ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Economy

Japan's 4m inactive workers put job market at risk of shrinking

May unemployment at 3-year high as job openings take sharpest fall in 46 years

TOKYO -- Japan's low unemployment rate may not remain that way much longer.

The rate rose to 2.9% in May, up from 2.6% the month before, the Statistics Bureau announced on Tuesday. It is the country's highest unemployment rate in three years but still low compared to other countries in Asia and the West. The increase was mainly due to laid-off workers returning to the job market.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more