‘Kanko kankai’ (tourism pollution) is the latest buzz phrase here in Japan as the double-edged samurai sword of the visitor boom continues to cause profit but also pain. The latest problem, along with the overcrowding, poor behaviour, and squeezed out locals, is a shortage of staff at the main attractions and the hotels and restaurants that surround them. Which, given the importance of quality service in Japanese culture, is a veritable crisis.
Healthcare, distribution and agriculture are all facing, to varying degrees, serious issues due to a lack of manpower
There is nothing especially new in this. Labour shortages have long been a problem as the society ages, the fertility rate remains low and the pool of fit young people shrinks. Healthcare, distribution and agriculture are all facing, to varying degrees, serious issues due to a lack of manpower.
This doesn’t just hit the bottom line (the cost of the Osaka Expo 2025 has already doubled in part due to labour shortages) but can impact safety.
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