Rising demand for skilled blue-collar workers in US and Japan

A shift in economic trends is driving significant wage growth and demand for skilled blue-collar workers in both the United States and Japan. In the US, the trend of manufacturing returning to domestic soil has increased the value of trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC technology. Some specialized technicians are earning six-figure salaries, with some former white-collar professionals transitioning to these roles to achieve much higher incomes.

In Japan, the demand for technical talent is similarly high, with the job opening ratio for new graduates from industrial high schools reaching approximately 32 times the number of available positions. While many small manufacturing businesses in Japan struggle with succession issues as younger generations pursue higher education, the economic impact of revitalizing the manufacturing sector remains high due to its significant multiplier effect on the broader economy.