This is the conclusion of the think tank Recruit Works based on a study based on the decline in the working population since 2027. Compared to last year, the researchers predict a twelve percent decrease in the number of employees in 2040. The working population, the number of inhabitants of working age, will then have fallen to almost 60 million. Japan currently has a population of approximately 126 million.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is trying to increase the number of births by encouraging the birth of children. In recent years, the number of births has dropped to historic lows. Kishida therefore fears a collapse of society.
Measures
The researchers also note that shortages will be felt fastest in labour-intensive sectors such as construction, healthcare and transport. The Japanese government is already looking at ways to address the shortage of truck drivers. In addition, the government has committed 1 trillion yen (the equivalent of almost 7 billion euros) for the training of highly qualified personnel.