Japan's construction sector is struggling with an unprecedented labor shortage, despite various attempts to escape from the quandary. The situation seems unchanging due to a number of reasons; an aging population, a declining birthrate and the youth's dwindling interest in physically demanding jobs. In addition, the industry's competitive wage rates have not succeeded at attracting enough new entrants to replace retirees.

In Japan, the issue of labor shortage, particularly in the construction sector, has become a major concern over recent years. As the population continues to age with fewer young people to fill the vacancies, the labor shortage has started to adversely affect Japan's economy. The issue also strikes a chord with societal values, since the construction industry is traditionally seen as the backbone of the country's infrastructure development.

Unlike in Japan, the US and the EU are managing similar labor shortage issues through immigration. Although each country has its own set of immigration policies, they use this approach to supplement the local workforce. Japan, known for its strict immigration policies, is less open to this solution, which makes the task of resolving its labor shortage more complex.