JP govt. predicts shortage of 570,000 care workers for elderly in FY2040

The Japanese government estimates that the country will be short of 570,000 care workers to support the elderly population in fiscal 2040, when the first group of second-generation baby boomers reaches the age of 65.

The government puts the number of care workers needed in fiscal 2026 at 2.4 million, and in fiscal 2040 at 2.72 million. The government has been taking measures to boost the number of care workers by improving working conditions and facilitating the hiring of foreign nationals. But, those measures have not been sufficient to fill the gap and sustain services under the nation's long-term nursing care insurance program.