Japan has more job openings than job seekers, but many companies still cannot find the right people. In June 2026, there were 1.18 job openings for every applicant. The number of available jobs rose by 0.9% from May, while the number of job seekers fell slightly. New job openings were also 3.1% higher than one year earlier. (mhlw.go.jp)
However, more job advertisements do not always lead to successful hiring. Companies may need workers with special experience or digital skills, while job seekers may have different abilities. Location and working conditions can also cause a mismatch. In addition, Japan’s aging population means that the future supply of workers may become even smaller. The 2026 White Paper on Small and Medium Enterprises warns that labor shortages may grow more serious. (chusho.meti.go.jp)
As a result, some businesses are changing their strategy. Instead of waiting for a perfect candidate, they hire people with potential and train them inside the company. For example, one Japanese IT company described in a government report hires people without IT experience and gives them ten months of training. Workers first learn basic knowledge and then practice system development. The company also pays for advanced courses in areas such as AI. (chusho.meti.go.jp)
Internal training can offer several advantages. Employees learn the exact skills needed for their jobs. They may also feel that the company values their growth, which can encourage them to stay longer. Government research suggests that training may improve both worker retention and business performance. Still, many smaller companies lack the time and people needed to teach others. (chusho.meti.go.jp)
A recent survey found that only 31.6% of companies provided formal training away from daily work. This shows that there is still room for improvement. In a tight labor market, developing current employees may be more practical than continuing to search for someone who is already perfect. (jil.go.jp)










