Japan faces a growing labor shortage in the logistics sector- an issue that is being tackled by welcoming more foreign workers. The country's ever-aging population is causing a strain on its labor-intensive logistics sectors. In response, companies are increasingly relying on foreign workers to uphold the efficiency of goods distribution. The economic and social implications of this shift are yet to be determined.
In Japan, the aging population and shrinking workforce are severe issues. The country has a high respect for work ethics and efficiency, which are seen as drivers of its economic success. Traditionally, Japan has been somewhat restricted in its immigration policy, but the current labor shortage forces a change. Public discourse revolves around whether foreign workers can uphold the societal values of harmony, efficiency, and preservation of traditional culture.
In the US, the logistics sector has also faced labor shortage issues, mainly due to the booming e-commerce industry and increased demand for home deliveries. However, in contrast to Japan, the US doesn't have such a severe aging population problem, and its more liberal immigration policies have long accommodated foreign workers. In the EU, logistics labor shortages vary between countries but are generally addressed by intra-EU movement and immigration.