Restaurants Pinched as Foreign Worker Demand Heats UpーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Why It Matters

The freeze threatens restaurant growth and could spur illegal hiring, highlighting the need for flexible immigration policies as Japan’s labor pool shrinks.

Key Takeaways

• Foreign skilled workers in restaurants hit 50,000 cap early
• Government froze new applications on April 13, disrupting hiring
• Ramen chain rushed to hire 20 more foreigners before freeze
• Industry adopts robots and elder workers, yet shortages persist
• Experts warn illegal hiring could rise if caps stay

Summary

Japan’s restaurant industry is confronting a sudden labor crunch as the number of foreign workers admitted under the specified‑skilled worker program surged to the 50,000 ceiling far earlier than the 2029 target, prompting a government freeze on new applications on April 13.

The spike follows a post‑COVID tourism boom that revived demand for service staff. The cap, originally set at 15,000 for the sector, was quickly outstripped; a ramen chain with 200 outlets now counts 75 foreign employees—about a quarter of its full‑time staff—and rushed to hire another 20 before the freeze took effect. Companies cite higher recruitment costs and language testing, yet view these workers as essential.

Workers like Hang, a Vietnamese server who arrived in 2022, say the job offers better conditions and language practice than many overseas options. Industry officials acknowledge the miscalculation, while experts warn that a rigid ceiling could push some operators toward illegal hiring. The government, however, says economic conditions have not shifted enough to raise the limit.

If the restriction remains, restaurant chains may scale back expansion, accelerate automation, or seek older domestic workers, while policymakers face pressure to redesign the skilled‑worker quota to match a recovering tourism‑driven market. The episode underscores Japan’s broader demographic challenge and the growing reliance on foreign labor.

Original Description

Surging demand has meant the number of foreign food service workers has hit a government limit years ahead of schedule. NHK World's Murata Riho explains why - and what can be done.

More stories on Japan: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/2/

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