Japan logs largest-ever jump in foreign workers

TOKYO -- The number of foreigners working in Japan surged by 250,000 in a year to 2.3 million in October, the largest year-on-year increase since records began in 2008, as efforts by companies to shore up labor shortages with employees from overseas start to bear fruit.

Foreigners now account for 3.4% of the total workforce, according to data released Friday by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. By industry, the highest growth in foreign workers was in medical and welfare with an increase of 28.1%, followed by construction with a 22.7% boost, and accommodation and food services, up 16.9%.