As reported in the Fukushi Shimbun (May 27, 2025), the Japanese government is currently considering expanding its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program to include three new sectors: linen supply, logistics/warehousing, and resource recycling. This expansion is being proposed in response to chronic labor shortages in these industries, which are crucial to maintaining infrastructure in a post-pandemic society and an aging demographic. Below is a detailed explanation of the background behind this proposal, along with the specific job types involved in each sector.
1. Linen Supply Sector
Background
The linen supply industry plays a vital role in supporting hotels, medical institutions, and restaurants by providing services such as cleaning, repairing, and distributing linens including sheets, towels, uniforms, and tablecloths. With the recovery of the tourism industry and increasing demand from healthcare facilities due to Japan’s aging population, the workload for linen supply companies has significantly increased.
However, the industry struggles with recruiting domestic workers due to physically demanding work conditions and relatively low wages. These challenges have led to a growing dependency on foreign labor to maintain operations.
Key Job Roles
- Laundry machine operators (washing, drying, folding)
- Linen repair and inspection staff
- Delivery drivers for collecting and distributing linens
2. Logistics and Warehousing Sector
Background
The logistics and warehousing sector has seen explosive growth due to the expansion of e-commerce and changing consumer behavior that demands fast, accurate delivery services. As a result, there is a growing need for workers in distribution centers and warehouses to handle large volumes of goods.
Seasonal peaks in demand, such as during holidays or sales events, expose the acute shortage of warehouse staff. The aging workforce and a lack of young domestic workers exacerbate the issue, prompting the industry to turn to foreign labor as a viable solution.
Key Job Roles
- Picking and sorting staff in distribution centers
- Packing and shipping workers
- Forklift operators
- Inventory management and stock-takers
3. Resource Recycling Sector
Background
Japan is a global leader in waste separation and recycling, supported by strict environmental laws and public awareness. However, the people who carry out the labor-intensive tasks of waste collection, separation, and recycling face poor working conditions, safety concerns, and social stigma.
As a result, there is a notable lack of domestic workers willing to take on these roles. Despite the increasing volume of recyclable materials and stricter environmental regulations, staffing remains insufficient, hence the call to include this sector under the SSW program.
Key Job Roles
- Garbage collection and transport workers
- Waste separation and sorting staff
- Recyclable materials processing workers
- Plant machinery operators at waste management facilities
Conclusion
The proposal to expand Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker visa system to include linen supply, logistics/warehousing, and resource recycling sectors stems from an urgent need to address labor shortages in industries critical to the functioning of modern society. Each sector relies on steady, hands-on labor, and the domestic workforce alone has proven insufficient to meet demand due to demographic changes and the nature of the work.
Incorporating these sectors into the SSW program will allow Japan to sustainably support essential services, improve productivity, and ensure that vital infrastructure continues to operate smoothly. To do so, the government must also ensure fair labor conditions and proper support systems for foreign workers entering these fields.