Hello everyone,
This is Enta.
This time, I’d like to write about technical trainees and foreign workers.
Japan Is Becoming Dependent on Foreign Labor
In today’s Japan, under the government’s policy of Work Style Reform, many companies have adopted a full two-day weekend system.
Especially for contractors engaged in public works, the two-day weekend The system is already nearly universal.
However, in 2021, the government announced a goal of switching to a three-day weekend.
Of course, it’s just a target—but if that really happened, the economy probably wouldn’t function properly.
The Labor Shortage and Foreign Workers
Right now, Japan is facing a labor shortage and is rapidly accepting more foreign workers.
So, what will happen to Japan in the future?
And what do technical trainees and foreign workers Why don't you think about it?
The Future I See
I believe that in the near future, 99% of construction work will be carried out by technical trainees and foreign skilled workers.
That future is certain, because the number of Japanese workers is steadily declining.
For the time being, the sites will continue to be supervised by Japanese people—but within the next ten years, this will change drastically.
Equal Opportunity for Skilled Workers
Those who can do their job well will be hired. under the same conditions as Japanese workers.
Basically, the employment systems today are already similar for both.
Some companies still discriminate, but such companies will eventually be weeded out.
If you witness such injustice—Report it boldly!
The New Blue-Collar Japan
In fields such as Civil Engineering and Construction, where we work, Japanese youth are increasingly reluctant to participate.
In a sense, this is a big opportunity.
Without technical trainees and foreign skilled workers, construction projects couldn't even get underway.
Even at my own company, without foreign workers, we wouldn’t be able to manage many sites.
If you learn your job thoroughly and work to the same standards as Japanese workers, you can be hired anywhere!
However, there are some conditions:
-
Japanese language proficiency at the N3 level or higher
-
Driver's License
If you also have good communication and management skills, you even have the chance to lead Japanese workers.
The Employers' Perspective
For business owners like me, if a Japanese employee isn't performing well, I'd rather hire qualified foreign workers.
Many construction company owners in Japan are starting to think this way.
Time Decides Everything
However, Work Style Reform may actually weaken Japanese workers (and foreigners as well).
Let’s imagine this:
-
A-san works three days off per week, earns ¥300,000 per month
-
B-san's Work two days off per week, earns ¥300,000 per month
(Both are 35-year-old men with the same skill level.)
Most people would choose A-san’s schedule, right?
In fact, many Japanese people are already opting for this.
And to be honest, many Asian men would choose A-san’s lifestyle, too! 😄
But what happens when both A and B turn 40?
A-san will end up becoming B-san's subordinate.
Just one extra day off per week, four days per month—and that gap can never be closed.
🧮 Calculation Example
1 day = 8 working hours
1 year = 52 weeks
5 years = 260 weeks
A (3-day weekend) → 4 days × 8 hours × 260 weeks = 8,320 hours
B (2-day weekend) → 5 days × 8 hours × 260 weeks = 10,400 h
Difference: 10,400 − 8,320 = 2,080 hours
In 5 years, Mr. A will be working 2,080 hours (260 days) less than Mr. B.
A-san's life sounds great, doesn't it?
But… that’s all for today.
See you next time.
