Number of foreign residents in Japan's Okinawa surges 50% in 2.5 years

NAHA, Japan -- The number of foreign residents in Japan's subtropical Okinawa prefecture has soared 50% in two and a half years, with overseas workers flocking to opportunities in hospitality and other industries hit hard by a labor crunch.

"Welcome to Seragaki Island," said Muhammad Irfan, an Indonesian employee at the Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, who is responsible for taking care of VIP guests at the hotel. Irfan, now in his second year at the resort after hopping from another hotel job in the prefecture, supervises four employees -- including Japanese staff.