Japan is currently facing a significant challenge with its growing elderly population and declining childbirth rates. This demographic shift has led to the decline of extended families, resulting in a demand for caretakers in the Japanese market. A team of Japanese experts recently discussed the shortage of human resources and the increasing elderly population, highlighting the opportunities for Nepalis to address the human resource crisis in Japan. In a discussion organized by Annapurna Media Network on Tuesday, they shed light on the ways Nepalis can apply for semi-skilled worker positions in Japan and economically benefit from these opportunities.

In the interaction, Sanat Neupane, CEO of Annapurna Media Network, shared his perspective on Nepal-Japan relations and the migration of Nepalis seeking employment abroad. He said that Nepal and Japan have a long-standing friendship, and added that the network has been advocating for the healthcare and rights of migrant workers. “Although the ultimate goal is for Nepalis not to have to go abroad for employment, he acknowledged that if they do, Japan should be the preferred destination due to the favorable prospects it offers,” he added.

Given below is the viewpoints of the members of the delegations in their own words:

Shimichi Hotta, Advisor, Blue Sky Japan

There are no extended families in Japan anymore, and the childbirth rate is very low. We have started experiencing a shortage of human resources in Japan to take care of our elderly population. With the decreasing childbirth in the country, the population has decreased in Japan of late. Currently, there are 5,000,000 households in Japan, and about 20 percent of them are families of the elderly population. Unfortunately, the Japanese tradition of extended families has now ended, and the active working population is becoming low. Though we have insurance policies for the elderly population, the time when youths were taking care of the elderly population will not come back.

Social security has been a matter of great concern for our government. There is a high demand for caretakers in our country. To address labor shortages in various industries, the Japanese government has come up with the semi-skilled worker scheme. Under the new conditions, about 60,000 foreign workers will be allowed to enter Japan. Nepalis can cope with any kind of situation and can control their feelings and emotions, which is why there is a demand for Nepali human resources in Japan. 

Go Uehara, CEO, Blue Sky Japan

I am thankful for the opportunity to share about our work here. Our company has been providing employment for 200 Nepalis, and we are eager to offer employment opportunities to more Nepalis. People from across the world have come to Japan to work in the caregiver sector in the elderly care homes. We are focusing on how we can safely take Nepalis to Japan without them being cheated by middlemen. Our commitment is to strengthen their economic status and ensure their stay in Japan is safe.

Naohiro Beppu, General Manager, Planning Division, Medical Corporation Seihoukai

​​​​​​​We have been running nursing homes and hospitals in Japan. I have noticed that Nepalis are close to the pronunciation of the Japanese language, which is crucial for effective communication in elderly care. Nepalis are smart in developing these communication skills. We believe that  Nepalis can benefit a lot. We have already decided to take 12 Nepalis and are eager to recruit more. Currently, we have 2,500 people working with us, and we are looking to add more Nepalis to our team.

Minoru Fujisawa, Trainer/Caregiver specialist, Medical Corporation Seihoukai 

I am responsible for the training component in the company, and I strongly believe in the importance of continuous training for better job performance. In our experience, even Japanese employees may not possess all the required skills in the beginning, but Nepalis have demonstrated better skills, and they are easy to teach. Once they receive proper training, it significantly eases their work and enhances their abilities. With their inherent skills and the added benefits of training, I have full confidence that Nepali caregivers can excel in their roles and achieve remarkable outcomes. 

Yoshiyuki Masuda, General Manager, HR Division, Medical Corporation Eiseikai

I have been involved in running health care institutions, and one of the challenges we face is that elderly people often seek emergency services at a particular health institution but then have to go to other places for further treatment. Many prefer different health institutions for extended hospital stays rather than the one they used for emergency care. Additionally, doctors often recommend physiotherapy treatments for patients, but some patients prefer to stay at home, and they cannot be left alone without proper care. This has created a significant need for caretakers to assist these patients with their daily needs. 

Moreover, nursing care is also in high demand for patients who require specialized attention and support. Health practitioners also visit patients' homes for follow-up care. Due to these factors, there has been a wide demand for caretakers in Japan. Having observed the qualities of Nepali caregivers, I can say that they are smart, dedicated, and honest in their work. Because of these attributes, we have been actively seeking to recruit Nepali caregivers in our health institutions. I have already listed eight Nepalis for the second round of interview.

Akiko Wakata, Chief, HR Division, Medical Corporation Konoikekai

​​​​​​​This is my first visit to Nepal, and I am truly impressed by the Nepalis’ ability to speak Japanese properly. I have observed that they possess excellent caring skills, and those with nursing expertise will find it much easier to adapt to life in Japan. I am eager to provide caregiver certificates to Nepalis who are willing to stay and work in Japan. Currently, I have already listed six Nepalis for interviews, and I am highly interested in increasing the number to 12 or even 18. 

Santosh Poudel, Director, Blue Sky Japan

​​​​​​​To apply for the visa in Japan under this scheme, one must pass the Japanese language test. The test can be taken after completing three months of language classes at any recognized language institution in Nepal. Anyone willing to apply for the caretaker position, can sit for the test, which includes fundamental questions about caretaking. The test format is multiple-choice, and the applicant has the option to take it in either Nepali or Japanese language. The application process is free of cost, and the air ticket will also be provided at no charge. Once selected, you can work for eight hours per day and earn Rs 200,000 per month, along with access to insurance facilities.  Anyone below the age of 60 are eligible to apply for this position. The companies will offer a minimum five-year contract, and the visa should be renewed every year. Also, the applicants can take a certificate within five years of their tenure and then apply for a permanent residence in Japan.