Japan’s youths hit hard by pandemic-led job losses
While the number of regular jobs increased 0.5% in 2020, that of non-regular jobs — including part-time roles — fell 3.9%.
Only 37% of firms meet Japan government’s push to telecommute
The survey by business lobby Keidanren also found that the number of people commuting to work was reduced by 65%, or around 870,000.
Pandemic dulls outlook for pay hikes at Japan’s annual wage talks
Japan’s Business Federation says companies should have more financial leeway and pay hikes are unrealistic amid the economic uncertainty.
Japan government revises paternity leave to promote time off
The government has been encouraging men to take paternity leave, but the practice is not common in Japan, which suffers from a declining birth rate.
Teleworking rate in Japan remains low despite government urge
The proportion of teleworkers fell to 22% in mid-January, from 31.5 % in May 2020, when the country was under its first state of emergency.
Japanese politician proposes 4-day work week
Member of the Japan House of Councillors Kuniko Inoguchi is backing a bill that would give workers a four-day work week.
Japan’s largest business lobby sees blanket wage hikes as “unrealistic”
The priority should be to protect jobs rather than a uniform pay hike, it said as it unveiled guidelines to the upcoming wage talks.
Working-age population projected to shrink in Japan and South Korea
An OECD report has calculated that by 2050, Japan’s working-age population would have declined to 61.8%.
Businesses in Japan that violate shutdown orders could face fines
The amendment to the special measures law is set to be enacted by the Japanese government in early February.
Japan’s education ministry posts job openings at schools for pandemic-hit workers
Corporate workers can now search for jobs at schools in a new section of the education ministry’s website.
Japan urges businesses to promote teleworking
The government is requesting companies to cut the number of commuting workers by 70% with alternatives like teleworking.
Japan’s economy projected to grow 3.42% by end of next fiscal year
Japan’s economy is expected to start recovering toward the end of 2021 as consumption gathers momentum and vaccinations become widespread.
Japan looks to implement more flexible paternity leave
The revised law would allow fathers to take a total of four weeks off, and give a shorter notice of their leave to their employers.
Japan looks to shorten restaurant operating hours through subsidies
The review of the law would allow the government to handout subsidies to bars and restaurants that shorten operation hours.
Japan: Number of job hoppers drop in market hit by pandemic
The number of workers changing jobs has seen a 6.8% drop in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period last year.
Japanese firms cut down on year-end bonuses
Businesses that were more affected include service companies, which suffered a 13% drop in bonuses, the largest decline since 2009.
Japan agency launches platform to help foreign workers
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has set up the Japan Platform for Migrant Workers towards Responsible and Inclusive Society (JP Mirai) to support foreign workers.
Japan: Govt approves 3rd fiscal stimulus amid surge in COVID-19 cases
Japan’s cabinet has approved a third round of fiscal stimulus of about 73.6 trillion yen (US$706 billion) to deal with the economic impact from the pandemic.
Japan’s October unemployment rate rises to three-year high of 3.1%
However, Japan’s job availability ratio improved, with 104 job openings for every 100 jobseekers as the economy begins a gradual recovery.
Stranded foreign nationals in Japan can now work part time
The Justice Ministry is relaxing work restrictions for foreigners, either as students or on other visa statuses, who are stuck in the country.
Japan to extend jobs subsidy until February 2021
The subsidy scheme covers part of leave allowances firms pay to furloughed workers, subsidising up to ¥15,000 (US$144) per day.
Japan government conducts exams for mid-career jobseekers to enter public sector
A total of 5,634 applicants sat for the exams, competing for 157 positions.
Japan: Third stimulus package to be announced in early December
The third supplementary budget is expected to be more than 20 trillion yen (US$192 billion), and include measures to help small businesses.
Japan to halt local tourism campaign amid new peak of Covid-19 cases
The domestic campaign was set up to help boost local businesses, providing local travellers with subsidies of up to 50% on entertainment-related deals.
Japan sets up support body for foreign workers
The move by the Japanese government seeks to make the country more attractive for foreigners to work in by taking care of workers’ wellbeing.
Japan rises out of recession, but winter bonus down
While the economy continues to recover, bonuses for public servants is expected to be lowered for the first time in a decade.
More workers moonlighting in Japan to ease financial burden
More companies in Japan are giving their blessings or tacit approval for their staff to take on outside jobs in the midst of the gloomy economic landscape.
Tokyo university partners local government to help foreign students find jobs
The move is a bid to raise employment numbers among foreign graduates in the country.
More Japan employees planning exit from company within three years
According to a survey, approximately half want to quit within 10 years and less than 20% plan to stay with their employer until they retire.
More than 63,000 jobs lost in Japan due to COVID-19
Japan’s unemployment rate also went up to 3% for the first time in over three years, with the government urging firms to keep their workers.