Workers in the construction industry play a vital role in supporting people's daily lives. However, Japan's construction sector is facing challenges such as an aging workforce and a shortage of skilled labor successors. One possible solution to this issue is the employment of foreign workers.

Why is the Labor Shortage in Japan’s Construction Industry Worsening Every Year?

Japan’s construction industry has been experiencing a chronic labor shortage, and the situation is becoming more severe each year. The main reasons for this issue are as follows.

Aging Workforce

📉 Approximately 35% of construction workers in Japan are aged 55 or older, while only about 12% are under 29.

📌 Many skilled workers are expected to retire within the next 10 years, but the number of young workers entering the industry remains low.
📌 The lack of interest among younger generations is leading to a shortage of successors in the field.

Harsh Working Conditions

🛠️ The perception of construction work as “kitanai” (dirty), “kitsui” (tough), and “kiken” (dangerous) discourages young workers from joining the industry. These Japanese acronyms, “3K,” are used in conversation as slang for words with bad connotations.

📌 Long working hours → Fewer days off and difficulty maintaining work-life balance.
📌 Physically demanding work → Heavy labor and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
📌 High safety risks → The risk of workplace accidents is higher compared to other industries.

Increasing Workload Due to Aging Infrastructure

🏗️ Infrastructure built during Japan’s rapid economic growth period (bridges, roads, tunnels, etc.) is deteriorating. The accident in Saitama Prefecture in which a truck fell off the road after the road caved in is still fresh in our minds, and such accidents are expected to increase throughout Japan.

📌 The demand for repair and maintenance work is increasing, but there aren’t enough workers to handle it.
📌 Disaster prevention and earthquake-resistant construction are also creating additional labor demand.

Employment of Foreign Workers

To address the labor shortage, more construction companies are actively hiring foreign workers.

Types of Visas for Foreign Construction Workers

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Foreign workers in Japan's construction industry primarily work under two visa categories: "Technical Intern Training" and "Specified Skilled Worker."

(1) Technical Intern Training

The "Technical Intern Training" visa is designed to facilitate skill development for individuals from developing countries. The primary purpose is "learning skills" rather than "working." Construction-related job categories include formwork carpentry, plastering, rebar work, piping, and construction machinery operation. However, changing jobs is generally not allowed under this visa.

(2) Specified Skilled Worker (Category 1)

The "Specified Skilled Worker (Category 1)" visa is intended to accept foreign workers as immediate assets to the workforce. Unlike the "Technical Intern Training" visa, job changes are allowed.

Key details:

☑️ Requires passing a skill test and a Japanese language test
☑️ Maximum stay of five years
☑️ Allows job changes

However, this visa does not permit family accompaniment, making long-term residency difficult. Employers are required to provide life support and Japanese language education for workers.

(3) Specified Skilled Worker (Category 2) – Construction Sector

The "Specified Skilled Worker (Category 2)" visa is for individuals with higher technical expertise. This visa allows for indefinite residence, and family members can accompany the worker. In 2022, the construction industry was added to the list of eligible fields. To qualify, workers must pass an advanced skills test. This visa provides long-term career opportunities, including the possibility of obtaining permanent residency. Given the severe labor shortage, the transition from "Specified Skilled Worker Category 1" to "Category 2" is expected to expand in the future.

(4) Permanent Resident

Individuals holding this visa are foreign nationals who have already resided in Japan for a long period and have obtained permanent residency.

Key characteristics include:

☑️ No work restrictions, meaning they can work in any profession, including the construction industry.
☑️ No need to renew their residency status.
☑️ Eligibility to bring family members.

To obtain permanent residency, applicants are generally required to have at least 10 years of residency in Japan and a stable income.

(5) Spouse or Child of Japanese National

Foreign nationals who are married to a Japanese citizen or their children fall under this residency status.

Key characteristics include:

☑️ No work restrictions, similar to permanent residents.
☑️ The residency period can be renewed for 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.

(6) Long-Term Resident

Foreign nationals who hold the "Long-Term Resident" (Teijusha) visa are those with special circumstances that allow them to live in Japan for an extended period.

For example, this includes Nikkei Brazilians, Nikkei Peruvians, and other second- or third-generation Japanese descendants who have ancestral ties to Japan.

Additionally, individuals who previously held the "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" visa but later divorced or lost their spouse, such as single mothers or single fathers raising children in Japan, may be eligible to change their visa status to Long-Term Resident.

Key Points for Foreign Workers in the Construction Industry

Having examined various construction jobs and visa requirements, here are some key points for foreign workers planning to work in the industry:

1. Check Visa Requirements

It is crucial to find a job that matches the visa type. Available options include the "Technical Intern Training" visa, "Specified Skilled Worker Category 1," and "Specified Skilled Worker Category 2 ".

2. Learn Safety Measures

The construction industry carries high risks of workplace accidents. To prevent injuries, workers must thoroughly learn safety protocols before starting work.

3. Improve Japanese Language Skills

Understanding work instructions correctly and communicating with colleagues are essential in construction sites. Learning Japanese is key to ensuring smooth operations and effective teamwork.

4. Enhance Technical Skills and Aim for Career Advancement

Developing specialized skills can lead to career advancement in Japan's construction industry. Foreign workers can aim to transition from "Specified Skilled Worker Category 1 " to "Category 2," obtain qualifications, and pursue management positions.

Conclusion

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Japan's construction industry is actively hiring foreign workers to address its labor shortage. To improve its reputation, the construction industry is implementing various initiatives to change its negative image. Many companies are re-evaluating their working conditions, and the number of workplaces where employees can work safely and stably is increasing.

For those looking for job opportunities in Japan while also wanting to improve their Japanese language skills, starting a career in the construction industry—where workers are in high demand—could be a great option. Japan has many experienced, highly skilled construction professionals, and learning advanced techniques from them would undoubtedly be a valuable asset for career development.