Nearly half of Japanese towns not ready for foreign workers

A survey has found that almost half of Japanese cities and towns are concerned whether they are properly equipped to provide for an influx of foreign workers.

The survey, by Kyodo News, polled all of Japan’s more than 1,700 municipalities.

Although the towns may not be ready in terms of infrastructure, some 47% are in favour of having more overseas workers, as the country struggles to replenish its labour force.

Japan’s falling birthrate has led to ageing population woes.

This April, the government will roll out a new visa scheme as part of a push to lure in more foreign workers to address the domestic shortage.

Japan plans to take in some 345,000 people from other countries over the next five years.

It is expected that these will mainly hail from Asian countries such as China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.