Introduction
Japan’s convenience stores, known as “combinis,” are an essential part of daily life. Open 24/7, they offer everything from quick meals to everyday necessities. But behind the scenes, there’s a significant shift happening in the workforce. More and more, these stores are relying on foreign workers, particularly exchange students, to keep their doors open around the clock. This trend highlights a growing issue in Japan: the declining number of Japanese workers and the increasing presence of foreign labor.
The Growing Presence of Foreign Workers
In recent years, the number of foreign workers in Japan’s convenience stores has surged. This change is especially noticeable in urban areas like Tokyo. For instance, at a 7-Eleven in Tokyo’s Akasaka district, foreign exchange students now make up about 90% of the staff. These workers come from countries such as Nepal, China, and Vietnam and are often students enrolled in Japanese language schools.
Even in smaller cities, like Hiroshima, international students are filling shifts that Japanese workers are unwilling or unable to take. In a Lawson store near Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, more than half of the employees are exchange students from countries like Vietnam, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Why Japanese Workers Are Declining
The decline in Japanese workers in convenience stores can be traced back to the country’s aging population and declining birthrate. Japan is facing a severe demographic crisis. In 2023, the country recorded its lowest number of births ever, with just 727,277 babies born. Meanwhile, nearly 30% of the population is over the age of 65. This shrinking working-age population means there are fewer Japanese people available to work, particularly in labor-intensive jobs like those in combinis.
Moreover, the younger Japanese generation is less inclined to take on jobs that require long hours, especially late-night shifts. These shifts are vital for convenience stores that operate 24/7, but they are not appealing to many Japanese workers. As a result, store managers find it increasingly difficult to hire Japanese staff for these demanding hours.
The Broader Trend of Foreign Labor in Japan
The increase in foreign workers at convenience stores is part of a larger trend in Japan. As the country’s population continues to age and decline, more businesses are turning to foreign labor to fill positions that Japanese workers no longer want. This reliance on foreign workers is not limited to convenience stores. It can be seen in various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing.
Japan’s government has also introduced programs to bring in foreign workers as trainees, hoping to address the labor shortage. However, these programs are often controversial, with concerns about the treatment and working conditions of these foreign workers. Despite these challenges, the reality is that Japan needs foreign labor to maintain its economy and keep businesses, like convenience stores, running smoothly.
The Impact on Convenience Stores
The reliance on foreign workers has had a significant impact on how convenience stores operate. In many cases, foreign workers are the backbone of these stores, especially during late-night shifts. Without them, many stores would be forced to reduce their hours or even close altogether. This situation was highlighted a few years ago when an elderly 7-Eleven owner in Japan made headlines for refusing to keep his store open 24 hours. The backlash from the parent company, 7&i Holdings, and the public response showed how deeply ingrained the 24/7 combini culture is in Japan.
Store owners and managers have acknowledged that without foreign workers, it would be impossible to maintain the round-the-clock service that customers have come to expect. A Lawson store owner in Hiroshima stated that his store would not be able to stay open without the help of international students. This sentiment is echoed by other managers across the country, who rely on foreign workers to keep their stores running during late-night hours.
Conclusion
The increasing number of foreign workers in Japan’s convenience stores is a clear response to the country’s demographic challenges. With fewer Japanese workers available, especially for demanding jobs like night shifts, foreign exchange students have become essential to keeping these stores open. As Japan’s population continues to age and decline, the reliance on foreign labor is expected to grow. Convenience stores, a cornerstone of Japanese life, will continue to depend on these workers to maintain their 24/7 operations, ensuring that the combini culture remains a vital part of Japan’s modern lifestyle.
