a valuable force.
In this way, when foreigners work as employees, they must have a work visa. In principle, foreigners with foreign nationality are not allowed to stay in Japan for a long time, and only in the case of some reason, their long-term stay is allowed.

If the conditions are met, foreigners can work as full-time employees and obtain a work visa without any problems, but some companies may also recruit temporary employees. In cases where companies do not have the resources to hire full-time employees with good benefits and salaries, or when they need to secure labor for a specific period, it is often the case that temporary employment is sufficient.
For example, in industries and jobs that are very difficult, such as the transportation of heavy objects and assembly work, Japanese young people often avoid them, and there are already many foreign workers who work as temporary employees. Even if they are temporary employees, if they meet the conditions, they can obtain a work visa, so it is of course possible to work as a temporary employee.

For foreigners who want to work in Japan, the type of residence permit determined by law determines what kind of work they can do in Japan.
The residence permit is a document that determines the purpose of the person's visit to Japan and the period of stay, and can be checked by the landing permit stamp or residence card in the passport. When working, check the work visa certificate.

There are 28 types of residence permits, and the range of work that can be done changes depending on the type.
For example, permanent residents, spouses of Japanese, spouses of permanent residents, and permanent residents are basically not limited in their employment, and if they are hired, they can work in any job.

In the case of specific residence permits such as diplomatic, public, artistic, press, medical, research, education, company transfer, and skill training, work is only allowed in jobs that do not deviate from the scope. In the case of residence permits for cultural activities, short-term stays, study abroad, training, and family stays, work is basically not allowed in any job.
However, in some cases, work is allowed under certain conditions by obtaining a special permit called "overseas activities".

Foreign workers are valuable labor force that is highly valued by companies, but they are not only benefits. There are also points to be careful about when hiring, and if you do not understand this, it will not be good for both sides. It is important to know the points in advance to avoid major problems.
First, it is important to understand that foreigners have different cultures and nationalities from Japan. For example, in the same Asian region, people from China and Korea are very likely to be very sensitive to being scolded in front of others.
This kind of national character is different from Japan, so please be careful.
In addition, it is strictly prohibited to ignore foreign workers. Do not make a clear difference in working hours and salary compared to Japanese workers.
Also, it is important to check whether the residence permit allows work when hiring. If you do not check the permit and foreigners are working illegally, the employer who employs them is also subject to punishment.