Japan’s tourism scene is hotter than ever, but there’s a big problem on the horizon — a serious lack of staff that could throw a wrench in the country’s big plans. By 2030, Japan hopes to welcome 60 million visitors a year, but a recent report from the Asia Pacific Institute of Research predicts the tourism sector will be short by a whopping 536,000 workers. That could mean trouble for Japan’s legendary omotenashi — the art of flawless hospitality that travelers have come to expect.
Masaru Takayama, president of Spirit of Japan Travel in Kyoto, is already feeling the pinch. “We’re definitely seeing a shortage of people in the industry,” he said. “A lot of companies had to let staff go during the pandemic, and those workers have since found other jobs. Now that tourism is back in full swing — and busier than ever — we’ve lost those people and their skills.”
The problem is even worse in rural areas, where tourism businesses are struggling to find enough staff to keep up with the growing demand. With more and more travelers exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, this labor gap could mean slower service and fewer options for visitors.
Japan’s tourism industry has made an epic comeback since the pandemic, but this staffing crisis could put a serious damper on future growth. For travelers, it might mean longer waits and fewer local experiences — unless Japan can figure out a way to fix the gap before 2030.