Japan Eyes Indian Talent to Tackle Ageing Workforce, But Cultural Gap Persists
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Japan is turning to India to bridge its growing labour shortage as the country grapples with an ageing population. Under a new “Action Plan” launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Tokyo aims to welcome 50,000 skilled Indian professionals over the next five years as part of a 500,000-strong workforce exchange initiative.
Officials from Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the “perfect complementarity” between the two nations — Japan needs workers, researchers, and consumers, while India’s youthful population seeks global opportunities. With one-third of Japan’s population over the age of 65 and India having 65% of its citizens under 35, both countries see this partnership as mutually beneficial.
Suzuki Motor Corporation, a long-standing symbol of India–Japan ties since establishing Maruti in 1981, is leading the effort. “Suzuki is now inviting Indians to Japan, training them, and helping them develop technology,” said Kenichi Ayukawa, Executive Vice President of Suzuki. The company, once instrumental in bringing Japanese expertise to India, is now reversing the flow by upskilling Indian talent for Japan’s workforce.
Despite strong business and diplomatic relations, people-to-people ties between India and Japan remain limited. Former Japanese ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, noted that only about 1,500 Indian students are currently studying in Japan — a fraction of the 3,30,000 foreign students in the country. Similarly, around 54,000 Indians work in Japan, far fewer than Nepal’s 2,33,000-strong workforce.
Language barriers and limited awareness about Japan are seen as key obstacles. “Japan should know more about India and vice versa. The next generation needs to connect,” said Hiramatsu, urging more cultural and educational exchanges.
As Japan opens its doors wider, both governments are betting on this collaboration to create new pathways for skilled migration, research partnerships, and cultural understanding — turning economic complementarity into deeper human connection between India and Japan.
Source: THE HINDU
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