Japanese care sector addresses labor and family support challenges

Various Japanese organizations are addressing emerging challenges within the elderly care and welfare sectors, focusing on labor shortages, economic productivity, and administrative transitions.

idea Co., Ltd. has announced a revision to its information provision fees for care and welfare business partners, effective August 24, 2026. The system aims to help families manage real estate issues, such as selling or renting former homes, during the transition to care facilities. This initiative seeks to prevent the accumulation of vacant houses and provide revenue opportunities for care providers.

The Industrial Care Manager Association will host a seminar on October 19, 2026, regarding the balance between work and caregiving. The event addresses the economic impact of ‘business caregivers,’ noting that productivity loss among employees who continue working while caregiving is estimated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to reach approximately 9.1 trillion yen by 2030.

Additionally, Human Life Care Co., Ltd. is conducting a seminar on September 29, 2026, to discuss risks associated with the Specified Skilled Worker program. Following recent suspension of new visa issuances in the food service sector due to reaching capacity, the seminar will prepare care providers for potential similar restrictions in the nursing care sector and offer strategies to improve foreign staff retention.