Japan to Recruit 100,000 Bangladeshi Workers Over the Next Five Years.

Dhaka, May 29, 2025 | Finix News:
In a significant boost to bilateral relations and employment prospects, Japan has announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 workers from Bangladesh over the next five years to address its acute labour shortage.

The announcement came during a high-level seminar titled “Bangladesh Seminar on Human Resources” held at the Toshi Kaikan conference hall in Tokyo. The event was attended by government officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders from both countries.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, addressed the gathering and expressed his commitment to expanding opportunities for Bangladeshi workers abroad.

“This is one of the most exciting and inspiring days of my life. This opportunity will not only create jobs but will also help Bangladeshis better understand Japan,” said Prof. Yunus.

Two landmark Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed at the event. The first was between Bangladesh’s Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) and Kaicom Dream Street (KDS), a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture. The second MoU involved BMET, Japan’s National Business Support Combined Cooperatives (NBCC)—a business federation with over 65 receiving companies—and the Japan Bangla Bridge Recruiting Agency (JBBRA).

Prof. Yunus described the initiative as a gateway:

“Bangladesh is a country of 180 million people, half of whom are under the age of 27. The government’s responsibility is to open the door to global opportunities for them.”

Japanese industry leaders also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
Mitsuru Matsushita, Representative Director of the Shizuoka Workplace Environment Improvement Cooperative, said:

“There is growing interest among Japanese companies in recruiting from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi talents hold immense potential, and we have a responsibility to support and develop that talent.”

Mikio Kesagayama, Chairman of NBCC, recalled meeting Prof. Yunus in Japan 14 years ago, when he first heard about the microcredit movement.

“In the next five years, we are prepared to welcome more than 100,000 Bangladeshi workers. Their contributions can significantly benefit both Bangladesh and Japan,” he said.

Miki Watanabe, President of Watami Group, noted that their training school in Bangladesh currently educates 1,500 students annually, with plans to increase capacity to 3,000.

“With technical education, Bangladeshi youths can integrate into the Japanese workforce smoothly,” he stated.

However, speakers also highlighted some challenges.
Hiroaki Yagi, Chairman of the Japan International Trainee & Skilled Worker Cooperation Organisation (JITCO), mentioned the shortage of Japanese language instructors in Bangladesh as a potential obstacle.

Niki Hirobumi, State Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), emphasized the demographic urgency:

“Japan is experiencing a rapidly declining population. The support of Bangladeshi workers is not only helpful—it is essential.”

In his welcome speech, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan, Daud Ali, said that Japan may face a labour shortage of up to 11 million workers by 2040, positioning Bangladesh as a critical partner in workforce supply.

This initiative marks a new chapter in Bangladesh-Japan cooperation, with far-reaching impacts on employment, bilateral trade, and cultural exchange.

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