Japan's elder care sector grapples with foreign caregiver abuse and rising solo living

Japan’s nursing‑care system is seeing a growing presence of foreign workers. An Indonesian EPA couple, both trained as nurses, arrived to work as caregivers, only to leave a previous job after witnessing abuse of residents that conflicted with their religious beliefs. They later married, moved between prefectures, gave birth in Japan and continue to work in elder‑care facilities, highlighting the challenges and cultural adjustments faced by overseas staff.

At the same time, Japan is experiencing a surge in single‑person living among older adults, a trend that has reduced the use of traditional care facilities over the past six years. Experts note that seniors are increasingly integrated into community settings, prompting a shift in how long‑term care is delivered.